^SS 
 
 
 
 BIOLOGY LIBRARY 
 
 LOCKED 
 CASE 
 
 

 
 
 
I. J. Maynard, Bird Lover, 
 lies at 84 at Ne\vton,Mass. 
 
 jrnitli.l..ni.| Was Prolific 
 IVritcr; Studied \ "oral Organs 
 
 NKWTON. Mass.. Oct. 15 \JP)- Charles 
 Maynard. ornithologist, died at his 
 est Newton home today. He was 
 fhty-four years old. He was Inter- 
 :ed In nature studies for many years, 
 d the discovery of the vocal organs of 
 e American bittern, was attributed to 
 m. 
 
 Wnrkeil en Mother's Farm 
 Charles Johnson Maynard was born 
 Newton. Mass.. on May 6. 1845. 
 d while receiving his education In the 
 bile schools he worked on his 
 Dther's farm, where he attained an In- 
 nctlve familiarity with all forms of 
 ture. He was a facile writer, one of 
 best known works. "Records of 
 alks and Talks With Nature." taking 
 ilumes to complete. Prom 1910 
 1919 he was Instructor in economic 
 rd study at the Massachusetts Agri- 
 It urn] College at Amhurst. 
 [n 1975 he was elected vice-president 
 the Nuttall Ornithological Club, of 
 He was the originator 
 'The NutUll Bulletin." un ornillio- 
 CHl Journal, and was a charter mem- 
 r of the Newton Natural History So- 
 ty. of which he was president la 
 
 Mr. MaynarU made notable Investlga- 
 Into thr viK'al organ* of birds, the 
 if lux fcludx-H. "Vocal Organs of 
 Iking bnu.* and of Other Species." 
 Ing puijli.sln-U in 1918 and going Into 
 second edition In 1922. 
 
 writings Include "Naturalists' 
 "Birds of Eastern North Amer- 
 Biitterflles of New England." 
 f North American Birds." "Con- 
 ns to Science" (three volumesi. 
 hama Fruit Finch." "Manual of 
 orth American Butterflies." Sparrows 
 rl Flnrhes of New England." "War- 
 ier" of New England." "Manual of Tax- 
 "Methods In Moss Study." 
 [field Directory to the Birds of Eastrrn 
 lorth Amerlra" and an atlas accom- 
 
 j the directory. 
 I A daughter survives. 
 
 . 
 
PLATFf. 
 
 
 MYIODIOCTESPUSILLUS. 
 
 Black-capped Warbler. Adult. 
 
THE BIRDS 
 
 OF 
 
 EASTERN NORTH AMERICA; 
 
 WITH 
 
 ORIGINAL DESCRIPTIONS 
 
 OF ALL THE SPECIES WHICH OCCUR 
 
 EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, 
 
 BETWEEN THE 
 
 Arctic Circle and the Gulf of Mexico, 
 
 
 WITH FULL NOTES UPON THEIR HABITS, ETC., 
 
 BY 
 
 C. J. MAYNARD; 
 
 1 1 
 CONTAINING 
 
 THIRTY-TWO PLATES DRAWN ON STONE BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 KXTC7TSEX3 
 
 NEWTONVILLE, MASS: 
 
 C. J. MAYNARD & CO. 
 1881. 
 
L c,%\ 
 
 BIOLOGY 
 LIBRARY 
 
 BIOLOGY I ."3RARY 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 During the winter of 1871, when the author was in Southern Florida, he decided to 
 write a work upon the birds which occurred in that state. Arrangements for publishing 
 such a book were made with the Naturalists' Agency at Salem during the following sum- 
 mer and a prospectus containing several pages taken from the body of the work, accompa- 
 nied by an uncolored plate, was prepared; but, owing to the absence of the author who 
 was again in Florida, these advance sheets did not appear until April, 1872, and in October 
 of that year, the first part of THE BIRDS OF FLORIDA was issued. During the following 
 year, Part II was published. In January, 1874, the author assumed the financial responsi- 
 bility of publishing the work and brought out Part III. Owing to several causes, the 
 publication of the book was then discontinued until May, 1878, when a new issue was 
 commenced by the publishers of the present work but with a change of title which then 
 read THE BIRDS OF FLORIDA WITH THE WATER AND GAME BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 
 and six additional numbers were brought out ending with Part IX which appeared in 
 March, 1870. It was then decided to abandon the publication of the work. 
 
 In June, 1879, the publication of THE BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA was com- 
 menced. This work is remodeled on the old "Birds of Florida" but, as it includes all the 
 birds which occur between the Arctic Circle and Gulf the of Mexico, east of the Mississippi 
 River, its scope is very much enlarged. An entirely new edition of plates has been pre- 
 pared for this book, all of which have been drawn on stone by the author. Some few 
 changes have been made in the text but, as it has not been thought expedient to repage 
 the hook, the reader will find that the first 128 pages treat, with some few exceptions, 
 solely of the birds which occur in Florida, but descriptions of the few which . have been 
 omitted are to be found in the appendix. Some species which are only stragglers in the 
 region of which I write which are not given in their proper places, are also described in 
 that portion of the work; therefore it will be well for the reader to consult the index when 
 he wishes to find the account of any particular species. 
 
 Although the classification given is based upon one now used by nearly all systematic 
 ornithologists, I have made some changes, in doing which I have been mainly guided by 
 my anatomical researches. Nearly all of the characters used are illustrated by drawings 
 which are explained, either in the text or under their proper headings in the list of plates. 
 All the figures given, unless so stated, are life-sized. 
 
 In giving the common names of birds, I have endeavored to use the one by which the 
 species is generally distinguished but an extended list of local and popular names by which 
 each species is known, is given in a table near the end of the volume. 
 
 The scientific names are those in current usage but I have purposely omitted some spe- 
 cific appellations which Dr. Elliott Coues and others have shown to be now necessary in order 
 
 M1S2558 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 to avoid confusion, especially to young students, but such names maybe found in the index. 
 I have also considered it advisable not to occupy space by inserting lists of synonyms; there- 
 fore, only one appellation is usually given, followed by the name of the person who first 
 described the species or who first placed it in the genus in which it now stands, excepting 
 in some cases, where I differ from recent authors regarding the specific rank of certain 
 forms. 
 
 A few words of explanation concerning my use of the name of Pipilo hucopis for a 
 species which had already been described by Dr Elliott Coues as Pipilo Alleni, may be 
 necessary. In the winter of 18G8, 1 discovered the White-eyed Towhee, as related on page 
 114, and took many specimens. Arriving in Jacksonville later in the season, I met my 
 friend, Mr. J. A. Allen, who had been collecting in Florida, and on conversing with him, 
 was surprised to learn that he had not noted any of the Towhees which I had found so 
 common. A short time after, however, I called his attention to some living specimens 
 which were exposed for sale in a cage in the city market. After examining them, we 
 walked down Bay street and going a short distance, met Mr. George A. Boardman who 
 was at that time unacquainted with the bird in question; I therefore informed him where 
 he might see a living specimen of my new Towhee. Up to that time, be it noted, no one, 
 excepting myself, had ever observed that there was a Towhee in Florida" having white 
 eyes. Upon my return home, I sent some specimens to the Smithsonian Institution at 
 Washington at the request of Prof. Baird, but upon condition that they should not be de- 
 scribed until I had decided respecting their specific rank. The Museum of Comparative 
 Zoology purchased the greater portion of my Florida collection but, as I was well acquaint- 
 ed with .Mr. Allen's views concerning birds, I had no fear of his describing the bird as new 
 and he did not do so in his "Winter Birds of East Florida" which appeared shortly after. 
 When I decided to publish my work on the Birds of Florida, I wrote Prof. Baird and other 
 friends, from Florida, stating that I had decided that the Pipilo was new and that I should 
 describe it upon my return. In fact, my name was in manuscript when Dr. Coues' Pipi- 
 'lo Alleni appeared in a foot-note in the "American Naturalist" for August, 1871, accompa- 
 nied by a short, comparative description in Latin made, as he has since informed me, without 
 seeing a specimen of the bird but based upon Mr. Allen's account as it appeared in the 
 "Winter Birds of East Florida" which Dr. Coues was then reviewing. Dr. Coues was at 
 the time, however, unaware that I was about to describe the bird. Influenced by the cir- 
 cumstances, I concluded not to discard my name and so published it in the prospectus 
 then issued and have since used it in the body of the work. 
 
 The Ammodromus melanoleucus was described by Mr. Robert Ridgway as a variety, 
 nigrescens, a short time previous to my describing it as a species in "Rod and Gun", the 
 sixteenth of January, 1875, but, as I then stated and now think, I am not obliged to use a 
 name which has been given to a variety when I raise that variety to a specific rank. 
 
 C. J. M. 
 
 NEWTONVILLE, MASS., 1879. 
 
BIUDS 
 
 OF 
 
 EASTERN NORTH AMERICA 
 
 SUB-CLASS I. LAND BIRDS. 
 
 TlBIA AND FIBULA, FREE; NOT INCLOSED WITHIN TUB SKIN OF THE BODY. FEET, NEVER 
 WHOLLY PALMATE. 
 
 Tins sub-class embraces all birds that live upon the land, comprising by far tho great- 
 er number of species. Among them are found the most unique and widely diversified 
 forms. The wingless, ill-formed Apteryx, the majestic, high-soaring Eagle, the disgust- 
 ing Vulture, the beautiful-plumaged Paradise Birds, the tiny, graceful Humming Birds, 
 the gigantic Ostrich; in short, all the countless feathered tribes whose presence enlivens 
 and beautifies woodland, plain, and shore, can claim relationship under this head. 
 
 ORDER I. INSESSORES. PERCHING BIRDS. 
 
 Base of hind toe, on a level with the anterior toes. Tibia, usually feathered to the tarsal 
 joint. 
 
 Tho sternum has two moderate marginal indentations which equal in depth, at least, 
 one fourth the length of the top of the keel. The keel is also moderate, although exceed- 
 ing in height, at least, one half the width of the sternum, but it is never as high as the 
 sternum is l>n>ad. Under this order are classed all birds that find their homes in trees and 
 shrubs, although many move with ease upon the ground. 
 
 SECTION I. OSCINES. SINGING BIEDS. 
 
 Inferior larynx, provided with a peculiar, muscular apparatus for singing. The sterno- 
 trachealis has its origin below the broncho-trachealis. 
 
 On account of the complicated larynx, usually provided with five pairs of muscles, the 
 species embraced in this order are capable of producing a variety of modulated and harmo- 
 nious notes. It is to them that we owe those songs, full of liquid melody, which add so 
 much to the beauty of our sylvan retreats. 
 
 FAMILY I. TURDID^E. THE THRUSHES. 
 
 Marginal indentations of sternum, exceeding in depth the hcir/ht of the keel. Width of sternum, not more than half the 
 length of the keel. Hind toe, less than twice the lenyth of the anterior toes. 
 

 2 TURDUS M1GRATORIUS. 
 
 Generally birds of plain colors, but what they lack in this respect is made up in vocal powers, for among them are some 
 of the finest singers in the world. The stomach is quite muscular. The provcntriculus is not large and is provided with 
 simple glands which are arranged in a zonular band. The pancreas is quite large and the spleen is a cylindrical body, 
 usually curved. The coeca are present but very small. 
 
 GENUS I. TURDUS. THE THRUSHES PROPER. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, shorter than the head, conical, with the tip slightly curved and notched, either yellow in color or brown, 
 lighter at the base of the lower mandible. Anterior face of tarsus, in adult specimens, fused into a continuous plate. 
 
 Members of this genus are spotted below, at least in some stage of plumage, but a few species exhibit this character 
 only when very young. 
 
 TURDUS MIGRATORIUS. 
 
 Robin. Migratory Thrush. 
 
 Turdus miyratorius LINN., Syst. Nat. 12 ed.; 1766, 292. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Wings, rather long and pointed. Tail, slightly rounded. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, equal in depth to the width of the sternum. Tongue, not very wide, slightly cleft at the extremity, and delicately 
 fringed with cilia for about one half of the terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in spring. Back, rump, outer edges of primaries, secondaries, and tertiaries, ashy-gray; other 
 portions of wings above, dark-brown. Top and sides of head, upper portions of throat and tail, black; the latter, streaked 
 with white. Interscapular region, ashy, spotted with black. Spots above and below the eye and just in front of the upper 
 portion of it, chin, abdomen, and under tail coverts, pure white; the latter, streaked with ashy. Under parts of wings and 
 tail, glaucous, with the primaries tinged with pale buff. Remainder of lower portion, including under wing coverts, rich 
 golden-brown. Bill, yellow. 
 
 Adult female in spring. Similar to the above but generally paler which is especially noticeable in the colors below which 
 are inclined to be yellowish-rufous. 
 
 Adult in winter. The plumage differs from that in spring in having the feathers of the under portion of the body, as 
 well as the secondaries and tertiaries, tipped with white. The upper surface is tinged with brown. This is especially no- 
 ticeable in Robins taken in Southern Florida during January. 
 
 Young. Similar to the winter male, but has two white bars on the wings composed of drop-shaped marks on the tips 
 of the two rows of wing coverts. During winter, birds in this stage are strongly tinged with brown, both on the under and 
 upper surfaces of the body. The bill is also browner. 
 
 Nestlings. Pale yellow beneath, barred and spotted throughout with black. The feathers of the upper surface are 
 darker and tipped with drop-shaped marks of white. The upper row of lesser wing coverts is streaked with brownish-yellow. 
 Throat and chin, pure white, with a brown maxillary line. Iris and feet, brown in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The above description will serve +o distinguish this species from all others. As will be seen by dimensions given below, 
 specimens taken in Southern Florida, although smaller in size, have a longer tail than those from New England. The bill is 
 also longer in proportion to the size of the bird. This merely illustrates a now well-known law of nature. It is a widely 
 distributed bird, being found throughout the entire extent of North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-seven specimens from New England. Length, 9'69; stretch, 15'31; wing, 4'84; tail, 
 3'37; bill, '80; tarsus, 1-35. Longest specimen, 10'75; greatest extent of wing, 1(V50; longest wing, 5'40: tail,4'20; bill, 1-00; 
 tarsus, T36. Shortest specimen, 9-15; smallest extentofwing, 15 - 00; shortest wing, 4'25; tail, 3'76; bill, '70: tarsus, rio. 
 
 Average measurements of seventeen specimens from Southern Florida. Length, 9'06; stretch, 15'03; wing, 4'87; tail, 
 3'90; bill, '71; tarsus, 1-06. Longest specimen, lO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 16'25; longest wing, 5-20; tail, 4-10; bill, 
 85; tarsus, T75. Shortest specimen, 9'15; smallest extent of wing, 14'80; shortest wing, 4'10; tail, 3'40; bill, -50; tarsus, 
 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, generally placed in trees or bushes, composed of mud mixed with grass, and the compound when dried forms a 
 kind of cement. They are almost always smoothly lined with fine, dead grasses, and are placed on a foundation of coarse 
 grass. Tlie nests are regular in form and well proportioned to the size of the bird. Nests built in damp localities contain 
 less mud than those found in drier places. Dimensions, external diameter, H'OO, internal, 4'50. External depth, 4'50, in- 
 ternal, 3'00. 
 
 E/jys, four or five in number, oval in form, greenish-blue in color, of varying shades but generally very dark, and un- 
 spotted. Dimensions from 1'OSx '80 to ! 26 x '85. 
 
3 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 We l:ui<le<l at Key West in November, 1870, only a week or two after the fearful hurricanes 
 which, during the latter part of October, had raged along the coast, doing an immense amount 
 of damage. The Florida Reefs, from Tortngas to Cape Canaveral, were strewn with wrecks, 
 and many of the smaller keys were swept by the water, which rose to a great height. Even the 
 little city of Key West suffered much from the effects of the gale. The long fringed leaves of 
 the cocoa-nut palms were twisted and torn in such a manner that the beauty of many of these 
 statelv trees, which had been the pride of the city, was sadly marred. Orchards, in which 
 lately flourished the orange, citron, pomegranate, and other tropical trees and shrubs were 
 visited by the destroying typhoon, and the ripening fruit dashed to the ground. Gardens, 
 before lovely with flowers of varied hpes, where the night blooming cereus gave out its fragrance 
 when the Southern cross shone down, were disfigured, and iu many cases ruined. In fact, the 
 whole island was but a wreck of what it was before this scourge came upon it. 
 
 Nor was this all ; after a few weeks of extreme drought, rains fell accompanied by intense 
 heat, and the danger of yellow fever was imminent. Everybody was longing for cooler weather, 
 but in vain ; still the heat continued until even the birds, which were quite abundant upon our 
 arrival, left the island. But as all such tedious seasons must have an end, so relief came to the 
 inhabitants of Key West in the form of a cool, dry "norther." We had some heavy showers, 
 during which rain fell, as only tropical rains can fall, and deluged the island. After this the 
 wind blew fresh from the snow fields of the Northland, driving the pestilential vapors before it, 
 suiftlv and surely, until the Key was cleansed. Indeed it blew so long and so cold, and the 
 thermometer fell so low, that the "oldest inhabitant" could not bring to mind a like instance. 
 The fishes and crabs along the shore were surprised in shoal water by this unusual occurrence, 
 and, although the weather was not actually freezing (the thermometer only stood at 40), died 
 in immense numbers and were washed on shore. 
 
 In the very midst of this chilly weather I awoke one morning to hear the cheery notes of the 
 Robin. I went out among the shrubbery and found that there were thousands, the whole island 
 beiiii; filled with them, and their energetic call notes resounded on all sides. So suddenly had 
 thev appeared that it seemed as if they had been born from the breath of the North Wind. 
 Their advent seemed unusual, for our venerable friend opened his eyes and declared that they 
 had not favored the Key with a visit for years, and that their coining promised more cool weather. 
 I was glad to see their red breasts again, even if they did look out of place among the strange 
 foliaged trees, and to hear their brusque notes once more. They were restless, however, and 
 constantly flitted from place to place, as if discontented with the locality. During the day great 
 flocks rose up from the Key, and, after ascending high in air, steered southward towards Cuba. 
 This was Christmas time, and they continued to visit the Key for some days, but by the first of 
 January they all disappeared as suddenly as they came. 
 
 On the 9th of October, I found them abundant at Miami, on the southern portion of the 
 main land of Florida. They appeared in large flocks, at intervals, until March, but were restless, 
 over moving, as is their nature. So I have always found them, out of the breeding season, 
 whether on the mountains of Maine, among the villages and gardens of Massachusetts, or in 
 the trackless piny woods of Florida. Rightly did the Swedish naturalist name them the 
 Migratory Thrush, for they possess a true nomadic spirit. The want of food appears to be 
 the motive of these excursions. During this season the Robins are very shy ; even in the wilds 
 of Florida thev could be approached only with difficulty, and generally kept in the woods. 
 
 The birds seem to move in waves over these immense woodland plains, and the Robins would 
 be accompanied by flocks of Warblers, Woodpeckers, Bluebirds and Jays. I have observed this 
 elsewhere to some extent, but in Florida it is quite striking. I have walked for hours in the 
 
4 TURD US HIGIiATOEWS. 
 
 pine barrens without seeing a single bird, or hearing a note, when suddenly a chirp, perhaps of 
 a Robin., met the ear, then other notes sounded out, and in a few moments I would be surrounded 
 by hundreds of birds, composed of a dozen species. These companies would vary in width from 
 a few rods to a mile. They were always in motion, and generally moved from north to south. 
 This always occurred in autumn and winter; in spring the birds migrate northward more 
 scatteringly. 
 
 They must have a motive for congregating in this manner, aside from sociability, for it must 
 be detrimental to them individually, as each bird would have a smaller opportunity of procuring 
 food than if it had moved alone, especially if it were weaker than its fellows. Mutual protection 
 against natural enemies may be one reason. As the smaller species invariably move only when 
 the larger do, and appear to be guided by them, perhaps the louder voices of the Blue Jays and 
 Woodpeckers tend to keep the Warblers from straggling and becoming lost in the woods, 
 when they would be in danger from Hawks, that would not dare to attack them if under the 
 protection of the stronger species. 
 
 Although the Robins are shy in autumn and winter, they become tamer during the breeding 
 season, and may be seen hopping about the greens of our villages with the utmost unconcern ; 
 indeed they even visit the public parks of the great cities and alight on the grass plats and 
 gardens within a few feet of the pedestrians. They build their nests in all sorts of localities and 
 in the most peculiar situations. Sometimes a pine in the deep woods is selected, or a cedar on 
 a breezy hill-top ; again, a pair will build in the apple tree that overhangs the farmhouse, and 
 the worthy husbandman will tell you that the same birds have bred in the same locality for 
 years. 
 
 They seem to have a fondness for the same place, and will often use the decaying nest of the 
 previous season as a foundation for the new structure. I knew a pair to build for several 
 successive years on a bracket over a window of a dwelling house ; here they piled mixed mud 
 and grass, summer after summer, until they had accumulated a heap of rubbish a foot in height. 
 Another couple had strangely taken a fancy to the window bracket of a house which stood but a. 
 few rods away, and which was built exactly like the first. 
 
 The birds seem to possess a liking for building about houses, and I have seen several nests 
 in similar situations to that described above. I once found one built on the top of a slatted 
 hen pen, in a situation exposed to wind and rain. Nor do they always choose the outside of 
 buildings, but often more sensibly enter deserted edifices and there construct their nests. Upon 
 visiting an ancient house at Hog Island, Mass., in which Rufus Choate was born, I found no 
 less than four placed inside upon the broad window sills, the birds having found entrance 
 through some broken panes of glass. Whether the progeny reared in so auspicious a spot went 
 forth among their kind, and, following the example of the great man, whose birthplace was theirs, 
 astonished bird courts with their superior eloquence, I am unable to say. 
 
 Individuals of this species sometimes find a natural shelter. I found a nest containing four 
 eggs in a hole in an old apple tree ; the aperture was about six inches deep and four in diameter, 
 and the nest was neatly placed in the bottom, after the manner of that of the Bluebird. 
 
 Probably no bird is more assiduous in guarding its nest than this species. Upon the slightest 
 appearance of clanger it sounds its querulous, loud alarm-note, calling the attention not only 
 of its feathered friends, but of man (for nearly every one has a liking for the Robin), and in this 
 way it procures the assistance of powerful allies. It is ever on the alert, and woe betide the 
 unfortunate urchin who has been bitten with the mania for egg collecting, if in his meanderings 
 over forbidden ground in search of rare nests, he chances to be seen by a Robin who has a nest 
 in the vicinity. No matter if Robins' eggs are not what he wants, it is all the same to the 
 anxious bird, and her cries ring out just as loudly as if his pilfering hand was on her own blue 
 eggs. This, of course, attracts the attention of the owner of the forbidden land, who is on the 
 
iioiu.\. 5 
 
 lookout for amateur odlogists, and the disappointed youngster is forced to take to his heels or 
 pay the penalty of the law. 
 
 Many a zealous student of ornithology has been brought to grief by the noisy outbreak 
 of this bird. Perhaps he is quietly passing a farmhouse, gun in hand, bound for a favorite 
 collecting ground in search of some wm-o/'/x. Near the premises he chances to brush against a 
 bush in which a favorite Robin has a nest; she instantly springs off with the usual loud cries 
 of distress. Up goes the window, and out pops the head of the worthy dame, to see what is 
 troubling her pet. Her eye falls on the man with the gun, and she instantly ti.xes upon him 
 as the offender, and with a tongue sharpened by constant exercise, she belabors him without 
 mercy, threatening him with all sorts of dire calamities because of his propensity to shoot 
 Robins. Attempted explanations only call forth a fresh attack, and he is obliged to beat an 
 inglorious retreat. 
 
 The food of these birds consists in a great measure of insects, especially during that part 
 of the year when they are rearing their young. As much has been said upon this subject, 
 expressing contrary opinions, I offer the result of my observations. Out of seven Robins 
 dissected in April, the stomachs of but three contained vegetable food to the exclusion of 
 insects ; all the others were filled with grubs, beetles, other insects and, earthworms. The 
 stomachs of the three of which I have spoken contained dried barberries. These birds were shot 
 in early April, when the ground was partially frozen. The stomachs of birds shot in June all 
 contained wire worms or beetles ; in only one instance! was there any addition to this food, then 
 I found a few currants. In July I found the same food, excepting the currants, and with the 
 addition of grasshoppers. In August and September their stomachs exhibited about an equal 
 proportion of insects, cherries and berries. In but two instances out of seven did I find that the 
 latter articles of diet were taken to the exclusion of the insect food. October and November 
 finds them feeding upon worthless berries. What few remain in Xew England during winter 
 subsist upon the berries of the mountain ash, the savin and the cedar. 
 
 In spite of this array of facts in favor of their destroying insects injurious to the husbandman, 
 ib cannot be denied that they are very great nuisances to those who raise -small fruits; for 
 they are persistent thieves, and scarcely anything will prevent their ravages upon cherries. 
 They will frequently alight upon a tree in which a man is seated, and after coolly selecting a ripe 
 cherry fly away with it. I do not hesitate to say, however, that upon the whole the Robin is 
 beneficial to man. We know that if it were not for the birds man could not exist ; his insect 
 enemies would overpower him; therefore, if we destroy one species of beneficial bird, we 
 destroy a portion of our natural protectors. On the other hand, if the birds were allowed to 
 increase as rapidly as they would if none met with violent deaths, the world would become filled 
 with them in a few years, to the exclusion of man and every other living creature. From these 
 arguments we may infer that it is wiser to let nature take her course without interference, as 
 she has done since the creation, as in the great struggle for life one species will prevent the too 
 rapid increase of another, which in its turn will be checked by a third, and so on through all 
 stages of animal life up to man, the general enemy of them all. 
 
 The Robins breed in Xew England from April 15th to July 15th, commonly raising two 
 and even three broods in a season. I have never found them breeding in Florida, but have been 
 informed that they remain through the summer in some localities. This species is subject to 
 albinism, and it is not uncommon to see a pied or white specimen. This is owing to a diseased 
 condition of the feathers or to extreme old age, when the bird seems to lose the power of 
 moulting; then the feathers become nearly white ; I have taken a specimen in this condition 
 that was nesting. They live to a good old age: a specimen taken when young and kept in 
 confinement by my friend, Mr. L. L. Thaxter, lived over ten years. Early in life it lost an eye 
 by an attack from a cat, yet it appeared lively and happy until its death, which resulted from age. 
 
6 TURD US SWAINSONII. 
 
 The song of the Robin consists of several loud notes given with energy ; it can hardly be 
 called fine, yet it is lively and agreeable. Perched on the topmost bough of some apple tree, 
 in the rosy twilight, after a sunny day in early spring, he pours out his song. Thus his simple 
 lay becomes associated with the balmy odor of the piue woods, the budding trees, and growing 
 grass in the meadows, all pleasant reminders of the coming summer. 
 
 TUKDUS SWAINSONII. 
 
 Olive-backed Thrush. 
 
 "Turdns Swainsonii CAB. in Tschudi, F. Peruaua, 1844-46, 183." BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 21G. 
 Tnrdus Alicia BAIUD, Birds of North America, 1858, 217. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not very robust. Bill, rather short and stout. Tongue, narrowing towards the terminal half; 
 bifid and fringed for about one-third its length. Breadth of sternum generally exceeding the depth of the marginal 
 indentations. 
 
 COI.OK. Adult. Above, uniform olivaceous brown, varying somewhat in intensity. Under parts, white, with the 
 chin, throat, upper part of breast, eyelids, sides of head, and a stripe in front of the eye, more or less tinged with 
 rufous. The throat and breast are also spotted with dark brown and olivaceous. These spots, which vary in 
 number and size, are darker on the upper, and lighter on the lower part of the breast. Flanks, olivaceous. Under 
 tail coverts pure white, with the edges occasionally tinged with olivaceous. Under side of tail and of wings, 
 olivaceous, with a pale buff bar starting from the inner edges of the latter and extending across them. Iris and 
 feet, brown. Bill, dark brown, with the base of the lower mandible pale yellow. 
 
 Specimens vary much in intensity of coloration; sometimes the rufous of the head, neck, and breast, will be 
 nearly obsolete, being represented only by a pale buff tinge; from this stage I find, in specimens now before me, a 
 gradual transition to a bright rufous infusion of these parts. The back, as has been remarked, also varies In 
 Intensity of shade, from a dark olivaceous to a more reddish brown. This change of color on the upper parts does 
 not always accompany that of the lower. For example ; one of the palest breasted birds which I have, has the 
 most rufous back; while a specimen with a very red breast is much paler on the upper surface. The line in front 
 of the eye is more strongly marked in some specimens than in others. Individuals also have a decided reddish or 
 purplish tinge on the outer edges of the quills and tail feathers. Sometimes the feathers on the top of the head have 
 darker centres. 
 
 Young with two bars on the wings formed by the yellowish tips of the coverts. Lesser wing coverts with light 
 central stripes to the feathers. The extreme ends of the wing and tail feathers are sometimes narrowly tipped with 
 white. The bars on the under sides of the- wings are more extended and better defined than in the adult. 
 
 Ncstimj plumage. The following description is taken from a young bird in this plumage, kindly loaned me by my 
 friend, William Brewster, and it is the only one I ever saw in this stage. General colors above and below, similar 
 to the adult. The centre of each feather on the entire upper portion, however, has a stripe of rufous, which widens 
 at the extremity. The triangular spots on the wing coverts are much more prominent in this stage than in the last. 
 The spots on the breast are somewhat broader, on account of the webs of the feathers not being as closely blended 
 as in the adult. The bar beneath the wing is perhaps wider, the colors being more diffused. The bill and feet 
 are paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species may be distinguished from all others by the uniform olivaceous color of the back and tail. T. 
 fuscescens is uniform on the upper parts, but the color is reddish. The spots on the breast of the latter species are 
 also smaller and more restricted. Stcainsonii differs from Pallasii, another closely allied species, in having the back 
 and tail uniform ; the tail of Pallasii being much more rufous than the back. The Olive-backed Thrush is distributed, 
 during the breeding season, throughout that section of North America that lies between latitude 44 and the Arctic 
 Ocean. A few winter in Florida, but the greater part pass into South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average of twenty-eight specimens. Length, 7-14; stretch, 11-84; wing, 3-79; tail, 276; bill, -33; tarsus, 1-14. 
 Longest specimen, 7-76; greatest stretch of wings, 13-00; greatest length of wing, 4-40; of tail, 4-00; of bill, >-">; 
 of tarsus, 1-30. Length of smallest specimen, G-54; smallest stretch of wings, 10-50; smallest length of wing, 2-70; 
 of tail, 2-10; of bill, 47; of tarsus, -98. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 The Nat is composed of weeds, grasses, mosses and hemlock twigs woven together, forming a neat, rather 
 compact, well proportioned structure, which is lined with line roots and soft mosses. Dimensions. External diameter, 
 4-50 inches; internal, 3 inches; external depth, 2 50 inches; internal, 1-7 ~> inches. 
 
 The Eijgs are usually four in number, blue in color, of varying shades, spotted and blotched throughout with 
 pale violet and brown. Dimensions. -OOx-Gl to -95x-(i5. 
 
OLIVI:- n. i CKEI> Tin; {:>//. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 While migrating, this Thrush is very generally found in swampy localities, where it is 
 extremely shy, keeping in the densest thickets. Here it maintains perfect silence, except an 
 occasional soft chirp of alarm. It also spends the greater part of its time upon the ground, 
 scratching among the leaves in search of its insect food. It is extremely difficult to procure a 
 specimen, as upon the approach of the intruder it instantly hides or flits rapidly through the 
 bushes, pausing but an instant here and there to glance at its enemy. If driven into a thicket 
 it will persistently remain concealed until approached quite nearly, and then rapidly move to 
 another place but a t'e\v rods away. If too closely pursued it rises suddenly to the tops of the 
 bushes, and darting through the woods, with nearly the speed of light, disappears in the distance. 
 This species passes through our midst in great numbers ; yet, on account of its retiring habits, 
 only the experienced collector will consider it at all common. Those who have never seen it on 
 its breeding grounds, and who can judge of its habits only dining the migrations, will consider 
 it a silent and mysterious bird. 
 
 But let such an one visit its Northern home, when the mild breezes of June sigh quietly 
 through those vast primeval forests that everywhere cover the land. Let him wander beneath 
 the dark shadows of the huge hemlocks and spruces, the large limbs of which form immense 
 arches high overhead. The air is tilled with the balmy odor of their leaves, mingled with the 
 spicy fragrance of the snowy flowered moOWWOOd. The ground is covered with a soft carpet 
 of green moss, and all the plants that grow in these shady retreats are now in bloom, while the 
 gentle murmur of some mountain stream is heard, harmonizing pleasantly with the warbling of 
 the birds. Preeminent among these the echoing song of the Olive-backed Thrush rings through 
 the wooded valleys, enchanting the ear with its scarcely surpassed melody. The song differs 
 entirely from that of the Hermit Thrush, being more continuous but not quite as loud. It 
 is, however, remarkably fine, and one can hardly believe that the silent bird he has been 
 accustomed to see farther south is capable of producing such delightful notes. Not only in the 
 newly acquired vocal powers does the bird in summer differ from the same species in spring and 
 autumn, but its habits are different. It docs not now skulk in the bushes, but perches upon 
 the branches of its favorite evergreen trees, many feet from the ground, and at this elevation 
 sings its song. It has, however, the same low soft chirp of alarm, but it uses it ofteuer, boldly 
 .-landing in plain sight while it thus remonstrates with the invader, as if conscious of a prior 
 right to the soil. AVhile in this position it usually moves its tail slowly, and tips its head 
 slightly while it gazes, with its full round eye, upon the movements of the invader. Sometimes, 
 however, it will sit without noise or motion, after the manner of the Robin, until one has passed 
 quite under it. At such times it is difficult to detect the bird, so closely do its colors blend with 
 those of the trunks and branches of the trees. These Trushes do not spend their entire time on 
 the trees, but are occasionally seen on the ground. 
 
 .lust before the season of incubation, the male may be seen chasing the female playfully 
 through the branches or amonir the bushes, flitting from place to place so swiftly that the eye 
 can with difficulty follow their movements. About the last week in May they begin to build. 
 The locality selected is generally a thick clump of low tir trees. The nest is almost always 
 placed in the top of one of these trees, at a height of from five to six feet above the ground. 
 I have seen several uncompleted, but never saw the bird building or near them. Indeed 
 it is rather careless about guarding its nest, for although it may contain eggs, it is difficult to 
 find the bird near. Upon the approach of man she instantly leaves and conceals herself. Even 
 when the eggs are removed, neither of the birds appears or makes the least remonstrance. I 
 doubt if they would make an effort to defend even their young from the depredations of man. 
 A-; I ha\e found several ne-t> containing broken shells of fresh eggs, I also conclude that Jays 
 
8 TUEDUU PALLASII. 
 
 and Squirrels meet with very little opposition when they feel inclined to make a meal of freshly 
 laid Thrushes' eggs. The birds seem aware of their deficiencies in this respect, for the nest is 
 usually placed in such a position that it is entirely concealed from view, especially from directly 
 above and below, points from which it would be likely to be discovered by the pilfering Jays 
 or squirrels. It is a singular fact that those birds which carefully conceal their nests, display 
 cowardice when their eggs or young are molested. On the other hand, birds like the Jays, 
 Crows, Hawks, Robins, etc., that build in conspicuous places, all make loud outcries whenever 
 their breeding places are approached, and defend them bravely. It is also observable that many 
 species that place their nests upon the ground, trusting to the protective color of their plumage 
 and eggs, invariably endeavor to draw away their enemies' attention by feigning lameness, as 
 practised by the Knifed Grouse, Bay-winged Bunting, the various species of Plover, etc. 
 
 The young Olive-backs are fully fledged by the last of July, and by the 20th of September 
 both young and old commence their southward flight. The majority leave before the middle of 
 October, but I have met with stragglers who seemed loath to leave their summer homes, although 
 the cold winds of November had begun to blow, and the autumn leaves were fast falling to the 
 ground. The food of this species consists principally of insects, but an occasional dinner of ripe 
 berries does not go amiss if it comes in their way. 
 
 I give this Thrush as a bird of Florida upon the authority of Mr. George Boardman, who 
 has taken two in the state in February : one at St. Augustine, and one at Green Cove Springs. 
 
 TURDUS PALLASII. 
 
 Hermit Thrush. 
 
 "Turdus Pallasii CABAXIS, Wiegmann's Archiv, 1847, I, I, 205." BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 212. 
 Turdus nanus AOD., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 201. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not robust. Bill, not long but rather slender. Tongue, bind, and fringed for about one-fourth 
 its length. Breadth of sternum, not greatly exceeding the depth of the marginal indentations. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark reddish brown, which becomes bright rufous on the rump and tail; the latter 
 sometimes has a decided purplish tinge. Beneath, white, with numerous triangular spots of brown on the throat 
 and breast. These spots vary in shade, number, and size, being larger and darker on the middle of the breast, and 
 lighter on the lower part of it. Those on the sides of the throat near the base of the bill show a tendency to cluster 
 and form maxillary stripes. A ring around the eye, and the under tail coverts, pale bufl'. A spot in front of the eye 
 white, intermingled with dark feathers. The feathers of the crown have also darker centres. Sides of head, neck, 
 and flanks of the same color as the back, but some shades paler. Feathers of the ear coverts, olivaceous, with narrow 
 central lines of pale yellow. There is a broad band of buff beneath the wings, commencing on the inner sides, and, 
 spreading as it advances, reaches nearly to the outer quill feathers, extending over nearly three-fourths of the inner 
 marginal length of the primaries. Iris and bill, dark brown, with the lower mandible of the latter yellow. Feet, pale 
 brown. 
 
 Young. Similar, but darker on the back, with a tinge of rufous over the chin, throat and breast. The two rows 
 of coverts are also tipped with yellowish, forming bars across the wings. The bands on the under side of the wings 
 are deeper in color. The outer sides of the wings are decidedly rufous, very nearly as dark as that of the upper 
 portions of the tail. Feathers of the wings and tail, slightly tipped with yellowish white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species may be distinguished from T. Swainsonii by the foxy tail and buff under tail coverts. It differs from 
 T. funcfscens in the darker and larger spots on the breast, besides which fusceseens is more uniform in color on the 
 upper parts. I have never met with this species in the nesting plumage, but judge that it differs from the adult much 
 as in the preceding species. The Hermit Thrush has a distribution somewhat similar to the Olive-backed, but is, if 
 anything, more Southern during the breeding season. It winters in great numbers in Florida, and the other extreme 
 southern states ; some also pass into Cuba. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-eight specimens. Length, 7-01; stretch, 11-40; wing, 3-64; tail, 2-08; bill, 
 53; tarsus, 11-8. Longest specimen, 7 -CO; greatest extent of wings, 12-88 j greatest length of wing, 11-00; of tail, 
 3-17; ofbill,-75; of tarsus, 1-25. Length of smallest specimen, G-<;o; smallest extent of wings, 10-77; smallest length 
 of wing, 3--'7; of tail, 2-40; of bill, -40; of tarsus, 1-00. 
 
in: i; MIT Tin; t si/. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .Y<'x/x, composed outwardly of dried i;rassi's. twins. leaves and mosses; rather smoothly lined with finer grasses, 
 mosses, and Mlirons roots. It is well prop >i-;ii>nr,l to the size of the bird. Dimensions. External diameter, 5-00 
 inrhrs; internal, 2 .10 inrhrs. Kxirnial depth, 3-00 inches; internal, 2-00 Inches. 
 
 , rather elongated in form; pale green in color, generally unspotted. Dimensions, fronr88.v60 to 92x - C5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Ths Hermit Thrush nukes its appearance in Florida about the first of December, and soon 
 scatters over the nniii land of the slat '. It frequents the dense undergrowth of the hummocks, 
 when; il tn iv I),- s TII s Tatching am >ng the dociying leaves and other <l,'->n-!x in search of insects. 
 It is very unsnspieioua while in these Southern wilds; sometimes an individual would come into 
 pur camp, when we chanced to pitch our tents near a thicket, and, perching upon a box or barrel, 
 ga/.i' at us inquisitively, occasionally raising and than lowering its tail, while it gave vent to its 
 astonishment by a low chirp. Tiiey are very numerous; every hummock and thicket has its 
 share; they even inhabit the bushy edges of the thick palmetto swamps, the dark and dismal 
 recesses of which arc seldom visited by any birds, excepting the nocturnal species. All winter 
 they flit silently am >ng the luxuriant vegetation of Florida, revelling throughout the season amid 
 dowers, in a climate which cannot b;> surpassed. But when the cool, refreshing north winds 
 eease to blow, and the burning heat of tha tropics comas over the land, the Hermit prompted 
 by instinct, or guided by reason, for who can tell which, commences its steady march northward. 
 The old males go first, followed by the young males and the females, so that by the middle of 
 April not one is to be found within the limits of the state. 
 
 The earliest migrants arrive in Massachusetts the first week in April ; others continue to 
 come until the first of May, when, with the exception of a few individuals, they have all passed 
 to the great breeding grounds in the woods of the North. While migrating in the spring this 
 Thrush is somewhat shy and retiring, generally keeping in the swamps. At this season it has 
 no song, except ing the low note of alarm, but in its homo among the hemlocks and spruces it is 
 far different in this respect; there it sings finely. 
 
 I well remember that I first heard its song at Hyannis, in Southeastern Massachusetts, 
 during the last week in June, when in company with my friends, Messrs. Win. Brewster and 
 F. P. Atkinson. We were walking in a field, near one of those woods, composed of low scrubby 
 trees, which cover a large portion of this section of the state, when Mr. Brewster exclaimed, 
 " Hear that Hermit Thrush !" We listened for a moment for a repetition of the song, which his 
 quick ear had detected, and soon heard the clear, boll-like notes, coming from the far depths 
 of the wood, through the still morning air. The scene was peculiar, and the song thus became 
 associated with it, and will not soon be forgotten. The bird sang well, but the song lacked 
 the accompanying loud, ringinir echo heard to perfection in the deep, heavily wooded valleys of 
 Northern New Kngland. 
 
 Although it breeds sparsely at Hyannis and in some other sections of Massachusetts, its true 
 home is farther north. Here, in the dense shade of the evergreens, amid the giant trunks which 
 stand around like sentinels, it builds its nest upon the ground by the side of some moss-grown 
 log. The situations chosen are generally upon some gently sloping hillside, and the nest is 
 placed in .such a position as to be hidden, especially if the brown-backed mother bird be upon it. 
 She sits very closelv, as if aware of this fact; generally not starting until the intruder is about 
 to tread upon her, when she will flit silently to the cover of some thicket, and remain concealed 
 for this species, like the Olive-backed, is not very assiduous in defending its nest, even when 
 it contains young. Thev exercise great judgment in selecting material with which to cover the 
 outside of the ne.-t, so that it may not readily be di-covcred. One which I found built on the 
 upper side of a prostrate mossy log, was sunk into the decaying wood so that the top was on 
 
 ..I [ i.niMlil. 
 
10 TURD US FUSCESCENS. 
 
 a level with the surface, and was smoothly covered with green moss, similar to that growing 
 around it. So neatly was this done, that, although I noticed the log as it lay in my path, I 
 never should have observed the nest if the bird had not flown from it as I came up. 
 
 The eggs are generally laid the first week in June, but in the instance spoken of above, 
 although it was found as early as June 5th, the nest contained newly hatched young. Mr. Allen 
 and myself found the young fully fledged, and flying about, at Hyannis, on July 3d, 1869. A 
 nest was taken at North Beverly, June 14th, by Mr. E. P. Emerton, and another was taken at 
 Concord, the first week of the same month, by Mr. Brewster. These instances go to prove that 
 it does not breed any earlier in Massachusetts than in Northern Maine. 
 
 The male is very attentive to the female, not only before the time of nesting, when he follows 
 her everywhere, but during the time of incubation he sits on a branch above her, and sings his 
 incomparable song. During the northern migrations they associate, and even while moving 
 south they may be seen in pairs. 
 
 They enter Massachusetts on their southern flight about the first of October, and although 
 some remain in Maine and New Hampshire as late as the first week in November, the mass have 
 left the north by the 20th of the former-named mouth. They linger in Massachusetts in great 
 numbers through October, frequenting the \\oods and thickets everywhere. They arc not at all 
 shy, even being so familiar as to enter the villages, and flit through the gardens. Most of them 
 disappear by the first of November, but a few remain somewhat later. Thus the Hermit comes 
 to us in the fading glories of autumn, becomes associated with the falling leaves and ripening 
 nuts, then leaves us with the first icy blasts of winter. 
 
 TURDTTS FUSCESCENS. 
 
 Wilson's Thrush. Tawny Thrush. 
 
 Turdus fusc.escens STEPHENS. Shaw's Zoology. Birds, x, i, 1817, 182. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Bill, not long and rather broad at base. Tongue, acuminate, bifid, and rather coarsely 
 fringed for one-third of the terminal length. It is bright yellow in color. Sternum, of about the same proportions 
 as that of Swainsonii; indeed, the sternums of Swainsonii, Pallusii, and fusccitcens, which I have in my collection, 
 nre so nearly alike, in general proportions and size, that it is impossible to determine from what species any particular 
 one came, without referring to the label. On an average, however, those from fusr.escens are stoutest and broadest, 
 those from Pallasii are the slenderest, while those from Swainsonii are intermediate ; but those from T. miyralorius 
 are not only larger, but have deeper marginal indentations in proportion to the width. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, light reddish-brown, becoming slightly yellowish on the rump. Beneath, pure white, 
 with a pale bud' tinge across the throat and fore part of the breast ; the throat and breast are also covered with pale, 
 triangular spots, which on the fore part of the breast are brown, but more olivaceous on the lower part, where they 
 become nearly obsolete. On the sides of the throat they exhibit a tendency to cluster and form maxillary lines. 
 Flanks and tibia;, pale olivaceous. A broad band beneath the wing, which is not well defined, is of a pale buff. Under 
 wing coverts, white, with an olivaceous tinge. Axillaries, white, tinged with pale buff. King around the eye, and 
 stripes on the feathers of ear coverts, pale buff. Lores, ashy. Iris, brown. Bill, dark brown ; the basal half of 
 lower mandible, pale yellow. Inside of mouth, bright yellow. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, with the wing coverts edged with rufous, and tipped with lighter, forming two 
 indistinct bars. The buff on the throat, and upper part of breast is a trifle darker. I have at present no specimen of 
 this species in the nesting plumage. Sexes, similar in all stages of plumage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This bird is easily distinguished from all the other smaller Thrushes by the paler tints of the spots on the throat 
 and breast, which are also more restricted. The colors of the back are very uniform throughout, with the exception 
 of a slight ochrey tinge upon the upper tail coverts and lower part of the rump. This tint also occasionally appears 
 on the crown. This species is perhaps less variable in color than any other of the Thrushes. It is found during the 
 breeding season from latitude 42, northward, perhaps to the fur countries. Although a few are found in Florida and 
 the West Indies, the greater part winter in Central and South America. 
 
ir//..s"V " i in;i sn. 11 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seventeen specimens. Length, 7-ot ; stretch, l:!-r,.1; wing, 3-94; tall, 2-92; bill, -56; 
 tarsii-, 1-10. Longest -'preimen. 7-7.". : greatest stretch of wings. 1 1-30; greatest length of wins, 4'20; of tail, 8-55; 
 of bill. -00; of tarsus, 1-L'O. Shortest -pi ( -mien, 7-()ii; Mnallest .stretch of wings, ll-2."i; smallest length of wing, 3-70; 
 of tail, 2-(iO; of bill, -55; of tarsus, 1-08. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 \..-y>. composed of grape-vine hark, leaves ami wcrils. lined with line grasses, leaves and fibrous roots. It is 
 deeply hollowed, but well proportioned to the size of the bird. Dimensions. External diameter, 5 inches; Internal, 
 2-50 Inches. External depth. :; inches; internal, 2 inches. 
 
 n, rather pointed in form, generally dark green in color. Dimensions, from -90x-GO to -93x-"0. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 While wandering through the thickly wooded vulleys of Massachusetts, after the first of May, 
 the oars of the pedestrian will hi- saluted with a series of continuous, life-like notes, coining in 
 two or throe waves, and ending in a prolonged sound. This melody will attract his attention, 
 if he is at all inclined to notice such tilings, for it is very singular, and he will naturally 
 wish to see the author of it. Therefore, he makes his way cautiously towards the spot where 
 the songster seems to be, but as he draws near the song ceases to be given, and in its place 
 lie hears a suppressed whistle. This note is uttered at irregular intervals, sometimes loud, 
 sometimes soft, and ever changing in the direction from which it conies. If the observer is wary, 
 he will perhaps catch a glimpse of a brown-booked bird flitting quickly through the thick bushes. 
 Hut unless he is acquainted with the habits of Wilson's Thrush, for this is the species which he 
 is endeavoring to discover, this is all that he will see; for if it is too closely pursued, it will 
 cease giving its alarm-note, and, rising suddenly to the tops of the trees, will dart over them, 
 alighting a long distance from the disturber of its peace. 
 
 If surprised in the open woods, which it sometimes visits, it usually behaves in an entirely 
 dillerent manner. When any one comes suddenly upon it, as it sits upon the branch of a 
 tree, it will remain perfectly quiet and keep silent, as if conscious that its sober colors are a 
 natural protection. In this habit it resembles the Robin and the other small Thrushes, and one 
 may pass quite near it without its Hying. But if the intruder pauses for a time to observe 
 it quietly, the bird will appear puzzled, and, after keeping its statue-like position for a few 
 moments, will walk slowly along the limb on which it is perched, uttering a low whistle, but 
 always attentively examining the object of its dread. Then, if a single step is made towards 
 it, the Thrush is off like a flash, as if just aware that it is discovered. Although it usually flies 
 very rapidly, it slackens its speed when crossing an open field and moves with a steady flight. 
 
 I.cfore the season of incubation, the male is constant in his attentions to the female. In this 
 he resembles the Hermit ; like that species he may be seen pursuing her through the woods, and 
 while she is sitting he is never far away. They generally build their nests during the last week 
 in May : nearly always in the thick woods. It is usually placed upon the ground by the side of 
 a prostrate tree or log, or else at the foot of a clump of bushes. The situation chosen is almost 
 always upon a sloping hillside', near a swamp, where the trees grow thick and the shade is 
 dense. But a short time since, however (June 21), I was surprised by seeing a nest built on 
 an apple tree in the orchard of the well known apiarist, Mr. H. Alley, at Wcnham. The nest 
 was placed on the tops of some twigs and limbs after the manner of the Cuckoos, and at a 
 hciirht of ten feet from the ground. It was constructed of much the same material as usual, 
 and contained four eggs in an advanced stage of incubation. This is the first, out of many 
 instances, where I have found the nest of this bird in any other situation than on the ground. 
 A- it feeds principally upon insects, it may be possible that the large number of bees kept in the 
 
12 SEIVRUS AUfiOCAFlLLUS. 
 
 ovcharrl, attracted the birds to the spot, and, as there was DO locality near, where they could 
 place their nest upon the ground and remain undisturbed, the}' chose this singular situation. 
 
 Like the other small Thrushes, already described, it is very timid, and -seldom attempts to 
 drive the spoiler from its nest ; indeed, it usually conceals itself at such times. On June 20th 
 of the present season, I found a nest in a small, thickly wooded island on the salt marsh, 
 which contained newly hatched young. The female was sitting at the time, but she instantly 
 darted away into the thicket. I went in search of the bird, but only succeeded in catching a 
 glimpse of her as she was flitting through the bushes more than a hundred yards from the nest. 
 She made very- little noise, only occasionally giving a low whistle. The male did not make his 
 appearance. 
 
 In the latter part of July, this species moults, and for this purpose retires to the thick alder 
 swamps, which border streams and other bodies of fresh water. The male never sings then, and 
 they seem to have deserted the woods, so completely do they remain concealed. They do not 
 begin to migrate south until the latter part of September, after which but few are to be found. 
 As the voice of the Tawny Thrush is only heard in early summer, this singular, half mysterious 
 song becomes inseparably connected with the dark green foliage, seen in the softened light of 
 the deep, deciduous woods, and with the peculiar odors which greet the senses in these pleasant 
 retreats, when the breezes murmur through the tree tops, and one feels a delicious quietude only 
 experienced on those bright June days which appear perfect only in New England. 
 
 I give this species as a bird of Florida on the authority of Mr. Boardman, who took two 
 specimens at Green Cove Springs on February 20th and 
 
 GENUS II. SEIURUS. THE SMALLER THRUSHES. 
 
 GEN, CH. Size, small. Stennim, precisely similar in form to that of the preceding genus. Sill, more conical and 
 longer in proportion to the size of the bird. 
 
 This genus is so closely allied to Turdus that I can find but two constant characters by which they can be 
 separated, viz. : the universally smaller size, and the more conical and longer bill in proportion to the size of the 
 bird. 
 
 SEIURUS AUKOCAPILLUS. 
 Oven Bird. Golden-crowned Thrush. 
 
 Sciunts aurocapillus SWAISSOX. Zoological Journal, HI, 1827, 171. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cir. Form, somewhat robust. Tongue, rather acuminate, slightly bifid and (ringed with delicate cilia for 
 about one-sixth of its terminal length. Marginal indentations of sternum not exceeding its breadth. 
 
 COLOH. Above, pale olive-green; with a broad central stripe of orange-yellow on the head, margined with black. 
 Beneath, pure white; with numerous triangular spots of black, upon the breast, flanks, and sides of throat; in the 
 latter place they are clustered, forming maxillary stripes. A ring around the eye, and the sides of the head, similar 
 to the back, but paler. Flanks, olivaceous. Under wing coverts and axillaries, pale green. Iris, brown. Upper 
 mandible, brown ; lower, paler. Feet, pale brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult ; but with a dull, reddish ttnge over the back. The central stripe of the head is also 
 obscured with dusky. There is a faint, greenish suffusion over the white of the under parts. The wing coverts are 
 sometimes tipped with pale yellow, forming bars. The feet and bill are darker. Sexes alike in all stages of plumage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This little species will be easily distinguished from all others by the above description. As in other Thrushes, 
 individuals vary much in the number and intensity of color of the spots beneath. A specimen taken at Miami, beside 
 being smaller in size, has the spots of the breast much broader than usual. The back is also more dusky. This 
 species is found during the breeding season throughout eastern United States, north to Hudson's Bay. They winter 
 in the Southern States, West Indies and Central America. 
 
OVEN nii;i>. 13 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seventeen specimens. Length, G-00; stretch, 9-73; wing, 3-01 ; tall, 2-22; bill, -49; 
 tarsus, -81. Longest specimen, G-M; greatest stretch of wings. 10-40; greatest length of wing, ;!-35; of tail, 3-10; 
 of bill. :>.">; of tarsus, -90. Shortest sj.i c -inien, 6-40; smallest stretch of wings, 9-45 ; smallest length of wing, 2-25 ; 
 of tail, 2-00; of bill, -45; of tarsus, -7". 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 \i-nt. composed outwardly of dried leaves and grasses, compactly interwoven, and lined with finer grasses. This 
 material is usually arranged so as to form a hollow cylinder, with a hole for entrance at the side. Dimensions. 
 External diameter, 5 inches; internal, 3 Inches. 
 
 h'ljij*. lour or live in number, pure white, spotted and blotched throughout, but generally more thickly on the 
 larger end, with pale brown, liliic and umber. Form, rather round. Dimensions, from -"ox-oO to 80x-64. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Upon visiting Florida for the first time, one is surprised to hear the term "hummock" 
 applied to certain pieces of woodland, which appear Hat, and indeed, where in many cases the 
 ground is somewhat lower than the surrounding surface. This, to a northerner, to whom a 
 hummock means a small hill, seems a misnomer. After a time, however, the traveller becomes 
 accustomed to it, and. if he is ornithologically inclined, will learn to look upon the mass of 
 vegetation which it represents with great interest, for in them he will find many valuable 
 specimens. 
 
 These hummocks are usually found along the streams or other bodies of water ; and as the 
 trees, of which they arc composed, grow thickly even ou the edge, they appear like islands 
 rising abruptly from the surrounding scrub, piny woods or savannas. They vary in size from 
 a few square rods to miles in extent. Upon entering them, one generally passes first through a 
 thicket of tangled briers and shrubs, which commonly grow among the trees on the margins of 
 all hummocks. Once through this and the collector finds himself in a dense wood, nearly free 
 from underbrush. He will pause here, if unaccustomed to such scenes, for everything appears 
 somewhat strange. Beside him stands a huge live oak with its immense trunk thickly covered 
 with parasitical ferns and orchids, of a delicate green, while upon the branches may be seen 
 large air plants, the drooping leaves of which are surrounded by long streamers of Spanish moss 
 that partly conceal them. Near by, a straight, smooth-barked magnolia raises its head ; while 
 the sweet gum, bay, black walnut and other trees stand so thickly around that their tops are 
 crowded together. The air is perfumed with the peculiar odor of the leaves of the prickly ash : 
 and, although it is midwinter, the green fronds of the filicex, which grow under foot, together 
 with the yellow flowers of the, climbing jessamine, that are seen on cither hand, give one to 
 understand that he is in a semi-tropical clime. 
 
 Passing onward through this wonderful scene farther into the forest, he sees a deer suddenly 
 start up from a bunch of saw palmetto, which is near, and bound quickly away. Then perhaps 
 the startled pedestrian catches a glimpse of the yellow eye and tawny hide of a wild cat, as 
 with a loud snarl it rushes away to hide itself in the deeper woods; or the low, ominous cry 
 of the puma is heard, as he circles around the intruder, as if endeavoring to ascertain who 
 dares disturb his peace, but ever careful to keep at a respect I nl distance. All these sights and 
 sounds remind one that he is in a locality which is seldom disturbed by man. 
 
 Few bird notes are heard in this shadowy wilderness, for the songsters are generally silent 
 at this season; therefore, the collector is obliged to use his eyes attentively. While so doing 
 be will perceive a small bird making its way quietly about on the ground. Upon closer 
 examination he will be surprised to find that it is the Golden-crowned Thrush, seemingly as 
 much at home as when in the groves of the North. They are quite numerous in Florida during 
 the winter, and are not to be found in pairs while here, but live singly, are very shy and 
 
14 SEWBUS NOVEBOKACENSIS. 
 
 retiring, always silent, and seldom leave the ground, where they may be seen busily engaged in 
 searching for insects, as if their chief business was to look out for luxuries. They may be 
 found in Florida about the first week in November, and remain until April 15th, when they 
 leave for the North, arriving in New England the first week in May, where they soon scatter 
 through the woods. 
 
 Just before the season of incubation they have much the same habits as the other Thrushes ; 
 the male is as attentive to his female as any of them, paying court to her by singing his loud 
 and well known melody. While giving his song he commonly perches upon the lower limb 
 of a tree and devotes himself entirely to the performance. When he has finished, he stalks 
 gravely along the limb occasionally moving his tail up and down somewhat slowly. His notes 
 may be heard at irregular intervals through the day and sometimes in the night. Although they 
 now spend considerable time among the trees they may frequently be found upon the ground, 
 where they are perfectly at home, running swiftly over the fallen leaves, occasionally pausing to 
 scratch among them in search of insects. At such times they are full of nervous activity. 
 
 About the first week in June they commence the work of reproduction. The situation chosen 
 for this purpose is usually upon some sloping hillside in the deep woods; I have, however, 
 found the nest among low bushes in a swampy place. On account of the singular oven-shaped 
 nest being composed of dried leaves and covered with them, it is very difficult to find, and I 
 have often searched in vain for it, when I was certain that it was within a few yards of me. 
 When startled suddenly from her eggs the female will counterfeit lameness, to draw off the 
 attention of the intruder, and, unlike the other small Thrushes, both sexes exhibit great solicitude 
 whenever they are disturbed during the season of incubation, sounding their sharp alarm notes, 
 but taking care to keep at a safe distance ; yet they can hardly be called shy. 
 
 After breeding, this little species retires to the swamps to moult, and then keeps in such 
 close seclusion as to be seldom seen. About the middle of September they leave for the south. 
 The Golden-crowned Thrush has familiarized itself to us by means of its loud, cheerful song 
 and has thus become one of the elements of beauty in our woodland retreats. 
 
 SEIURUS NOVEBORACENSIS. 
 Water Thrush. Wag Tail. 
 
 Turdus (Seiurus} Noveboracensis NUTTALL. Man. i, 1832, 353. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. BiH, not stoat. Sternum, of the same form as that of the preceding species, excepting 
 that the keel is proportionately higher. The tongue is rather narrow, and differs from that of any Thrush, which 
 I have seen, In having the extremity divided into numerous cilia, about five hundredths of an inch in length. The 
 sides, of one-fourth of its terminal length, are also fringed with shorter ones. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, uniform dark olivaceous-brown. Superciliary stripe extending back along the sides 
 of the head, and entire under parts, pale greenish-yellow; with the chin, throat, breast and sides covered with 
 triangular spots of the same color as the buck. The top of the head is sometimes streaked with darker. 
 Feathers at the base of the upper mandible have a concealed spot of pale buff. The tints, above and below, vary 
 much in intensity. The line over the eye in some individuals is much purer than in others. The spots also vary 
 greatly in number, especially on the chin and throat; they are always darker and broader on the breast, but in one 
 small specimen from Key West, they are so much larger and crowded, as to form a band. 
 
 Bill, brown, lighter at base of lower mandible. Iris and feet, brown. 
 
 Young, similar to the adult, but are rather more reddish above ; the under parts are greener. There is also 
 a faint indication of a reddish central stripe on the head. 
 
 Young in the nesting plumage, with the feathers above more spotted with red. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This differs from the closely allied species, 6'. Ludovicianus by the greater number, and darker color of the 
 spots beneath, and by the under parts being greener. The line over the eye in Ludovirianus is pure white ; the feet 
 
\V.\TER TllRrsn. 15 
 
 are also very pale ; being nearly while. This -.pecics is found during the breeding season throughout Eastern United 
 States, north to Hudson's Hay. It winter^ in Southern Klorida and the West Indies; many also pass into South 
 
 America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens. Length, 5'88; stretch, 9-33; wing, 2-91; tail, 2-02; bill, '52; 
 tarsus. -7,s. (itvatcst length, (MO; greatest extent of wings, 10-03; greatest length of wing, IJ.IO; of tail, 2-15; of 
 bill -III; of tarsus, -si;. Smallest length. 5-50; smallest stretch of wings, 8-GO; smallest length of wing, 2-80; 
 of tail, 1-90;' of bill, -50; of tarsus, -80. 
 
 Di.SI lilT'llllN OF NKST AND EGGS. 
 
 ,V'.--'. composed of leaves, mosses, and line grasses ; lined with flue mosses and roots. Dimensions. External 
 diameter, 5-00 inches; internal, :!:><> inches. External depth, 3-00 inches; internal, 2'00 inches. 
 
 /.';/!/*, four or live in number, Hob, colored, spotted throughout wiih light, reddish-brown. Dimensions, from 
 75X-GO to -83x-G5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The island of Key West is about six miles in length, and is of an irregular form ; being 
 nearly divided in the middle by a deep cove which opens to the westward. A creek also makes 
 in from the eastward, and forms an outlet to ti large, shallow basin of water, which is called 
 "The Salt Pond." An artiticial canal connects this sheet with the cove, so that the key is 
 really separated into two islands. The city stands upon the southernmost one, which, owing 
 to a rich deposit of soil, is covered with a luxuriant growth of vegetation. The northern 
 islet is entirely uninhabited, being somewhat barren ; even in the interior, one sees but few 
 speeies of trees or shrubs, and these are dwarfed by the extreme heat which prevails at 
 certain seasons, for the vegetable mould is thinly spread upon the coral that forms the 
 foundation of all the Florida keys, but as we approach the western shore this scanty supply 
 of vegetation vanishes and the surface of the rock is exposed. This limy formation is 
 comparatively soft, and the action of the elements has worn it into jagged points; while the 
 surface water, caused by rains, has formed numerous small channels, of a foot or eighteen 
 inches in depth, through which it escapes into the sea. A few hardy plants grow along the 
 borders of these little tissures, but all else is a rough plain of blackened rocks, until we como 
 to the high-water line. Here grows one of the true products of the tropics, the mangrove. 
 One unaccustomed to the habits of these trees would be surprised to see them existing in so 
 de.-olate a spot, especially where they are so constantly washed by the salt waves, yet they 
 appear in a flourishing condition, and not only mark the line along the shore, but form many 
 little verdant islands far out in the light green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Their manner 
 of growth is singular; the roots are not only long, but flexible, and grasp any projection of 
 the Mirl'aee that presents itself, or thrust themselves into the crevices of the rocks when they 
 come within their reach. But this support would be of little avail in enabling the tree 
 to maintain an upright position during the heavy winds which often occur in this region. 
 .Nature, however, has provided powerful braces in the shape of aerial rofits which are thrown 
 out from various heights, and growing downward reach the rock and fasten themselves firmly. 
 Shoots start up from these, which in their turn throw out others, and thus the whole forms 
 a dense thicket with interlacing branches and root-stalks, through which it is extremely difficult 
 to force a passage. 
 
 The mangroves, which form the narrow edging along the western shore, were not high, yet 
 they were chosen as an asylum by a large number of birds, and consequently I frequently visited 
 them in search of the rarer species. While so engaged I observed some small birds running 
 about among the roots, apparently searching for aquatic insects, which were left by the tide, 
 that flowed over the place at high water. They were extremely shy and it was only with great 
 difficulty that I could obtain a shot at one, which when taken proved to be the common Water 
 Thrush. Although I saw them occasionally on other parts of the key. among the mangroves, 
 yet they were particularly abundant in this place, and I always found them there, cw-n after 
 
16 "MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS. 
 
 nearly all the other birds had left the island. I think they remained all winter, for I saw them 
 as late as the latter part of December ; I did not, however, meet with them at Miami until March 
 15th. One was picked up dead in Indian River, and brought to me, on April 1st, but they did 
 not become common there until the 20th of that month. 
 
 They pass Massachusetts during the middle of May when they frequent the swamps. I found 
 them common iu June, at Lake Umbagog, Maine, in thick woods along the edges of water 
 courses ; where they generally remain concealed beneath the mass of fallen trees and thick 
 underbrush. Indeed, they are so shy, and so seldom leave these inaccessible places, that were 
 it not for the song of the males, one would scarcely believe that they were at all common there. 
 They breed in these swampy localities. The nest is placed beside a decaying, moss-covered 
 log, or at the foot of some tree, generally in the everlasting shadows of the thick evergreens. 
 It is seldom covered like that of the Oven Bird. While the female is sitting the male is 
 ever near, and the angler who invades this wilderness, so seldom trodden by man, in search 
 of the speckled trout, hears its indescribably sweet warbling song, sounding all the more 
 melodious because his curious eye fails to detect its author. So all through the long summer 
 days, amid the mountain valleys, this bird melody is mingled with the splash of cool waters, 
 and the gentle sighing of breezes, which come laden with the fragrance of hemlock and spruce. 
 
 These birds are remarkable for their love of water, and are seldom seen far from it. They 
 are exceedingly active, and run very rapidly ; on this account they resemble the Sandpipers, 
 especially when they are feeding by the side of a pool or stream. They also have the habit 
 of jerking their tails iu a nervous manner. By the 1st of September they commence their 
 southern flight. While passing Massachusetts at this season they may be usually found 
 searching the bottom of recently dried up pools and ditches for insects, especially if these 
 places are overhung with bushes. They are but little tamer then than at other times, and upon 
 the slightest alarm will instantly dart into the nearest thicket. 
 
 GENUS III. MIMUS. THE MOCKING BIEDS. 
 
 GEN". Cir. Bill, equal in length to the head; straight, but with the tips of the upper mandible curved, and but slightly 
 notched. The stcrnvms differ from those of the Thrushes proper in being broader, and in having a lower keel ; the sternum 
 being twice as broad as the keel is high. The marginal indentations are also shallower; being only as deep as one-third 
 the length of the keel. 
 
 MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS. 
 
 Mocking Bird. 
 Mimns polijglottus BOIE. Isis, Oct. 1826, 972. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Tail, long. Bill, moderate, rather wide at base. Tarsus, distinctly scutellate. Sternum, 
 strongly built. Tongue, rather deeply cleft, with the forked portion ciliated on the ends and outer sides. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy. Wings, brown ; base of all the primaries, their tips and edges, and tips of 
 secondaries, wing coverts, and the entire spurious wing, white ; the latter, however, has central stripes of brown. 
 The white extends over more than half the length of the inner quill feathers, but is more restricted on the outer. 
 Tail, very dark brown; the outer feathers, pure white; the next two white on the tip, and for one-half the terminal 
 length of the inner web. The next two are tipped with the same. Chin, white. King around the eye, a faint 
 superciliary line, and the remainder of under parts, dirty white, more dusky on the flanks, breast and tibia;. The 
 crown and ear coverts are sometimes streaked with dusky. The under tail coverts are generally tinged with pale 
 buff. Bill and feet black, with the base of the under mandible brown. Iricles, pale yellow. 
 
 Young, similar, but with the white more restricted, and a reddish sutl'usion throughout. The flanks are streaked 
 with dusky. 
 
 Young, in the nesting plumage, has the breast streaked with dusky. The white edgings of the scapulars are also 
 broader. 
 
i/or/,-/.Y(, ill i: 1 1. 17 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are no othrrs \vitli whicli tins species can be confounded, excepting perhaps some of the West India forms. 
 Sperimens vary iiincli in amount of while on the tall; one, from Key West, lias all the feathers of the tail tipped with 
 it. Spcriiuriis from this place, evidently constant residents upon the Key, are generally of much smaller size than 
 those from further north. They are, however, not darker than those taken about Jacksonville. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average nMirenii'iits of thirty-seven specimens from Florida. Length, 9-77; stretch. 13-32; wins. 4-10; tail, 
 
 .">.">;{; bill, -7L': tarsus. 1-lil. Longest specimen, 10-20; greatest extent of wings, 14-25; greatest length of wing, 
 4-GO; of tall, 5*66; of bill, -81 ; of tarsus, 1-65. Shortest specimen, 9-00; smallest stretch of wings, 12-80; shortest 
 wing. :i-20; of tail. 3-50; of bill, -CO; of tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 AVx/s. composed outwardly of twigs and weeds; lined with fibrous roots. One which I now have before me, 
 that, was collected at Dunn's Lake, by Mr. Hnrton, is composed outwardly of dried everlasting (Anttnnariu), and 
 smoothly lined with horse hair, fibrous roots, and cotton. There Is also a piece of blue cotton cord woven into the 
 si nil lure. It is rather shallow. Dimensions. External diameter, 6 inches; internal, 3-50 inches. External depth, 
 2 inches; internal, 1-50 inches. 
 
 A';;:/*, usually live in number; pale greenish-blue, spotted and blotched Irregularly with umber, of varying shades, 
 and pale lilac. These spots are usually accumulated more thickly at the larger end, and sometimes cover it 
 completely. Dimensions, from -94x-73 to l-OOx-74. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Tin- Mocking Bird, like the Robin, seems to have acquired a love for the habitations of man. 
 This peculiarity is perhaps due in a measure to the protection which such localities afford against 
 various natural enemies. Not only because hawks, wild cats, opossums and other animals are 
 apt to avoid the presence of mankind, but as the country is open about plantations it enables the 
 birds to perceive more readily the approach of any intending disturber of their peace. I think 
 it probable that before the laud was inhabited they avoided the thickly wooded sections, for the 
 few that are found in the wilds of Florida live in little isolated hummocks and clumps of bushes 
 that irrow in the open pine barrens. The security afforded them by civilization must have 
 tended to concentrate them, or has caused them to increase rapidly, for they are very abundant 
 in the vicinity of plantations and towns, and comparatively few are found away from them. For 
 example, there were hundreds on the inhabited section of Key West, while but few were to be 
 seen on the other portions of the island, or on keys which were not settled. 
 
 One reason for their abundance at Key West may have been owing to the plentiful supply 
 of the edible fruit of a species of prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus Indicus) on which they feed. This 
 plant grows abundantly all over the richer portions of the Key, but in one section there was a 
 space containing several acres, which had been cleared from trees and bushes, which was so 
 completely covered with them that it was impossible for any large animal to pass through it. 
 Some of the cacti in this field were of an immense size, being over ten feet in height, and nearly 
 all the flat leaf-like stalks bore several of the pear-shaped fruit, from which this cactus derives 
 its name. These are ripe during the latter part of November, when they become bright scarlet ; 
 they arc then very juicy, and of an agreeable acid flavor. The outer skin must be carefully 
 removed, however, before attempting to eat them, as it is nearly covered with long, slender spines 
 that grow in bunches, and which readily enter the flesh when brought in contact with it. They 
 are barbed, and therefore exceedingly difficult to remove when once fixed. The Mocking Birds 
 visit this place in large numbers, when the fruit becomes dead ripe, and avoiding the spines by 
 peeking a hole in the upper end, which is free from them, greedily devour the contents. The juice 
 is bright vermilion, and not only stains their bills, heads, and throats, but those which I dissected, 
 that had been feeding on the pears, had the stomachs and intestines completely dyed by it. 
 
 minis or KI.IIHIIIV. 3 
 
18 MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS. 
 
 These birds are quite epicures in their way, and not only eat prickly pears, but feed upon 
 oranges, the berries of the palmetto, and other small fruits. They also eat worms, beetles, flies, 
 and the larvce of other insects. I have found the stomach of a single individual crammed with 
 nearly all these articles of food, with the addition of a tonic in the shape of small pebbles or 
 pieces of shells. On account of this changeable diet it is difiicult to make specimens, taken 
 when adult, live in confinement ; they must be captured when quite young, and thus become 
 accustomed to such food as can be readily procured for them. When they are brought north, 
 however, the change of climate destroys a great many; but they arc more easily kept in the 
 south, and nearly every one who has a taste for pets possesses one or more. I visited a 
 museum at Savannah, Georgia, in which living animals were exhibited ; and where among other 
 attractions was an immense cage iu which were many species of small birds, including several 
 Mocking Birds, one of which behaved in a very odd manner. It would fly violently at my hand 
 when I placed it against the bars of the cage, twittering angrily, and would not be satisfied until 
 I withdrew it. It paid no attention to the keeper, however, who informed us that it always 
 assailed strangers in this way. Individuals in a state of nature also appear to have eccentric 
 habits ; I knew one that had taken a fancy to perch on the top of an old stub, and which 
 was always found there at certain times during the day. If driven away it would return when 
 we had moved to a little distance. Indeed it seems to be a general habit with this species to 
 perch on some elevated situation ; in this they resemble the Shrikes, and their method of flight 
 is similar, being slow but steady. 
 
 The breeding season in Florida is about the first of April, but the young were barely hatched 
 at Wilmington, North Carolina, in the last week in May. In Florida the nests are usually 
 placed in orange trees within a few feet of the ground, and often quite near dwellings. Indeed, 
 I once found one within five yards of an inhabited negro shanty. The birds would alight upon 
 the tree without the slightest apparent fear, although I stood at the foot of it; in fact I have 
 always found this species unsuspicious when in the vicinity of habitations, but in the wilder 
 sections they are shy, and extremely difficult to approach. 
 
 Contrary to the usual habits of birds I have never known these to sing their full song 
 previous to the season of incubation. In winter they are generally silent, having only some 
 harsh alarm notes ; but as spring advances they commence a low sputtering song, as if they had 
 not yet acquired sufficient energy to render it loud and clear. I heard them singing in this 
 manner at Jacksonville, while they were building their nests, and for a long time was under the 
 impression that the Mocking Birds of Florida could not sing as well as those from Virginia. I 
 frequently questioned the inhabitants about this peculiarity, when they always informed me that 
 the birds could sing very finely, and were indignant when I told them that I had heard better 
 songs from caged birds at the north. I was not undeceived upon this point until I visited Lake 
 Harney, in the latter part of May, 1872. We had crossed the portage from Indian River, where 
 these birds are not very common during the breeding season, and had arrived at Lake Harney 
 after dark. We pitched our tents by the side of a palmetto grove, and retiring slept soundly after 
 our fatiguing journey, but were awakened in the morning by what seemed a perfect concert of 
 bird voices, which, as they came from one point, we knew must be produced by a single 
 individual ; but it was not until I had satisfied myself by actual inspection that I would believe 
 it to be a Mocking Bird ; and when we perceived it was so we paused in amazement to listen. The 
 clear, mellow whistle of the Red Bird, the garrulous notes of the Jay, the continuous warble of 
 the Great Carolina Wren, Bob White's abrupt call, the low but lovely song of the Pine-wood 
 Finch, followed by the harsh scream of the Hawk, were all mingled, without system, with strains 
 of his own, and those of many other birds, but in such a manner, and were given with such 
 power, that the effect was surpassingly fine. He had even caught the Bobolink's fragmentary 
 attempts, which it first practices while passing northward, and incorporated this into its lay, in 
 
CAT BIRD. 19 
 
 the right place and with charming exactness. He not only mimicked other birds but excelled 
 them, and after we had heard him their individual efforts seemed quite tame and spiritless. The 
 bird seemed unconscious of his merits, for he sat carelessly on a tree top, occasionally pausing in 
 the midst of it all to arrange his feathers, or he would fly from place to place without interrupting 
 his musical carol. There were several in the vicinity, and they were all in full song, so there 
 was scarcely any time during the day, though the heat was excessive, that we did not hear at 
 least one of them. After these repeated cantatas we could no longer doubt the vocal superiority 
 of the Florida .Mocking Birds, for we had never before listened to such melody from feathered 
 throats, and it became plainly evident that all other species must yield the palm to this, the 
 King of Song. 
 
 MIMITS CABOLINENSIS. 
 
 Cat Bird. 
 Mining carolinensis GRAY, Genera, 1844-49. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cir. Form, rather slender. Bill, slender, gently curved. Scutella on anterior tarsi in adult specimens 
 fused into a continuous plate. Sternum, rather weaker than that of the preceding species, in comparison to its size, 
 but of the sunn* relative proportions. 
 
 COLOR. A<Inlt. Prevailing color, dark plumbeous, lighter beneath. Crown, nape, and upper part of tail, sooty 
 black, the outer edges of the latter are edged with plumbeous. Quills and secondaries, very dark brown, also edged 
 with plumbeous. Under tail coverts, chestnut. Bill, black. Iris and feet, brown. 
 
 ;/, similar to the adult, with the crown lighter, especially at the base of bill. The under tail coverts 
 arc streaked with ashy. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 <'j in the. nesting plumaije, every way paler, especially the chestnut of the under tail coverts. There is also 
 a tinge of reddish on the upper wing coverts. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Tliis well known species may be readily distinguished from all others by the above descriptions. Specimens 
 from Key West are not only smaller in size, but much darker in color, the top of the head being entirely black. 
 Found during the breeding season throughout the United States; winters in great numbers in Florida, the West 
 Indies and Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-five specimens from Florida. Length, 8-14; stretch, 11-82; wing, 3-59; tail, 
 3-71; bill, -74; tarsus, 1-11. Longest specimen, 9-00; greatest stretch of wings, 11-57; greatest length of wing, 
 3-84; of tail, 4-00; of bill, -85; of tarsus, 1-23. Shortest specimen, 8-25 ; smallest stretch of wings, 10-10; shortest 
 wins.'. :?-:lu: tail. :', -:10; bill, -60; tarsus, 1-01. 
 
 Average measurements of nine specimens from New England. Length, 8-91 ; stretch, 11-73; wing, 3-49; tail, 
 3-82; bill, -G3; tarsus, 1-07. Longest specimen, 9-35; greatest stretch of wings, 12-00; greatest length of wing, 
 3-82; of tail, 4-00; of bill, -65; of tarsus, 1-10. Shortest specimen, 8-45; smallest stretch of wings, 11-26; shortest 
 winir. 3-30: tail, 8-CO; bill, -60; tarsus, 1-05. 
 
 It will be observed by the measurements given, that, although Florida specimens are smaller in size, the wings, 
 bills, and feet are somewhat larger. In this they agree with all other species which occur as residents both north 
 and south. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nest, composed of leaves, grape-vine bark, and weeds, lined with fine roots. Dimensions. External diameter, 
 Cinches; internal, 3-50 inches. External depth, 3-50 inches ; internal, 2 inches. 
 
 Eygs, four or five in number, rather pointed, and deep green in color. Dimensions, from -90x-GO to -95x-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Nearly every one in the eastern section of the United States is familiar with this species ; 
 and it is one, among a few, that is known by the same name throughout that portion of the country 
 in which it occurs. This is owing solely to a peculiar alarm note, which bears a strong 
 n semblance to the mewing of a cat. This sound is only emitted when the bird perceives an 
 enemy : then, if it docs not apprehend much danger, the mew is given quite plaintively ; while 
 it hops quietly from bough to bough, and peers through the bushes in an inquisitive manner. 
 
20 MINUS CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 But, if it thinks its eggs or young are in peril, it loses its quiet demeanor, and flits rapidly 
 around the disturber; then, if he approaches too near the nest, it dashes into his very face, 
 uttering the alarm note in a quick nervous manner, occasionally raising it to a sudden scream 
 of rage, or now and then giving an angry cackle. It persists in these frantic efforts to repel the 
 iuvader until he leaves the locality. This feline-like note is not very agreeable to the ear, 
 but the song is quite lively and pleasant. It is somewhat hurried, and consists of a series of 
 of rather inaccurate imitations of the songs of the Kobin, Blue Bird, and of a few other species, 
 mingled harmoniously with some finer snatches of its own. While singing, the bird is perched 
 in some elevated situation, and, as it renders some of the more difficult parts, the wings are 
 fluttered, the head thrown back, and the bird gives undivided attention to its lay; but 
 during other measures of the song it often hops from place to place, in a careless, though 
 restless manner. 
 
 It sings well in confinement, and I knew of one, that was kept by a friend, which 
 particularly excelled in this respect. It was very tame, seeming to enjoy the caresses of the 
 various members of the family, and lived a long and contented life ; but at last met its fate in 
 a singular manner, for a bird. It possessed an immoderate liking for mince-pie and ate all that 
 was presented to it ; but unfortunately this unnatural food did not agree with it, for if it took 
 a large quantity it would almost immediately be thrown into convulsions ; therefore it was 
 seldom indulged in this luxury. But one day it escaped from its cage, when no one was by, 
 and finding one of its favorite pies upon a table, ate its fill. When its owner entered the 
 room it was insensible, and as all efforts to restore it to consciousness failed it soon died, 
 falling a victim to its appetite. 
 
 The Cat Bird is in full song just before the season of incubation and continues to sing while 
 the female is sitting. The time for nesting, in New England, is about the first week in June, 
 and by the middle of July the young are fully fledged. The situation chosen for a summer 
 home is usually some thicket by the side of fence rows, often at no great distance from 
 a dwelling. The nest is commonly placed in a barberry bush, but a few feet above the ground. 
 After rearing its young, it retires to the swamps to moult. This occurs during the latter part 
 of July, and about the second week in October it takes its departure for the South. I found it 
 very abundant at Key West in the first part of November after which the majority disappeared. 
 At this time it moved in large flocks, and fed, with the preceding species, on the fruit of the 
 prickly pear. It did not, however, subsist wholly upon this food, but varied its diet by eating 
 insects. It lives entirely upon insectivorous food from the time of its arrival in Xew England, 
 May 1st, until July ; after which it eats greedily of the smaller fruits ; but as the beetles, larvae 
 of the lepidoptera, etc., destroyed by it, earlier in the season, are generally injurious to 
 vegetation, we may justly pardon it if it does help itself liberally to our cherries and 
 strawberries. This poor bird, however, has a bad reputation among farmers, owing partly to 
 its annoying note, and partly to its supposed propensity to dine upon the eggs of other birds. 
 Of this latter charge it is innocent, and, moreover, as we have shown, does a great deal of good 
 and if it were to be banished from the land the husbandman would find his crops far lighter 
 when the time of harvest came. 
 
PL ATI: vi. 
 
 13 
 
 
BROWX TIIRVSII. 21 
 
 GENUS IV. IIARPOUIIYNCHUS. THE CURVE-BILLED TIIKI SIIKS. 
 OCH. On. Hill I, ,11,1,1- than the head, with both mandibles more or less curved. The sternum differs from that of 
 Minnis in hai-iiif/ tin t -net proportionately longer, and the marginal indentations proportionately deeper. 
 
 HABPOBHYNCHUS RUPUS. 
 
 Brown Thrush. Thrasher. 
 Harporhynchus ru/us CAIIAMS, Mus. Hein., 1851, 82. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. On. Size, large. Tail, long and somewhat graduated. Bill, but little longer than the head, not slender; 
 both mandibles slightly arched, and with the upper considerably curved at the tip. Tongue, rather straight, being but 
 little narrower at the tip than in the middle; the end is slightly rounded; in some specimens minutely cleft, and 
 always fringed on the tip. Sternum, quite stoutly built. 
 
 Count. Adult in spring. Above, uniform bright rufous; darkest on the rump and lower part of the back, but 
 becoming lighter on the crown, while the forehead has a bleached appearance. Beneath, rather dirty white; with 
 the breast, sides of the throat, and sides and flanks, covered with triangular spots of dark brown, becoming rufous 
 on the sides of the upper parts of the breast; they are generally smaller and more numerous on these parts than on 
 others. There is a tinge of buff on the breast, flanks, and under tail coverts. The sides of the neck, the lores, and 
 oar coverts arc ashy, streaked with dusky. The upper parts of the wings are like the back, excepting the inner webs 
 of the secondaries and primaries, which are dusky ; this color becomes darker on the outer quills. The two rows of 
 coverts are tipped with white, which is narrowly preceded by black, forming two bars. The spurious wings are 
 dusky, edged with white on the lower sides. The under portions of the wings are pinkish, excepting the terminal 
 portions of the outer primaries, which are dusky. Axillaries and under wing coverts, pale buff; the latter are 
 spotted with brown. The upper part of the tail is like the back, with two or three of the outer feathers narrowly 
 tipped with yellowish-white. One specimen, now before me, has a single small spot of brown on the centre of each 
 of the outer feathers, just above the white of the tips. Bill, dark brown ; lighter at the base of the lower mandible. 
 Feet, brown. Irides, orange yellow. 
 
 In autumn the colors above are deeper, and more uniform ; there is also a more reddish suffusion beneath. 
 
 Ynitnij. (lifters from the adult in being much deeper colored above, and in having a generally rufous suffusion 
 beneath, especially on the breast. The tertiaries are tipped with white, which is preceded by a dusky band. The 
 secondaries are also narrowly edged with whitish. The yellowish-white of the tips of the tail is not as restricted 
 and extends over more feathers. 
 
 nil jiluiitnye, differs from the adult in being paler, especially on the rump. The feathers of the middle of 
 the back and lesser wing coverts show darker centres. The spots on the back are narrower and darker. The irides 
 are yellowish-white. 
 
 OBSERVATION'S. 
 
 This species differs from all others, in the bright rufous color of the back; except, perhaps, //. longirostris, 
 which is probably only a variety of II. riifim. It is distributed throughout the Eastern United States duriug the 
 breeding season, excepting perhaps the more Northern portions. Winters in the Southern States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twelve specimens. Length, 11-24; stretch, 13-28; wing, 4-02; tail, 4-86; bill, 1-00; 
 tarsus. 1-39. Longest specimen, 11-72; greatest extent of wings, 14-CO; greatest length of wing. 4-LTi ; of tail, 4-89; 
 of bill, 1-05; of tarsus, 1-40. Shortest specimen, 10-30; smallest extent of wings, 13-25; smallest length of wing, 
 3-15; of tail, 4-40; of bill, -95; of tarsus, 1-10. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, composed outwardly of dried leaves, weeds, and roots ; lined with not very fine roots. They are of 
 moderate depth, and well proportioned to the size of the birds. Dimensions. External diameter, 5 inches; Internal, 
 3 inches. External depth, 3 inches; internal, 1-50 inches. 
 
 Eggs, tour or five in number; pale blue in color, spotted and dotted everywhere with reddish-brown. These 
 spots cluster on the larger end, and in some specimens they form rings around it, of varying diameters. Form, 
 generally, rather elliptical. Dimensions, from l-OOx-75 to l-10x-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 At the commencement of my first campaign in Florida, in December, 1868, we had pitched 
 our tent in the pine barrens, about three miles south of Jacksonville. It was a very pretty .spot. 
 To the northward was an immense plain, covered with a verdant carpet, from which rose the 
 
26 HEGULUS 8ATRAPA. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 While visiting the region about Lake Umbagog, in Maine, during the first week in June, 
 1871, in company with Messrs. Deane & Brewster, I was very much surprised to find this 
 little species very common. It inhabits the thick woods, and although the birds were 
 generally invisible, we could hear their peculiar song which consists of a series of low, sharp 
 chirps terminated by a lisping warble. They were probably singing for the benefit of their 
 mates which evidently had nests near. Indeed, we shot two or three females that bore 
 unmistakable marks of incubating and saw others which exhibited considerable solicitude 
 whenever we approached certain trees, hopping distractedly about, sounding their querulous 
 alarm notes ; in fact, betraying by every movement that their eggs were near. They who have 
 visited those dark evergreen woods, will understand the extreme difficulty of finding nests that 
 are built in thick hemlock or spruce trees ; for >. the limbs are so densely covered with foliage 
 that it is almost impossible to discern any object among them. Add to this the long hanging 
 moss, which clings to the branches in great abundance, growing even on the ends of the twigs, 
 and we have a mass of vegetation which the little Golden-crowned Wren chooses for a breeding 
 place. The weather at the time of our visit was insufferably hot, and although the air in the 
 woods was close, being nearly suffocating, we were obliged to force our way over the heaps 
 of fallen trees and through the swamps, which abound in the wilderness of Northern Maine. 
 Besides all this we were so tormented with the myriads of black flies and mosquitoes, that 
 it was almost impossible to remain quiet a moment. It was under these circumstances that we 
 came upon the localities where the Kinglets were breeding ; but in defiance of all obstacles we 
 searched long and faithfully for the nests as we were naturally anxious to obtain a specimen, 
 knowing that it had never been discovered. We even ascended several trees that we were 
 confident contained it; but our most careful scrutinies' proved fruitless, and the nest still 
 remains unknown. It is highly probable that the sagacious birds had artfully concealed the 
 diminutive structures in the streamers of moss, after the manner of the Blue Yellow-backed 
 Warbler. We had the satisfaction of knowing, however, if it can be called satisfaction, that 
 we had probably been nearer the uufound treasures than other ornithologists. In summer, the 
 birds remain in pairs, or in small parties after the young are fledged ; but in autumn they 
 gather in flocks, associating with the Warblers and other small species.. About the middle 
 of October they begin to migrate southward, and arrive in Massachusetts during the latter 
 part of the above named month. Many pass on further south, but some remain all winter. 
 These may be found everywhere upon their arrival, but as it becomes colder, they retire to the 
 woods and cedar groves, where they spend the extreme cold weather ; apparently as contented 
 when the thermometer stands at zero as in summer. One can scarcely conceive how such little 
 morsels of flesh and blood can avoid freezing to death during some of the intensely cold nights 
 of midwinter, when many of the larger species perish ; or how they manage to maintain 
 themselves through protracted snow storms. A large number must die, and the only wonder 
 is that any attempt to withstand a climate so rigorous. In mild days they emerge from their 
 wooded fastnesses and visit the orchards or farm-yards. They are always lively little birds 
 and as they hop nimbly from twig to twig, in search of the eggs and larvre of insects, which 
 form their only food at this season, amuse themselves by frequently uttering a short lisping 
 song. Although they winter in large numbers in most of the Southern States, I have met with 
 them but once in Florida. This was in December, 1868, when I took two specimens in a 
 hummock ; they were accompanying a large flock of Warblers, Titmice, etc. About the 
 middle of April they migrate northward, and by the 10th of May they have all passed 
 Massachusetts. 
 
27 
 
 REQTJLUS CALENDULUS. 
 Ruby-crowned Wren. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 
 "Jlegulus Calendula Licht. Ver/.elch, 1832, Nos. 408-9." BAIKD, Birds of North America, 1858, 220. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, rather stout. Size, soincwlmt larger than the preceding. Bill, rather broad at base, acuminate 
 and slightly curved at the tip of tin- upper mandible. Wings and tail as In satrapa. Marginal Indentations, shallower. 
 Tongue, luMad. with tin- edges nearly straight, to the tip, which is rounded, bitid, with the forked portions and sides 
 enar>ely eiliated for one-third of its terminal length. 
 
 CMI.OU. Ailnll in spring. Above, olivaceous green, brightest on the rump, but becoming ashy on the neck and 
 top of the head, which has a eoueealed spot of bright ruby. Wings and tail, dark brown, edged with greenish. 
 Terliaries, quite broadly margined with whitish. The secondaries and quill feathers are also narrowly edged with 
 it terminally. The two rows of greater wing coverts are tipped with yellowish-white, forming bars. There Is also 
 a dusky band across the secondaries, extending over two or three primaries. Space in front of the eye and a spot 
 behind it, ashy- white. Sides of he. id, lores and ear coverts, ashy ; the latter more dusky. Sides of neck, throat and 
 tireast, also ashy, but of a lighter shade; this color becomes yellowish on the abdomen, flanks, and under tail coverts. 
 .\\illaries and under wing coverts, white. Under portion of the tail and wings, glaucous; the feathers of the latter 
 edged with white. In autumn there is a more yellowish suffusion beneath; the olivaceous of the back Is more 
 uniform, ami extends over the top of the head; the feathers of the ruby crown are also slightly tipped with dusky. 
 
 Yiiuny, similar to the adult in autumn, but lacks the ruby crown. Both sexes are alike, excepting that the 
 female does not acquire the ruby crown as quickly as the male which sometimes has a feather or two of it the first 
 year. Irides, brown. Bill, dark brown, lighter at the base of the lower mandible. Tarsi and feet, browu, with the 
 soles of the latter yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is larger than satrapa, and has the ruby crown in place of the yellow. There is no black on the top 
 of the head in any stage of plumage. Although they breed much further North than the preceding, they winter much 
 further South; being very abundant In Florida, and none being found in Massachusetts. When North, during 
 summer, they are distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of nineteen specimens. Length, 4-33; stretch, C-91; wing, 2-2C; tail, 1-82; bill, -34; 
 tarsus. -72. Longest specimen, 4-50; greatest extent of wings, 7-30; greatest length of wing, 2-35; of tall, 1-8C; 
 of bill, -38; of tarsus, -Til. Shortest specimen, 4-00; smallest extent of wings, 6*75; smallest length of wing, 2-17; 
 of tail, 1-72; of bill, -32; of tarsus, -38. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Ruby-crowned Wrens are the most common birds of Florida during winter, arriving 
 from the North about the first of December, scattering through the hummocks of the 
 mainland of the state, where they may occasionally be found in company with other birds, but 
 an- generally independent; indeed, I think they seldom pay any attention to the movements 
 of even their own companions; each pursues a course agreeable to itself. They can therefore 
 hardly \w called gregarious at this season, being equally numerous in every wooded locality, 
 unless \ve choose to consider all which are in Florida as constituting one vast flock. They move 
 about among the luxuriant growth of trees and shrubs in a manner which plainly indicates that 
 they arc at home. They seem to be always busily engaged in searching for insects upon tho 
 branches, yet will pause to gaze inquisitively at a stranger. They are not noisy at such times, 
 and although very abundant, one who is not a naturalist would scarcely notice them, for they 
 come without bu>tle, remain in the seclusion offered by the hummocks, quietly pursuing their 
 avocations, then, by the mioWle of March, retire Northward as silently as they came. 
 
 When passing Massachusetts in early April they behave far differently, for they are then 
 full of activity, and it' any one chances to enter the wood through which they are migrating they 
 will scold at him most vociferously. The males arc also full of melody, and their musical efforts 
 iii< ist certainly do them credit, for their song consists of a full, clear warble, which excels that 
 of many of our native species. They linger here, frequenting the groves and thickets, until tho 
 latter part of the month, when they have all passed to the North. 
 
28 POLIOPTILA C^EBULEA. 
 
 The breeding place of this species was for a long time unknown, but Prof. Baird informs me 
 that Mr. Bannister has recently found a nest in Western New York. It was built in the fork 
 of a tree, some distance from the ground, and contained young. The eggs have never been 
 discovered. I found the birds very abundant at Bethel, Maine, on the 12th of October, 1868, 
 but by the 22d they had all disappeared. They enter Massachusetts in autumn, about the first 
 week of the above named mouth, but have left for the South by the 30th. 
 
 GENUS II. POLIOPTILA. THE WARBLERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Sternum much narrower and proportionately longer than in the preceding genus ; the marginal indenta- 
 tions are also shallower. The frontal feathers do not cover the nostrils. The tarsi are scutellate. The tail is rounded, 
 whereas in Hegulus it is square and emarginate. 
 
 All the species iu this genus are of small size, with delicate blue colors above and silvery-white below. 
 
 POLIOPTILA C^ERULEA. 
 Silvery Warbler. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 
 
 Polioptila ccerulea SCLATEH, Proceedings Zool. Soc. 1855, 11. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Ch. Form, slender. Size, small. Bill, rather broad at base, acuminate; and with the upper mandible a little 
 curved at the tip, where it is slightly notched. Sternum, rather stoutly built. Tongue, linear, with the end rounded 
 and finely ciliated ; there are also some minute cilia on the sides for one-third of the terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, uniform slaty-blue ; brightest on the head, and lightest on the rump, where the 
 concealed portions of the feathers are silky white. Wings above, brown ; with the upper coverts and edges like 
 the back. Tertiaries, margined with white. Tail, black, with three-fourths of the outer feathers, two-thirds of the 
 second, and the tips of the third and sometimes of the fourth, white; with the veins black. Upper tail coverts, 
 black but glossed with the same color as the back. There is also a faint black line over the eye. Beneath, silvery 
 white, with a bluish cast throughout, which is brightest on the sides. Under portions of the wiugs, glaucous with 
 the edges of the feathers and under coverts, white. Under portions of the tail, similar to the back, but with the 
 black more glaucous. Ring around the eye, white. 
 
 Adult female, similar to the male, but with the upper parts paler. The white of the tail is not as much 
 extended. There is no black stripe over the eye. 
 
 Young male, similar to the adult female, but with the under parts paler. 
 
 Young female, with a reddish wash over the upper surface; especially on the head. In all stages of plumage 
 and in both sexes the irides are brown ; bill black with the base of the lower mandible bluish ; the feet and tarsi 
 black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 After examining a series of twenty specimens, all from Florida, I fail to detect the black frontal line spoken of 
 by Prof. Baird In the "Birds of North America." There is an indication of a black superciliary line but nothing 
 more. 
 
 They are, apparently, intermediate between cterulea and the so-called plumbea; and judging from the description 
 of the latter, I am inclined to doubt its specific claims. This species is distributed, during the breeding season, 
 through Mexico and the Southern and Middle sections of the United States. Winters in the more Southern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of forty-eight specimens from Florida. Length, 4-50; stretch, 6-15; wing, 1-95; tail, 
 1-95; bill, -47; tarsus, -07. Longest specimen, 5-00; greatest extent of wiugs, 6-75; longest wing, 2-19; tail, 2-22; 
 bill -56; tarsus, -77; shortest specimen, 4-05; shortest stretch of wing, 5-80 ; shortest wing, 1-75; tail, 1-75; bill, 33; 
 tarsus, -55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 Nest. The following is a description of a nest of this species which was kindly loaned me by Mr. L. L. 
 Thaxter, of Newtonville, Mass. It was collected by his son, Roland, on Ladies Island, South Carolina, on May 23, 
 18C9. It is composed of the fine stalks of some delicate plants which are mixed with thistle down and woven together 
 with cobwebs. The whole is formed into a neat structure and smoothly covered with gray lichens, which are also 
 kept in place with the fine silk of the spider-webs, after the manner of the Wood Pewee or the Humming Birds. It 
 is lined with thistle down and lichens. The interior is somewhat purse-shaped, for the mouth is contracted. The 
 
BLV !:-<: HAY GNATCATCllEIt. 29 
 
 nest strikingly reminds one of that of a Humming Bird, only It \s much larger, being, in fact, very largo for the 
 >prcies to which it belongs, vet its beautiful Unlsh does credit to Its delicate architect. Dimensions. External 
 diameter. -> inches : internal, in the middle, 2-00 inches; at the mouth, 1-50 inches; external depth, 2-75 inches; 
 internal. r.'iO inches. 
 
 /.'</:/. from four to six in number, short oval in form ; pure white in color, spotted and blotched Irregularly with 
 reddish-brown, limber and lilac. Dimensions, from -4;!.v5G to -4(ix-GO. The eggs from which I have taken the 
 above description are in the cabinet of the Boston Society of Natural History, where Mr. F. G. Sauborn kindly 
 allowed me to examine them. A description which Dr. Brewer has obligingly forwarded to me at my request, 
 corresponds to that which I have given. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The little Hliic-gray Gnatcatcher is the personification of graceful activity. We sec it 
 skipping about among the underbrush on the edges of a hummock with half spread wings and 
 expanded tail. Then it disappears as if by magic, and we hear its lisping note high overhead, 
 as it poises itself for an instant on the topmost bough of a tall live oak before launching into 
 air to snap up some passing fly, or hangs head downward that it may peer into the crevices 
 of the rough bark ; but in the next second will be hovering before the large white blossom of 
 the i/iiiifiinlfn i/rttinlijft>rii, while it lightly removes a tiny beetle from the creamy petals. 
 Thus it flits constantly from place to place ever busied in searching for insects and the most 
 casual observer will pause to admire its rapid but elegant movements. 
 
 During winter they may be found in scattering flocks and I have seen hundreds of them in 
 a single day at Key \Vest. But singularly nine-tenths of those which I took there were 
 females. I think that this may be accounted for by the fact that Key West is the southern 
 limit for this species, during winter, in the eastern section of the Union. The adult males of 
 all species of birds are apt to wander more than the young males or the females ; therefore the 
 more venturesome males crossed into Cuba leaving their mates behind, to await their return in 
 the spring. Many Gnatcatchers, however, remaiu in the more northern portions of Florida, 
 but here we find that the majority are adult males as the)' are hardier and better able to 
 withstand the colder climate. In March they pair and move about independent of their fellows, 
 although they sometimes associate with the Warblers or Titmice. 
 
 lu early winter I never heard them utter aught else than the soft lisping "see see," and was 
 not aware that they had any other song until February 4th, 1871. I was walking in a narrow 
 path through a hummock, which lies back of the old fort at Miami, and had paused to observe 
 a female of this species, when I heard a low warbling which sounded like the distant song of 
 some bird that I had never heard before. I listened attentively but could make nothing of it, 
 and advanced a few paces, when I heard it more plainly. This time it appeared to come from 
 above me, and looking upward I saw a male Gnatcatcher hopping nimbly from limb to limb on 
 some small trees which skirted the woods. Although he was but a short distance away, I was 
 obliged to watch the motions of his little throat before I became convinced that this music came 
 from him. It was even so, and nothing could be more appropriate to the delicate marking and 
 si/e of the tiny fairy-like bird than this silvery warble which filled the air with sweet, continuous 
 melody. I was completely surprised for I never imagined that any bird was capable of 
 producing notes so soft and low, yet each one given with such distinctness that the ear 
 could catch every part of the wondrous and complicated song. I watched him for some time 
 but he never ceased singing, save when he sprung into air to catch some insect. The female 
 which was near seemed to enjoy the musical efforts that were- executed for her benefit for she 
 drew gradually nearer, until she alighted upon the same little tree with her mate. At this 
 moment she took alarm and flew a short distance followed by the male. As I walked away I 
 could hear the murmur of the love song until it became indistinguishable from the gentle 
 rustling of the leaves around. 
 
 I have heard them -ing but a few times since then and only once as finely. This was a vear 
 
30 PAR US ATRICAPILLVS. 
 
 later ; we had pushed our boat far up the Wckiva Creek when a pair flew over, and alighted on 
 a tree near. The male commenced his lovely warble and continued it while we were within 
 hearing. The birds were not often seen in such a singular place, for we were in the midst of 
 an immense cypress swamp which extended for miles around, and we heard but few sounds save 
 the hoarse bellowing of the alligators, or the harsh cry of some lonely heron ; thus this tinkling 
 melody sounded particularly sweet after listening to such uncouth sounds in such a gloomy spot. 
 The name of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher seems particularly inappropriate for a member of this 
 family. Therefore I propose to name it the Silvery Warbler, on account of its delicate color 
 and song. They begin to migrate about April 1st and I should judge that they breed in 
 Florida about the middle of that month. My young friend Roland Thaxter found a nest 
 containing half-grown young, in May, at Ladies Island, South Carolina. It was placed in the 
 fork of a small water oak at some distance from the ground. 
 
 FAMILY IV. PARID^E. THE TITMICE. 
 
 Bill, short and conical, not notched or curved at the tip. Tongue, short, terminating abruptly ; with the end furnished 
 with four distinct tufts of cilia. The webs of the feathers are somewhat scatterimj gii-iny them a loose fuffy appearance. 
 
 The sternums of this family are scarcely different from those of the preceding. The tongues are the most 
 remarkable of any which I have seen, on account of the singular terminations. The tufts are composed of several 
 rather coarse cilia and situated at regular intervals with the three intermediate spaces entirely free from any 
 projections; there are two in the centre and one at each margin. I have ventured to give this singular feature as 
 a family character although I have examined but two genera (Parus and Lophophanes) and but three species (P. 
 atricapillus et Sudsonicus and L. bicolor). 
 
 GENUS I. PARUS. THE BLACK-HEADED TITMICE. 
 
 GEN. CH. Sternum, very broad; exceeding in breadth one half of the length of the top of the keel. Head not 
 crested. 
 
 All the members of this genus have dark heads and throats. They generally inhabit the woods, and build their 
 nests in holes. 
 
 PARUS ATRICAPILLUS. 
 Black-capped Titmouse. Chickadee. 
 Pants atricapillus LINN., Syst. Nat. I, 176G, 341. 
 Pans Carolinensis AUD., Orn. Biog. 1834, 341. 
 Purus septentrionalis Harris, Proc. A. N. Sc. Phila., II, 1845, 300. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, ratlier stout. Bill, small. Tail, rounded. Tongue, but slightly narrower terminally than in the 
 middle. The two central tufts of cilia are but slightly longer than the outer ones. Sternum, not very stoutly built. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy, becoming rufous on the rump. Wings and tail, brown with the feathers edged 
 with ashy-white. Entire top of head, nape, chin, throat and upper part of breast, black. Stripe from the base 
 of the upper mandible running below the eye, widening out over the sides of the head (including ear coverts) and 
 neck and extending over the shoulders, white. Beneath, dirty white, becoming rufous on the sides, flanks and 
 under tail coverts. Axillaries and under wing coverts, white. Tail and wings beneath, glaucous, the inner webs of 
 the latter edged with white. In autumn the under portions are more strongly tinged with rufous ; this color also 
 pervades the entire back. 
 
 Young, like the autumnal adult, but with a deeper suffusion of rufous. 
 
 Youny in the nesting phimaye, similar, but with less rufous ; being in fact more like the adult in spring. Sexes 
 alike. Irides, brown ; bill, black ; tarsi and feet, slaty blue, in all stages of plumage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the so-called Carolinensis and septentrionalis which I have in my collection exhibit scarcely any 
 more difference in coloration and size than is seen in individuals taken in New England; certainly no more than we 
 would expect to find in specimens from such distant localities. It is highly probable that occidentalis, meridionalis 
 and perhaps, montanus should also be included in the list as synonymes : of this, however, I can only judge by the 
 descriptions as I have never seen specimens of them. This species is distributed throughout nearly the entire 
 portions of North America, north of Mexico. 
 
CHICKADEE. 31 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of forty-seven specimens from New England. Length, 5-19; stretch, 8'00; wing, 2-55; 
 tall, 2-40; bill, -36; tarsus. -Co. Largest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 8-GO; longest wing, 2-62; tail, 
 2.70; bill, -55; tarsus, -77. Shortest specimen, 4-40; shortest stretch of wings, 7-31; shortest wing, 2-31; tail, 2-12; 
 bill, -30; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 V x'.< built in holes of trees, and composed of soft mosses and lined with the hair of various animals. 
 Dimensions. External diameter, 3-50 inches; internal, 2 inches; external depth, 1-50 Inches; internal, 1 inch. 
 
 E'j<i* usually six in number; oval in form ; white In color, spotted and dotted throughout, but more thickly on 
 the larger end. with reddish-brown. Dimensions, from -60 x -45 to -65 x- 60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One can scarcely enter the evergreen woods of Southern New England during winter, 
 without hearing the cheery song of the Chickadees, which come trooping around him as if glad 
 of his company and will venture quite near in order to scan him carefully. They do this 
 in such a sly manner that one would hardly suppose that he was noticed, for they are 
 apparently always busy in searching for insects on the bushes around, hanging head downward 
 or balancing themselves on the tip of a twig but ever keeping an eye on the object of their 
 curiosity. But they never remain long in one spot and after completing their investigations, 
 arc oft'; then we can occasionally hear them tapping on the limbs like the Woodpeckers. At 
 this time they are constantly repeating the strain from which the name is derived, which sounds 
 exactly like " chick-a-dee-dee" or sometimes a "de'dee" is added. During the bright days of 
 early spring, when they leave the woods, where the coldest weather is spent, and enter the 
 farm-yards or orchards they have a peculiar long-drawn song which is like the syllable "cee 
 dee" with the last prolonged and plaintively given. This is the acme of their musical powers 
 unless we consider a low warble which is sometimes emitted in autumn as superior. 
 
 These birds wander about in small flocks all winter, but by the middle of April pair, and by 
 the iirst of May settle down to nest building. They usually select a partly decayed birch in a 
 swampy place for this purpose, and drill a hole through the bark with their bills. They then 
 easily remove the softened wood, carrying each piece to some distance before dropping it. In 
 this great sagacity is exhibited, for if a pile of chips were allowed to accumulate at the foot of 
 the tree it would be apt to attract attention to the nest above. They excavate a space six inches 
 or more in depth and nearly four in diameter, laboring industriously from daylight until dark 
 without cessation, that the task may be completed. They arc often obliged to abandon a nearly 
 finished domicile on account of dampness which is caused by the water that is absorbed by the 
 punky wood, during wet weather. They are not discouraged at this occurrence but immediately 
 select a drier quarter and zealously commence anew. The Chickadees are not always obliged to 
 dig for themselves for they sometimes find a suitable place in the knot hole of a tree. I once 
 found a nest built in a cleft of an oak, the entrance of which was nearly grown over. The birds 
 had enlarged the opening and constructed their nest at the bottom. The female begins to 
 incubate as soon as the first egg is deposited, so that by the time the last is laid the embryo 
 in the first is considerably advanced ; consequently they hatch at intervals. This facilitates 
 bringing out the brood and is rendered easy by the fact that the male constantly furnishes the 
 female and young with food. Indeed, from the moment she begins to sit, she is dependent 
 upon him for everything she eats, and will sometimes emerge from her abode to follow him 
 about, fluttering her wings and begging for a morsel in a low monotonous tone. 
 
 When the young leave the nest, about the first week in June, they have a similar note and 
 follow their parents through the woods, seeming to subsist entirely upon what is caught for 
 them. The family continues to live together until after the moult, which takes place in August, 
 
32 LOPJIOPHANES BICOLOR. 
 
 then collect in small flocks, and by October commence a partial migration. Those which live 
 in Massachusetts pass further south, and the summer residents of Northern New England take 
 their places. I have never met with the small Southern variety of this species but once. That 
 was in December, 1868, when a small flock passed over us while we were encamped near 
 Jacksonville, and alighted in the hummock near. Their notes were the same as those of the 
 more Northern residents, excepting that their voices were weaker, which we should naturally 
 expect from their smaller size. 
 
 GENUS II. LOPHOPHANES. THE CRESTED TITMICE. 
 
 GEN. CH. Sternum, not broad, being narrower than one-half of the length of the top of the keel. The marginal 
 indentations are also proportionally shallower than in Farm. Head, crested. 
 
 Members of this genus may be readily distinguished by the prominent crest and narrow sternum. 
 
 LOPHOPHANES BICOLOR. 
 
 The Crested Titmouse. 
 Lophophanes bicolor BON., List Birds Europe, 1842. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Bill, short. Tail, slightly rounded. Sternum, stoutly built. Crest, of varying lengths. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy; darkest on the head and with an olivaceous wash over the back, which is more 
 perceptible on the rump. Forehead, black with a narrow line next the crown tipped witli rufous. The feathers of 
 the crest show darker centres. Upper portions of wings and tail, dark brown with the feathers edged with the same 
 as the back. Beneath, dirty white with the flanks chestnut. Wings and tail below, glaucous. Under tail coverts, 
 pale bun". Axillaries and lower wing coverts, white tinged with pale buff. 
 
 Young, similar but with a rufous wash over the rump and back. There is also less chestnut on the sides, and 
 the reddish edging of the forehead is better defined. Sexes alike. Irides, brown ; bill, black; feet, lead color in all 
 stages of plumage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have never seen any of the western representatives of this genus, but judge that some of them might easily be 
 confounded with this species. The birds from which I have made the above description, were all taken in Florida. 
 They have a distribution throughout the Middle and Southern states, but I have never met with them on the coast of 
 Florida, among the Keys, or in the southern sections of the state ; they being rare about Salt Lake and scarcely to be 
 found below that point. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eleven specimens from Florida. Length, G-16; stretch, 9-77; wing, 2-G6; tail, 2-72; 
 bill, -53; tarsus, -77. Longest specimen, 6-50; greatest extent of wings, 10-00; longest wing, 3-25; tail 3-00; bill, 
 70; tarsus, -95. Shortest specimen, 5-75; smallest extent of wings, 9-25; shortest wing, 3-00; tail, 2-50; bill, 
 45; tarsus, -65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF EGGS. 
 
 Eggs usually six in number, oval in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with light reddish-brown and 
 lilac. The spots are accumulated more thickly on the larger end. I obtained the egg which I have described form 
 Mr. B. P. Mann. A specimen kindly loaned me by Mr. E. C. Dickenson does not differ essentially, except in being 
 slightly smaller, and in having a less number of spots. Dimensions, from -70 x -55 to -75 x -GO inches. 
 
 I never have seen the nest, but judge that it resembles that of the preceding species. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The pleasantest part of the city of Jacksonville, Florida, is built in a fine live-oak grove 
 and as shade is quite essential in this climate, all of the trees which did not grow in the streets 
 in such a manner as to impede the progress of vehicles were allowed to stand. The sidewalks, 
 therefore, are overhung with thick evergreen foliage, which forms a resort for numerous birds, 
 especially when they are migrating ; and I have counted seven or eight species in a single tree. 
 One day I was passing beneath these branches, in company with my friend, Mr. Ober, when we 
 heard a note which sounded something like that of the common Chickadee, only it was much 
 
BROWX -HEADED NUTHATCH. 33 
 
 harsher. I knew at once that it could be produced by no other than the Crested Titmouse, and 
 by advancing a few paces we perceived that I was correct, for there was a large flock of them 
 among the trees. They were busily engaged in searching for insects; turning upside down, 
 clinging to the under sides of the limbs, in fact behaving almost exactly like overgrown 
 Black-caps, hut were not quite as agile as that species, and when they raised their crests, 
 which they did frequently, resembled miniature Blue Jays. They were not as inquisitive as 
 our common bird, but very unsuspicious, and would alight in the gardens within a few paces of 
 pedestrians. They were restless, and we had not watched them long before they moved 
 onward, flying with a heavy undulating motion. 
 
 I have always found them in small flocks during the colder season, moving about the 
 country apparently without purpose. They are never seen in the piny woods, but usually 
 frequent the hummocks, and I have heard their loud notes in the thick cypress swamps along the 
 rivers. When moving they are very noisy, sounding the short grating "chick-a-dce" almost 
 constantly. This is all the song which I ever heard them utter, but when alarmed they emit 
 a querulous sound. When one is wounded and caught, it will cry for assistance so loudly 
 that all of its companions, within hearing, will gather closely around scolding most 
 vociferously, at the same time raising their crests, jerking their tails, ruffling their feathers; 
 thus showing, by every motion, as much rage as any bird of their size is capable of exhibiting. 
 Nor is this all ostentation; they are truly solicitous for the safety of their unfortunate 
 friend, and will remain in the immediate vicinity until many are killed. About the first of 
 .March these companies break up into pairs and may be found with migrating warblers. I have 
 never seen a nest, and do not think they breed in Florida for I did not meet with a single 
 specimen while on the St. John's in May. 
 
 FAMILY V. SITTUXE. THE NUTHATCHES. 
 
 iini. narrow ; not being mdi-r than half the length of the, top of the keel. Coracoid bones, shorter than in the two 
 
 '/'/,, ,,i"riiinal indentations are also shallower; being only one-third as deep as the length of the top of 
 
 tli'' /' i-l. Dirt', n fi-urn Paridae in having a longer and more aruminute bill. The tongue is not only long and linear but 
 
 the end. Tail, very short; wings, long and pointed. 
 
 Tin- tongues of the Nuthatches are peculiar; being long, thin, and of a horny appearance. They vary greatly In 
 length unions individuals of the same species, and the end has a jagged appearance as if worn away by constant use. 
 
 GENUS I. SITTA. THE NUTHATCHES PROPER. 
 
 OKX. On. The same as are given for the family. 
 
 There is but one genus of the Sittidoe In the United States, upon which I have based the family characters as 
 givrn above, and which will also answer for generic. 
 
 SITTA PUSILLA. 
 Brown-headed Nuthatch. 
 Sitta Pusilla Lath., Index, Orn. I, 1790, 263. 
 Sitta pygmeea In BAIUD, Birds of North America, and of previous authors. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather stout. Size, small. Bill, not very long and somewhat acuminate. Tail, but slightly 
 rounded. Sternum, not stoutly built. Keel, rather short, scarcely exceeding the length of the eoncold bones; but 
 It is as high as one-half of the width of the sternum. Tongue, quite long and narrow. 
 
 COLOK. Adult. Above, dull slaty-blue. Top of head and ii|)|>i-r part of the sides of the neck, pale brown ; with 
 every feather tipped with whitish. There is a spot of silky-white on the nape. A line commencing at the base of the 
 bill, running through the eye and crossing the ear eo\ i IN. dark brown. Upper surface of the tail, black ; with the 
 two central feathers like the back; all the feathers are tipped with brownish, which on the six outer is preceded by 
 a bar of white. There is also a narrow line of white on the two middle feathers near the base. Wings above, 
 brownish. edged with white on both webs. Beneath, dirty white: purest on the chin and sides of the neck, 
 but tinged with buff on the breast and abdomen. The sides and Hanks are like the back. Under portions of 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 6 
 
34 SITTA PUSILLA. 
 
 the wing and tail, glaucous. Axillaries and under wing coverts, pale bluish. Feathers at the base of the primaries 
 and on the bend of the wing, white. Tibia, dusky. 
 
 Young, similar, but with a deeper washing of buff beneath. The top of the head and the stripe through the eye 
 are paler. The white of the tail does not extend over as many feathers, becoming obsolete on the central ones. 
 Sexes, alike. Iddes, brown. Bill, dark brown, bluish at the base of the upper and lower mandible. Feet and 
 tarsi, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species, without doubt, gradually grades into the "pygnuea" of the West. Specimens from that section 
 have a darker head, where the feathers lack the whitish tips. In fact the entire colors are darker. The white on the 
 tail is more extended, and the bases of the central feathers have a black edging. In this latter particular it differs 
 from those taken further East; but I have a specimen in my collection from Florida, which has a decided indication 
 of a black edging at the base of the central feathers, and think that with a large number of skins, from all sections, 
 I could find a complete series in coloration 'between the two extremes. This species has a distribution throughout 
 the more southern sections of the United States, but I did not find it on the Florida Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement of twenty-five specimens from Florida. Length, 4-24; stretch, 7-71; wing, 2-45; tail, 
 1-29; bill, -55; tarsus, '59. Longest specimen 5-15; greatest extent of wings, 8O5; longest wing, 2-75; tail 1-50; bill, 
 GO: tarsus, -64. Shortest specimen, 4-00; smallest extent of wings, 7-30; shortest whig, 2-30; tail, 1-15; bill, -47; 
 tarsus -45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, in Florida, built in holes of trees and composed of the soft fibrous substance which grows about the base 
 of the leaves of the Saw Palmetto.' They are shallow and about two inches in diameter. 
 
 Eggs, oval in form, white in color, spotted and dotted irregularly with reddish-brown, but more thickly on the 
 larger end. Dimensions, from -COx-45 to -62x-48. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The pine barrens of Florida are immense woodland plains, which are sometimes rolling, but 
 generally level. The trees grow at rather wide intervals, and the spaces between them are 
 usually covered with a sparse growth of dwarf Palmce. The effect of the early light upon 
 this landscape is fine. The sun shines brightly on the straight, brown trunks of the pines, 
 which rise on all sides, and glances from the shining leaves of the Saw Palmetto, as they are 
 waved by the morning breeze. Fantastic shadows are cast upon the ground by the huge 
 fire-blackened stubs which stretch their gigantic arms high overhead. Light, fleecy clouds move 
 steadily across the blue sky, impelled by the rising wind, which sighs through the masses of 
 dark green foliage, with a sound which reminds one of the roaring of the sea. Indeed, while 
 wandering in these trackless wilds, with the trees apparently crowding together in the distance 
 so as to shut out any very extended view, one seems as much alone as if upon the broad ocean. 
 Many beautiful flowers are blooming in confusion around, yet they are seldom looked upon by 
 any human being, and here where there is not a single trace of the hand of man, one thoroughly 
 realizes that he is in a perfect wilderness which for ages has remained unchanged. The same 
 pines which we now look upon stood where they stand to-day long before the Indians chased 
 the deer upon these wide-spread pasture grounds, and it is extremely probable that centuries 
 will come and go before the slightest change will have taken place. 
 
 Many bird notes greet the ear in this sunny woodland, but none are more in keeping with 
 the prevailing loneliness than the somewhat harsh and solemnly given each each each of the 
 Brown-headed Nuthatch. There is something mysterious about this sound, for although it comes 
 to the ear loudly and clearly, the tiny author of it is so high up among the tops of the tallest 
 trees as to be invisible to the casual observer. They are lively little birds and have all the 
 characteristic movements of their race, running along the under side of the limbs, or down the 
 trunk head first, seeming to spend more than half of their time upside down. They are ever 
 busy, never remaining long on one tree, but will flit quickly from place to place with a rapid 
 undulating flight. They appear to lead a roving life and move about in small flocks in company 
 
\\IIITE-BELLIED XUTHATCH. 35 
 
 with Warblers ami Woodpeckers, but by the latter part of February they pair aim begin to 
 build. They usually select a partly decayed stub ami excavate a hole in it with their bills, after 
 the m:uinur of the Woodpeckers, to a depth of some six or eight inches, placing the nest at the 
 bottom, but are not particular regarding its height above the ground, for I have seen them in 
 .stumps not over ten feet high and in dead trees fifty feet in air. 
 
 While breeding they have a singular note which dill'ers entirely from that which is ordinarily 
 given, being a continuous low chatter. These birds are usually unsuspicious at this time and I 
 have stood within a few yards of them while they were at work. Both sexes labor industriously, 
 and, like the Black-capped Titmouse, carry the chips which are made to some distance before 
 dropping them. Although they pay very little attention to the presence of man, when 
 undisturbed by him, they arc very assiduous in defending their nests from any real or fancied 
 eneinv and, if a Woodpecker chances to alight near their domicile, will attack him with fury, 
 invariably forcing him to leave the locality. They are occupied some time in completing the 
 nest but by the middle of .March the eggs are deposited, and by the first or second week in 
 April the young appear. They are fully fledged by the 15th of May and then follow their 
 parents about. The Brown-headed Nuthatches avoid the deciduous woods, but I have found 
 them in isolated patches of pines, to reach which they must have crossed swamps and hummocks. 
 They doubtless move silently and quickly over such places for I have never seen nor heard 
 them there. 
 
 SITTA CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 White Bellied Nuthatch. 
 
 Ha. europxa var. y, Carolinensis GMELIX, I, 178S, 440," BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 374. 
 tn aculeata CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII. Oct., 1856, 245. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. On. Form, robust. Size, quite large. Bill, long and somewhat slender. Tail, not much rounded. 
 Sternum, stoutly built. Keel, longer than the coracoid bones; but it is not higher than half the width of the 
 sternum. Tongue, thin and horny, with the sides straight, the end broken into Irregular points. 
 
 COLOR. I ' "if. male. Above, slaty-blue. Top of head and neck to the shoulders, glogsy black. Upper surface of 
 win^ and coverts, black; with the edges, tips, outer webs of upper tertlaries, and lines along the vanes of the last 
 like the back; there is also a spot at the base of the primaries, and on the inner webs of the spurious quills, and 
 elongated sp >ts on the middle of the outer webs of the second, third and fourth quills, white. The two central tail 
 feathers are like the back; remainder, black, with the six outer crossed diagonally by a broad subterminal bar of 
 wliite, which extends up fora short distance on the outer web of the first two feathers, and reaches the tip of the 
 third on the inner web. The black of the tips is preceded on the outer webs by a small patch of slaty. The 
 remaining feathers are tipped with white, preceded by slaty. Lower parts, including sides of head, and space for 
 some distance above the eye, white; tinged with buff, with the flanks washed with chestnut. Tibiae, crlssura and 
 ventral region, rich chestnut-brown; the under tail coverts are also streaked with it. Wing and tail beneath, like 
 the upper surface, but more glaucous. Axillarics, like the back. Under wing coverts, black. 
 "lie, similar to the male, but with the top of the head washed with slaty-blue. 
 
 Yoitii'j have the white of the tail feathers more restricted and a deeper suffusion of buff beneath. Webs brown ; 
 feet brown; bill black, blue at the base of the under mandible, in both sexes and in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The longer and more slender bills of aculeata which grade into the shorter and stouter ones of the typical 
 Carolinensis cannot be considered as a sufficient character upon which to base a species, there being no other 
 specific difference. Specimens from Florida are exactly like those from New England. It is distributed throughout 
 nearly all of North America but is not found in the southern portions of Florida, and is not common in the more 
 northern sections. It may be readily distinguished from all other native Nuthatches by its larger size. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens from New England and Florida. Length, 5-76; stretch, 10-32; wing 
 3-60; tail, 1-82; bill, -71; tarsus, -GO. Largest specimen, C'OO; greatest extent of wings, 11-50; longest wing, 3-G9; 
 tail, 2-1.1: bill, -80; tarsus, -80. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest stretch of wings. 9-21; shortest wing, L'-CJ; tail, 
 
 , liill, u: : tarsus, -GO. Length of the bills of three specimens of aculeata, -80, -82 and -85. 
 
36 SITTA CAROLINENS1S. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 The following is a description of a nest and eggs taken by Mr. Brewster at Cambridge. 
 
 Nest built in the hole of a tree, and composed of fine grasses lined with hair or feathers. It is shallow; being 
 about one inch in depth and four in diameter. 
 
 Eggs usually six in number; creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with pale reddish-brown and 
 lilac. In the specimens before me, which were kindly loaned me by Mr Brewster, the spots form a ring around the 
 larger eud. Dimensions, from -70x-57 to -83 x-60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 If there were ever harlequins among birds, they are the White-hellied Nuthatches ; for while 
 they are on the trees, searching for insects, they are constantly assuming all the positions 
 imaginable. They will climb quickly up the trunk, after the manner of the Woodpeckers, 
 peering right and left, then will suddenly commence a retrograde movement, which is checked 
 abruptly as the birds seize upon some beetle, when, without an instant's pause, they will reverse 
 themselves and back upwards, proceeding as agilely as if moving head foremost. In a few 
 seconds they will stop, raise their heads, glance about while sounding their harsh notes, then 
 launch into air, alighting upon the lower side of a limb, and will glide along it as nimbly as if 
 upon the upper part. Thus they are ever in motion, and always changing their attitudes in an 
 easy and graceful manner, but do not have the quick nervous movements of the Brown-headed 
 and Red-bellied Nuthatches, but perform their evolutions more steadily. 
 
 These birds may be found in the orchard as well as in the woods but, although by no means 
 rare, it is not usual to meet with -many in a single day. They appear to live in pairs, apart 
 from their fellows, associating with the Warblers or Titmice ; and I can recall but few instances 
 where I have found more than two in one locality at the same time. Then the birds seemed to 
 have met by accident and probably would not have remained together for any length of time. 
 
 The White-bellied Nuthatches, like the preceding species, are great wanderers during winter, 
 but remain in one locality when the breeding season approaches. I think their eggs are laid by 
 the last of April for I have seen fully fledged young by June 1st. The nest from which they 
 came was built in the hole of an old stub, and was situated about twenty feet above the ground. 
 This tree had evidently been used as a nesting place for some time, for there were several other 
 openings which had, in all probability, been occupied in previous years. The female is very 
 unsuspicious while incubating, or her aflections for her eggs overcome her fears, for she will 
 permit herself to be handled at such times without attempting to escape. Mr. Brewster having 
 discovered a nest in a partly decayed apple tree, enlarged the entrance, that he might introduce 
 his hand, and remove the bird. She struggled vigorously to escape but, as soon as she 
 was liberated, returned to her eggs. She was taken out several times but invariably entered her 
 domicile the moment she regained her freedom. Even when thrown into the air she did not fly 
 away, and when Mr. Brewster went away she was on the nest. This species usually construct 
 their edifice in dead trees or stubs, but my friend, Mr. Harold Herrick, of New York, informed 
 me that he knew of a pair which built their nest in the walls of an inhabited dwelling, having 
 found an entrance through a knot hole in a clapboard, which was situated beneath the eaves. 
 The White-bellied Nuthatches are constant residents in New England, but only winter visitors 
 to Florida. Those which go south migrate quite early in the season, generally during the latter 
 part of October. On the 30th of this month I was on a steamer bound for Savannah, and when 
 fifty miles off the coast of Virginia we were visited by a male of this species. He alighted on 
 the deck at first apparently exhausted but, after I'esting a short time, recovered, when he 
 commenced climbing about the rigging and running up and down the masts in search of food 
 performing his gymnastic feats with as much agility as in his native woods ; he remained on 
 board until night but I could not find him the next morning. Their food consists principally 
 of insects but they will sometimes eat acorns. 
 
GHK.IT CAROLINA WREN. 37 
 
 FAMILY VI. TROGLODYTIDJE. THE WRENS. 
 
 Both mandibles of bill, more or less arched. Sternum, wide, but with the keel loin, not being higher than one half the 
 < if tin- sternum. Coracoid bones, fully as long as the top of the keel. Winys, short. Tail, moderate and 
 
 / rmtnded. 
 Tliis family embraces birds of generally dull colors. All the American species are somewhat small in size. 
 
 GENUS I. TROGLODYTES. THE WRENS PROPER. 
 
 i ;i:x. CH. Feet, of moderate size. Tarsus, about equal in length to the middle toe and claw. Hind toe and claw, 
 eonsiili-rably ulnirtrr than the middle, toe and claw. Nt> white spots or streaks on the back. 
 
 The characters used by authors in separating the genus Thriothorus and Troglodytes arc so slight, that it appears 
 to me scarcely consistent to raise the species, usually placed in the former named, to a generic rank. Therefore I 
 have included them in Troglodytes, for after carefully examining a large scries of specimens, I find that there 
 is no more difference between members of the two genera, than often exists among species in the same genus. 
 
 TROGLODYTES LTJDOVICIANUS. 
 The Great Carolina Wren. 
 
 Troglodytes Ludovicianus Lrrcn., Verzeichniss der Doubletten des Zoolog, 1832, 38. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 v 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robnst. Size, moderate. Bill, not very slender, and as long as the head, with the upper 
 mandible a little curved and slightly notched. Sternum, quite stoutly built, with the keel very low. Tongue, thin 
 and horny, long and linear, with the end divided or broken into irregular points. 
 
 COLOU. Adult. Above, dark reddish-brown, brightest on the rump but becoming blackish on the head. Wings, 
 brown, barred on the outer webs with the same color as the back, which becomes lighter on the first quills. Tail, 
 like the back barred with dusky. There are concealed white spots on the rump near the ends of the feathers. 
 Tin-re are also some concealed spots of yellowish-white on the middle and ends of the feathers of the back of 
 tin- neck. A superciliary line of buff extends from the base of the bill along the sides of the neck, edged above with 
 black. Beneath, yellowish-brown; darkest on the flanks. Throat, white. Under tail coverts, barred with dusky. 
 There is also an indication of dusky bars on the flanks. Under surface of wings glaucous. Lower side of tail, like 
 the buck, but with a glaucous suffusion. Under wing coverts, yellowish, barred with dusky. There is a whitish 
 patch on the lower side of the ear coverts ; and a few dusky spots on the neck back of it. 
 
 ) "Hug, similar, but with the upper wing coverts spotted with white. The dusky bars on the flanks are quite 
 conspicuous, and sometimes extend along the sides. There are also more spots back of the ear coverts. Sexes, 
 alike. Irides, brown. Bill, brown ; lighter at the base of the lower mandible. Feet and tarsi, brown. The above 
 descriptions arc taken from Florida specimens. Wrens of this species, now before me, which were collected in 
 Western Virginia by Mr. W. W. Scote, differ in being much paler; the under parts being pale buff. A young one 
 taken when scarcely fledged exhibits very little difference in coloration. The under parts are perhaps a little more 
 rufous. There is no average difference in the length of the bill between Mr. Scote's specimens and those from 
 Florida. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is readily distinguished from the T. Bermckii by the rufous under parts. Habitat is throughout the 
 Eastern United States, from about latitude 41, south to the gulf. They winter in the more southern sections. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-three specimens from Florida. Length, 6-80; stretch, 7'25; wing, 2-35; tail, 
 2-12; bill, -71; tarsus, -81. Longest specimen, 6-25; greatest extent of wings, 8-25; longest wing, 2-50; tail, 2-30; 
 bill, -78; tarsus, -90. Shortest specimen, 5-30; smallest extent of wings, 7-10; shortest wing, 1-90; tail, 1-90; bill, 
 50; tarsus, -Co. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 Nest composed outwardly of the fibrous substance which grows at the base of palmetto fronds, leaves or sticks 
 lined with fine fibres. It is usually built in the form of a hollow ball, with a hole in the side. Dimensions ; external 
 diameter, 4 inches ; internal, 2'50 inches. 
 
 E'jys usually six in number; rather oval in form; creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with 
 reddish-brown and lilac. These spots vary greatly in number even in the same nest. For instance, one of a set 
 which I have in my collection is covered so thickly that the groundcolor is nearly obscured, and the longer end is so 
 thickly blotched as to look like a washing of reddish-brown and lilac, while there is another egg of the same lot, 
 which is comparatively clear. The spots also show a tendency to cluster on some specimens and form rings around 
 the larger ends. Dimensions, -74x-5C to -SOx-GO. 
 
38 TROGLODYTES LUDOVICIANUS. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Great Carolina Wrens are birds of retiring habits, in fact they may be called shy, for, 
 upon the approach of man, they instantly hide themselves in the thick undergrowth of the 
 hummocks which they frequent, but if one stands quietly near their place of concealment for a 
 few moments he will hear a series of low notes and presently a Wren will be seen peering 
 cautiously out from among the leaves ; then another will appear, for they are usually found in 
 pairs. They will not venture into open view, however, but will hop quickly about with their 
 upraised tails which they will occasionally jerk in a nervous manner; then, upon the slightest 
 movement indicative of danger will plunge at once into the cover, uttering a querulous cry, 
 which they continue as long as the supposed enemy keeps at a little distance but, upon his 
 near approach, the birds will become quiet and endeavor to escape from the immediate 
 neighborhood without showing themselves; this they generally accomplish with such skill that 
 the observer wonders what has become of them. I have frequently seen these wrens in isolated 
 bushes and, after seeing them vanish, have beat about the place where they disappeared, then 
 through it without starting them, afterwards finding that the wily birds had escaped by running 
 Avith great rapidity beneath the grass and weeds to the next thicket. Even while nesting it is 
 difficult to find them, for although the* female is sitting, she will generally manage to fly from 
 the nest so quickly as not to be visible, for she takes care to place every available obstacle 
 between herself and the object from which she wishes to escape. I have found several nests 
 yet have never succeeded in surprising the birds near them ; but although such has been my 
 experience, one of my companions, Mr. C. A. Thurston, was enabled, by using extreme caution, 
 to capture one on the nest which was built in the top of a stump but a few feet from the 
 ground. I know of no birds which are more variable in selecting places in which to build their 
 nests. The usual situations chosen by the Wrens on Indian River were at the bottoms of the 
 "boots" of the Palmettoes. The "boot" is the base of the dead leaf stalks which adhere to the 
 tree after the top has decayed and fallen off, they are quite broad, slightly concave, and extend 
 upward in an oblique direction leaving a space between them and the trunk ; the fronds in falling 
 often cover the top with a fibrous debris which is impervious to water and the cavities beneath 
 form a snug nesting place for the Carolina Wrens. Many more nests will be found in these 
 situations than elsewhere, especially in the wilderness ; but I once found one built between two 
 Palmetto leaves which had dropped over in such a position that their surfaces were horizontal 
 and only three or four inches apart, forming a floor as well as a roof for the home of the Wrens. 
 They had conveyed a large amount of suitable material into this place and formed a cozy 
 domicile. The fronds were swayed by every passing breeze, yet in such a manner as not to 
 injure the structure which was between them. 
 
 I have spoken of an instance of their building in a stump which appears to be a somewhat 
 common practice ; they will also breed in holes of trees ; one nest which came under my notice 
 was placed in the fork of an orange tree, but a few rods from an inhabited dwelling ; they will 
 also take up au abode in buildings, and Capt. Dummett assured me that two or three pairs 
 inhabited his boat house, which was placed over the water, every season. Mr. Henshaw called 
 my attention to a deserted structure formed by this species which was placed in a niche of a 
 wall in the old stone barracks at Miami. I have also known of the eggs being taken from the 
 interior of a barn, the birds having found entrance through a knot hole. 
 
 This species begin to breed about the first of April and continue until June, rearing 
 two or three broods. They are exceedingly sensitive about being disturbed at this season, and 
 I have frequently found nests that were being completed but, upon visiting them again, would 
 invariably find that the birds had abandoned them. It will be seen by the examples given that 
 the Great Carolina Wrens possess sufficient reason to avail themselves of surrounding 
 
HOUSE \\'l. 39 
 
 circumstances when they wish to build, even turning the habitations of man to account. But 
 what particularly distinj.Mii.shes these birds from many others is their loud and cheery song; 
 perched on some slightly elevated position they "ill pour forth such clear and thrilling 
 lays that the most careless observer will pause to listen and admire their power. There arc no 
 birds which excel them in the frequency in which this melody is given; from early morning 
 until late at night they may be heard singing. Seasons as well as time are utterly disregarded 
 by them, for their harmonious strains arc given with as much earnestness in December as 
 during the breeding time. The remembrance of the melodies ever brings to my mind pleasant 
 visions of dark green foliage and the rustling palm leaves which grow so luxuriantly in this 
 land ; for we were always greeted by these birds whenever we pitched our tents by the side of 
 a hummock or thicket, and I think no one, who has heard them as often as I have, will hesitate 
 to place the Great Carolina Wren among the finest song birds of Florida. 
 
 TROGLODYTES AEDON. 
 
 House Wren. 
 
 Troglodytes aeilon VIKII.I.OT, Orn. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 32. 
 Troglodytes Amerieantis Auwnox. Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 452. 
 Troglodytes Parkmanii AUDUBON, Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 310. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not slender. Size, quite small. Bill, tapering, slightly curved at the end, not notched, shorter 
 than the head. Sternum not stoutly built; proportionately narrower than In the preceding, but with the keel higher. 
 Tongue, thin, horny and acuminate with the end, in adult specimens, broken Into irregular points or coarse cilia, in 
 young birds, however; it is more regular In form, there being four points; two long ones in the middle and two 
 shorter cuirs at each side, which commence farther down on the tongue than the others and terminate at their base, 
 forming a rounded or graduated end. 
 
 (c.ion. A'liilt.' Above, dark reddish-brown; lightest on the rnmp and darkest on the head where the feathers 
 usu:illy show darker centres. Wings, above, dark brown band on the outer webs, with the same color as the back, 
 which becomes lighter on the first quills. Tail, like the rnmp, but barred with dusky. Beneath, dirty white, with 
 the breast and Hanks tinged with brownish which becomes quite rufous on the latter. The flanks, breast and sides 
 an- usually somewhat obscurely barred. Under tail coverts, white, barred with rufous and black. Under surface of 
 wings, glaucous. Under wing coverts, pale buff. I'nder part of tail, paler than the upper, otherwise similar. Ear 
 coverts, mixed with whitish. In autumn there is a more rufous suffusion beneath and the whole head is darker. 
 
 -iinilar, but with the wing coverts -.putted with white. In this stage there is sometimes a white 
 superciliary stripe. Sexes, alike. Neck, brown. Bill, brown, lighter at the basal portion of the under mandible. 
 Tarsi and feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This is an extremely variable species in shading and in coloration. The middle of the back is frequently barred, 
 but in a specimen from Florida, which I collected during winter, there are conspicuous dark transverse lines from 
 the forehead to the end of the tail, while the feathers of the breast, sides, abdomen and flanks are crossed with fine 
 wavy lines of dark brown. The throat is washed with reddish-brown and the whole breast is very dark. I have 
 specimens running Irom this through every gradation of shading and marking to a very pale specimen, also from 
 Florida, where the bars on the body are so nearly obsolete as to be only just perceptible on the middle of the back 
 and Hanks. A specimen of 1'arkmanii which I have, that was labelled at the Smithsonian Institution, in point of 
 color falls within this wide ranuc of individual variation, and specimens of typical aedon now before me exhibit the 
 same proportionate differences in si/.e of the wings and tail. I have elsewhere (Naturalists' Guide, p. ii.1, !><;, 97) 
 proved conclusively that th.- s of Audnhoii was only a darker type of aedon. I have no specimens of 
 
 i/iti-nii'-dinn and iiK/Hietim, yet judge from the descriptions that they are very similar to atilon if really distinct. The 
 House Wren dillers from T. hy-mntix in beini; larirer. darker, and in having the sides of the neck unspotted. The flanks 
 and abdomen of lii/i-mali* are also more deeply barred with black. Habitat throughout the entire United States and 
 probably through Mexico. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Aver-L'e measurements of 50 specimens from Florida and .New Kngland. Length, 4'80; stretch, i;-l'.". ; wing 2-08; 
 tail, 1-UL': bill, -4!l; tarsus, 'CO. Longest specimen. 5-7">; greatest extent of wings, 7'00; longest wing. L'-'.'O; tail 2-40, 
 bill, -C.O; tarsus, ",. Shortest specimen, 4-:n> ; smallest extent of wings, 6-10; shortest wing, 1-70; tail, 1-30; bill; 
 40; tarsus, -50. 
 
40 TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, built in holes of trees or in bird boxes. Composed of pieces of grape-vine bark, sticks and weeds which 
 usually completely fill the cavity in which it is placed, leaving a hole in the centre which is thickly lined with feathers 
 or fine strips of bark. Dimensions. The external diameter varies with the space which contains the nest ; one 
 which I have before me, that was collected for me by Mr. Iluthvcn Deaue, measures about four inches externally 
 and two internally. 
 
 Eggs, usually rather oval in form, pinkish- white in color, thickly dotted with reddish-brown. These minute spots 
 sometimes become confluent and cover the entire surface with a deep washing of the same color. The larger ends 
 of such species are very apt to be darker than the remainder of the egg. I am indebted to Messrs. Deane and 
 Brewster for the privilege of examining the large series of eggs of this species which they have in their cabinets. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One can scarcely pass a thicket throughout the entire extent of Florida from Key West to the 
 northern limits of the state, whether on the borders of the hummock or in the vast pine barrens, 
 without exciting the ire of the irascible House Wrens. They will suddenly start up at the feet 
 of the pedestrian and, alighting on a log or bush, scold him angrily; but if the birds think they 
 are in danger, will quickly disappear, then it requires rapid and thorough beating to make them 
 rise. There are many thickets on the mainland which are so impenetrable that birds are 
 perfectly safe from intruders yet on the keys they are particularly favored in this respect, for 
 there the various species of cacti form an excellent cover for them. These plants are armed 
 with many long spines which present a formidable barrier against the invasion of man or any 
 large animal. Thus in Florida we find this Wren keeping apart from mankind and his ways, 
 but in New England they usually pursue a different course. Here they associate with human 
 beings, building their nests iu boxes erected for them, and even if these tiny edifices are placed 
 in close proximity to the busy thoroughfare the birds may be seen perched on their roofs, singing 
 their uncouth melodies. The House Wrens will occasionally select a hole in a tree as a breeding 
 place ; even in the North I observed a pair several times about an old apple tree, which stood in 
 a remote place and, being aware that they had a nest there, made repeated search for it ; but, 
 after vainly looking in every hole which I thought they could enter, gave up in despair. 
 But on passing the place one day I saw the female emerge from a very small orifice in a high 
 limb which was not larger around than my arm, and upon examining found the nest concealed 
 in it. The House Wrens breed in New England about the first week in June, iu Florida 
 somewhat earlier. They are constant residents in the South but migrants at the North, arriving 
 in the spring about the first of May and departing in early October. 
 
 TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS. 
 
 Winter Wren. 
 Troglodytes hyemalis VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 514. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, not stout. Size, small. Bill, much shorter than the head, slender, and but slightly curved. 
 Tail, short and rounded. Sternum, rather weakly built, with the keel very low in comparison to the breadth. Tongue, 
 linear, with the end, in nestlings, rounded, slightly bifid and fringed with cilia. In older specimens it is divided into 
 four points like that of the preceding species, only the space between the two central ones is not as deeply cleft. 
 In adult birds the tip becomes broken into irregular points. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, reddish-brown; darkest on the head, lighest on the rump. Upper surface of wings, 
 dark brown, barred on the outer webs with dusky. Tail above, similar to the back, tranversely lined with dusky. 
 Upper wing coverts and sides of neck spotted with white. The nape and rump have concealed spots of white. 
 Beneath, yellowish, which is lightest on the throat, but becomes rufous on the sides, flanks and abdomen, which 
 are crossed with black and white wavy lines. Under tail coverts, marked with rufous, black and white. There is a 
 yellowish-white superciliary line. The ear coverts are mixed with dusky. Under portion of the tail, similar to the 
 upper but a little paler. Under wing coverts, whitish, barred with dusky. Lower surface of wing, glaucous. 
 
PLATE IX. 
 
 C.J.lUymid, L ,th. 
 
\Vl\TER WREN. 41 
 
 Young, similar to the adult, hut with a more rufous suffusion beneath and with the feathers of the throat and 
 breast tipped with dusky. The wins; coverts are also more spotted. 
 
 / . darker throughout than In the young, the throat being as dark as the flanks. There are no 
 spots on the sides of the neck. The burs beneath are not as conspicuous and the feathers of the throat and breast 
 show lighter centres. The young birds from which I have taken the above descriptions were kindly loaned me by 
 Mr. Brewster and .Mr. Harold Ilerrick. Those in the nesting plumage were taken in New Hampshire and at Grand 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary somewhat in the amount of black on the lower portions of the body as well as in the shading 
 above, although they are more uniform in this respect. Differs from cedon as described under that species. It cannot 
 be confounded with the Marsh Wrens, for they are streaked with white on the back. Distributed during summer 
 throughout the more northern sections of the United States and North America j winters in the Southern States, but 
 is rare in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens from New England. Length, 4-10; stretch, 6-04; wing, 1-72; tail, 
 1-24; bill. -4i<: tarsus, -66. Longest specimen, 4-25; greatest extent of wings, 6-30; longest wing, 2'00; tail, 1-32; 
 bill, -4',i; tar-ns, ;.-,. Shortest specimen, 3-75; smallest extent of wings, 6-50; shortest wing, 1-70; tail, 1-10; bill, 
 35 ; tarsus, -65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OP NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 The following descriptions were kindly forwarded to me by Mr. Ridgway. That of the nest was made from a 
 specimen now in the Smithsonian collection, which was taken in Maine by Mr. W. F. Hall. 
 
 Nest. A compact mass of green moss, strengthened by a few slender twigs of coniferous trees. It is In the 
 form of a hollow ball with the cavity deep and the entrance narrow. Dimensions : 6 inches in length by 3-50 in 
 diameter. 
 
 K'jfia, five in number (these described were taken at Fort Umpqua, Oregon, by Mr. E. P. Vallum), oval in form, 
 pure white in color with a circle of thickly sprinkled reddish-brown dots around the larger end. Dimensions, 
 68x-48. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Winter Wrens find their summer homes in the thick, evergreen woods of Northern New 
 England ; here they frequent the masses of fallen trees, that are piled in confused heaps by the 
 tornadoes, which occasionally visit these vast forests. The birds are abundant in such situations, 
 but if it wen- not for the peculiarly sweet warbling song of the males, which are frequently 
 heard, one would be inclined to call them rare. All Wrens are endowed with the faculty of 
 concealing themselves, but in the Winter Wrens this instinct is developed to a remarkable 
 degree ; and even while they are singing remain hidden. I have stood within a few 3'ards of 
 their place of abode and endeavored to discover" the invisible bird which was constantly 
 repeating his delightful melody ; but after the closest scrutiny was obliged to give up the search 
 as unsuccessful. When approached too nearly these Wrens glide through the intricate passages 
 of their retreat like mice and it requires considerable exertion to drive them from a particular 
 ]ii]<- : when forced to leave they use every available means to escape unseen. I have seen one 
 enter the knot hole of a hollow log, when closely pursued, and emerge at the open end which 
 was in a thicket. These birds must conceal their nests very carefully ; for, although I am certain 
 that I have many times been within a few yards of their homes, I have failed to discover any 
 after the most thorough search. The Winter Wrens pass Massachusetts during the migrations 
 in October and April ; they are very rare in Florida and I have never met with them there, but 
 Mr. Boardman informs me that he has seen them on two occasions. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 6 
 
42 CISTOTHORUS PALUSTHIS. 
 
 GENUS II. CISTOTHOEUS. THE MARSH WRENS. 
 
 GKN. CH. Feet proportionately large, but the tarsus shorter than the middle toe and claw. Hack, conspicuously 
 streaked with white. 
 
 The species included in this genus are quite small birds, which inhabit the grasses or reeds of fresh-water 
 marshes. 
 
 CISTOTHOEUS PALTJSTRIS. 
 
 Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
 Cistothorus paluslris BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 364. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, small. Form, slender. Bill, equal in length to the head, quite slender. Sternum, somewhat 
 stoutly built. Tongue, thin, narrow and acuminate, ciliated for one-third of the terminal length. These cilia form 
 a bifid tuft at the end, and two on each side about five-hundredths of an inch nearer the base. 
 
 COLOH. Adult. Above, light reddish-brown, with the middle of the back and sides of the top of the head, 
 black, which is darkest on the back ; this patch on the back is triangular in form being broadest between the 
 shoulders; there is a white line in the centre of many of the feathers. There is also a superciliary stripe of white 
 which extends well down on the sides of the neck. The wings and tail arc dark brown barred with a color similar 
 to that of the back. Beneath, pure white with the sides and flanks, reddish-brown. There is sometimes ;i buff 
 suffusion on the breast. Lores and ear coverts, dusky. The shoulders are streaked with white. Under wing 
 coverts, white; under tail coverts, white, barred with brown and rufous. 
 
 This is the usual adult plumage both North and South, but a specimen from Florida, taken in April. 1872, on 
 Spruce Creek, differs in having the top of the head and entire upper parts, black with scarcely any rufous. The 
 under surface is pale buff, barred on the sides of the neck, breast, and flanks with dusky. The under wing coverts 
 are also pale buff. 
 
 The young, even in the nesting plumage, are scarcely different from the adult excepting that there are fewer 
 streaks of white on the back. Sexes similar. Neck, feet and bill, brown, the latter lighter at the base of the lower 
 mandible. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Long-billed Marsh "Wrens may be at once distinguished from the Short-billed by their larger size and 
 longer bill. They are distributed throughout North America during the breeding season, wintering in the 
 Southern states. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements often specimens. Length, 5'G4; stretch, G-15; wing, 2-07; tail, 1-C7; bill, -57; tarsus, 
 68. Longest specimen, 5-25; greatest extent of wings, 7-00; longest wing, 2-25; tail, 1-80; bill, -GO; tarsus, -75. 
 Shortest specimen, 4-12; smallest extent of wings, 5-00; shortest wing, 1-75; tail, 1-48; bill, -45; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, built in grass or reeds, and formed of coarse grass or of reeds which are bent and woven into the form 
 of a hollow globe, with a hole for an entrance at the side. They are lined with fine grasses and the nests of spiders. 
 Dimensions; external diameter, 7 inches ; internal, 3 inches. 
 
 ~Egys, usually six in number, oval in form, pale brown in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with darker 
 brown; sometimes the spots are very minute forming a dark washing over the entire surface. On other eggs they 
 become confluent and form rings around the larger ends. Dimensions, from -GOx-50 to -70x-55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Spruce Creek, in Eastern Florida, rises in the interior near Lake Ashby. It is a remarkable 
 stream, for this section, inasmuch as the banks are high and abrupt, rising in many places forty 
 feet from the water; these highlands do not form both margins of the river in any one place, 
 however, but enclose an expanse of marsh, which varies from a few hundred yards to a mile in 
 width, through which the stream winds. This interval is thickly overgrown with a species of 
 rush (Jitncus maritimus) , which grows to the height of five feet. The luxuriant growth formed 
 a cover for hundreds of Long-billed Marsh Wrens, and is the only place where I ever found 
 them in any numbers in Florida. My attention was attracted to them by their notes which are 
 merely weak sputtering attempts at song. 
 
SHORT-KILLED .V.l/.'.v// 117.' K V. 43 
 
 This was iii April ami they were evidently nesting, but as I experienced great difficulty in 
 making my way through the thick rushes was unable to ascertain this for u certainty. In New 
 England they build about the tirst of June. The nests are placed in the tops of the grass, 
 reeds, or rushes. But a singular fact regarding the domiciles of this species is, that each pair 
 will commonly build several edifices in a season, and but a short distance apart; depositing 
 their eggs in one however. There is apparently no difference between the one used and the 
 others. These structures must lie made for some purpose, but whether the birds are 
 experimenting that they may obtain a perfect nest, or whether they arc placed there for the 
 purpose of attracting the attention of their enemies that they may not discover their eggs 
 remains to be proved. The birds appear as solicitous when the spurious nests are approached 
 as when the one which contains the eggs is disturbed, by which we may infer that the latter 
 theory is correct. 
 
 These birds are not shy, but when frightened will hide like all members of the family. 
 They are constant residents in Florida but migrate to and from the North, arriving in New 
 England about the tirst of .Ma} - and departing early in October. I have never met with this 
 species in the everglades or among the Keys. 
 
 CISTOTHORUS STELLAKIS. 
 
 Short-billed Marsh Wren. 
 Cistothorus stellaris CABAXIS, Mus. Herii., 1851, 77. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Ch. Form, slender. Size, small. Bill, shorter than the head, quite stout and not very acuminate. Sternum, 
 HOI strong, with the keel proportionately shorter and lower than In the preceding species. Tongue, slender, thin 
 and horny, with the end. in adult specimens, bifid and divided into coarse cilia, which, In younger birds, extend 
 aloim tin- shies, sometimes for one-fourth of the terminal length. 
 
 <''i.itu. .\ilnlt. Above, pale yellowish-brown, darkest on the head and palest on the rump. The feathers of 
 
 the hark are tipped with white and edged with black. There are also some white spots on the nape. Wings, upper 
 
 - and tail, barn-d with pale yellowish-white, brown and rufous. Beneath, white, with the breast, sides, 
 
 Hanks, under tail eoverts, and under wing coverts, butt'. The chin is also tinged with the same color and there is 
 
 wish superciliary si ripe. Lores and ear coverts, dusky. There are faint indications of white on the shoulders. 
 
 ;/ diner from tlie above in having the top of the head streaked with white. There is also more white on 
 
 tin- shoulders and the feathers of the rump are striped with it. The buff of the lower parts is brighter. The 
 
 nestlings d<> not ditt'er from the plumage last described. Ueck and bill, brown, the latter lighter ou the basal 
 
 three-fourths of the lower mandible. Feet, pale brown. 
 
 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I can see no difference between specimens taken in Florida and those from the North. This species may be 
 . nislied from the preceding as d. -eribcd under that head. Inhabits the United States south of longitude 43. 
 Winters in the more southern sections, but I did not see it in the everglades of Florida or among the Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten specimens. Length, 4-37; stretch, 5-50; wing, 1-79; tail, 1-40; bHl, -42; tarsus, -43. 
 -t specimen, 4-50; greatest extent of wings, 5-CO; longest wing, l-'.IO; tail, 1-(!0; bill, -45; tarsus, -75. Shortest 
 specimen, 4-00; smallest extent of wing^. .V-'l : shortest wing, 1'75; tail, 1-30; bill, -40; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 * built in the tops of grass, reeds or rushes. Composed of these materials bent and woven into a hollow 
 ball with a hole for an entrance at the side. They are usually lined with line grasses. Dimensions; external 
 diameter, 7 inches; internal, l-l'>. 
 
 commonly six in number, oval in form and pure white in color. Dimensions, from -C0x'-50 to -73. 
 
44 ANTHUS LUDOV2CIANUS. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 All along the eastern side of Indian River are immense savannas that are covered with short 
 grass which grows so thickly that it becomes matted together. Pools are scattered at intervals 
 over these plains, on the margins of which are low mangroves, button-woods, and other shrubs 
 peculiar to this section. These thickets together with the grass form the resorts of the 
 Short-billed Marsh Wrens. They are not abundant, yet this is the only place where I have 
 ever seen them in Florida ; if they breed there it must be Lite in the season for they were 
 moulting in the latter part of April. These birds were exceedingly shy in this place and would 
 hide so persistently in the grass and bushes that it was almost impossible to make them rise. 
 
 I never heard this Marsh Wren utter a sound in Florida, but in the fresh-water marshes of 
 the North they are quite noisy, and I have frequently heard individuals sing all night. Their 
 notes are not fine but, although monotonous, are more elaborate than those of the Long-billed 
 and are better entitled to the name of song. Like the preceding species these birds build in 
 the tops of the grass, and also construct several nests ; the one which contains the eggs is 
 commonly placed lower than the rest and is more carefully concealed. Those which pass the 
 summer in Massachusetts arrive about May 15th ; breed in early June ; moult in August and 
 depart for the South in October. 
 
 FAMILY VII. MOTACILLID.E. THE WAGTAILS. 
 
 Marginal indentations of sternum, equal in depth the height of the keel. Coracoid bones, shorter than the top of 
 the keel. Keel, higher than one-half the width of the sternum. Hind claw, more than twice the length of the anterior 
 claws. <> 
 
 This family is largely represented by Old World genera and species. 
 
 GENUS I. ANTHUS. THE TITLAEKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Same as those given for the family. 
 
 I have been obliged to base the family characters upon this genus as I have no other material at hand. 
 This arrangement, however, will serve as well as any other for American students. 
 
 ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS. 
 Titlark. 
 
 Anthus ludovicianus LIGHT. Verz., 1823, 37. No. 421. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, not large. Bill, shorter than the head, slender and acuminate. Wings, long 
 and pointed. Tail, rather long and slightly emarginate. Sternum, not stoutly built. Tongue, thin, horny, very 
 acuminate with the tip bifid and ciliated. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in spring. Above, olivaceous brown with each feather having a darker centre. Beneath, 
 reddish-brown with a maxillary line of dark brown spots, which also extends across the breast and along the sides. 
 Wings and tail, dark brown, with the outer webs edged with yellowish-white. The two outer tail feathers are tipped 
 with white ; this color extends along the outer web of the first feather for three-fourths its length. The third tail 
 feather is also sometimes tipped with white. The under wing coverts are pale yellowish-white streaked with dusky. 
 There is a yellowish ring around the eye and a stripe over it of the same color. 
 
 In Autumn the colors beneath are paler. 
 
 The young diner from the adult in being paler and in having less white on the tail. Sexes alike. Irides, feet and 
 bill, brown, the latter lighter at the base of the lower mandible. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In a large series of specimens before me there is considerable variation in the number and size of the spots 
 beneath, and those which are most spotted are darker above. The only bird with which 'this is likely to be confounded 
 is the Missouri Skylark but this is whiter on the under portions, has the outer tail feathers pure white, and the feet 
 and bill yellow. This species breeds far north but is found during the migrations throughout North America. 
 
WORX-EATIXG WARBLES. 45 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-nine specimens. Length, 6-55; stretch, 10-30; wing, 3-30; tail, 2-45; bill, -48; 
 tarsus, -80. Longest specimen, 7-00; greatest extent of wings, 11-00; longest wing, 3-60; tail, 2-75; bill, -50; tarsus, 
 90. Shortest specimen, 6-13; smallest extent of wings, 9-95; shortest wing, 3-15; tail, 2-45; bill, -50; tarsus, -90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 The accompanying descriptions were made from a nest and eggs, now in the Smithsonian Institution, by my 
 friend Mr. i:id:. r way. who kindly forwarded them to me. The specimens were taken at Rendezvous Lake, Arctic 
 dust, ou the L'Jth of June, 1SG1, 1>\ Mr. R. McFarland. 
 
 V ft composed entirely of coarse grass, lined with liner material; it is quite compact and deeply saucer-shaped. 
 Dimensions : external diameter, 4 inches, internal, 2-50; external depth, 2 inches, internal, 1-50. 
 
 I'.ijijx, live in number, oval in form, dull gray in color, with spots ol chocolate-brown thickly sprinkled over the 
 whole surface. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 
 
 The Titlarks make their appearance on the coast of New England in September; they 
 come pouring in from the North in large flocks and frequent the barren, wind-swept hills which 
 lie along the shore. These birds are very restless, never remaining long in one spot, and will 
 seldom alight in masses but scatter along the beaches ; sometimes a company of several 
 hundred will spread over a quarter of a mile of shore, yet so prone are they to take flight that 
 if a single individual becomes frightened enough to rise and sound its clear cry every bird iu 
 the tlock -will take alarm and instantly depart. They fly with an undulating motion, uttering a 
 shrill double note. When once in air they seem to dislike to alight, for although they will 
 frequently sweep downward and appear about to stop will often proceed for a mile or more 
 without settling. 
 
 The Titlarks appear to subsist mainly upon insects, and I have observed them darting 
 upwards from the ground to catch passing flies. They remain in New England until the middle 
 df November, when they depart for the South. These birds are exceedingly abundant about 
 Jacksonville, in Florida; here they frequent open fields along the river, behaving much as when 
 at the North, with the exception of being tamer. I have, while there, approached within a few 
 feet of a flock without starting them. They occur in all sections of the state, even at Key 
 West, but are not common much south of Jacksonville. In March the Titlarks leave Florida 
 for the North, passing Massachusetts in April. They breed in Labrador and the fur countries. 
 
 FAMILY VIII. SYLVICOLID.E. THE WOOD WARBLERS. 
 
 Coracoid bones, about ei/ual in length to the top o/ the keel, sometimes being either but little longer or shorter. 
 Marginal indentations, exceeding in depth the height o/ the keel. Feet, o/ moderate size. Wings, not long. 
 
 This family embraces several genera and many species. They are all birds of a small size and are generally 
 marked with bright colors such as yellow, orange, etc. 
 
 GENUS I. HELMITHERUS. THE WORM-EATING WARBLERS. 
 
 GEN. Cii. Bill, large and stout, equal in lenyth to the head. Tarsus, not longer than the middle toe and claw. 
 Height o/ keel, exceeding one-half the width of the sternum. Coracoid bones, equal in length to the top of the keel. 
 
 HELMITHERUS VEBMIVOBUS. 
 
 The Worm-eating Warbler. 
 Ilelmitherus vermicorus BONAP., Conspectus, 1850, 314. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 si. Cir. Form, rather stout. Size, not large. Bill, slightly curved. Feet, rather large. Tail, short, square 
 and slightly emargiuate. Sternum, stoutly- built. Tongue, thick and fleshy, something like those of sparrows ; not 
 
46 HELMITHERU8 VEBMIVORUS. 
 
 COLOK. Adult. Above, uniform olivaceous-green with the top of the head black, but having a medium and 
 superciliary stripe of buff. Beneath, pale buff becoming olivaceous on the sides and flanks. Under tail coverts 
 olivaceous margined with buff. Sides of head buff, with the lores and ear coverts dusky. 
 
 The young are scarcely different. The nestlings (one of which was loaned me by Mr. W. W. Scote) are paler 
 with a reddish suffusion throughout. The stripes on the head are plainly defined. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Unfortunately, the only tongue of this species which I have has the tip shot away so that I cannot say whether 
 it is cleft or not, but judging from the general appearance it was evidently not ciliated on the eud. The only 
 specimen which I have from Florida is m\\c\\ paler than those from further north. This species may be distinguished 
 from all other warblers by the plain colors, excepting the closely allied species (H. Swainxuiti) which has the top of 
 the head uniformly colored. This bird is rare in Florida, but Prof. Baird informs me that it is common about 
 Aqua Creek in Eastern Virginia; Mr. Scote found it abundant in Western Virginia, and Mr. J. II. Batty states that 
 it is not uncommon in Northern New Jersey. Distributed throughout Eastern United States north to New England. 
 Winters in Florida, the West Indies and Mexico. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of five specimens taken, with a single exception, from birds captured in Western Virginia. 
 Length, 5-40; stretch, 8-25 ; wing, 2-60; tail, 1-80; bill, -51; tarsus, -65. Longest specimen, 5-50; greatest extent 
 of wings, 8-40; longest wing, 2-70: tail, 1-90; bill, -55; tarsus, -65. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of 
 wings, 5-30; shortest wing, 2-55; tail, 1-25; bill, -50; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 Nest placed on the ground; composed of dried grasses, fibrous roots and a few dried leaves. It was large for 
 the size of the bird. 
 
 Erjgs, four in number; rather elliptical in form, spotted and dotted with reddish-brown, but more thickly on the 
 larger eud. Dimensions of a single egg in the collection of Mr. Ruthveu Deane, -73x-56. 
 
 The foregoing descriptions were made from a nest taken by Mr. J. H. Batty, on the eastern slope of the 
 Orange Mountains near Montelan, in New Jersey. This is the first and only instance of its being taken that has 
 come to my knowledge. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The stream which forms the outlet of Blue Spring enters the St. John's River about 
 twenty-five miles north of Enterprise. This is a singular spot, and if one is travelling up the 
 St. John's in a small boat he can scarcely resist the temptation to enter this tributary and 
 explore it to its source. The instant we leave the turbid current of the larger stream we seem 
 suspended in air, for the water beneath us becomes as transparent as the atmosphere ; indeed, 
 small objects may be plainly seen on the bottom although it is twenty feet below. Large 
 gar-pikes and hundreds of other fishes swim below us, and the huge ungainly form of an 
 alligator may be seen reposing on the white shelly bottom. 
 
 Glancing forward we can look up a long vista of greenish, sunlit water, which is bounded 
 on either side by moss-draped live oaks, glossy-leaved magnolias, and many other verdant trees 
 or shrubs ; while higher on the banks, which rise abruptly to the height of twenty feet, grow the 
 stately palmettoes. The whole are grouped in a picturesque manner while their beauties are 
 reflected from the calm surface beneath. Onward we go past long lines of scenery like this 
 which, although composed of the same materials, is ever varying in form. The stream preserves 
 the same width, that of about fifty feet, but after making several turns the water becomes 
 shallower ; then, when we have proceeded for about a quarter of a mile, a bank as high as those 
 which have hitherto risen 011 either hand, obstructs our passage, and we find ourselves in the 
 spring, with the water boiling up in front of us as if heated in an immense caldron. The 
 aqueous fluid is thrown out from the vast opening in such volumes and so forcibly, that it is 
 heaped up at least six inches above the surrounding surface. The cavity is fully twelve feet 
 in diameter, and many thousand gallons of water are discharged in a moment ; in fact, a river 
 
SWAIXSON'8 WARBLER. 47 
 
 springs at once from the bowels of the earth. The water which is always at a low temperature 
 (about 70) is slightly impregnated with sulphur and magnesia. It must flow from subterraneous 
 reservoirs many hundred feet below. 
 
 The head nl' the spring is surrounded by a fine grove which was the resort of several species 
 of Warblers that visited the place in large flocks. I was collecting here on January 25th, when 
 I shot a Worm-eating Warbler which was hopping about among the tree tops; this was the first 
 time I had ever seen this species and although I saw several others in the thick foliage it was 
 the only specimen which I was able to obtain. I have never seen them elsewhere in Florida. 
 
 Although these birds breed commonly in the Southern and Middle states yet the nest was 
 not discovered until June, 1871, when Mr. J. II. Batty found one on the eastern slope of the 
 Orange Mountains in New Jersey. He was collecting in the woods and had wandered into a 
 small open space when he observed the bird sitting on the nest; at the first glance he mistook 
 her for a Golden-crowned Thrush to which these birds bear a slight resemblance, especially 
 when at a distance, but upon approaching saw at once what she was and knew that he had found 
 a pri/e. The bird remained quiet until he was quite near, then ran rapidly away for some 
 distance when she took flight. The nest was placed in a little depression of the ground and 
 partly covered with dead leaves. Both birds came about the place uttering a sharp chirp. 
 According to Mr. Hatty the birds are constantly searching among the fallen trees, brushwood, 
 and on the ground for insects. Mr. Scote says that they have a low lisping song. 
 
 HELMITHEBTJS SWAINSONI. 
 
 Swainson's Warbler. 
 Ilelmithtms Swainaonii BONAP., Conspectus, 1850, 314. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, quite large. Bill, long, stout and acuminate. Wings, long. Tail, short 
 and (.lightly rounded. 
 
 COI.OK. .\iinit. Above, reddish-brown which is brightest on the top of the head and palest on the back where 
 there is :i tinge of olivaceous. Stripe over the eye and entire under parts, including under wing and under tail 
 diverts, yellowish-white, with a tinge of pale olivaceous across the breast. The sides and flanks arc also pale 
 ulivai -i MIIIS. Lores, dusky. Neck, brown. Bill, brown, lighter on the lower side of the lower mandible. Feet, pale 
 brown. Sexes similar. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The above description was taken from a specimen of this species which was shot at Little Silver Spring, in 
 Florida, by Mr. L. I,. Tlmxter who kindly forwarded it to me for examination. This is the only specimen which 
 I ever had the pleasure of c xiuniniiiu;. and it is exceedingly rare in collections. There is no need of confounding 
 tins species with rm/iirorus as the latter has the top of the head striped while this has a rufously colored crown. 
 Habitat, Georgia, Florida and Cuba. 
 
 . DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Measurements of Mr. Thaxter's specimen taken from the skin. Length, 5-25; wing, 2-75; tail, 1-90; bill, -Go; 
 tar.sn.s. TO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The wild orange groves of Florida arc quite abundant along the streams, and grow upon 
 shell mounds which were formed by the Indians many years ago ; as these trees do not grow in 
 any other situations than those which bear evidence of having been the residence of man, this 
 is a strong argument in favor of their having been introduced into the country by the Spaniards 
 and distributed by them or by the original inhabitants. These groves are always noticeable 
 landmarks when passing along the St. John's River on account of the dark green foliage, but 
 when in early winter the golden fruit appears surrounded by the glossy leaves the effect is 
 striking; later in February, when the snowy clusters of blossoms burst forth and the air 
 
48 DENDRCECA PINA. 
 
 becomes redolent with their fragrance the desire to linger in such a spot becomes almost 
 irresistible. Hundreds of birds frequent these lovely retreats, and many build their nests 
 among the branches. These are places where one would naturally look for rare species, and it 
 was in an orange grove that Mr. Thaxter procured the specimen which I have described ; it was 
 taken on the 15th of April, 1869. 
 
 GENUS H. DENDRCECA. THE WOOD INHABITERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, shorter than the head, slender, but not very acuminate. Tarsus, longer than the middle toe and 
 claw. Height of keel, a little exceeding one-half the width of the sternum but not as high as in the preceding genus. 
 Coracoid bones, shorter in length than the top of the keel. 
 
 DEKTDRfECA PINA. 
 Pine Warbler. 
 
 Dendrceca pina BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 277. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, large. Bill, rather stout and conical. Feet, wings, and tail of moderate 
 size, the latter emarginate. Sternum, stoutly built. The keel is considerably higher than one-half the width of the 
 sternum in comparison with other members of the genus. Tongue, narrow, thin and quite acuminate, with the end 
 divided into rather coarse cilia about three-hundredths of an inch in length, which extend along the sides growing 
 gradually shorter until they disappear, occupying about one-fourth of the terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, olivaceous-green, brightest on the back and palest on the upper tail coverts, with 
 the feathers of the top of the head showing darker centres. Wings, dark brown with the two rows of wing coverts 
 tipped with white, and forming bars. Tail, also brown but having spots of white on the inner webs of the four outer 
 feathers, which extend from the tip half way to the base. The feathers of the wings and tail are also slightly 
 edged with whitish. Throat, breast, sides and flanks yellow, but becoming paler on the latter. Abdomen, under tail 
 coverts and under wing coverts white. Lores, dusky. There are also dusky lines along the sides caused by the 
 feathers having darker centres. In autumn there is a bluish-white washing above ; the yellow beneath is a little 
 more extended ; the dark lines on the sides are not as conspicuous, but the lores and the ear coverts are quite dusky. 
 
 The young male is somewhat like the autumnal adult but there is a brownish cast to the washing above; 
 there is a suffusion of white over the yellow beneath ; the dark lines on the sides are not visible ; the lores and 
 ear coverts are more dusky, and the white on the tail is less extended. 
 
 Adult female. Browner on the back than the male ; dirty white beneath with a tinge of yellow across the throat 
 and breast ; otherwise similar. In autumn the brown above is more extended, nearly obscuring even the white tips 
 of the wing coverts, but the yellow beneath is more plainly perceptible. 
 
 The young female is entirely slaty-brown above, with the white tips of the wing coverts scarcely observable. 
 Beneath, dirty white; the tail feathers are scarcely spotted with white; irides, brown; bill, brown, lighter at the 
 base of the lower mandible ; feet dark brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In the adult stages the Pine Warbler need not be confounded with any other of the family, but the young female 
 has so little resemblance to the adult that it is often difficult for the student to recognize It. It may be readily 
 known, however, by its large size, stout bill and pure white under tail coverts. Florida specimens are rather 
 brighter than northern ones. Habitat, Eastern United States, north to Labrador ; winters in the Southern states. 
 Not found on the Florida Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-three specimens. Length, 5-43; stretch, 8-80; wing, 2-75; tail, 2-11; bill, -42; 
 tarsus, -70. Longest specimen, 5-70; greatest extent of wings, 9-60; longest wing, 3-00; tail, 2-25; bill, -50; tarsus, 
 77. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 8-40; shortest wing, 2-20; tail, 2-00; bill, -40; tarsus, -65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests usually placed in trees at some distance from the ground ; composed of grasses and pine leaves ; lined 
 with finer grasses. Dimensions : external diameter, 4-00 inches, internal, 2-50; external depth, 2-00 inches, internal, 
 1-50. 
 
//v/-; WAI; in. KU. 49 
 
 Tin- following is a description of a specimen taken by Mr. Brewstcr: "A nest which I collected in Cambridge, 
 Mass., May i's. ls7i'. contained four l're>li eggs, with one of the Cow Bird, and was placed on a horizontal branch 
 <>t' the yellow pine near the extremity, about fifteen feet from the- ground and nearly the same distance from the 
 main trunk of the tree. It was fastened (Irmly in the centre of three or four upright clusters of pine needles, and 
 is extremely lame and bnlky for the si/.e of (he bird. Coarse weed stalks and dry twigs form the outer nest. Next 
 come (lue roots, (wine, and dow ny substances of various kinds, and dually, a thick bed of large white feathers from 
 (lie domestic fowl, with :i scanty lining of horse hairs. The dimensions are. internal diameter, li inches; depth, 1-50." 
 
 EM*, usually four in number, oval in form, bluish-white in color, spotted and blotched with brown and umber; 
 these .spots usually form a ring around the larger end, but some specimens are spotted irregularly. Dimensions 
 from T.'iX'.'iO to HTx'iS. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 While walking in the piny woods of Florida one will suddenly observe that the trees over 
 his head an- tilled with birds, where but a moment before not a living thing was to be seen ; 
 and his ears will be sainted by a variety of sounds. Besides the loud, harsh notes of the 
 Woodpeckers or Nuthatches, and the mellow whistle of the Bluebirds, the slowly given trill 
 of the Pino Warblers will occasionally bo heard. There are hundreds of these little birds in 
 every passing Hock, yet but few of them ever sing. They are extremely active, now searching 
 for insects among the swaying foliage of the pines high overhead, then clinging to the brown 
 trunks to peer into the crevices of the bark, or alighting on the ground among the grass. But 
 the birds do not remain long in one spot and soon pass on; thus these great avian waves are 
 constantly passing over the barrens through the entire winter, and generally more than half the 
 birds of which they arc composed arc Pine Warblers. Of all the thousands of this species 
 which spend the colder season in Florida but few remain to breed, and by the middle of March 
 the greater portion leave for the North. They arrive in New England in early April, and by the 
 first of May begin to construct their nests, which are commonly placed in a fork of the topmost 
 limb of a pine tree. They keep close watch of their homes and when any one chances to 
 approach them will chirp loudly; but although the collector can thus ascertain when he is in the 
 vicinity of a nest, he will find that the birds have been careful to place it in such a position 
 that it cannot be seen from below; therefore it is exceedingly difficult to discover. I have 
 frequently searched a long time for a nest and then been obliged to abandon the attempt to find 
 it although 1 was confident, by the actions of the birds, that it was near. 
 
 Dining tliis season the males have a louder song than when in the South; it consists of 
 si-veral short notes which commence low but increase iu volume and end abruptly. After 
 leaving the' iie>ts the young follow their parents and are thus found in small companies until 
 after the moult, which takes place in August; then several families will come together and the 
 flocks thus formed will increase in size until the first of October, when the Pine Warblers depart 
 for the South, arriving in Florida about the middle of November. 
 
 DENDRCECA STBIATA. 
 
 Black-polled Warbler. 
 Dfndraca striata BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 280. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, stout. Si/.e, large. Bill, stout and somewhat conical. Wings, feet and tail, moderate, the 
 latter square but not emarginate. Sternum, .stoutly built and precisely similar in proportion to that of the preceding 
 species. Tongue, rather wide at the base where it is lleshy but becomes thin, horny and quite suddenly acuminate. 
 The end is ciliated but not as much as in D. pinus, the fringes not being as long or as much extended along the sidea. 
 
 COLOR. Adult ?/ y. Above, slaty, with au olivaceous tinge, and streaked with black. Top of head, 
 
 black, with numerous streaks of white. Winns. dark brown, edged with whitish and olivaceous. Upper wing 
 coverts, black, tipped with white, forming two bars. Tail, dark brown, with the six outer feathers spotted 
 terminally on the inner webs with white. All the tail feathers are also more or less edged with white on the inner, 
 and with slaty on the outer webs. Sides of head and lower portions of body, including under tail coverts and under 
 wing coverts, white, with black maxillary stripes. Sides and flanks, streaked with black. 
 
 IlIKDS OF FLORIDA. 7 
 
50 DENDllCECA STRIATA. 
 
 I 
 
 Adult female in spring, like the male in general coloration. The top of the head is olivaceous, streaked with 
 black. There is a greater suffusion of olivaceous over the back, fewer spots beneath, where the white is tinged 
 with buff. 
 
 Adult male in autumn, somewhat similar to the female in spring, but the top of the head has fewer streaks, 
 there are also not as many black stripes beneath. 
 
 The autumnal female resembles the male, but has the top of the head unspotted. 
 
 The young of both sexes in autumn are olivaceous-green above, streaked on the back and sometimes on the 
 head with black. The sides of the head and entire under parts are greenish, varying with individuals in intensity, 
 and more or less streaked with dusky on the sides. 
 
 Nesting plumage, similar, but paler and with each feather having a central spot of black or dusky. In all stages, 
 the irides are brown and the bill dark brown, lighter at the base of the lower mandible. The feet of the adult birds 
 are pale brown, but in younger stages of plumage they are darker. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In the adult stages this Is a well marked species and will not be confounded with any other, but the young in 
 autumn closely resemble D. castanea in the same stages. They may be distinguished by the absence of any dark 
 streaks beneath in castanea and by the pure white under tail coverts of striata even when there are no traces of 
 chestnut to be seen in castanea. The under tail coverts of castanea are always tinged with buff. Distributed 
 during the breeding season throughout Eastern North America from Northern New England to the Arctic Ocean. 
 In migrating it passes through the eastern section of the United States winteriug in South America. Although 
 abundant in Florida during the spring migration, I have never seen it there in autumn or winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-six specimens. Length, 5-41; stretch, 8-85 ; wing, 2-GO; tail, 2-02; bill, -51; 
 tarsus, -66. Longest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 9-70; longest wing, 3-10; tail, 2-10; bill, -75 ; tarsus, 
 75. Shortest specimen, 5-35; smallest extent of wings, 8-32; shortest wing, 2-45; tail, 1-80; bill, -45; tarsus, -65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees; composed of small twigs and grasses, mixed with black, hair-like lichens. It is very 
 bulky. Dimensions: external diameter, 4 inches, internal, 2; external depth, 2-50 inches, internal, 1-50 
 
 The above description was taken from a specimen in the Smithsonian Institution and forwarded by Mr. Riclgway. 
 The nest was taken by Mr. McFarlaue, in June, 1862, at Anderson River Fort. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, oval in form, pure white in color spotted and dotted with lilac and umber, the spots 
 becoming more confluent on the larger end. Dimensions from -67x-52 to -75x-58. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 In April when the great magnolia is in full bloom the Black-polled Warblers may be 
 found in Florida. Later, in May, when all the apple orchards of New England are snowy 
 with blossoms, the same birds appear and linger a time, then depart for the North, arriving in 
 the British Provinces and Labrador when nature has assumed her most festive garb. Thus, in 
 all their long passage from the far South to their summer home, they revel amid bursting buds 
 and the fragrance of a continuous spring. 
 
 The Black-polled Warblers breed quite commonly in the neighborhood of Eastport, Maine. 
 The nest is usually placed on the limb of a fir, close to the trunk. The eggs are laid during the 
 latter part of June, and by the first of August the young are fully fledged ; a little later the old 
 birds moult; then, as the season becomes cooler, commence the southern flight. 
 
 It is difficult to believe that the little green birds, which come trooping in by thousands, are 
 the same which passed us in the bright springtime ; then the low lisping songs of the males 
 were constantly heard ; now they flit silently and hurriedly through the changing foliage which 
 too shortly precedes the season of desolation. 
 
irMI'Klt \\MHiLEK. ~)\ 
 
 DENDR<ECA CORONATA. 
 
 Yellow-rumped Warbler. 
 Dendroeca coronata GRAY, Genera, 2d ed., Suppl., 1842, 8. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not slender. Size, moderate. Bill, shorter and more slender than in D. itrinta and distinctly 
 notched. Feet, rather small. Wings and tail, moderate, the latter square and slightly emarginatc. Sternum, 
 precisely similar in form to that of xtriatu ct pina. Tongue, rather short and fleshy, somewhat abruptly acuminate, 
 slightly bitkl, the end fringed with >hori cilia whirh extend a short distance along the sides. 
 
 Ccn.oi:. Aiiiilt mtile in .tpriiKj. Above, slaty blue streaked with black. Spot on top of the head, on each side 
 of the body, and the rump, bright yellow. Wings, dark brown edged with slaty and whitish. Upper wing coverts, 
 black, margined with .slaty and tipped with white, forming two bars. Tail also brown with the six outer feathers 
 spotted terminally on the inner webs with while. Beneath, including the throat, under tail coverts and under wing 
 coverts, white. Sides of head, breast, and brond lines on the sides, black, with streaks of the same on the flanks; 
 the black of the breast and sides is frequently mixed with white. There is a white superciliary line over the eye. 
 
 /', mull . in .i/iriin_i, differs from the male in having less black above and below. There is a brownish east over the 
 back. There is less yellow op the sides, rump and head while the feathers of the latter are tipped with dusky. The 
 car eoverts are nearly dusky and the superciliary line is not as well defined. 
 
 The niliilt mull-, in intiHMii. almost exactly resembles the female in spring excepting that the patches of yellow 
 are larger; there is also more of the brownish siitlusion above and rather more white beneath. 
 
 The adult female, in autumn, is much browner above than the male and has also a brownish suffusion beneath. 
 
 The young male resembles the autumnal female. The sides of the head, yellow of the crown, and sides are 
 somewhat obscured with brownish. 
 
 Tin- ii'ntng female is so brown above as nearly to obscure the black markings of the back and the yellow of the 
 crown. The black beneath is nearly obsolete and the yellow of the sides ts only faintly indicated. 
 
 Tit-' ymitg, in the nesting plumage, have the tail and wings like the young in autumn, but the body above and 
 below is streaked with black anil white over which is a rufous suffusion; this is caused by every feather having a 
 black centre with lighter sides. The sexes are similar. Occasionally a specimen in this stage will have a yellow 
 rump: out of five which I collected on Grand Manan one is thus marked and strangely this individual proved a 
 female by dissection. A nestling collected by Mr. Herrick in the above named locality has acquired the yellow rump 
 tliiMiii;li moulting before shedding any other feathers. In all stages the [rides are brown; the feet and bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Just before the moult, in autumn, the yellow patches grow much paler, in fact, become lemon-colored. I 
 have taken very brightly plumaged males in spring with considerable yellow In the white of the throat, In this 
 respect approaching the D. Audubonia of the West. Aside from the yellow throat, Audttbonia closely resembles 
 1 1. I'm-iinata; it has, however, less black above, more white on the tail and wing coverts and it lacks the superciliary 
 stripe of coronata, but the eyelids are white as in that species. The Yellow-rump need not be confounded with any 
 other species except Audubonia. Breeds Jrom Northern New England north to the Arctic Ocean and according 
 to Prof. Baird, in Jamaica. Winters in the Southern states. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-two specimens. Length, 6-52; stretch, 8-71 ; wing, 2-89; tall, 2-22; bill. -48; 
 tarsus, -70. Longest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 9-80; longest wing, 3-00; tail, 2-77; bill, -40; tarsus, 
 90. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 8-00; shortest wing, 2-58; tail, 2-00; bill, -32; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 \i-ftg, usually placed in evergreen trees but a short distance above the ground; composed of sticks and roots, 
 lined with feathers and horse hairs. Dimensions: external diameter, 4 inches, internal, 2; external depth, 2 inches, 
 internal, l-.io. 
 
 Eyys, four in number, oval in form, white in color, generally with a ring of partly confluent spots and blotches 
 of umber, brown and lilac around the largest part of the eggs. The remaining surface Is more or less dotted with 
 pale brown. Dimensions from -72 x -55 to -70x-60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-rumped Warbler is one of the most abundant winter birds of Florida. This 
 active little species frequents the hummocks of the mainland everywhere, and one can scarcely 
 approach a thicket without seeing one or more of them ; but by the middle of March- they 
 
52 D ENDS (EC 'A PALMAR VM. 
 
 commence the northern migration, passing Massachusetts during the last week in April or the 
 first in May ; at this season these birds frequent the swamps. They breed abundantly in 
 northern New England. 
 
 I well remember when I first saw a nest of this species, Mr. II. B. Bailey and myself were 
 searching among a low growth of young tirs and spruces for the eggs of the Snow Bird when 
 he found a structure in a tree but a short distance from the ground which, from its small size, 
 we knew must belong to some Warbler. I had not examined it when a little bird made its 
 appearance and began chirping loudly while it fluttered from limb to limb near us behaving 
 as if solicitous for the safely of its home ; I quickly shot it, for night was approaching and 
 I had not the slightest doubt but that it was the owner of the nest. Upon picking it up I was 
 delighted to find that it was a Tennessee Warbler, for I knew that the eggs of this bird 
 had never been found.- We were naturally jubilant over this discovery, but, upon looking into 
 the nest and perceiving the large size of the eggs, our ardor was somewhat dampened. The fact 
 of its being in a tree was also against its belonging to the bird which I had killed, for all 
 members of this genus are apt to place their domiciles upon the ground. Subsequently, much 
 to our disappointment, our doubts were confirmed by finding several similar nests which 
 undoubtedly belonged to the Yellow-rumped Warbler. Although the eggs of this last named 
 species are a prize yet such was the impression left upon my mind by finding the first I had 
 ever seen, under the circumstances narrated, that 1 have ever since regarded them with a kind 
 of disgust. 
 
 These birds usually select very low trees in which to breed, but I found a nest, containing 
 four young, on Grand Mauan, that was placed in a spruce twenty feet from the ground. This 
 was as late as July 22d, and as the usual time for depositing their eggs is about the first or 
 second week in June they must rear two broods in a season ; in fact, a day or two before 
 I discovered this nest, I shot several fully fledged young. The notes of the Yellow-rump are 
 lively and interesting; they sing from May until late in July whew they moult. After this the 
 small companies, composed of parents and their offspring, which have hitherto kept apart, 
 collect in large flocks and prepare for the' southern migrations. The last stragglers have left 
 Maine by the middle of October but some linger about Massachusetts as late as the 20th of 
 November, when they move onward, arriving in Florida about the 15th of December. 
 
 DENDRCECA P A L M A R U M . 
 Yellow Red-polled Warbler. 
 
 Dendrosca palmarum BAIKD, Birds of North America, 1858, 288. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, not large. Bill, moderate, quite slender, and somewhat acuminate. 
 Wings, moderate. Tail, rather long, slightly rounded and emarginate. Feet, quite small. Sternum, narrower than 
 those of the three preceding species and slightly built. Tongue, narrow, rather thin, bifld, and fringed on the end 
 with quite long cilia which extend along the side for one-third of Its terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, yellowish-olive becoming brighter on the rump. Top of head, chestnut-red. 
 Wings and tail, brown, with the feathers edged with the same color as those of the back. The six outer tail feathers 
 have terminal spots of white on their inner webs. Beneath, including under wing coverts and under tail coverts, 
 bright yellow, streaked or spotted across the breast, on the sides of the throat and sides with chestnut-red. There 
 is a superciliary stripe of yellow. The lores and ear coverts are dusky, the latter mixed with chestnut-red. 
 
 Adult female, similar to the male but without as much chestnut on the crown. In autumn there is a brownish 
 suffusion above which extends over the crown. The yellow beneath is also obscured by a whitish suffusion. 
 
 Young male, deep olive-brown above, with scarcely a trace of chestnut on the crown. Beneath, dirty white with 
 a faint indication of yellow on the breast and sides, but which becomes brighter on the under tail coverts. lu place 
 of the chestnut stripes of the breast, sides, etc., the feathers have dusky centres. 
 
 Young female, similar but with no trace of chestnut on the crown and but little yellow below excepting the 
 under tail coverts. In all stages the irides, feet, and bill are brown; the latter lighter at the base of the lower 
 mandible. 
 
YELLOW RED-POLLED WARBLER. 53 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have never seen a nestling of tliis species. The young are very much like the immature D. tigrina but may be 
 distinguished from them by the yellow under tail coverts and the browner upper parts. It may readily be known 
 from all others in the adult stages by the chestnut crowu. Habitat, during the breeding season, Eastern North 
 America from Northern New Kngland north to Hudson's Bay. Winters in the Southern states, Including the Keys 
 of Florida, and in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-six specimens. Length, 5-58; stretch, 7-78; wing, 2-70; tail, 2-60; bill, -45; 
 tarsus, ->so. Longest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 8-75 ; longest wing, 2-76; tail, 2-30; bill, -55; tarsus, 
 90. Shortest .-penmen, 4-90; smallest extent of wings, 7'35; shortest wing, 2-30; tail, 1-90; bill, -42; tarsus, -71. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 A T e*t*, usually placed on the ground; composed of weeds, grasses and moss rather carelessly arranged; lined 
 with flue roots and pine leaves. 
 
 EIJIJH, four ill number, rather oval in form, dull white in color, with blotches of pale brown around the larger 
 end. Dimen.-ions, 'i;.s x .">.">. 
 
 Eggs described by Mr. Ridgway from specimens in the Smithsonian Institution. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On the eastern side of Key West, between the wooded portions of the island and the sen, 
 is a narrow strip of land which is destitute of trees. It is a grassy plain, while a few bunches 
 of low scrubs grow at irregular intervals over it ; flowers bloom here in abundance throughout 
 the season and myriads of butterflies and other insects are floating over them attracted by 
 their fragrance. Many birds arc also found here but the most common species are the Yellow 
 Red-polls. They are quite abundant and may be seen flitting among the brightly colored 
 lepidoptera or springing into air to catch some rapidly moving fly or beetle, then alighting on 
 the low bushes or pieces of coral rock which are scattered about. They are seldom quiet for 
 an instant ; for, when perching, they are ever turning their little heads right and left while their 
 bright eyes are carefully scanning everything far or near ; their tails are also constantly moving 
 up and down ; this latter peculiarity at once distinguishes the Yellow Red-polls from all other 
 North American Warblers, for none besides have this habit. 
 
 The constant watchfulness of these birds, which is exhibited by every movement, is necessary 
 for their existence,, for they usually inhabit open places where they are in constant danger from 
 the attacks of enemies. At Key West this vigilance frequently saved their lives, for a Sparrow, 
 Pigeon, or Broad-winged Hawk would often come sweeping over them and without a moment's 
 warning would dart like a flash at a' Warbler ; but such forays almost always proved 
 unsuccessful; for although the swoop of the hawk was so rapid that the eye could scarcely 
 follow its movements yet the Red-poll was on the alert, and uttering a shrill chirp of alarm 
 would instantly shoot into the nearest prickly pear, or mass of tangled vines where it was safe 
 from the pursuer. 
 
 In March, this species leaves Florida, arriving in Massachusetts in April ; here they frequent 
 low bushes by the side of woods spending much of their time upon the ground. At this season 
 the males have a low warbling song; after lingering here a few weeks they migrate northward. 
 Mr. Boardman informs me that these birds occasionally breed about Calais placing their nests 
 on the ground. In autumn they pass Massachusetts during October but they arc not as 
 abundant then as in the spring. They make their appearance in Florida about December. 
 
54 DENDIHECA C^ERVLESCENS. 
 
 DENDBCECA C M B U L E S C E N S . 
 Black-throated Blue Warbler. 
 
 Dendrxca ccerulescens BAIRD, Review of North American Birds, 18G4, 186. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, moderate. Bill, rather slender. Tail, slightly rounded. Tongue, rather 
 broad, bind and ciliated for one-fourth of its terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, uniform slaty-blue which is brightest on the head, where the feathers show narrow 
 central lines of black. Wings, dark brown, edged on the outer webs with greenish. Inner webs of the secondaries 
 margined with white, which extends to the shaft on the basal third. Primaries, also edged with white on the inner 
 webs, but this color extends entirely across the basal third of all the feathers excepting the outer, forming a patch 
 upon the wing that is partly concealed by the spurious wing, which is black. Tail, black, with the six outer feathers 
 spotted, terminally on the inner webs with white. The outer webs are edged with slaty. Throat, sides of head, 
 upper part of breast, sides, flanks, aud narrow line on forehead, black. Remaining under parts, including under tail 
 and under wing coverts, pure white. 
 
 Adult female. Above, olivaceous-green. Wings and tail, brown, edged with olivaceous, which inclines to bluish 
 on the latter. The wings and tail are also marked with white much as in the male, excepting that this color is not 
 as much extended. Beneath, yellowish-white, with a superciliary stripe of the same color. Ear coverts aud 
 lores, dusky. 
 
 Young male, similar to the adult but the head is washed above with olivaceous, on the black beneath with 
 whitish and on the white with yellowish. The white of the wings is more extended, the outer web of the first 
 quill being white for its basal half. 
 
 The young female is slightly browner above and has the white patch on the wiug less decided than iu the adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The male of this species is well marked and may easily be known by the descriptions. The female does not 
 resemble the male, in coloration, but may be distinguished from all other warblers by the white patch on the wings 
 which is always present. The young birds of this species from which I have taken the above description were 
 kindly loaned me by Mr. Brewster. I am also indebted to this gentleman and Mr. Deaue for several specimens of 
 this and other species. The habitat of these birds during the breeding season is the eastern section of North 
 America from latitude 44, north, to about 52. They winter at Key West and the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens. Length, 5-12; stretch, 7-69; wing, 2-44; tail, 1-94; bill, -40; tarsus, 
 73. Longest specimen, 5-10; greatest extent of wings, 7-88; longest wing, 2-57; tail, 2-02; bill, -47; tarsus, -77. 
 Shortest specimen, 5'00; smallest extent of wings, 7-12; shortest wing, 2-19; tail, 1-75; bill, -37; tarsus, 70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Just to the eastward of the lighthouse, at Key West, is a little pond which is very deep ; 
 indeed, it is reported to have no bottom. The edges are covered with a luxuriant growth of 
 grass and aquatic plants which gradually merge into a higher mass of shrubs and low trees that 
 surround the pool. I frequently visited this little pond because its shores and waters abounded 
 with bird life. The thicket, especially, w r as nearly always swarming with various members of 
 the feathered tribes, the majority of which were Warblers. 
 
 These little songsters were most active in the early morning, hopping about on the trees or 
 searching among the lower shrubs for insects. I was collecting in this place one day, just 
 before sunrise, when I was surprised by shooting a fine male Black-throated Blue Warbler. 
 This was the first and only time that I ever saw this species in Florida. It was on the 
 ground at the time, which is the usual habit of this species during the autumnal migrations 
 in Massachusetts. But on the contrary during spring they usually keep in the tops of the 
 highest trees, where the peculiar lisping song of the males may be heard at intervals. I have 
 found them common in summer among the deciduous forests of Northern Maine. Here they 
 also frequent the topmost branches and must construct their domiciles there, but I do not know 
 
CAPK MAY \V.\nitl.Kl;. "t 
 
 of a single instance of the nests being found. The eggs of this and one or two other species 
 of tree-building Warblers would form a desirable acquisition to our oiilogical cabinets; therefore 
 the honor of describing them awaits some enthusiastic ornithologist. 
 
 The Black-throated Blue Warblers pass Massachusetts on their way north in May, returning 
 in September. They are much more abundant in the interior than near the sea, which may 
 account for their scarcity in Florida. 
 
 DENDRCECA TIQBINA. 
 Cape May Warbler. 
 
 Dendroeca tigrina BAIHD, Birds of North America, 1868, 286. 
 Perissoglossa tigrina BAIRD, Review of American Birds, 1864, 181. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, not large. Bill, not long, rather slender and acuminate. Wings and 
 tail, moderate, the latter slightly emarginate. Sternum, quite stout, coracoid bones, a little shorter than the keel, 
 which exceeds in length one-half of the width of the sternum. Tongue, rather thick at the base, where it is fleshy, 
 but taper* suddenly into a thin, horny end which is also somewhat acuminate and deeply cleft; the cud is provided 
 with long coarse cilia which do not extend along the side beyond the divided portions. The cut is about 
 ten-liundredths of an inch in depth in adult specimens, but in young birds it is some less. The cilia are about 
 slx-huiulredths of an inch long. 
 
 COLOK. Adult male. General color throughout, bright yellow, which becomes greenish on the back where 
 each feather has a broad centre of black. The rump, however, is pure yellow. The top of the head is black with 
 a few chestnut feathers intermingled. Wings and tail, brown, edged with greenish, with a patch of yeilowish-white 
 on the upper wing coverts. All the tail feathers, except the two central ones, have a spot of white on the inner 
 wdis which extends over nearly half the terminal length on the outer but does not quite reach the tip. There is a 
 patch of chestnut on the sides of the head which includes the ear coverts, and extends around the eye ; there is 
 also sometimes a tinge of chestnut on the throat and breast. Spots before and behind the eye, black. Streaks and 
 spots on the middle of the throat, across the breast, along the sides and flanks, black. Abdomen and under tail 
 coverts, white, with the latter tinged with yellow. Closed wing beneath, nearly white, which is caused by the 
 feathers being edged with it. Under wing coverts, also white, but tinged with yellow. Edge of wing, yellow, 
 mixed with black. 
 
 I,,,/,,,, ,,.</. . similar to the adult but with the black of the head washed with greenish and merging gradually 
 into the color of the back. There is much less white on the tail and only a trace of yellow on the edge of the wing. 
 The yellow beneath is not as pure. 
 
 Adult female, differs greatly from the male being of a rather pale olivaceous-green above and dirty white below, 
 with the sides of the head, throat and breast tinged with yellow. There is also a superciliary line of brighter 
 yellow over the eye, and the rump and upper tail coverts are quite yellow. There is no indication of any chestnut 
 on the sides of the head, but the black stripes beneath are plainly distinguishable. The wings and tail are as in the 
 young male, with the exception that the white is less extended. 
 
 The young female is pale slaty above, especially on the head, but becomes slightly olivaceous on the back, then 
 yellowish on the rump and upper tail coverts. The white spot on the wing is only barely perceptible and but four 
 tail feathers are marked with it. Beneath, grayish-white without a trace of yellow, but the black stripes are 
 tolerably well indicated. In the adult stages the feet and bill are black, but young birds have the basal portion of 
 the under mandible, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This is a well marked species in the adult stages and will not be confounded with any other, hiit*thc young 
 female hears a resemblance to the immature of D. palmarum, but may be distinguished from it by the pure 
 grayish-white under tail coverts which in palmarum are always tinged with yellow. The young tigrina also 
 resembles D. pina but the latter has no indications of stripes beneath, such as are always present in '/;///./. 
 
 The tongue of this species is singular, being more deeply cleft than that of any other warbler that I have ever 
 seen. IIflminth<n>linijn jifrigrina, however, has a tongue of about the same form but not quite as deeply cloven. On 
 account of this peculiar member, in connection with the acuminate bill, tigrhm lias been placed in a separate genus. 
 But I do not consider these characters of sufficient value to raise the bird to a generic rank, for other species have 
 similar slight peculiarities which have been rightly considered as only specilic differences. The Cape May Warblers 
 have a singular distribution inasmuch as they breed in Jamaica and in the more northern sections of the I'ni'ed 
 States without being found in the intermediate localities. Winters in Key West and the West Indie-. 
 
56 DENDKCEOA MACULOSA. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-five specimens. Length, 4-20; stretch, 8-11; wing, 2-19; tail, 1-85; bill, -40; 
 tarsus, -80. Longest specimen, 5-40; greatest extent of wings, 8-50; longest wing, 2-CO; tail, 2-03; bill, -50; tarsus, 
 95. Shortest specimen, 4-70; smallest extent of wings, 7-60; shortest wing, 2-33; tail,' 1-76; bill, -42; tarsus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF EGGS. 
 
 I have never seen the nest of this species, but the following is a description of some eggs in the Smithsonian 
 Institution which were taken at Spanishtown, Jamaica, in June, 1862. I am indebted to Mr. Eidgway for this 
 account. 
 
 Eggs, oval in form, dull white in color with blotches of lilac, spots and occasional scraggy lines of black around 
 the larger end. Dimensions, -75x'55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Upon visiting the extensive coniferous forests of northern Maine, in summer, I was much 
 surprised to find these beautiful little Warblers abundant there. They frequented the tops of the 
 huge spruces and pines often more than one hundred feet in air. The birds were ever busy 
 in searching for insects among the thick foliage so that it was almost impossible to see one. 
 But the lively and varied songs of the males, which came floating downward through the 
 perfumed air and mingled with other harmonious sounds, which are constantly heard in these 
 sylvan retreats, during the pleasant June weather, informed us of their presence, even though 
 we could not see the authors of the melodious strains. 
 
 The Cape May Warblers doubtless breed in the 'tops of these densely foliaged trees, for 
 we shot several females which bore signs of incubation. We also observed a female that 
 appeared extremely uneasy whenever we approached a certain spruce tree ; but, although we 
 ascended it and searched carefully among the branches, we were unable to discover the nest. 
 This Warbler is extremely rare in eastern Massachusetts, passing through the interior during 
 the migrations. 
 
 They were very abundant at Key West, in November, frequenting the gardens near the 
 houses where they were searching among the tropical trees and shrubs for insects. The birds 
 were very unsuspicious, often clinging to branches which overhung the sidewalks within a few 
 feet of passengers. They appeared to prefer the inhabited portion of the Key for I rarely found 
 them in the wooded districts. The majority left the island before the first of December, but 
 a few remained all winter. They are common, however, throughout the state in the spring 
 and may then be found in almost any hummock in company with other warblers. 
 
 DENDRCECA MACTTLOSA. 
 
 Black and Yellow Warbler. 
 Dendrceca maculosa BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 284. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. cA Form, quite slender. Size, not large. Bill, short, not acuminate. Tail, slightly rounded. Sternum, 
 rather slender; coracoid bones, equal in length to the top of the keel, which is only as high as one-half the width 
 of the sternum. Tongue, rather short, thin, horny and not very acuminate ; tip, slightly cleft and ciliated on the 
 extreme end. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Top of head, slaty-blue. Back, patch on the side of the head, including a narrow frontal 
 line, upper tail coverts and tail, black ; the latter having a broad median band of white across the inner webs of 
 all but the two central feathers. Beneath, bright yellow, with the lower part of the throat, sides and flanks streaked 
 with black. These streaks sometimes congregate on the throat and form a large patch. Abdomen, under tail coverts, 
 stripe over the eye, extending down on the neck, spot on the under eyelid and on the side of neck, edging on the 
 inner webs of wing feathers, under wing coverts and upper wing coverts, white, the feathers of the latter having 
 black centres. Wings, dark brown, edged externally with slaty. The rump is yellow. 
 
BLACK AND YELLOW WARBLE/!. 57 
 
 Touny m>il'', similar, but the colors beneath arc paler. The black of the back Is obscured with greenish and 
 the top of the head is not as pure slate. 
 
 ivsfinbles the young male, but the top of the head Is paler and the patches on the sides of the 
 head are also obscured with greenish. 
 
 I.-);//.,,/'. The head is obscured with greenish. The back is olivaceous green without any appearance 
 of black, the upper tail coverts arc vrivi-nish. the spots and stripes of the head are obsolete, the streaks beneath are 
 hardy pi>rci'ptililf and the white on the upper wing coverts is less extended than in the adult. Irides, brown; feet 
 and bill black in all stairs, excepting in the young female, where the latter is brown, lighter at the base of the lower 
 mandible. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This flue warbler may always be known by the white baud on the tail which is always present in all stages. 
 1> -tribute,! throughout the northern portions of the eastern section of the United States and British Provinces. 
 Winters in Mexico, Cuba, and rarely in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of sixteen specimens from New England. Length, 4-97 ; stretch, 7'55; wing, 2-35; tail, 
 l-Oo; bill. :;.",: tarsus, -80. Longest specimen, 5-10; greatest extent of wings, 7-80; longest wing, 2-75; tall, 1-93; 
 bill, -4i>; tarsus, -'.in. Shortest specimen, 4-75; smallest extent of wings, 7-12; shortest wing, 2-20; tail, 1-70; bill, 
 
 :!l : tarsus, -90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 \~. ji/jj, placed in low evergreen trees. They are composed of small twigs, weeds and dried grass, not very 
 compactly interwoven, lined with fibrous roots and horsehairs. The structures are very neat, but quite shallow. 
 Dimensions : external diameter, 3 inches, internal, 2; external depth, 1-75 inches, internal, 1-25. 
 
 KIJIJK. four in number, oval in form, ashy-white in color, spotted and blotched somewhat irregularly with brown 
 and lilac. The larger blotches, however, are inclined to accumulate on the larger end where they sometimes form 
 rings. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I never experienced more pleasure in finding a bird's nest that was new to me than when I 
 discovered the neat domicile of- this fine Warbler. I was searching, in early June, among 
 some low firs, which grew on a hillside in Northern Maine, for the nests of the Olive-backed 
 Thrush, when I started a female Black and Yellow Warbler from a little tree in which she had 
 her home. The pretty little structure was placed in the fork of a limb about five feet from the 
 ground, and contained four fresh eggs. The bird was extremely shy, keeping at a distance, 
 but did not appear very solicitous, only occasionally uttering a low chirp, and the male 
 did not make his appearance. I afterwards found several nests, one or two of which were 
 placed near a travelled road within a few feet of passing vehicles. They were always built 
 in low evergreen trees, but a few feet from the ground and in such a position as to be 
 concealed. The females were all shy, generally darting from the nest and instantly hiding in 
 the nearest thicket. I never remember of having seen the males in the immediate vicinity 
 of the nest, but constantly heard their peculiarly short songs in the forests, and frequently saw 
 them among the trees or flying swiftly through the woods in pursuit of their mates. 
 
 These Warblers are not common in Massachusetts during the migrations, but are oftener 
 met with in spring than in autumn. They appear with other Sylvicolidce in May and frequent 
 the tops of trees which grow in swampy places. The few which pass in the fall are found 
 in similar situations. I have never seen this species in Florida, but Mr. Boardman says that 
 he has taken a single specimen at Green Cove Spring, in February. I therefore introduce 
 it into the fauua of the state upon his authority. 
 
 HlltDS OF FLORIDA. 8 
 
58 DENDIIGSCA ESTIVA. 
 
 DENDECECA M S T I V A . 
 
 Yellow Warbler. 
 Dendrazca (estiva BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1858, 282. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, quite slender. Size, not large. Hill, rather short, not acuminate. Tail, slightly emarginate. 
 Sternnm, exactly like the preceding in size and form. Tongue, not long, thin and horny, quite acuminate; end, 
 cleft and fringed with moderately short, delicate cilia, which sometimes extend for a little way along the sides; 
 but, on these portions they are much shorter, being in fact, invisible to the unassisted eye. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male, yellow throughout, brightest beneatli but becoming olivaceous on the back. Wings and 
 tail, brown, with the feathers edged on both webs with yellow. Upper part of breast, sides and flanks, streaked 
 with reddish-brown ; this color also appears on the crown. 
 
 Adult female, similar, but having fewer streaks beneath. 
 
 Young male like the adult female in general coloration. 
 
 Young female, paler, especially beneath, with the crown uniform with the back. There are seldom any streaks 
 beneath. 
 
 Nestlings of both sexes, very pale yellow, sometimes almost white beneath, otherwise similar to the young 
 female; occasionally, there are indications of streaks on the lower portions. Irides, bill and feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Yellow Warbler may be distinguished from all other North American Warblers, excepting, perhaps, some 
 of the so-called West Indian species which will doubtless prove only insular forms of D. cestiva. Distributed 
 during the breeding season throughout the entire continent of North America; wintering in Mexico, Central and 
 South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-two specimens from New England. Length, 5-25; stretch, 7-75; wing, 2-45; 
 tail, 1-75; bill, -45; tarsus, -65. Longest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 8-00; longest wing, 255; tail, 
 1-90; bill, -45; tarsus, -78. Shortest specimen, 4-75 ; smallest extent of wings, 7-20; shortest w ing, 2-20; tail, 1-GO; 
 bill, -45 ; tarsus, -78. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests placed on trees or shrubs, composed of dried grass, fibres of plants, common cotton, and the cotton from 
 ferns. These are compactly woven together forming neat structures, lined with fine grasses, horsehairs, and cotton. 
 Dimensions: external diameter, 3 inches, internal, 1-75; external depth, 2 inches, internal, 1'50. 
 
 Eggs, usually four in number, oval in form, bluish or grayish-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly 
 with brown, umber and lilac, generally more thickly on the larger end, where the spots sometimes accumulate and 
 form a ring. The ground color of the eggs is quite variable, being in some specimens of a pale blue, while others 
 are almost pure white. Dimensions, from -60x-40 to - 73x-53. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Back of the old fort at Miami was a piece of ground which had formerly been cultivated, 
 but which at the time of our visit was grown up to weeds and bushes. These dense thickets 
 formed an excellent collecting ground which we frequently visited in search of Warblers. Mr. 
 Henshaw was passing through this place one day when he shot a Yellow Warbler. The bird 
 fell and he advanced to pick it up, and was stooping to take it in his hand when, being 
 only winged, it fluttered into the bushes, thence into some thick weeds, where it managed 
 to conceal itself so successfully that its would-be captor failed to discover it. This is the only 
 instance of our finding this well known Warbler in the state ; I am, therefore, obliged to 
 introduce it into the fauna of Florida without having taken a specimen. They doubtless occur 
 rarely, however. 
 
 The Yellow Warbler is one of the most familiar summer residents in New England, 
 frequenting the orchards, gardens, and fence rows, but are seldom seen in the deep woods. 
 They build their nests in every available situation ; sometimes, in a barberry-bush in the open 
 field, on the limb of an apple tree or among the ornamental shrubbery, beneath the windows 
 of the farmhouse. They are very unsuspicious, and a pair constructed their domicile last 
 summer in a little plum tree which stands in the garden within five feet of an arbor in which 
 
PR Alii IE W A I! It I. K IS. 59 
 
 I kept t\\M tame White Herons. Tliesc lino birds attracted many visitors who constantly passed 
 under the nest, which was only about seven feet from the ground, yet the female yellow bird 
 would sit upon her eggs with the utmost composure all the time, and succeeded in rearing a fine 
 brood of young. These Warblers breed during the first week in June, and the song of the 
 m-ilcs is uttered constantly at this season. It is loud, clear, and divided into two parts, the first 
 of which consists of three or four quick chirps ; the latter portion is more continuous, but is 
 somewhat varied. The force with which these notes are delivered causes the little performer's 
 body to quiver all over, quite to the end of the tail. While singing the head is raised, the bird 
 ceases its search for insects for a moment and gives its entire attention to the song, then 
 will pursue its avocations. Thus these little birds are constantly pouring forth their lays at 
 intervals through the day and continue to warble until late in the summer. They are not 
 very active in comparison with other members of the family. We may expect to see the 
 Yellow Warblers in Massachusetts about the first week iu May; they moult in August and 
 depart for the South in early September. 
 
 DENDRCECA DISCOLOR. 
 
 Prairie Warbler. 
 Dendroeca discolor BAIUD, Birds of North America, 1858, 290. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, not large. Tail, slightly rounded. Bill, slender and rather acuminate. Sternum, 
 of the same form as that of the preceding ; in fact, the sterna of D. maculosa, cestiva, et discolor are so nearly alike In 
 size and form, that if the labels were removed it would be impossible to decide to which species any particular 
 sternum belonged. Tongue, thin, horny, rather short, not very acuminate, quite deeply cleft, ciliated at the end and 
 along the sides for one-third the terminal length. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in spring. Above, greenish-yellow with the middle of the back abruptly marked with more 
 or less confluent blotches of chestnut. Wings, brown, edged on the outer webs with greenish. The upper wing 
 coverts are tipped with yellowish-white. Tail, also brown, edged on the outer webs with greenish and with long 
 spots of white on the inner webs of the six outer feathers. This color extends over two-thirds of the terminal 
 length of the two outer feathers, but the inner barely marked with it. Beneath, including sides of head, superciliary 
 line, under wiug coverts, under tail coverts, and edge of wing, bright yellow; with a line through the eye beginning 
 at the base of the bill, a maxillary line or spot, spots on the sides of the neck, streaks on the sides and flanks, black. 
 
 Adult male, in autumn, has the chestnut of the back obscured with greenish ; the black of the under portions 
 is also washed with yellow. 
 
 Adult female, similar to the young male, but the young female is without a trace of chestnut above where the 
 greenish is washed with whitish. The lower portions are paler and exhibit but a few faint lines of black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This is a well marked species in the adult plumage and will not be confounded with any other. The young 
 females closely resemble those of D. maculosa, but may be readily distinguished from them by the white bar on the 
 tail of the latter as described under that head. In this young stage of plumage, D. discolor may be known from all 
 other young Warblers by the faint streaks of black on the sides. Specimens found breeding in Florida do not differ 
 essentially from those taken in New England, except that they are, perhaps, a little smaller. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-eight specimens from New England and Florida : Length, 4-75; stretch, 7-03; 
 wing, 2-25; tail, 1-85; bill, -45; tarsus, -70. Longest specimen, 5-20; greatest extent of wings, 7-35; longest wiug, 
 2-40; tail, 2-10; bill, -55; tarsus, -74. Shortest specimen, 4-50; smallest extent of wings, C'30; shortest wing, 2-00; 
 tail, 1-70; bill, 40; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests. The following description was kindly given to me by Mr. Brewster: "The nests, of which I have found 
 numbers, agree so nearly in detail that a description of one will suffice for all. They are usually placed In a barberry 
 bush, but sometimes in a hazel, and are fastened into the fork of some upright twig or almost hung, as it were, 
 between three or four disconnected shoots. The nnst is a closely woven structure, formed externally, of coarse 
 
60 DENDROSCA DOMINICA. 
 
 weeds and strips of bark ; internally, of a soft coating of yellow down from some wild plant, and lined with 
 extremely fine, dry grass. Horse hairs are, I think, never used." 
 
 Eygs, from three to five in number; the usual number is four, but Mr. Brewster has frequently found five. 
 They are white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish-brown anil lilac. Those which I have before 
 me are oval in form and quite large for the size of the bird. Dimensions, -GOx-50 to -C5x-55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Prairie Warblers were very abundant in the dense thickets on the island of Key West 
 during the autumn and early winter of 1870. They frequented the drier portions of the Key 
 but did not sing. A little later, in February, I found them common in the mangrove swamps 
 along the coast of the mainland. The mangroves always grow in submerged districts and 
 frequently occupy a vast area of country, yet in these gloomy retreats, the chosen resorts of 
 Cormorants, Herons, and other aquatic birds, these little Warblers were numerous, being often 
 found miles from any dry land. I have heard the males singing their peculiar songs in such 
 places in May, and they were evidently breeding there. 
 
 Although these birds are found in localities of this description in Southern Florida, those 
 which migrate northward pass over the drier portions of the state, and I found them associating 
 with other Warblers in the thickly wooded hummocks on Indian River. In Massachusetts, 
 however, they prefer an entirely different kind of country, for they are always found in dry 
 fields which have partly grown up to bushes. Here they build their nests, in June, commonly 
 placing them in a bush but a few feet from the ground. The song of the Prairie Warbler is 
 singular, and quite unlike that of any other member of the family, for the birds trill a species 
 of musical scale, commencing low down and ascending rapidly. The notes are indescribable, 
 but if once heard will not easily be forgotten. This lay has a pleasing effect when heard on 
 sunny days in early summer and always forcibly reminds me of the pleasant open valleys amid 
 the green hills of New England, so that when I heard these birds carolling in the gloomy 
 swamps of Southern Florida I could scarcely persuade myself that they were the same species, 
 for it seemed impossible that Prairie Warblers could live in such' places. Those birds which 
 go north migrate in April, arriving in Massachusetts about the middle of May, and depart early 
 in September. , 
 
 DENDRCECA DOMINICA. 
 Yellow-throated Warbler. 
 
 Dendrceca dominica BAIKD, Review of American Birds, 1865, 205. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, quite stout. Size, rather large. Bill, long, rather slender, with the upper mandible slightly 
 curved. Wings, somewhat long and pointed. Tail, very slightly rounded. Feet, small. Sternum, rather stoutly 
 built. Keel, low, not exceeding in height one-half the width of the sternum. Tongue, long, thin, horny and 
 acuminate, with the end cleft and divided into rather coarse cilia which extend along the sides for one-third of the 
 terminal length, but they are shorter on these parts than on the tip. 
 
 COI-OK. Adult. Above, uniform slaty-blue with the top of the head black on the front part. The feathers 
 of the back part of the crown are also black but this color is more or less obscured with slaty. Dark spots 
 occasionally appear on the back. Wings, dark brown, with the outer webs edged with slaty, and the inner with 
 white; both rows of wing coverts are tipped with white, forming bars. Tail, dark brown, edged on the outer webs 
 with slaty, all the feathers excepting the two middle are spotted terminally on the inner webs with white ; these 
 spots are very small on the inner feathers but become gradually larger towards the outer, and occupy nearly one-half 
 of the length of first feathers. Line from the eye to the base of the bill, chin, throat, and upper part of the breast, 
 bright yellow ; remainder of under parts, including under wing and tail coverts, superciliary stripe, spot on the 
 under eyelid, patch on the side of neck, white. Lores, sides of head, streaks on the sides and flanks, black. There 
 is an indication of a white median stripe starting at the base of the bill. 
 
 Young, similar, but glossed with greenish above. The yellow of the throat is not as bright and the black and 
 white markings are not as extended or as conspicuous. Sexes alike Irides, feet and bill, brown, with the base of 
 the under mandible lighter in youug birds. 
 
fLATEVllL 
 
 
 DENDRECA DOMINICA. 
 
 Yellow-throated Warbier.Adt. 
 
YELLOW-THROATED WASBLKli. 61 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species presents some peculiarities which arc not shared by any other members of the genus described in 
 these pages. The bill is extremely long. I lie sexes are very similar in plumage, and in habits it resembles the Black 
 and While Creeper. The sternum, however, agrees in form with those of the other Dendraeca, and in many 
 characters it is closely allied with the other members of the genus. It need not be confounded with any 
 Warhier except ini: /'. <,/-Mi' ( e and Ad' '..-:,'.. ivom which it may be known, by the white superciliary line. 
 I>i-triiniicd during the breeding season through the southern portion of the eastern section of the United States, 
 North to Virginia, also, perhaps, the West Indies. Winters in Florida and the West Indies, but I never found It 
 on the Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A\era;re measurements of eight specimens from Florida. Length, 5-26; stretch, 8-85 ; wing, 2-70; tail, 2-10; 
 bill, -.">:': tarsus, -62. Longest specimen, 5-75; greatest extent of wings, 8'75; longest Wing, 2-80; tall 2-25; bill, 
 57: tarsus, -70. Shortest specimen, 4-70; smallest extent of wings, 8-15; shortest wing, 2-57; tall, 2'00; bill, -60; 
 tarsus, -GO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 The following descriptions were made for me by Mr. Ridgvvay, from specimens in the Smithsonian Institute. 
 They were taken by Mr. N. Giles, at Wilmington, North Carolina. 
 
 ', entirely hidden in a thick pendant tuft of Spanish moss (Tillandsia') ; composed of the same material and 
 formed like those of the other Dendrteca. It is a very pretty edifice. 
 
 x. oval in form, dull white in color, with a ring of lilac, purplish-sepia and black spots around the larger 
 ends. Dimensions, -70x-52. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-throated Warblers are found throughout the entire extent of Florida, frequenting 
 alike, piny woods and hummocks, associating with Titmice, Nuthatches, and other small birds, 
 whiTi-ver they chance to find them. I have shot this species upon the banks of the St. John's 
 when it was searching for insects on the low trees in the numerous swamps which abound there; 
 then again I have seen them on the topmost boughs of the high trees in the trackless piny 
 woods. They are very slow of movement for Warblers and have many of the habits of the 
 Black and White Creeper, clinging to the limbs and running up and down the tree trunks, after 
 the manner of that species. I have even seen a specimen climbing about the roof of a house. 
 They are very unsuspicious and may be found almost any day in autumn and early winter, on 
 the live and water oaks which grow in the streets of Jacksonville. 
 
 The songs of this bird are simple, and resemble the trill of the Pine Warblers, or perhaps, 
 the continuous lisping chirp of the Black and White Creeper sounds more nearly like it. 
 I think this species must breed in Florida, as I have specimens taken in the state in June. I 
 have never found the nest, but had the pleasure of seeing a specimen in the Smithsonian 
 Institute, that was taken at Wilmington, Xorth Carolina. It was entirely concealed in a 
 streamer of Spanish moss, and consequently must have been found in a hummock as this plant 
 rarely grows in the piny woods. As the Tillandsia nearly covers the live oak, magnolia and 
 other trees, it must be exceedingly difficult to distinguish the bunch which contains the nest. 
 Some of these birds are constant residents in Florida, but the majority leave in May with other 
 Warblers and return in early November. 
 
62 HELMINTHOPHAGA GEL AT A. 
 
 GENUS III. HELMINTHOPHAGA. THE ACUMINATE-BILLED WARBLERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, about equal in length to the head, slender, and wry acuminate. Tarsus, longer than the middle 
 toe and claw. Sleight of keel, equal to one-half the width of the sternum. Coracoid bones, shorter in lent/th than the 
 top of the keel. 
 
 Members of this genus are closely related to those of the preceding, but may readily he distinguished from them 
 by the more acuminate bill and generally duller colors. As far as is known they all place their nests upon the 
 ground. Out of eight species which occur in the United States I have found but two in Florida, and oue of these 
 is very rare there. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA GEL ATA. 
 Orange-crowned Warbler. 
 
 Helminthophaga celata BAIRD, Birds of North America, 1852, 247. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, quite slender. Size, not large. Bill, slender, not long. Tail, slightly emarginate. Sternum, 
 quite stoutly built. Tongue, long, narrow, thin and horny, with the end cleft and coarsely ciliated ; these cilia do 
 not extend along the sides, however. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male, uniform dull olivaceous-green, brightest on the rump and lighter beneath. There is a 
 slight indication of a greenish superciliary line. There is a concealed patch of bright orange on the crown. 
 Tail and wings, brown with the outer webs edged with greenish. 
 
 The Adult female is similar but has less orange on the crown. 
 
 The young are without the orange crown and have a suffusion of ashy over the entire surface of the body which 
 is more perceptible on the sides of the head. The colors beneath are paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The birds which I have described are from Florida. Those from the West are greener above, and much yellower 
 beneath ; there is no more orange on the crown of specimens from the latter locality than from the former. The 
 adults may be known from all other Warblers by the orange crown. The young are more ashy than any other 
 members of the genus. This species appears to be distributed throughout North America; winters in the more 
 southern sections. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens from Florida. Length, 4-94; stretch, 7-88; wing, 2-50; tail, 1-80; bill, 
 44; tarsus, -65. Longest specimen, 5-30; greatest extent of wings, 8-25; longest wing, 2-90; tail, 2-00; bill, -50; 
 tarsus,-70. Shortest specimen, 4-75 ; smallest extent of wings, 7-10; shortest wing, 2'20; tail, 1-75; bill, -40; tarsus, 
 60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 The following description was made by Mr. Ridgway, from specimens in the Smithsonian Institute, taken by 
 Mr. R. Keunicott, at Yukon River, Alaska. 
 
 JVesJ, composed entirely of grasses, which are finer in the lining. It is deeply cup-shaped. Dimensions : 
 external diameter, 3 inches, internal, 2; external depth, 2-50 inches, internal, 1'75. 
 
 Eggs, six in number, oval in form, pure white in color, finely sprinkled around the larger ends with reddish-brown 
 and lilac. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Orange-crowned Warblers appear to be somewhat irregularly distributed throughout 
 Florida. They can be seen almost any day in autumn or winter on the trees in the streets 
 of Jacksonville, in company with other Sylvicolidce, and are tolerably common in the hummocks 
 in the neighborhood of the city. I have frequently found them in a narrow strip of woodland 
 lying between the St. John's Eiver and some cultivated fields ; indeed, it was in this place that 
 I shot the first specimen that I ever saw. These birds are rare at Blue Spring, for fh course 
 of two months' collecting we found but two or three. These were procured in a hummock 
 near the head of the spring, and I never met with them elsewhere in the vicinity. 
 
 We searched in vain for them at Salt Lake, and I have never seen a single individual on 
 Indian Kiver or Musquito Lagoon, yet we took several in the dense thickets back of the old 
 fort at Miami, but I did not find them at Key West. The Orange-crowned Warblers are lively 
 
NASHVILLE WAItBLEK. 63 
 
 little birds, usually frequenting hummocks and the underbrush which grows about them. I think 
 they rarely visit the pine woods. These birds are very unsuspicious and may bo approached 
 quite nearly but when alarmed will utter a quick, sharp chirp and instantly conceal themselves in 
 the nearest thicket. 1 never heard them sing, and never have seen a specimen during the 
 nesting season, yet it is probable that a few breed in the state. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA RUPICAPILLA. 
 
 Nashville Warbler. 
 Ifr!iiiiiiilii-iili:i : iii rii/i'-ii/'illii BAIIID, Birds of North America, 1858, 256. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Form, slender. Size, small. Bill, not long. Tall, slightly emarginate. Sternum, rather slightly built and 
 although :i little smaller th:in that oi' the preceding, it Is of the same form and proportions. Tongue, not long, thin, 
 narrow ami horny. The end is quite deeply cleft, but it is only ciliated on the extreme end, and there the cilia are 
 very short. 
 
 I'm.nK. .Unit male. Above, bright olivaceous green, with the head and neck above, and on the sides ashy. 
 There is a partly concealed patch of chestnut ou the crown. The wings and tail are brown, edged on the outer webs 
 witli greenish. Beneath, very bright yellow, with the abdomen white. There Is an indication of a yellowish 
 superciliary line, and a ring around the eye is whitish. 
 
 nale, very similar, but paler above and below, and having less chestnut on the crown. 
 
 '/'/,. young lack tin' chestnut crown. The head and neck are brownish instead of ashy ; there is a brownish 
 suffusion over the back, and the yellow beneath is quite pale; there is even a tinge of ashy on the throat. Irides, 
 feet and bill, brown, but with the lower mandible lighter. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 -ily known in the adult stage by the chestnut crown, ashy head and yellow under parts. The young are also 
 distinguished from those of II. celata by the yellow beneath, celata being very ashy-gray on these portions. Found 
 in summer throughout Eastern United States from Florida to Maine; winters in Mexico and Central America, also 
 rarely found in Florida at this season. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen specimens from New England. Length, 475; stretch, 7 - 60; wing, 2-35; 
 tail, 1-70: bill, -40; tarsus, -62. Longest specimen, 5-51; greatest extent of wings, 7-76; longest wing, 2-50; tall, 
 bill, (.">: tar-us, -67. Shortest specimen, 4-55; smallest extent of wings, 2-30; shortest wing, 2-22; tail, 1-60; 
 bill, :1K; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST AND EGGS. 
 
 Nfnt, composed outwardly of green moss, then dried grasses, lined with finer grasses and some white hairs. 
 Dimensions: external diameter, 3-50 inches, internal, 2-25; external depth, 2-75 inches, internal, 1-LT.. 
 
 Kijys, four in number, rather pointed, creamy white in color, spotted and blotched on the larger end with 
 reddish-brown and lilac, where they sometimes form rings. The remaining surface of the egg is also sparsely 
 dotted witli brown. Dimensions, -GGx-50. The above description was made from a nest taken at West Newbury, 
 by my young friend, Oilman Brown. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I shot the first specimen of these little birds, that I had ever seen, many years ago, in 
 Newton. As this was the first knowledge I ever obtained of their existence, and as they 
 appeared entirely different from any birds which 1 had hitherto observed, I, like most young 
 collectors when they obtain an unfamiliar bird, considered them a new species. I hail token 
 two, one of each sex, and hastened home with my pri/.es to ascertain for a certainty if they had 
 ever been described, eagei ly thinking over the matter that I might decide upon an appropriate 
 name for such pretty birds; but found that I had counted a species before it was hatched, 
 for upon consulting the proper books, discovered, much to my disappointment that the 
 Nashville Warbler? had not only been known for years but that they were not even rare : 
 all the ornithologists agreeing in pronouncing them common. Consequently, the little 
 yellow-breasted and red-crowned birds fell many degrees in my estimation. 
 
64 HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA. 
 
 ^S 
 
 These first specimens were taken in a cluster of yellow pines which stood in an open field, 
 but near a somewhat extensive grove. I have always found these birds in similar situations, 
 for they inhabit the borders of woods, and are seldom found in the deeper portions. Even in 
 the vast forests of northern New England, the Nashville Warblers are invariably found 
 near the open marshy spots which are of frequent occurrence iu these wilds. The males are 
 quite easy to find, for they sit on the topmost bough of some tall tree and sing their loud 
 songs throughout the entire day; but the females are not as frequently seen, for they are very 
 quiet, and generally keep Bmong the thick branches where they are constantly searching for 
 insects. These birds place their nests on the ground, usually in the ed;e of a wood. They 
 are careful to keep them concealed so that it is almost impossible to discover one unless the 
 bird is accidentally started. But the chances of doing this are quite small, as, while incubating, 
 she will sit so closely that it is extremely difficult to make her rise, and she will allow herself 
 to be nearly trodden upon before flying. There is another method by which the nest may 
 be discovered, however, and indeed one that may be practised to advantage in finding the eggs 
 of all ground breeding Warblers. If, while the collector is walking in the woods in early 
 June, he observes a female bird that appears uneasy, he should quietly retreat for a short 
 distance and after watching a short time will generally see the anxious Warbler enter her nest. 
 I have found rare eggs in this way which would otherwise have remained undiscovered, but 
 have always found that it is useless to search for a nest which is concealed on the ground 
 without having more knowledge of its whereabouts than is imparted by the uneasy actions 
 of the female. 
 
 I have several times searched for the unknown eggs of the Tennessee Warbler while the 
 female was flying frantically about, chirping loudly and frequently alighting within a yard of 
 my head. In spite of these assurances that I was very near the nest I have always given up 
 the search in disappointment, after having, perhaps, unconsciously crushed the concealed prize 
 beneath my feet. In these instances, an half hour spent in carefully watching the bird from a 
 little distance would probably have been rewarded ; but the mosquitoes and black flies are so 
 numerous in the sections where the Tennessee Warblers breed (Northern New England), that 
 during a single moment of inaction their stings become unendurable and one cannot remain 
 quiet for any length of time. 
 
 It is singular that, although, as far as is known, all the members of the genus 
 Helminthopliaga place their nests on the ground, the males perch in elevated situations while 
 singing and, excepting during the breeding season, neither male nor female is often seen upon 
 the ground. They all frequent the tops of trees which stand on the borders of woods or in 
 open fields, and none of them are apt to be found in the deep forest ; of the four species 
 which occur commonly in eastern United States the Tennessee and Nashville occur on the 
 borders of woods, while the Orange-crowned -and Golden-winged appear to prefer the more 
 open sections. 
 
 The latter named species may occur rarely iu northern Florida as it is quite abundant in 
 Georgia. I once saw a male Warbler at Key West which I thought might be the Tennessee, 
 but, as it was flitting quickly through the thick bushes I could not be certain. The Nashville 
 Warblers arrive in Massachusetts about the middle of May ; breed during the first week in 
 June, and depart in early September. They are very rare in Florida, and to my knowledge 
 there has been but one specimen taken in the state; this was captured by Mr. Boardman, 
 at Jacksonville, on March 13, 1860. 
 
iv-:/. i.o ir- /;. i rKi-:i> \v.\i; m.i-i;. (\r> 
 
 GENUS IV. PARULA. THE LITTLE AVAK15I.KRS. 
 
 GF..V. Cu. Bill, eon , i/t-m tin- li,',id, ulenili > itiitl acuminate. Tarsus, longer than the hind toe and 
 
 claw. ll'-i<jlit <>f ki'i'l, not <:m;<lhi<j mf-hulf tin 1 iri,Ilh of sternum. Coracoid bones, eit/iul in Ifiujllt to tin: top of keel. 
 Birds of this genus, although .small in size, are rather stout in form. 
 
 PARULA AMERICANA. 
 
 Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. 
 
 Parula Americana BON., List of Birds of North America, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Si/.e, small. Wings, rather long. Tail, square and slightly emarginate. Sternum, not stoutly built. 
 Tongue, <|iiite thick and llcshy at the basal half, then suddenly becomes thin and acuminate. The end is cleft for 
 live-hundivdths of an inch and the divided portions are coarsely ciliated. This tongue is quite unique among 
 Warblers, differing from any others that I have seen ill having u fleshy base, terminating abruptly in a thill point. 
 
 Coi in:. .\<lnlt mule. Above, slaty-bluo, brightest on the head; with a large patch of greenish-yellow in the 
 middle of the back. Wings and tail, brown, edged with bluish; the six outer feathers of the latter are spotted 
 subterininally, on the inner webs, with white. The two rows of upper wing coverts are tipped with white, forming 
 rather broad liars. The blue above extends down on the sides of the head and neck, but is rather dusky on these 
 parts. The lore-, are black, and there is a spot of white on the upper and lower eyelids. The sides and flanks are 
 tinged with pale bluish. Throat and breast, yellow, with a patch of chestnut-brown across the upper part of the 
 latter, which is sometimes preceded by a narrow line of the same color as the sides of the neck. The remaining 
 under snrlace. including under tail coverts, under wing coverts and closed wing beneath, white. Ventral region, 
 tinged with yellow. 
 
 Adult female, similar to the male, but the chestnut of the breast and the yellow of the back is not as bright or 
 as extended. 
 
 You n<i hi'ili-, similar to the adult female. 
 
 The ymmy female has the yellow beneath less extended and without a trace of chestnut. There is also but a 
 sliirht indication of the yellow patch above. lu all stages the irides are brown; upper mandible, brown ; lower, 
 whitish; feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This pretty little species may be distinguished at once from all others by the ever present yellowish-green patch 
 upon the back, combined with the yellow throat. Distributed during the breeding season throughout Eastern 
 United States from Virginia north to Canada; winters in Mexico, Central America, West Indies and Key West. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-three specimens. Length, 4-75; stretch, 7-30; wing, 2-30; tail, 1-70; bill, 
 40; tarsus, -63. Longest specimen, 4-90; greatest extent of wings, 7-70; longest wing, 2-85; tail, 1-85; bill, -49; 
 tarsus, -75. Shortest specimen, 4-25; shortest extent of wings, 7-70; shortest wing, 2-20; tail, 1-40; bill, '35; 
 tarsus -59. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 '.<. The accompanying description is from Mr. Brewster. "A nest discovered by Mr. Deane and myself, at 
 Stoneham, Mass., in June, 1808. was hun;/ in a drooping spray of hemlock, about eight feet from the ground, near the 
 extremity of the limb, and differs in structure from any other that I have seen. In appearance it strongly resembles 
 the domicile of !<<> <> H.ilHmore, being entirely open at the top, not in the least purse-shaped as in the case of other 
 nests of this species which I have examined, and which also differ in having the entrance hole at the side. It is 
 composed entirely of long moss curiously interwove'n. The whole structure is so delicate and frail that the eggs, 
 which were three in number, could be plainly seen through the bottom as I stood on the ground. Dimensions: 
 
 ial diameter, 2-25 inches, internal, 1-75; external depth, 2'(>2 inches, internal 2-50." 
 
 Some beautiful specimens of these nests, in the cabinet of my friend, Mr. II. A. Purdie, are also composed of the 
 long, gray moss, but differ from that described above in being perfect little purses, with the entrance hole on the 
 side. There is no oilier material used for lining than that of which the structures are made. 
 
 -. usually four in number, white in color, spotted and dotted everywhere with light reddish-brown and lil r, 
 but more sparsely on the smaller end. The largest spots arc of brown and the smallest of lilac. Dimensions from 
 66 X -48 to -70 x -50. 
 
 BIKDS Of KLOKIDA. 9 
 
66 GEOTHLYFJS TltlGIIAS. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 A careful observer of birds can readily determine each species of the Warblers, even when 
 they are at a distance, by their motions. Some are full of nervous activity, while others are more 
 deliberate in their movements. A few closely resemble one another in their evolutions when 
 among the trees, but no one who has ever studied their habits will fail to recognize the Blue 
 Yellow-backs at a glance ; for none of the Sylvicolidre conduct themselves so peculiarly. They 
 sometimes glide along the limbs like Creepers or cling to the under surface of the bark after the 
 manner of Nuthatches ; but the next instant tinds them skipping nimbly from bough to bough, 
 until they perch on the topmost twig, from which they dart into air to secure some rapidly 
 moving insect. Thus they are ever changing position and there are but few species which so 
 constantly assume so many varying and graceful attitudes. 
 
 These birds are found in Florida throughout the winter but most abundantly in spring, when 
 the great avian waves sweep northward. While in the state they frequent the hummocks but more 
 generally avoid the piny woods. They arrive in Massachusetts during the latter part of May, when 
 they are found among apple trees and in deciduous woods. A few remain in Southern New 
 England to breed, but the majority spend the summer in the more northern sections, whore 
 they build their pensile nests amid the long, gray moss, which so plentifully drapes the trees in 
 these wilds. The song of the Blue Yellow-backed Warbler consists of a few simple, lisping 
 notes, yet they are given with energy and an accent so peculiar as to distinguish them at once 
 from those of all other Warblers. The males continue to sing until August, after which 
 various families, composed of parents and young, congregate in small flocks; then, in early 
 September, join the other little birds in their southern migrations. 
 
 GENUS V. GEOTHLYPIS. THE GROUND WARBLERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, shorter than the head and rather stout. Wings, short. Feet, large. Tarsus, longer than the hind 
 toe and claw. Coracoid bones, slightly exceeding in length the top of the keel, which is low, not being higher than one-half 
 the width of sternum. Marginal indentations quite deep. 
 
 The sternum of this genus at once distinguishes it from all other members of the Sylmcolidae, inasmuch as it 
 is produced forward in a degree quite remarkable ; the coracoid bones are longer and proportionately stouter than 
 any other member of the family. 
 
 GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS. 
 
 Maryland Yellow-throat Warbler. 
 
 Geothlypis trichas CAB., Mns. Hein., 1850, 16. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Form, robust. Size, not small. Bill, stout, not acuminate. Tail, long and well rounded. Sternum, stoutly 
 built. Tongue, thin, horny, with the edges straight, not acuminate; bifid, the tips fringed with cilia which extend 
 along the sides for about one-third of the terminal length, but become shorter near the base. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, olivaceous-green, becoming brownish on the top of the head. Wings and tail 
 brown, edged with the same color as the back. A broad frontal band, extending over the eye and on the head, black, 
 preceded above by a whitish margin. Throat, breast, bend of wing and under tail coverts, bright yellow. 
 Abdomen and under wing coverts paler. Sides and flanks olivaceous. There is no change of plumage in autumn 
 excepting that the bill, which in spring is entirely dark brown, then becomes lighter on the lower mandible. 
 
 Young male differs in being duller and lacking the whitish margin to the black mask, which is almost entirely 
 obscured by a rufous suffusion on the forehead and is washed with whitish on the side of the head. 
 
 Adult female is without the black mask and with the yellowish beneath quite dull. 
 
 The young female has a suffusion of rufous on the sides of the head, and the colors are very dull and undecided. 
 
BLACK A\D \\1HTK CKKEl'KR. )7 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens from Florida, although not appreciably different in si/.e, generally have the black mask wider both on 
 the forehead anil sides of the head and neck, when' ii does not end as squarely as In the northern birds, but extends 
 on in a point which occasionally reaches the upper part of the breast. A grayish-white line on the head of southern 
 specimens is paler or not as bluish, and is often broader, although it is extremely variable in this respect. The 
 yellow of the breast is also more extended and brighter than that of northern birds. The adult males may be 
 known from all others by the black mask. The females may tie distinguished by the yellowish throat and the under 
 tail coverts. Distributed during the breeding season throughout the entire continent of North America, wintering 
 in the more southern sections. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-six specimens. Length, 5-25; stretch, 7-20; wing, 2-21; tail, 2-00; bill, -45; 
 tarsus, -70. Longest specimen, 5-73; greatest extent of wings, 7'7ti ; longest wing, 2-56; tail, 2-15; bill, -56; tarsus, 
 80. Shortest specimen, 5-10; smallest stretch of wings, 6-70; shortest wing, 2.00; tail, 1-70; bill, -42; tarsus, -64. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 . placed on the ground, composed of dried leaves and grasses, lined with finer grasses. These are the 
 usual materials, but a specimen in my collection, found on Grand Menan by Mr. Harold Herrick, is partly composed 
 of feathers from domestic fowls. Dimensions: external diameter, 3-50 inches, internal, 2-60 ; external depth, 2-75 
 inches, internal, 2. 
 
 K'j'ja, usually four in number, pure white In color, spotted everywhere, but more particularly on the larger end, 
 with reddish-brown, lilac and umber ; the lilac spots being the smallest. Dimensions, from -70 x -52 to -75 x :..".. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Among the most common birds in Florida are the Maryland Yellow-throats. Their harsh 
 alarm notes greet the ear of the pedestrian whenever he passes a lonely hummock in the more 
 northern portions, or approaches the tangled thickets among the Keys. Their cheery songs 
 also riii"; out from the swampy margins of the rivers and lakes ; in fact there is no place in the 
 state, however desolate, which will afford concealment, that is not inhabited by them. Indeed 
 I have found them breeding in every favorable locality which I have visited, throughout Eastern 
 North America. They readily adapt themselves to circumstances, and appear equally contented 
 under the thorny cacti of Key West, in the hedgerows of New England, or amid the cold bojrgy 
 heaths of the Magdalen Islands. 
 
 The Maryland Yellow-throats are the most terrestrial of all the Warblers, seldom appearing in 
 trees but frequenting low bushes. The nests are placed on the ground, generally concealed by 
 a tussock of grass, often near a stream or other body of water. Those which pass the summer 
 in New Kngland arrive early in May and lay their eggs about the 1st of June; the young may 
 be found in August, and they all depart in October. They are constant residents in Florida and 
 breed there in April. 
 
 GENUS VI. MNIOTILTA. THE CREEPING WARBLERS. 
 
 <K.X. fii. Hind tin and claw exceeding in length the middle anterior tot. and claw; also equaling the tarsus in 
 length. Sternum, narrow; keel, low, being only as high as half the width of the sternum. 
 
 MNIOTILTA VARIA. 
 
 Black and White Creeper. 
 
 Mniotilta varia VIEILI.OT, Analyse; 1816. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Feet, rather large. Bill, long, nearly equaling the head, slender and 
 with the mandibles a little arched. Sternum, rather slightly built. Tongue, thin, horny, acuminate, bifid and fringed 
 with cilia for about one-third of its terminal length. 
 
68 MNIOTILTA VAIilA. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, black, streaked on the back with white. There is a medium and superciliary stripe 
 on the head of the same color, which extends down on the neck. The upper tail coverts are edged on the outer 
 side with white and the wing coverts are tipped with it, forming bars. Wings, dark brown, edged with white. 
 Tail, black, margined on the outer edge with bluish and on the inner with white ; the six outer tail feathers are also 
 tipped with it. Beneath, white, with the sides of the neck, sides, breast, flanks and under tail coverts, streaked with 
 black. Ring around the eye, white. 
 
 Female, similar, but paler, having more white above and less black below. 
 
 Young male, like the female but with the throat, flanks, top of head and back tinged with rufous. 
 
 Yonny female, similar but very much paler; the streaks beneath becoming nearly obsolete. Iridcs, bill and feet, 
 brown in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of this species found breeding in the South are characterized by having a longer bill than is possessed 
 by more northern individuals. There is no bird with which this might be confounded except, perhaps, the Black 
 Polled Warbler to which it bears a very slight resemblance ; but it may at. once be distinguished from it by the white 
 stripes on the head. Distributed throughout Eastern North America, Mexico and the West Indies. Winters in the 
 southern section. 
 
 MEASUREMENTS. 
 
 Average dimensions of twenty-seven specimens. Length, 5-2G; stretch, 8-41 : wing, 2-51; tail, 1-49; bill, -40; 
 tarsus, -64. Longest specimen, 5'50; greatest extent of wings, 9-00; longest wing, 3-00; tail, 2-15; bill, -58; tarsus, 
 70. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 7-55; shortest wing, 2-60; tail, 1-85; bill, -45; tarsus, -00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 JVesis, usually placed on the ground, composed of mosses, grasses and leaves ; lined with fern-cotton, fine 
 grasses and hairs. Dimensions : external diameter, 3-50 inches, internal, 1-50; external depth, 2'50 inches, internal, 1. 
 
 Egys, usually four in number, oval in form, bluish-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, but often 
 more thickly on the larger end, with lilac and umber. Dimensions, from -70 x -50 to -80 x -55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There is a narrow neck of land lying between Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, which 
 varies from a few hundred yards to a mile or more in width. This is principally made up of 
 scrub and grassy plains, but there are occasional hummocks along the border of the river. One 
 of these patches of woodland is situated just north of a canal, which was excavated for the 
 passage of boats, between the two bodies of water. During the Indian war this grove was 
 the site of a fort ; consequently the ground was tolerably free from underbrush, therefore we 
 occupied it for several months in two seasons as a camping ground. The trees which grow 
 here were the favorite resort of. the Black and White Creepers ; indeed I do not remember 
 having seen as many in Florida, throughout my entire sojourn in the state, as were to be found 
 in that hummock. 
 
 They were migrating, but I never heard them sing excepting in the soft lisping tone, which 
 is also used as a note of alarm. Only a few of this species remain in Florida to breed ; the 
 greater portion pass north for this purpose, arriving in New England during the latter part of 
 April, and commence to build about June 1st. The nests are placed by the side of a stone or a 
 log or at the foot of a tree, almost always in the woods. Both sexes exhibit considerable 
 solicitude when their place of abode is approached, alighting on the tree trunks near and 
 uttering sharp cries of distress. 
 
 The Black and White Creepers have, as their name implies, the habit of running up and 
 down trees as well as along the under surfaces of limbs after the manner of Nuthatches, their 
 short legs and long toes being admirably adapted to this purpose. While in motion they give 
 constant utterance to their song which consists of several rapid, shrill notes, ending more 
 faintly, however. Some individuals sing longer than others, more especially prolonging tlio 
 terminal portions. They continue to make their voices heard until about the second week in 
 July, after which they are silent, and by the middle of September they leave the north, arriving 
 in Florida late in October. 
 
REDSTART. i\\\ 
 
 GENUS VII. SETOPIIAGA. THE REDSTARTS. 
 
 C.r.x. Cn. Rill, quite wide and flat, not acuminate, irith the upper mamlilde alii/lilli/ eurn-d <it /lie Up. ]\'inys, quite 
 lony ami ;.;'/</. Tail, long. Feet, small. Coracoid bones, a little less in length than the top of the keel. Marginal 
 indentation* barely exceeding in depth the height of the keel, which is considerably higher than one-half the width of the 
 
 sternum. 
 
 SETOPHAGA BUTICILLA. 
 
 Redstart. 
 Selophaga ruticilla SWAINSON, Zool. Jour., Hi, 1827, 358. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Size, small. Form, slender. Sternum, stoutly built. Tongue, thin, horny, wide, somewhat rounded 
 at tin- end. which is slightly cleft and fringed with delicate cilia that exteud along the sides for about one-fourth 
 the terminal length. 
 
 COI.OK. Adult male. Entire upper parts, sides of head, throat and upper portions of the breast, glossy black. 
 Basal half of primaries and secondaries, basal two-thirds of tail feathers, except the two central, sides, flanks, under 
 wing coverts under lining of wings, including axillaries and under wing coverts, edging on the outer webs of 
 primaries, and a narrow, irregular band across the breast, bright orange. Remaining under parts, including under 
 tail coverts, white, more or less tinged with orange; centre of the feathers of the latter, dusky. Ring around the 
 eve. also white. The adult male in autumn sometimes has the back tinged with orange. 
 
 Adult feni'ile. Above, plain greenish-brown; the tail is darker and has the basal two-thirds of all except the 
 two central feathers, pale yellow. Beneath, dirty-white, with the sides, under wing coverts and under surface of 
 wing tinged with yellow, which color is faintly visible near the middle of the outer side. 
 
 <; male of the second year has the body, above and below, colored as in the female, excepting that there are 
 more or less black leathers on those portions which are dark colored in the adult. The lores are always black. The 
 winu's, tail, and other parts which are orange in the mature specimens, are yellow, but with an occasional irregular 
 tiugeing of orange'. 
 
 / male i if the first year exhibits but few or no black feathers, and no orange tingeing on the yellow. 
 
 The iji.iniii fi-ninii- is similar to the adult, but with yellow of the tail less extended. 
 
 The nestlings of both sexes resemble the youpg female with the addition of two yellowish-white bars across the 
 wiiiLrs. anil a general sntl'nsion of the same color over the entire surface of the body. At this age the lower mandible 
 and feet are inclined to be light brown, but in all other stages the bill and feet are dark brown. The irides are 
 always brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is very much inclined to melanism, the black frequently extending down on the breast and obscuring 
 the orange. It is also quite common to find traces of albinism. Another peculiarity may be seen in the fact that 
 the orange is apt to appear anywhere, especially on the back. Mr. Deane has a specimen singularly mottled with 
 oranirc. white and black. The colors appear to be in about the usual proportions, but are mixed in a promiscuous 
 manner. 
 
 The well marked Redstart need not be confounded with any other species, as there are uo others which are 
 colored with orange. Distributed during the breeding season throughout Eastern United States north to 
 Labrador. Winters in the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-eight specimens. Length, 5-37; stretch, 7-75; wing, 2-50; tall, 2-18; bill, '36; 
 tarsus, -05. Longest specimen, 5-C5; greatest extent of wings, 8-10; longest wing. L'-CO; tail, 2-50; bill, -40; tarsus, 
 7i). Shortest specimen, 5-25; smallest extent of wings, 7-50; shortest wing, L'-31; tail, 2-00; bill, -30; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .V< .-fs, placed in trees. They are compact structures, composed of the soft, fibrous bark of trees, pine leaves, 
 dead grasses, weeds and fine roots, ne.itly woven together; lined with horse hairs, feathers or fine grasses. 
 Dimensions: external diameter, 2-50 inches, internal, 1-.V; external depth, 2 inches, internal, 1-50. 
 
 s usually four in number, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and lilac. These spots are not numerous 
 on the smaller end but generally become confluent on the larger and form a ring. Dimensions, from -66 x -47 to 
 7ii x -50. 
 
70 SETOPHAGA KUTICILLA. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 In May the dark forests of Florida are enlivened by the sprightly Redstarts. They dart 
 about among the rich foliage, now in shadow, now in sunlight ; displaying their brilliant orange 
 and jetty black plumage to fine advantage in contrast with the sombre colors of the tree-trunks 
 or long, hanging moss. Ever active, slender and lithe of form, they leap quickly into air or 
 pause for an instant, on a twig, with widely expanded tail and half open wings, while the flashing 
 black eyes are peering quickly from right to left in search of food ; then they are off like 
 meteors into the deciduous masses above ; thus they are always busy, chasing bright winged 
 insects all day long. But their stay is short in Florida, and in company with the great migratory 
 body of Warblers they pass onward to the north. 
 
 While in the south the Redstart does not sing, but in the deep shady woods of New England 
 its short, abrupt, though not unmusical notes constantly ring out with an energy which 
 surpasses that of all the other smaller songsters. They sing without pausing in their avocations, 
 and even while they are flying rapidly through the trees, in playful pursuit of one another, snap 
 out a note or two, then, as they engage in a mock battle in which several males often participate, 
 utter a sharp twitter. The only other note I ever heard them emit was a chirp of annoyance 
 or alarm when they perceived an intruder. Although it is not difficult to recognize a Redstart 
 by its peculiar song, yet I have seldom heard two sing exactly alike, and the young males, which 
 have not acquired the plumage of maturity, have a weaker and more lisping melody. 
 
 Although the mimic wars in which the Redstarts engage in early spring are mere sportive 
 affairs, yet when any particular pair begins to construct their nest, all such conflicts assume a 
 more serious aspect. Then woe betide the young swain that unfortunately approaches too near 
 the edifice of his brighter colored relative ! for he meets with a hostile reception, and, unless 
 he quickly beats a retreat, will quite likely mourn the loss of many feathers. Small birds of 
 other species are also unnecessarily attacked by this irritable tyrant and rudely expelled from 
 the vicinity of its nest. Those which breed in New England arrive from the South in early 
 May, and lay their eggs the first week in June. In July the hissing voices of the newly fledged 
 young may be heard in the woods as they follow their parents and supplicate for food; then in 
 September all depart for their southern home. 
 
 FAMILY IX. HIRUNDINID^E. THE SWALLOWS. 
 
 Wings, long and pointed. Feet comparatively small and weak. Bill, small, short, flat and triangular ; but with a 
 very wide gape, which extends back quite to the eyes. Coracoid bones, stout, much shorter in length than the top of keel, 
 and set on the sternum with the terminal ends projecting outward, forming a considerable angle with the keel. Furcula, 
 stout ; terminal expansion closely approximating the top of the keel, being connected with it by a stout ligature. 
 
 All the members of this family are birds of strong flight, being capable of remaining on the wing for a 
 considerable length of time; also of performing rapid and graceful aerial evolutions. Their sterna are constructed in 
 -such a manner as to ensure strength for protracted exertion, as is exhibited in the angularly placed coracoid bones, 
 and in the terminal expansion of the furcula, which closely approximates the top of the keel, a character quite 
 unique among the Oscines which I have examined : being found iu but a single genus besides the Hirundinidaz, that 
 of Conns. 
 
 GENUS I. HIRUNDO. THE SWALLOWS AND MARTINS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Marginal indentations, rather shallow, barely equaling in depth the height of the keel. Top of keel but 
 slightly arched, there being a straight line from the tip to the end. Other characters the same as those used in describing 
 the family. 
 
 I can find no characters of sufficient value, either external or internal, in the birds included by authors in the 
 genera Progne, Tachycineta, Cotyle, etc., to warrant my raising them to a generic rank; I have therefore reduced 
 them all to the old genus of Hirundo. 
 
rrnri.h: MM: riff. 71 
 
 HIRUNDO STJBIS. 
 Purple Martin. 
 
 ii suhi.* LINN., Syst. Nat., 10th Ed.; 1758, 192. 
 J'nxjiie cryptoleuea BAIHD, Review N. A. Birds; 1864, 277. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, large. Form, robust. Bill, stout; upper mandible considerably arched. Tail, short and 
 moderately forked. Feet, stout. Sternum, stoutly built. Tongue, short, thin, horny, triangular in form, tip rather 
 deeply cleft, but not ciliated. 
 
 COLOII. Adult mull-, uniform steely-blue throughout, with wings and tail brownish. There Is a narrow white 
 patch on the sides beneath the wings. Tibia; are grayish. 
 
 Adult fi male, similar to the male above but grayish beneath, which becomes nearly white on the abdomen and 
 under tail coverts. 
 
 Ynninj male, like the adult female, excepting that the forehead is grayish and there are a few scattering feathers 
 of steely-blue beneath. 
 
 TOMH;/ /f mult; with the top of the head grayish and with considerable white beneath. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have a specimen of the so-called P. cryptoleuca in my collection which was taken in Florida, in May. 1872. As 
 
 the only difference between this and the typical subis is that the feathers of the anal region have white bases 
 
 i of grayish, and the tail Is a little more deeply forked, I do not consider it entitled to a specific rank, for itbii 
 
 edingly variable in this respect. Another specimen from Florida, taken at the same time, has the bases of the 
 
 feathers of the anal region grayer than the other, and a third, taken late in April, Is exactly like northern birds. 
 
 The first two mentioned have a violet tinge on the upper surface, causing a richer color, which is what we should 
 
 expect from southern born specimens. This species is readily distinguished from all other North American 
 
 swallows by its large size and uniform colors. Found breeding throughout the United States, north into Canada. 
 
 Winters in the West Indies and South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens. Length, 8-27; stretch, 16-45; wing, 6-70; tall, 3-00; bill, -57; tarsus, 
 58. Longest specimen, 8-35; greatest extent of wings, 16-75; longest wing, 6-00; tail, 3-10; bill, -50; tarsus, -50. 
 Shortest specimen, 8-25; smallest extent of wings, 16-30; shortest wing, 5-50; tail, 2-75; bill, -45; tarsus, -45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Xests, placed in holes of trees or in martin-boxes; composed of dried grasses and leaves and lined with feathers; 
 the structure varying in size with the apartment in which it is placed. 
 
 KIJIJS, from four to six in number, oval in form, white in color. Dimensions, from -80 x -66 to -70 x -60. An 
 abnormal egg of this species, which I have in my collection, that was taken by Mr. Ingersoll at Oberlin, Ohio, is 
 very large in size, measuring 1-00 x -80, and is covered by minute rounded protuberances, similar to those occasionally 
 seen on hens' eggs, but it is of the usual lorm. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first time I ever met with the Purple Martins in Florida was on Biscayenne Bay. I was 
 rowing along the shore north of Miami, in company with Mr. Ilenshaw, when we observed two 
 of these birds flying about a dead stub in the piny woods, which at this point came down to the 
 shore uninterrupted by a hummock. This was in April, and they were evidently searching for 
 a breeding place. In May, 1872, Mr. E. C. Greenwood found them nesting abundantly on the 
 western bank of Indian River, near Fort Capron. This style of building appears to be usual 
 with these birds while in the wilderness, but in the more settled portions of the South, as well as 
 in the North, they prefer boxes erected for their benefit. Indeed they invariably flock to places 
 where such accommodations are provided for them and avoid all others. The oll'-pring of those 
 which have inhabited a certain locality will also return and take up their abode there, so that a 
 number of apartments in one box will be constantly occupied. If other domiciles are erected 
 quite near the same spot they will be inhabited, but it is extremely diflicult to induce these birds 
 
72 inn UNDO BicoLon. 
 
 to enter a new house if it stand a mile or more from those occupied by the colony, therefore 
 they are extremely local in their distribution. I know of localities where Martins have bred 
 for years, while they could never be induced to remain in another section which was but a mile 
 distant, although I erected houses in suitable situations. They frequently appeared there in 
 spring, but after examining the place and flying about it for a day or two, invariably returned 
 to the old locality. Although fond of any particular spot they may be easily driven from it. 
 If a few birds are shot in early spring, upon their arrival, the survivors will disappear and 
 cannot be persuaded to reinhabit the house from which they have been expelled, even after the 
 lapse of many years. Accidents occurring, which are detrimental to them although not caused 
 through the agency of man, appear to produce the same effect. Some years ago the Purple 
 Martins, which bred in many boxes in Cambridge, arrived from the south quite early, induced by 
 unusually warm weather, and took possession of their respective domiciles, but unfortunately 
 the instincts which prompted them to come north so soon were at fault, for they were scarcely 
 established in their summer houses when a prolonged cold snap came on and many of the poor 
 Martins were frozen to death in their houses. The remainder left at once and there have been 
 no birds of this kind found nesting in that section of Cambridge since. 
 
 The Purple Martin is the only Swallow with which I am acquainted, that will readily perch 
 on trees which are covered with foliage, alighting amid the leaves after the manner of nearly all 
 the passerine birds, but they never hop from -twig to twig. The song of the Martin is loud and 
 cheerful ; in autumn, when they are more generally distributed than at other times, these clear 
 notes frequently reach the ear when the birds are almost invisible as they sail high in air with a 
 strong and graceful flight. Early in September, these birds migrate south, but do not remain in 
 Florida all winter, and not one is to be seen in the state after the first of November. 
 
 HIKUNDO BICOLOK. 
 
 White-bellied Swallow. 
 
 Hintndo bicolor, VIEJLL., Ois. Am , Sept. 1, 1807, 61. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, somewhat robust. Size, not large. Upper mandible, considerably curved. Feet, small. Tail, 
 but slightly forked. ' Sternum, with the keel proportionately longer than in the preceding. Tongue, horny and 
 triangular, with the end cleft. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in spring. Above, uniform lustrous greenish-blue, with the wings and tail brownish. Beneath, 
 including under tail coverts, pure white. Axillaries and under wing coverts, slaty, the latter mixed with white. The 
 sexes are similar, with the exception that perhaps the female is greener above. In winter the tertiaries are tipped 
 with white. 
 
 The young males also have the tertiaries tipped with white, besides not being as bright above. 
 
 The young females are smoky-brown above, with a tinge of greenish and a dark band across the breast. 
 
 Nestlings of both sexes are smoky-brown above ; white beneath, with a more or less distinct band of dusky across 
 the breast; the sides are also tinged with dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the uniform color above and below. Distributed throughout the United States, south into 
 Mexico. Winters in the more southern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-two specimens. Length, 5-85; stretch, 12-45; wing, 4-55; tail, 2-25; bill, -35; 
 tarsus, -45. Longest specimen, 6-25; greatest extent of wings, 13-35; longest wing, 4.93; tail, 2-50; bill. -50; tarsus, 
 75. Shortest specimen, 5-10; smallest extent of wings, 12-00; shortest wing, 4-10; tail, 1-80; bill, -25;- tarsus, -40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND ECUS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, bird boxes, etc. ; composed of dried grasses and lined with feathers. Varying In 
 size with the apartment in which they are placed. 
 
 Eggs, six in number, white in color; form, from a short oval to a long, pointed oval. Dimensions, from -83 x -55 
 to -63 x -45. 
 
SWM.I.OW. 73 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The White-bellied is the only Swallow that I have ever seen in Florida during winter. 
 They are quite abundant there but as they move across the country in large straggling flocks 
 are not often seen in one locality for many days in succession. While in the state they do not 
 utter a note, but skim silently over the large inland hikes, or sail above the almost limitless 
 piny woods. In early spring they leave for the north, arriving in New England the earliest of 
 all the Swallows. Hen- they have a song which is, however, not as clear and warbling as that 
 of the Barn Swallow ; their flight is also heavier, neither do they move as swiftly. These birds 
 breed in Martin boxes, holes in out-buildings, or in hollow s.ubs ; while nesting in the last named 
 situation, they usually choose a hole formed by nature, but I found a colony busily engaged in 
 excavating domiciles in partially decayed birch stubs which stood in the waters of Lake 
 I'mbagog, Maine. The work was performed with the bills, not after the manner of Nuthatches, 
 Titmice, etc., but by simply breaking away small pieces of the punky wood and removing them. 
 
 The White-bellied Swallows deposit their eggs during the first week in June; the young 
 leave the nests early in July; after this time they all congregate on the seashore in vast 
 flocks. During some years the numbers which assemble in early autumn are almost 
 incredible, for I have seen the air over the broad marshes of Ipswich so filled with them that it 
 was impossible to discharge a gun in any direction without killing one or more. I always 
 imagined that the great quantity of insects which occur near the salt water in the latter part of 
 summer, was the cause of this vast concourse, until I discovered another reason. I was walking 
 about the hills near the coast one day in August, when I observed large numbers of White 
 bellied Swallows hovering over some bayberry bushes (Myrica cerifera), which grow abundantly 
 in this section. Curious to know what the}' were doing I shot several, and was much surprised 
 to find their crops and stomachs filled with the aromatic berries. This fruit is about the size of 
 unground black peppers, and is coated with a waxy substance, of which the bayberry-tallow is 
 made. This was formerly used for manufacturing candles; indeed it is now employed for 
 this purpose in some sections of the country. I have since taken many specimens and found 
 that it is a confirmed habit of this species to feed on the bayberry. An examination of the fruit 
 in the process of digestion shows that only the outer waxy covering is consumed ; the inner 
 or harder portion being voided. It is probable that this substance is highly nutritious, as the 
 birds become very fat from feeding upon it. The great mass of White-bellied Swallows depart 
 early in September, but a few remain later than any other members of the family. The last 
 straggler, however, disappears by the middle of the mouth. 
 
 HIRUNDO HORREORUM. 
 
 The Barn Swallow. 
 Hirundo horreorum BARTON, Fragments N. II. I'enna. ; 1799, 17. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP.'CH. Form, slender. Size, not large. Bill, not stout; upper mandible, straight, with the tips slightly curved. 
 Feet, small. Tail, long and very deeply forked; the two outer feathers are considerably elongated and exceedingly 
 narrow. Sternum, not slightly built, and precisely similar in form to that of //. subis. Tongue, rather fleshy and 
 triangular; deft at the tip. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male, above, uniform steely-blue, with the wings and tail browner. The latter has a subtoruiinal 
 band of yellowish-white caused by spots upon the inner webs of all the feathers excepting the two middle ones. 
 Forehead, throat and upper part of the breast, chestnut. The remaining under portions, including under wing and 
 under tail coverts rich chestnut-brown. The steely-blue of the back extends down the sides of the upper portions 
 of the breast and frequently forms a baud quite across it. 
 
 Adult fi-male, similar, but paler beneath. 
 
 Young male, similar to the adult female. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIPA. 10 
 
74 HIIIUXDO HOBEEOBVM. 
 
 Young female, very pale beneath, becoming yellowish-white on those parts which are chestnut-brown on the 
 adult. 
 
 Nestlings of both seres are much duller above, Lave the frontal band narrower and are very pale beneath in 
 comparison with the adult, but some female specimens are as deeply colored as The year-old birds of the same sex. 
 In this stage, the throat and upper portion of the breast are frequently uniform with the other portions beneath. The 
 outer tail feathers are not as elongated nor as narrow at the tips ; these feathers being acquired after the tirst moult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily distinguished from all other North American Swallows by the elongated tail feathers. The intensity of 
 color beneath is extremely variable; one adult male now before me, which was taken at Ipswich, in summer, is so 
 exceedingly rich in color on these portions tliat the lower breast, abdomen, etc., are nearly as dark as the throat and 
 tipper breast. This specimen has also concealed spots of chestnut on the feathers of the nape, back and scapularies; 
 indications of these spots occasionally appear on other specimens, but not to the extent seen in this finely colored 
 bird. The blue band across the breast is also quite changeable ; it is nearly always indicated in tlie adult, but 
 sometimes it is very plainly marked. One adult male taken at Ipswich has a band three-fourths of an inch wide, 
 starting on either side, dividing in the middle of the breast and enclosing a spot of chestnut which contains some 
 blue feathers. Distributed during the breeding season throughout the United States and Canada, wintering in the 
 West Indies and Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen specimens. Length, 6-89; stretch, 12-98; wing, 4-85; tail, 2-75; bill, '45; 
 tarsus, -45. Longest specimen, 7-60; greatest extent of wings, 13-00; longest wing, 4-85; tail, 3-19; bill, -55; tarsus, 
 4:8. Shortest specimen, 6-35; smallest extent of wings, 4-66; shortest wing, 4-50; tail, 2-15; bill, -40; tarsus, -35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, fastened against beams, etc., in barns and out-buildings; composed of mud mixed with grasses and lined 
 with fine grasses and feathers. Dimensions: external diameter, 5 inches, internal, 3; external depth, 2-50 inches, 
 internal, 1-50. 
 
 Eygs, five or six in number, Ion g-oval in form, rather pointed ; pure white in color spotted and blotched 
 irregularly with reddish-brown and lilac. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On some frosty morning in early April, before the snow has entirely di sap ppeared, two or 
 three Barn Swallows may be seen perched on the roof of some out-building, looking like little 
 balls, for each feather stands at right angles with the body to prevent the ingress of the cold. 
 Later in the day these few individuals may be seen roaming about in the clear air ; then, after a 
 week or so when spring is fairly set in, hundreds are rapidly pursuing the minute insects and 
 performing various rapid and elegant aerial evolutions. Of all the members of this family which 
 inhabit our country, the Barn Swallows are the most graceful and have the most delightful song. 
 All through the long summer days they fly over the green meadows and about the farmhouse, 
 twittering loudly and continuously with bubbling, rippling notes which sound as if the birds 
 were brimming over with happiness and glee. Darting through the wide doors they fill the 
 capacious barn with their enchanting melody as they warble to their mates who sit in the snug 
 nests, which are neatly fastened to the strong beams overhead. The females peer out of their 
 featheMined structures and gaze quietly upon the farmers who are busily engaged in filling 
 the broad bins with fragrant new mown hay. 
 
 All this forms a well known picture of New England rustic life in midsummer, no feature of 
 which is more prominent and enjoyable than the coming and going of the Barn Swallows. These 
 birds lay their eggs in early June, and late in July the young emerge from the nests and perch 
 on fences or buildings. Soon they follow their parents through the air and are often fed by 
 them without alighting, the two coming together breast to breast with fluttering wings, when the 
 offspring receive the supply of dipterous insects which the parent has collected in its capacious 
 month ; then they quickly separate. As autumn approaches, the Barn Swallows assemble on 
 the coast and spend a short season flying over the marshes, but by the first week in September 
 depart for the south. None, as far as my knowledge extends, winter in Florida or breed there, 
 but simply pass through the state in the spring and fall migrations. 
 
 
.vir n.i.o if. 75 
 
 HIRUNDO BIPARIA. 
 Bank Swallow. 
 
 llirundo ripari'i I. INN., S\-t. Nat., 1, 17C6, 84*. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, small. Form, slender. Upper mandible, slightly arched. Feet, not small and provided with a 
 tuft of feathers which grow from the heel. Tail, moderately forked. Sternum, quite similar to that of the preceding 
 species, but not as stoutly built. Tongue, stout, not very triangular, horny aud quite acuminate, with the tip cleft 
 but not ciliated. Tlu j nestlings have fleshy, triangular tongues. 
 
 COI.OK. Adult. Above, band across the breast, under wing coverts and sides, slaty-brown; with the wings 
 darker and tips of the feather* of back hoary. The band usually extends down lu a point on the breast. 
 Remaining under portions, pure white. The young are similar. 
 
 V. *rlin>j.*, with- a rufous washing above, on the band of the breast, sides and white of throat, which Is 
 occasionally obscured by dusky. Sexes, alike. Irides, brown. Bill, black. Feet, brown In all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily distinguished from the closely allied //. serripennis by the smaller size and white throat. The tuft of 
 feathers on the heel is always present, but is frequently represented by two or three feathers; there are, however, 
 many more on others, and in some young birds taken at Grand Menan, they extend with very little Interruption 
 along the back of the tarsus quite to the tibial joint. Hank Swallows are distributed throughout North America 
 during the breeding season, wintering in Mexico and the West Indies. They are also found throughout the northern 
 section of the Old World. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seventeen specimens. Length, 5-25; stretch, 10-76; wing, 3-95; tall, 1-95; bill, -25; 
 tarsus, -45. Longest specimen, 5-45; greatest extent of wings, irid; longest wing, 4-20; tall, 2-10; bill, -28; tarsus, 
 j'X Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest exteut of wings, 10-10; shortest wing, 3-00; tail, 1-75; bill, -23; tarsus, -42. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 V'-y's, placed in holes formed in banks of earth, composed of dried gross, lined with feathers. They are very 
 shallow. Dimensions : external diameter, 5 Inches, internal, 4; thickness, 1 Inch. 
 
 Eggs, from four to six in number, oval in form, and pure white In color. Dimensions, from -70 x - 45 to -60 x -40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although Audubon states that the Bank Swallow is abundant in Florida during winter, yet 
 I have never seen it in the state at that season. It arrives about the first of April, but I have 
 not found it at all common and do not think that any ever remain to breed. These are the last 
 of all the Swallows to make their appearance in New England, arriving about the middle of 
 May. They then quickly repair to some sandy bank and begin to dig burrows in which to 
 place their nests. They excavate the holes with their feet, aided by their bills, and although 
 these members are seemingly weak the birds manage to get on quite rapidly, often penetrating 
 a bank to the depth of three or four feet in a few days. These birds are highly gregarious and 
 from five hundred to a thousand pairs may be found breeding in a favorable locality. They are 
 quite numerous in the interior but seem to have a predilection for the coast, and will even inhabit 
 islands; in fact I found a small colony nesting on a lonely islet, one of the Magdalen (iroiip, 
 called Shagg Rock, which stands in the midst of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, more than a hundred 
 miles from the mainland. This rock rose abruptly from the water to the height of ninety 
 feet, but the top was covered with soil, portions of which overhung the water, affording tin; 
 Swallows a fine opportunity to build. The rocky face of the cliff was inhabited by Cormorants ; 
 hundreds of Terns, that were breeding on the upper surface, hovered confusedly about and filled 
 the air with their harsh, continuous cries, but amid all this discord the soft twitter of the Bank 
 Swallows could be heard as they flew quietly about their strangely chosen homes. 
 
 Either this species do not mate until they begin to construct their nests or else they are 
 
76 
 
 polygamous, for it is quite common to see two or three males in pursuit of a single female, hut 
 I think the former hypothesis more probable, as both sexes incubate. The Bank Swallows 
 bring out their young early in July, and by the latter part of that month they accompany their 
 parents in their aerial flight in search of insects; later, in August, they all disappear, being the 
 first of till the Swallows to depart for the south. 
 
 HIRUNDO SERRIPENNIS. 
 Rough-winged Swallow. 
 
 Hirundo serripennis ADD., Orn. Biog., iv, 1838, 593. 
 
 4 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form quite robust. Size, not large. Bill, medium, and slightly curved at tip of upper mandible. Feet 
 not as large as in the preceding. Tail, slightly forked. The outer webs of the outer primaries provided with hooks, 
 which curve forward. 
 
 COLOR. Adult, above, uniform, smoky-brown. Chin, throat, under wing coverts, axillaries, sides and flanks, 
 pale smoky-broT\n. Remaining under parts, including under tail coverts, white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is larger than H. riparia ; it also differs from it in having no feathers on the heel, but is provided 
 with sharp hooks on the outer webs of the outer primaries. These appendages are more prominent near the middle 
 of the feather, being scarcely perceptible at the base, then grow larger, reaching the maximum in the centre, 
 gradually diminish toward the terminal portion, until the extreme tip is perfectly devoid of them. Bank Swallows 
 occasionally have indications of this singular character, especially young birds. This is readily seen by comparing 
 the outer primary web of some which I now have before me, with that portion of the wing of H. serripennis where 
 the hooks are nearly obsolete. I have never seen a nestling of H. serripennis, but the hooks are said to be less 
 prominent on their wings. Neither have I seen the tongue or sternum, but think they will not differ essentially from 
 H. riparia. The specimen which I have described was kindly loaned me by Mr. Brewster. Distributed, during the 
 breeding season, throughout the United States exclusive of New England. Winters in South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Measurements of Mr. Brewster's two specimens, taken from the skin : No. 1 ; length, 5-00; wing, 4-25; tail, 2-15; 
 bill, -25; tarsus, -40. No. 2; length, 5-00; wing, 4-45; tail, 1-85; bill, -2C; tarsus, -41. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Xests. The following description of the nests was kindly given by Mr. Ridgway. Flat, or ladle-shaped, with 
 only a slight depression. Composed of coarse grasses and roots, the lining consisting of grass blades. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, rather long and pointed in form, pure white in color. Dimensions of two specimens in 
 Mr. Brewster's cabin4ft, -70x-55 and -65x-50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The quaint and ancient city of St. Augustine is situated on an arm of the ocean ; 
 consequently it is necessary to protect the lower section by a sea-wall, which extends the entire 
 length of the town. This wall, being broad upon the top, is used as a promenade by the 
 inhabitants. While sauntering along this walk one day in April, I observed some Swallows 
 alighting in front of me. I saw at once that they were a species which I had never seen before, 
 but a closer view proved them to be Rough- winged Swallows. At first there were only four or 
 five to be seen, but in a few days there were quite a number flying about the place. This is the 
 only time I ever met with this species living, and I have never found it breeding in the state ; 
 but having met Mr. Allen, in Jacksonville, a few weeks later the same season, he informed 
 me that he found a small colony evidently about to breed on some bluffs along the St. John's 
 river not far from the mouth. This species is said to breed in holes in buildings, under 
 bridges, etc. Mr. Ridgway, writing to me of them, says, "In southern Illinois they nest in 
 communities in company with H. riparia, occupying adjoining holes and having entirely the 
 same habits, but are much more numerous there than the common Bank Swallow." 
 

 

'/..VMS BIRD. 77 
 
 FAMILY X. AMPELHXE. THE CHATTERERS. 
 
 Bated mainly upon the single genus Ampelis, the characters are as follows: Bill, short and triangular; gape, wide, 
 nearly as much so as in the Ilirundinidtr. Wings, quite long. Tail, square and nut emarginate.. Sternum, quite similar 
 to that of tht preceding family. The expansion of the furcula does not approach the keel nearly as closely, however, and 
 the tip i if ttir ki tl is not as pointed, neither does it project as far forward. Marginal indentations of Ampelidat are deeper 
 than those of the .ViriiMurs, and the coracoid bones are not set on at such a wide angle. 
 
 A peculiar family, whose proper place in the systematlst's catalogue is at present doubtful. 
 
 GENUS I. AMPELIS. THE WAXW1NGS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Head, crested. Plumage, soft, silky, and well blended. Tipsof secondaries, provided with a horny expansion, 
 which rrsemiili-s ml M iiliny-irar. MiTiittl characters, as described above. 
 
 Tliis is a singular genus which should, judging from the anatomical and osteologlcal characters, be placed quite 
 near thr order <'ln>nntorea. Still the sterna very closely resemble those of llirundinida:. This latter named family 
 cannot be .-i>nsiili -n -<\ as clamatorial birds, but they are now in my opinion placed much farther from this order 
 (Clumatureg') than is consistent with certain characters exhibited in the sterna which will be mentioned at some 
 future time. 
 
 AMPELIS CEDRORUM. 
 
 Cedar Bird. 
 Ampelis cedrorum SCLATEB, P. Z. S., 1856, 299 (Cordova). 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Bill, not large. Sternum, quite stoutly built. Tongue, triangular, 
 with the base llesliy, but becoming thin and horny, the tip being bifid and provided with coarse cilia. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Top of head and crest, deep brown, which gradually but imperceptibly changes along the back 
 into the slaty of the upper tail coverts and top of tail, which is tipped with yellow. Wings, with the exposed 
 portions, excepting the tips of primaries, slaty ; remaining parts, dark brown. Chin, deep chocolate, gradually 
 changing along the under parts into the pale yellow of the abdomen. Under wing coverts and axillarics, 
 smoky-brown. Under tail coverts, dirty-white. Secondaries, and occasionally the tail, tipped with the red horny 
 expansion of the shaft of the feathers. 
 
 Young birds are paler and generally lack the red tips of the wings. The yellow marking of the tall is also 
 narrower. 
 
 Xestlinys are not only quite slaty, but are streaked longitudinally underneath with dusky. Sexes, similar. Irides, 
 brown. Bill and feet, black in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The well known Cedar Bird may readily be distinguished from Ampelis garrula by the smaller size, white under 
 tail coverts and absence of white markings on the wings, but in regard to this latter character It may be well to 
 state that rarely specimens of A. cedrorum may be found, with longitudinal stripes of white on the tips of the 
 primaries, although I never saw any indications of a white bar upon the wings. The young generally lack the red 
 tippings of the secondaries, yet I have seen nestlings which were provided with them on both wings and tail. The 
 proportion of adults which have red tipped tails is, as far as I have observed, about one per cent., while those with 
 white markings on the wings are much rarer. Some localities appear to produce many specimens in both of these 
 conditions, whereas they are scarcely to be found in others. I have collected quite a number thus marked about 
 Newton. Mass., yet I never found a single specimen at Ipswich. I can find no difference between individuals taken 
 in Florida and those taken in New England, excepting that I never saw one from the former locality which hail I lie 
 red tippings, and I have taken a considerable number there. Distributed as a resident species or an irregular 
 migrant throughout North America north to Hudson's Bay. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-two specimens. Length, 7-20; stretch, ll'GS; wing, 2-75; tail, 2-25; bill, -42; 
 tarsus, -f>5. Longest specimen, 7-50; greatest extent'of wings, 12-25; longest wing, 4-00; tall, 2-75; bill, -45; 
 tarsus, -70. Shortest specimen, 6-75; smallest extent of wings, 11-00; shortest wing, 3-60; tail, 2-00; bill, -27; 
 tarsus, -L'J. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Xests, composed of cedar hark, fibrous roots and dried grasses, lined with finer roots or grasses. Dimensions : 
 external diameter, 4 inches, internal, 3; external depth, 3 inches, internal, 2-50. 
 
78 VIREO OLIVACEUS. 
 
 Eggs, oval in form, bluish- white in color, with the larger ends covered with round spots of black; there are also 
 spots showing beneath the surface. The smaller ends are occasionally marked with black. Dimensions, from 
 90 x -65 to -80 x 60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The singular lisping notes of the Cedar Bird may be heard during winter almost anywhere in 
 Florida north of Lake Monroe. They move in large flocks here as is their custom elsewhere, 
 but mainly frequent open places near settlements. As their food at that time consists mostly of 
 insects, they doubtless find a large supply in those localities. I do not think they breed in the 
 state but linger until May, when they go farther north. The migrating movements of this 
 species in eastern Massachusetts are quite singular. In May, when the apple trees are in bloom, 
 they appear in great numbers and subsist upon the larvte of various species of Lepidoptera, 
 which infest these trees, occasionally interlarding their repast with the petals and stamens of the 
 blossoms. About the middle of June, they build their nests, the young are out in July, and 
 later may be seen iu company with their parents chasing insects. They are especially abundant 
 at this time in the vicinity of bodies of fresh water, and will often alight upon lily-leaves and 
 other aquatic plants, in order to secure their prey ; or will take their food by plunging 
 downward from a limb which overhangs the water and hovering for a moment over the surface. 
 By the first of September, they are gone and we seldom see them again until the following 
 February, then when the cedar and savin berries are fully ripe, they appear iu immense flocks 
 and feed upon them. They will then also eat largely of the fruit of the mountain ash and 
 asparagus. By the middle of March, they once more disappear and we do not see them again 
 until the following June. These birds usually place their nests on the limbs of apple trees or 
 in their favorite cedars. The parents are very solicitous for the safety of their eggs or young, 
 and will alight quite near the intruder, continually uttering their sharp hissing notes. While 
 incubating they pay very little attention to the presence of man ; indeed I once knew a pair that 
 constructed their nest iu a small red cedar, which stood near a path along which many people 
 were constantly passing, yet the female kept her place although the heads of pedestrians came 
 within two or three feet of her ; in fact she became so accustomed to all this bustle that it was 
 only by endeavoring to take her iu the hand that she could be induced to fly. 
 
 FAMILY XI. VIREONID^]. THE VIREOS. . 
 
 Bill, not wide at base nor deeply cleft; but curved and notched at tip. Coracoid bones, nearly equal in length to the 
 top of the keel. Keel, moderately high, equaling in length one-half the width of sternum. 
 
 These are birds of plain markings, being greenish above and yellow or white beneath; but, like many species 
 with inconspicuous plumage, they are fine songsters. 
 
 GENUS I. VIREO. THE GREENLETS. 
 GEN. CH. Sternal characters as given abore. Wings, long. Tail, moderate. Sill, shorter than the head. 
 
 VIREO OLIVACEUS. 
 Red-eyed Vireo. 
 
 Vireo olivacevs VIEILL., Bon., Obs. Wils. ; 1826, 124. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, moderate. Sternum, not stoutly built. Tongue, thin and horny, deeply 
 cleft at the end, with the extreme tip provided with minute cilia. In young birds the tongue is not as deeply cleft, 
 and the cilia extend along the sides. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, olivaceous-green, with the wing and tail, excepting on the outer web, which is 
 
RED-EYED VIREO. 7!> 
 
 like the back, dark brown. Top of head, slaty-blue. Superciliary stripe, dirty white, preceded above by a narrow 
 line of black. A dusky line extends from the base of the bill, through tin- eye, to some distance behind It. Under 
 parts, pure white, with tin- sides. Hanks, under wing coverts, axillaries and under tail coverts, greenish. Irides, red. 
 Ailii'' ">"l i/oitnij in nl! fiiiijfs, similar, but paler, with the black markings about tlie head often nearly 
 
 obsolete. The irides are quite brown, especially in the young. In all stages the bill is dark brown on the upper 
 mandible, and bluish on the lower. The feet are blue. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Hcadily known from all other Vireos by the slaty-blue head, accompanied by the white and black superciliary 
 line. At one time I was inclined to consider the 1'. brirbatula as a valid species, but after carefully studying 
 southern-born Vireos and comparing them with more northern specimens of the same species, find there Is but one 
 character upon which l.ur/'i'tiil'i can lie consistently ha^ed ; this is tin- dusky maxillary stripe, which, in the specimen 
 before me. taken in Oiba and kindly loaned me by the Smithsonian Institute, is barely perceptible. The size of the 
 bill is nothing more than might be expected from its southern range. In fact I have skins of V. Xoveboracensis, 
 from Key West, where they were evidently resident, that exhibit as great proportional differences In length. The 
 under mandibles of these are considerably swollen, giving the bills a wider appearance; the tips are also elongated. 
 These peculiarities are what give the barbatuln its large bill. Southern Xoreboractnsis are rather more dusky than 
 those from the North, but as there are no indications of a maxillary line this duskiness may not take that form. I 
 have never seen any northern \'. olivaceus with any dusky maxillary lines, or any approach to one, yet I think could 
 birds be taken breeding in intermediate localities they would exhibit traces of it, thereby forming the connecting 
 links. Although I am now inclined to consider barbatula and olivaceus as one species, I have scarcely seen enough 
 of the former, or a sntlicient series of the latter from more southern localities, to render this decision Una); but as 
 the two, if really separate, must closely agree in habit, choose to consider them as one for the present. Distributed 
 during summer throughout eastern North America west to the Rocky Mountains, wintering in the West Indies and 
 South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement of sixteen specimens. Length, 6-25; stretch, 10-10; wing, 8-25; tail, 2-25; bill, -53; 
 tarsus. -i;;l. Longest specimen, G-50; greatest extent of wings, 10-05 ; longest wing, 3-48; tail, 3-00; bill, -65; tarsus, 
 f.5. Shortest specimen, G'OO; smallest extent of wiugs, 9-88; shortest wing, 3-20; tail, 2-10; bill, -GG; tarsus, -GO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 x, pensile, placed in trees or bushes. Composed of strips of bark or dried grasses, while the whole Is 
 neatly overlaid with cobwebs; lined with finer grasses. Dimensions: external diameter, 3 inches, internal, 2; 
 external depth. 2. internal, 1-50. 
 
 /.;/!/. four in number, oval in form, pure white in color, spotted rather sparsely with deep umber. Dimensions, 
 from -85 x CO to -80 X -55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Throughout the entire extent of New England, even in the immediate vicinity of the larger 
 cities, are patches of woodbind of varied extent, and many of them are composed of ancient trees 
 which once partly formed the vast primeval forest that in former times overspread the land. 
 It is very pleasant in summer to wander beneath the shades of these sylvan patriarchs; for, uo 
 matter how brightly Ihe sun may he shining upon the broad open Holds and meadows, the moment 
 we enter the woods we seem transported to another sphere. Without, the air is hot and dry ; 
 now, a cool, refreshing breeze sweeps through the dimly lighted vistas, slightly moving the 
 ferns which <rrow at the bases of the gigantic trunks that stretch their arms high overhead, 
 where the deep green foliage sweeps to and fro disclosing glimpses of the blue sk}'. A murmur 
 pervades the air, caused by the rustling leaves, the hum of insects and the songs of birds. The 
 experienced ear at once detects the notes of the various Thrushes and those of other species, but 
 the last one noticed will be that of the Red-eyed Vireo. There may be several of these birds 
 singing nt one time quite near, yet so nearly do the gently given lays accord with the general 
 harmoiiv around, that they mingle with the whole and are not observed, but when a Vireo that 
 has been continually singing pauses for a moment, its voice is missed and one is apt to notice 
 when it commences again. 
 
 When the attention is attracted and one wishes to see the author of these melodious strains, 
 it is exceedingly difficult to catch .-ight of the little green-backed birds for they generally remain 
 
80 VIBEO NOVEBORACENSIS. 
 
 high in the tree tops, where their leisurely movements correspond with their slowly given song. 
 Although the Red-eyed Vireos are generally found at such an elevation, yet 'they often place 
 their nests quite near the ground. They usually select a swaying oak or maple and build their 
 pensile nests in the forks of slender boughs. During this time, and in fact throughout the entire 
 breeding season, both birds keep together, exhibiting considerable solicitude for each other's 
 safety. If one is shot and falls to the ground the survivor alights near it and evinces intense 
 sorrow by every note and action. These Vireos continue to sing until the middle of September, 
 but do not give the full song after July. By the first of October, they depart for the south. I 
 have never met with this species in Florida, but Mr. Boardinan has seen it upon one or two 
 occasions. I have never up to the present time met with the singular West Indian form, but 
 judge from all accounts that it has similar habits to its northern representative. 
 
 VIREO NOVEBORACENSIS. 
 White-eyed Vireo. 
 
 . Vireo Noveboracensii BON., Obs., Wils. ; 1825. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Form, quite robust. Size, rather small. Tongue, thin, horny, but not very acuminate and slightly cleft at tip; 
 but in the single specimen before me, taken from an adult bird, there is not the slightest appearance of any cilia; 
 they would, however, quite likely be present in younger specimens. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Uniform yellowish-green; brightest on the forehead. Wings and tail brownish, edged with 
 same color as that of the back. Greater and lesser wing coverts, tipped with white, forming bars. The outer webs 
 of the tertiaries are edged with white and the wings are lined with it. Stripe at base of bill, ring around the eye, 
 sides, flanks, under tail coverts, under wing coverts and axillaries greenish-yellow. Remaining under portions, 
 white. Irides, white. 
 
 Young and nestlings, similar to the adult but paler, and with a suffusion of slaty above. The white markings on 
 the wings are also more extended. In these stages the irides are yellowish. Sexes, similar. In all stages the bill 
 is dark brown on the upper mandible, bluish on the lower, and the feet are blue. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the uniform greenish-yellow above, accompanied by the bars on the wings and the white 
 irides. Specimens from Florida which breed there are, as remarked under head of V. olivaceus, rather more dusky 
 and have larger bills. Distributed during the breeding season from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic, north 
 to Maine. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of four specimens. Length, 5-25; stretch, 8-25; wing, 2-45: tail, 205; bill, -45; tarsus, 
 75. Longest specimen, 5-50; greatest extent of wing, 8-45; longest wing, 2-55; tail, 2-10; bill, -50; tarsus, -80. 
 Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 7-50; shortest wing, 2-40; tail, 2-00; bill, -40; tarsus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, peusile, placed on low bushes. The following description is taken from a nest found in Florida, May 8, 
 1872. Composed of fragments of palmetto fronds, leaves and Spanish moss, fastened together with spider's webs 
 and lined with flue grasses. External diameter, 3 inches, internal, 1-75; external depth, 2-50 inches, internal, 1-75. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, oval in form, pure white in color, spotted very sparsely with minute dots, more numerous 
 on the larger ends. Dimensions, from -75 x -55 to -70 x -50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 We landed on Key West one sultry day, about noon, and after resting two or three hours, I 
 wandered out to the borders of the town. I had scarcely entered the tangled thicket which skirts 
 the eastern side of the cultivated district, when I heard the peculiar notes of the White-eyed 
 Vireo. They were quite abundant there, as indeed they are in every swampy undergrowth 
 throughout Florida, from the Keys northward, and strangely enough they sing during the entire 
 winter in all these localities. Many of them appear to be constant residents here and breed about 
 
SOLITARY VlltKO. BLUK ///:.! Itl-'.n VIREO. 81 
 
 the first of May. Although quite generally distributed in this section, they are rather local in 
 Xe\v England, being exceedingly rare in .some localities, while commonly found in others. In 
 the North as in the South these birds are found in close swampy thickets, where they may be at 
 once detected by their singular note. Mr. Philip II. Gosse, in his "Birds of Jamaica," says that 
 the song of the "Whip Tom Kelly" ( I". Ixtrlin(ula) does not in the least resemble the syllables 
 of which its name is composed ; I have thought that perhaps the originator of the name heard 
 the White-eyed Vireo, while he had the b n-!> I'nln in mind, for the song of Noveboracensis quite 
 closely resembles these words pronounced with a decided accent on the "Kelly." Besides these' 
 notes they emit a querulous one of alarm or annoyance when intruded upon. 'These birds nest 
 in Massachusetts in June, bring out their young in July, and depart south early in autumn. 
 
 VIREO SOLITARIUS. 
 
 Solitary Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo. 
 
 Vireo solilarius VIEILI,., Nouv. Diet., xi ; 1817. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si-. Cit. Form, robust. Si/.e, medium. Bill, quite short. Sternum, rather strongly built. Tongue, thin, 
 horny, rather acuminate; tip, quite deeply cleft and provided with cilia which extend along the sides for a short 
 distance. 
 
 COLOK. Ailnlt. Above, very dark olivaceous-green, with the wings and tail dark brown edged with greenish. 
 Win;; coverts, tipped with white. forming bars. The outer webs of the tertiaries, outer and inner webs of outer tail 
 feathers and inner webs of many others are also edged with it. Top and sides of head, dark slaty-blue. Under wing 
 coverts, axillarics. sides ami 11 inks, yellowish-green. Line from bill to eye, ring around the latter and under parts, 
 including under tail coverts, pure white. 
 
 Young and ntstliii'j*. paler. The green of the back is obscured with dusky, and the top of the head with 
 greenish. Tin; white of the wings and tail is rather more extended. The under parts are also washed with 
 greenish. Sexes, similar. Irides, brdwn. Bill, dark brown on the upper mandible, bluish on the lower. Feet, blue 
 in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily known by the conspicuous blue head and white ring around the eye. This latter character Is quite 
 variable, being larger in some specimens than in others. Northern United States during the breeding season; 
 winters in more southern sections. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens. Length, 5-55; stretch, 9-20; wing, 3'00; tail, 2-20; bill, -45; tarsus, 
 7t. I.onire^r specimen, 6-00; greatest extent of wings, 9-75 ; longest wing, 3-30; tail, 2-40; bill, -49; tarsus, -78. 
 Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 8-35; shortest wing, 2-80; tail, 1'94; bill, -40; tarsus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 \>-*t. A specimen found by Mr. Brewster about ten feet from the ground in an oak was composed of fibrous 
 bark covered with that of birch; lined with pine leaves. Dimensions: external diameter, 3 inches, internal, 2; 
 external depth, 2 inches, internal, 1-50. 
 
 Eggs, from Mr. Brewster's nest, four in number, oval in form, pure white in color, sparsely spotted with black. 
 Dimensions, from -78 x- 55 to -80 x -57. Mr. Brewster thinks the eggs of this species are apt to be rounder than those 
 of other Vireos. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The solitary Vireos are quite abundant in the hummocks of the more northern sections of 
 Florida, and although seldom seen in the piny woods of these parts, I never found them elsewhere 
 in the vicinity of Miami. They usually accompany the various species of Warblers and are 
 always silent. They migrate northward quite early in spring, being the first of the family which 
 appear in Xew England, for they are often seen during the latter part of April. Here they are 
 no longer noiseless, but make the woods ring with their loud and often repeated song. These 
 birds are truly a sylvan species, seldom being found, while in the north, out of the thick groves. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 11 
 
82 COLLURIO LUDOVICIANUS. 
 
 They are also, as their name implies, solitary, for it is difficult to find more than a single pair in 
 any one locality at a given time. Although some remain to breed in Massachusetts, yet the 
 majority pass on farther north. The nests, like those of the Red-eyed Vireos, are placed in the 
 fork of a swaying limb. While breeding the birds are quite attached to each other and if one 
 is killed the other will remain near the spot for a considerable length of time. This species 
 migrates late in September, reaching Florida in early November. 
 
 FAMILY XII. LANIID^E. THE SHRIKES. 
 
 Bill, short, stout ; upper mandible strongly curved and deeply notched. Sternum, almost precisely similar in form to 
 that of the Vireonidte. Wings, proportionately short and rounded. Tail, long and also rounded. 
 
 Although the sternum of this family closely resembles that of the preceding, showing their affinity, yet all 
 of our species may readily be distinguished from the Vireontdw by the more strongly curved and deeply notched 
 bill. The wings are proportionately shorter and the tail longer. 
 
 GENUS I. COLLURIO. THE BUTCHER BIRDS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bluish or brownish- ash above; beneath, white, banded with black, in some stages. Wings and tail marked 
 with black and white. Other characters as given above. 
 
 The peculiar bills of these birds give them a hawk-like aspect, yet their other anatomical and osteological 
 features are those of the passerine birds, while their well executed songs proclaim them to be true Osciues. 
 
 COLLURIO LUDOVICIANUS. 
 Loggerhead Shrike. 
 
 Collurio Ludovicianus BAIRD, Review of American Birds, 1866, 443. 
 Collurio excubitoroides BAIHD, Review of American Birds, 186G, 445. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Sternum, stoutly built. Tongue, thin, horny and acuminate; with 
 the end bifid and provided with cilia, which in young specimens extend along the sides. 
 
 COLOU. Adult. Above, slaty-blue, darkest on the head and lightest on the rump, which in some specimens 
 becomes nearly white. Line on the forehead, stripe extending through the eye and down on the neck, wings, and 
 tail, black. Outer webs of tertiaries, tips of secondaries, basal third of primaries, terminal band on all, excepting 
 the two central tail feathers and under portions of body, including under tail coverts, white. Sides, flanks, axillaries 
 and under wing coverts, bluish-ash. 
 
 Young, similar, but browner above and obscurely barred below with dusky, especially on the breast. 
 
 Nestlings differ in having the two central as well as the other tail feathers tipped with white. The white 
 on the secondaries is marked with yellowish, while there are indications of yellowish barrings above the terminal 
 markings. Both rows of upper wing coverts are finely barred With yellowish-white. The remaining upper and 
 entire lower parts, excepting the throat and abdomen, crossed with fine wavy lines of dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Only known from the closely allied C.borealis by the smaller size and continuous line over the forehead; 
 otherwise the markings of these two species in adult and nestling plumage are very similar. The young of the 
 northern species are browner above than the same stage of Ludovicianus and the dusky lines below are much more 
 prominent. The whiter rump and upper tail coverts, together with other minor differences exhibited by specimens 
 of this species taken west, are too slight characters upon which to base a species, especially when specimens are 
 constantly found that form a perfect chain of gradation between the two varieties. Therefore I have not hesitated 
 to place the name excubitoroides as a synonyme of Ludovicianus. Distributed as a resident and partly migratory 
 species throughout Southern and Central United States, straggling to Mass. (H. A. Purdie.) 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens. Length, 9-20; stretch, 12-35; wing, 3-85; tail, 3-90; bill, -70; 
 tarsus, 1-05. Longest specimen, 9-50; greatest extent of wings, 13-20; longest wing, 3-90; tail, 4-00; bill, -75; 
 tarsus, 1-20. Shortest specimen, 8.75; smallest extent of wings, 12-25; shortest wing, 3-75; tail, 3-75; bill, -65; 
 tarsus, -95. 
 
LOQGBBOEAD 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 t. \ speeimen now before me, which was taken In Florida from a pine tree forty feet from the ground, Is 
 eomp i-n-il of roots anil dricil irrasses, among which is interwoven cotton that the birds procured from a supply 
 wliicli w.-is taken from a vessel by tin? wreckers an I spread out to dry. It is lined with flue grasses and cotton. 
 Dimensions: external diameter, 6 inches, internal, 4; external depth, 2-75 inches, internal, 1-50. 
 
 EM*, four to six in number, oval in form, grayish-white i n co lor, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and 
 lilac. This marking is often distributed irregularly over the surface, but sometimes the spots are more numerous 
 on the larger end. Dimensions from -80x -70 to 1-OOx 75. 
 
 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There was no bird for which I looked with greater interest than the Loggerhead Shrike. 
 The first specimen which I ever saw was perched on the top of a stake which stood in a vacant 
 lot near Jacksonville but which is now occupied by houses. The bird was busily engaged in 
 taking his dinner of grasshoppers which he captured by diving downwards from his elevated 
 position, and, after seizing them in his strong bill, he returned to his former position to devour 
 them. These and other insects appear to form the only food of this species in Florida; at least 
 such is the result of 1113' observations, after having seen many specimens while living, and after 
 disserting two or three scores that had been shot. lean therefore say in favor of the Shrikes 
 that I have never si-en them attempt to catch small birds although they were abundant, nor have 
 I found aught else than insectivorous food in their stomachs. Another good proof of their 
 barmlessness to the smaller species maybe seen in the fact that the Warblers, Sparrows, etc., 
 never appear to exhibit any fear of the Shrike, yet we have the best of evidence that in other 
 sections they do, at least occasionally, catch little birds ; this may happen, however, when insects 
 arc scarce, which seldom occurs in Florida. Another peculiarity of these birds in this section 
 is, that they do not have the general habit of impaling insects upon thorn bushes, etc., although 
 they are reported as so doing in other states. Indeed I can recall but one or two instances 
 where I have seen them thus employed ; the abundance of food may also be the cause of this. 
 
 It is a universal habit with the Loggerhead to resort to localities like that in which I found 
 my tirst specimen, especially in the neighborhood of settlements, and one is almost certain to 
 find a pair in the immediate vicinity of any lonely house which is built in the woods if it has a 
 small clearing about it. In the wilder portions where there are no inhabitants they resort to the 
 edges of the open savannas or prairies, but it is difficult to find more than two in the same 
 locality. They are quite unsuspicious when accustomed to the presence of man, but in the 
 wilderness are very shy. The Shrikes breed in April, generally placing their nests in trees at 
 some distance from the ground. The only one which I ever found was in a fork of a branch on 
 a pine tree more than forty feet from the ground. The structure was pointed out to me by some 
 wreckers, who had a house within a few rods of the place, and who kindly assisted me in 
 procuring the eggs, which was not an easy task as the birds had placed their domicile upon a 
 slender limb at some distance from the trunk. I managed, however, to secure it by means of 
 a long cleft stick which I pushed under it, as I clung to the tree, and raising it from its 
 place drew it towards me until within reach. This performance was rendered somewhat 
 perilous by the wind which, as it was blowing almost a gale at the time, nearly threw me from 
 the tree. The birds were very solicitous for the safety of their home, for they flew excitedly 
 about, alighting upon the neighboring trees and uttering their harsh alarm notes. This guttural 
 sound, usually expressive of annoyance, is occasionally given during winter in place of the song, 
 which is quite fine although not equal to that of the Northern Shrike. While giving this melody, 
 the bird is perched in an elevated situation, resembling Hie Mocking Bird in this respect. The 
 general coloration and manner of flight of the Loggerhead are also like that of the latter named 
 species, but one who is at all familiar with the haljits of these tvyo birds would readily detect 
 
84 CERTHIOLA f LAVE OLA. 
 
 the Shrike by his more erect carriage while sitting, and stouter, shorter form while flying. The 
 Loggerhead breeds in Florida in the latter part of April, and I have taken the newly fledged 
 young about the 15th of May. 
 
 FAMILY XIII. CCEEEBID^E. THE HONEY CEEEPERS. 
 
 Sill, not notched, equal in length to the head and very acuminate, with both mandibles considerably arched. Tongite 
 thin' and horny, cleft for one-third of its terminal length; while the tip is provided with long delicate cilia, which extend 
 along the sides. 
 
 The position of this family is doubtful, but I have placed it near the Tanayridx, as presenting some characters 
 which are similar to those of that family. I have never seen a sternum of any of the species, and therefore cannot 
 judge whether they are similar to those of the succeeding family. The tongues are peculiar, being pencillate and 
 quite different from those of any other birds that I have examined. 
 
 GENUS I. CERTHIOLA. THE YELLOW-HUMPED CREEPER. 
 GEN. CH. Wings, long. Tail, short. Feet, largn. 
 
 CERTHIOLA FLAVEOLA. 
 
 Yellow-rump ed Creeper. 
 " Certhiola flareola SUNDEV^LL, 1835;" GOSSE, Birds of Jamaica, 1847, 84. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, small. Bill, moderately long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark plumbeous. Spot on the base of tail and tips of tail feathers, cxctptirg the two 
 central, white. Chin and throat dark ash. Under wing coverts, axillaries, under tail and superciliary stripe, 
 white. Remaining under parts bright yellow, which become green on the abdomen and flanks. 
 
 Young. Lighter above than the adult, and with the tertiaries and secondaries narrowly tipped with white. 
 Throat, white in place of dark ash, while the flanks and abdomen are dirty white. Bill and ftet black in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from any other f-peCies by the above description. I have no specimens marked for sex, but judge 
 that the female is similar to the male. A native of the West Indies; but a single instance on record of its being 
 taken in Florida; this one was found by Dr. Wurdeman on Indian Key, Jan. 31, 1858. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Two specimens in my collection measure as follows ; No. 942, taken by Dr. Bryant ; Length, 4-50 ; wing, 2-50 ; tail, 
 1*60; bill, -62; tarsus, -75. A specimen from St. Thomas measures: Length, 4-45; wing, 2-25; tail, 1-40; bill, -50; 
 tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, dome-shaped, composed of bits of palm leaves and dried grasses lined with fine grasses. Dimensions : 
 external diameter, (i inches, internal, 3. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, roundish-oval in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Probably every American ornithologist is familiar with the name of Indian Key, for nearly 
 every naturalist who has visited this section of the country has labelled many of his specimens 
 as coming from this spot. Therefore through reading about the numerous birds that were said 
 to have been taken there, 1 came to look upon the place as a wonderful collecting ground, and 
 was quite anxious to see it. About four o'clock in the afternoon of January 4, 1871, this desire 
 was gratified, for I found myself off the island on board a little coasting vessel which carries the 
 mail between Key West and Miami. The wind being ahead the captain decided not to go any 
 
PL A i r. m. 
 
 CER^HIOLA BAHAMENSIS. 
 Yellow-rumped Creeper.Adulb. 
 
>/ .in//:/.' /,-/:/< /;//./>. S.~> 
 
 farther that night, so when within a few hundred yards of land the anchor was let go, the chain 
 rattled out, the schooner swung around and headed up to the eastward facing the strong current 
 which was sweeping from the ocean into the Gulf of Mexico. The sails, which had been 
 lowered, were now nicely furled, the boat was dropped into the clear water, and in a few 
 moments we \\ere landing on the land which we had so long wished to visit. 
 
 I was much disappointed in the Key as it is very small, containing but six acres of land, and 
 is nearly destitute of vegetation, being composed of lijnc rock which is covered with very little 
 soil. There are three tall cocoanut trees growing there, and at the time of our first visit five or 
 six bunches of low shrubs, but no other trees or bushes of any kind. This being the existing 
 state of things \\c >aw at once that there must have been some mistake in accrediting so many 
 species to this desolate Key, while there are large and fertile islands lying on either side, where 
 nearly all of these rare birds nm-t have been taken. 
 
 Among those to which special interest is attached is the Yellow-rumped Creeper. Dr. 
 Wurdeman found it not uncommon in this section some years ago, but I am confident that it is 
 not a regular visitor as I have looked for it in vain among the Keys later in the season when it 
 ought to occur. 
 
 FAMILY XIV. TANAGKIDJE. THE TANAGERS. 
 
 i-d mainly upon the genus Pyrangn, the characters are as follows : Bill large, upper mandible slightly curved and 
 ' t'til nut In/i'i. tiijltily emarginate. Coracoid bonet shorter than the top of the keel, which is higher 
 tltnn inn -It'll/ /If iri'ltli nf tli' - 
 
 This family embraces many species, a greater part of which are inhabitants of the tropics. The Tanagers are 
 -< ly allied to the Sparrows; in fact there are some genera iu both families which are so nearly alike that it Is 
 diflicult t decide as to which division they belong. 
 
 GENUS I. PYRAXGA. THE TOOTH-BILLED TANAGERS. 
 
 (.is. CH. Commissure of upper mandible provided with a moderately acute, but prominent tooth. Other characters 
 
 PYRANGA -ESTIVA. 
 Summer Red Bird. 
 
 Fyranga lestira VIEH.L, Nouv. Diet., xxvlli, 1819, 291. 
 
 Pyranga Cooperii KIDOWAY, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., June, 18G9, 130. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Sternum, not stoutly built. Tongue, thlo, horny, somewhat 
 acuminate, bitld, and provided on the end with coarse cilia. 
 
 Culm:. .!' . Uniform vermilion red, darker above, brightest on the bead and lighter below. 
 
 Inner webs of win-; feathers and tips of primaries brownish. 
 
 ,'ile at all seasons and male in winter. Olive-green above, more yellowish beneath. Wings, brown as in the 
 spring male. 
 
 / i if loth sexes, similar to the female, but more ochrey below. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Adult mule readily known by the uniform color. The female differs from P. rubra in having a larger )>ill and in 
 being more yellowish below. The male of tin >.<.. ml year is frequently marked in patches with the green of the 
 preeedingyear. DiMi United in summer throughout southern I'nited States, wintering in South Amu 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Averai;.- measurements of nine specimens from Florida. Length, 7-18 ; stretch, 1 1-c.". ; win-;, a-cii; tail, 3-00. 
 bill, -~'2 : tarsus, -71. Longest specimen. 7-sii : :jrr:ite-t i \ient of \\iiiL'-. IL'-IL'; longest, win::. :','.KI; tail, ,'!-lo : I, ill, 
 80; tarsus. -75. Shortest specimen, "'DO; smallest extent of winn", 1 1 -."jo ; shortest win::. ::-4j ; tail, 2-iiO; bill, 
 
86 CYANOSPIZA amis. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 The following 4s a description of a specimen taken at Mt. Carinel, Illinois, May 28, 1866, by Mr. R. Ridgway, 
 who has kindly written it out for me : 
 
 "Nest, deeply saucer-shaped, the walls very thin, four inches wide by two and one-half deep externally, and 
 three by two internally. Composed entirely of fine wire grasses, the lining of grass tops. Situated at the extremity 
 of a horizontal branch of an apple tree in orchard." 
 
 Eggs, four in number, oval in form, blue in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and umber. 
 Dimensions from -85 x -70 to -90 x -75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When the cold north winds cease to blow and the air in the piny woods is redolent with the 
 perfume of the sundew, creeping mimosa, and other delicate plants, which only bloom, even in 
 this mild climate, late in spring, the voices of the Summer Tanagers are heard in the tops of the 
 high trees, when their songs are full of wild melody in perfect keeping with the surroundings. 
 I have never met with these birds elsewhere than in the more open woods of the pine barrens, 
 where they are solitary, shy and retiring. Indeed so closely do they conceal themselves in the 
 thick foliage, that were it not for the loud song notes, which are constantly repeated, it would be 
 difficult to discover them. The males arrive about April first and are soon followed by the 
 females. I have never found a nest of this species, but judge that in Florida they must build ill 
 the tops of the pine trees. Mr. Ridgway, who is familiar with the breeding habits of this 
 species in Illinois, writes me that "the nest is usually situated at the extremity of the horizontal 
 branch of an oak or hickory tree, generally by the roadside, or in an open." The Summer 
 Red Birds have all left Florida by the end of October. 
 
 FAMILY XV. FRINGILLID2E. THE FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 
 
 Bill more or less cone-shaped and unnotched. Coracoid bones, shorter than the top of the keel, or equal to it in length 
 out never longer. Marginal indentations equalling the height of keel. 
 
 This family is represented largely in the Middle States, where all of the members may be recognized by the 
 conical bill, combined with the sternal characters given above, but in other countries species may be found which 
 grade into the Tanagers on the one hand, and into the Icteridte on the other. The arrangement of genera as given 
 by previous authors not being in accordance with the sternal characters, I have, after carefully studying the sterna of 
 many of our species, attempted what appears to me a more natural grouping. 
 
 GENUS I. CYANOSPIZA. THE BLUE SPARROWS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Coracoid bones, a little shorter than the top of keel, which is considerably higher than one-half the width 
 of the sternum. Plumage of adult males conspicuously marked with blue or other bright colors. 
 
 The bright colors and sternal characters of this genus show that it is closely allied to the preceding family, while 
 the habits of at least some of the species resemble those of some of the true sparrows. I have therefore placed 
 these beautiful birds at the head of the Fringillida:. 
 
 CYANOSPIZA CIEIS. 
 Nonpareil. 
 
 Cyanospiza ciris BAIUD, Birds N. A. ; 1858, 503. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, small. Form, somewhat robust. Upper mandible, considerably arched. Wings, not short. Tail, 
 moderately long and somewhat rounded. Sternum, stoutly built. Tongue, fleshy and triangular, with the tip bifld 
 and furnished with short, coarse cilia. 
 
 COLOK. Adult male, top and sides of head and neck rich purplish-blue. Middle of back and greater wing 
 coverts bright yellowish-green. Remaining upper parts, ring around eye and entire under portions, including under 
 tail coverts, carmine. Wings and tail, purplish with the inner webs of the former brown. Under wing coverts rosy. 
 
THE BLACK-HEADED FJXCU. S7 
 
 Adult female, dark green throughout, but with a yellowish tinge beneath. Inner webs of wing feathers, brown. 
 Yoitinj -/ I'oth *. Similar to the adult female, but more dusky above, and yellowish beneath. Irides, bill and 
 
 feet brown in ;ill .stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily known in the adult stage by the bright colors as given above, while the young male and female are greener 
 than the same sex in closely allied species, found within our limits. Although the adult females arc normally as 
 described, yet I have a specimen in my collection which is as brightly colored as any male I rver saw. and I have 
 heard <>f at least one similar specimen. Distributed throughout the extreme Southern States In summer; winters In 
 Southern Florida and Mexico. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirteen specimens. Length, 5-20; stretch, 8-20; wing, 2-65; tall, 2-25; bill, -40; 
 tarsus, -67. Longest specimen, 6-50; greatest extent of wings, 8-50; lougest wing, 2-85; tall, 2-45; bill, -46; tarsus, 
 7.->. Shortest specimen, 5-00; smallest extent of wings, 8-00; shortest wing, 2-00; tall, 2-00; bill, -40; tarsus, -61. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 The following descriptions were taken from specimens In the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History, 
 for an examination of which I am indebted to Mr. Emerton. 
 
 .\ i-sts, composed of tine grasses lined with horse hairs and finer grasses. Dimensions: external diameter, 3 
 inches, internal. 2 ">(); external depth, 1-50 inches, internal, 1. 
 
 i'l/fjs, four in number, rather round in form, ashy-white, spotted and blotched with brown, lilac and umber. 
 Dimensions, from -GO x -55 to -55 x '45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 TJie songs of the beautiful Nonpareil may be heard in the neighborhood of almost any 
 tangled thicket throughout the entire extent of Florida after the first of May ; but before this 
 they are only to be seen on the Keys or in the extreme southern portions of the mainland. We 
 found them very abundant in the immediate vicinity of Miami early in January, but did not 
 hear the song until late in March. 
 
 This species is always shy and retiring, seldom appearing in the open, but remaining in the 
 dense thorny undergrowth which covers all waste places in Florida, especially if the soil has 
 been cultivated. Whenever the birds perceive an intruder they retire into the depths of these 
 fastnesses, and it then requires considerable beating to drive them out; when they at once dart 
 into the nearest cover. The adult males are especially shy, and seldom show themselves. 
 Even while singing they remain concealed, and although we were thus furnished with a clew to 
 their whereabouts, it was with the utmost difficulty that we caught sight of the authors of the 
 harmonious strains which nearly always greeted our cars when we were in the vicinity of their 
 homes. During the latter part of May the males may be seen playfully chasing the females, 
 but I do not think they breed until June. 
 
 GENUS II. PHONirARA. THE LITTLE FINCHES. 
 
 GKN. C. Coracoid bones a little shorter than the top of keel, which but slightly exceeds in height one-half the width 
 of the sternum. Size, small. 
 
 Members of this genus may be distinguished by the small size, combined with the sternal characters given 
 above. 
 
 PHONIPARA ZENA. 
 
 The Black-headed Pinch. 
 Phonipara Zena LINN., Syst. Nat. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Plate II. Upper figure, male; lower, female. Plant, Lantana Camara. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, not robust. Size, small. Bill, short, but with the upper mandible arched. Wings and tall, 
 short; the latter rounded. Sternum, not stoutly built. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Top and sides of head, black; becoming olivaceous on the back of neck. Remainder of 
 
88 I'llOXIPAEA ZENA. 
 
 upper parts, olivaceous-green, with the inner web of tail and wings, brown. Under portions, including under 
 wing coverts, black ; with the abdomen and flank tinged with olivaceous and sprinkled with white. Under tail 
 coverts, olivaceous, with each feather edged with white. 
 
 Young male, lacks the black of the top of the head, and the same color beneath is not as extended. 
 
 Female. Olivaceous above, paler beneath, becoming grayish on the abdomen and flanks. Irides, bill and feet 
 brown in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This little Finch, of which we procured a single female specimen in Florida, may be distinguished from all other 
 North American species by its small size, combined with the peculiar form and color, as described above. It is an 
 inhabitant of the West Indies and adjacent islands. This is the only instance on record of its being captured within 
 the limits of the United States. 
 
 MEASUREMENTS. 
 
 Dimensions of the single specimen taken at Miami. Length, 4-20; stretch, 6-50; wing, 2-06; tail, 1-75; bill, -35; 
 
 tarsus, -55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 The following description was kindly sent to me by Mr. Ridgway : 
 
 "Nest, collected in Spanishtown, Jamaica, May 4, 1862 by W. T. March. Shoe-shaped. Length, '5 inches; height, 
 3 inches ; entrance, 2 Inches in diameter. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, -70x'50; ground dull white ; faintly sprinkled more dense in a ring round larger end 
 with small brown dots. Resemble very nearly eggs of Spizella pusilla." 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although there are now but a few houses at Miami or vicinity, yet this section has been 
 settled many years. The inhabitants who formerly occupied this spot have left many evidences 
 of their presence in the shape of ruinous walls, old wells, etc. Tradition points to this place 
 as being the haunt of pirates, and we were informed upon reliable authority that one of 
 those infamous men lived here until quite recently. Indeed, there are individuals now living 
 who have seen him. He was a Spaniard named Yusippie, and was the leader of a band of 
 blood-stained villains who lived upon the banks of the Miami, while the river formed a fine 
 harbor in which to moor their vessels, that they might not be seen from the open ocean. 
 
 Among the traces which these Spaniards have left behind them are evidences of cultivation 
 of the soil. The ground has been cleared for some distance back of the old fort, but is now 
 mainly grown up to bushes and trees ; there arc, however, frequent glades in the midst of these 
 thickets which are entirely void of shrubs, being only covered with grass and low herbage. 
 These spaces vary from a few yards to several rods in diameter, and are closely surrounded 
 by foliage. The trees and bushes are so thickly covered with vines and creeping plants that 
 their forms are entirely concealed and they resemble rolling clouds of living green rising in 
 huge billows one above the other. This deciduous mass is thickly starred with the large, white 
 flowers of the Ipomcea Bona-Nox and the purple blossoms of the wild convolvulus, while the 
 orange and yellow Lantana Gamara fills the air with a peculiar fragrance. As can readily be 
 imagined these dense thickets were filled with birds, and therefore we frequently visited the 
 lovely spots for the purpose of taking the various kinds found there. 
 
 Mr. Henshaw was collecting here with me on the 19th of January, 1871, when his quick 
 eye detected a small bird among the thick bushes, and he instantly shot it. After making his 
 way into the thicket and searching for a time he returned, bearing his prize, but with a puzzled 
 expression on his countenance, that instantly communicated itself to mine when I saw the little 
 "ray bird which he held in his hand, for it was a species which I had never beheld. It proved 
 to be the Black-headed Finch, the first and, up to this date, the only specimen ever taken in 
 the United States.. As Mr. Henshaw brushed through the lantanas to secure the bird, the 
 spicy odor of the crushed leaves filled the air and floated around us as we were examining the 
 specimen ; therefore the PJionipara Zena is ever associated in my mind with the shrub upon 
 which it is figured, and thanks to the care of my artist and engraver, both the bird and plant 
 are placed before the reader in a highly creditable manner. 
 
CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS. g9 
 
 >ii-:xusm. CIIKYSOMITKIS. THE GOLDFINCHES. 
 
 f :,:N :. ( n. Bill, mall and pointed. Winy,, long. Tail, forked. Coracoid*, shorter than the top of keel, which i, but 
 Ktlle higher toon mi-- half the width of sternum. Size, small. 
 
 All the species within our limits an- more or less conspicuously colored with yellow, excepting pintu which has also 
 pale-yellow marking!! on the wings and tail. 
 
 
 
 CHEYSOMITRI3 TRISTIS. 
 Common American Goldfinch. 
 Chrysomitris tristis BON., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si'. CH. Form, rather robust. Tongue, quite thick, tipped with hair-like, horny fihers. Sternum us given above. 
 
 \>hi!t ,:u,l, in spriny. Bright l;'mon-yellow. Top of head, wings and tail, black. Lesser w introverts, tips of 
 .T-.niii',' Mrs, ..uter edges of secon;lari,-s, tips of primaries, elongated spots on inner webs of terminal portion of 
 1,-athcrs. upper and under tail coverts and under wing coverts, white. 
 
 Adult fnnnlr iii spriny. Greenish-brown, above an 1 yellowLsh-grcen, beneath. The wings and tail are brown, marked 
 with white, v. :.ieh is more restricted than in the male, and Ls frequently of a smoky tinge. 
 
 Adult inn'i- in irintrr. Similar to the Spring fjmale above but smoky-white beneath, with the front and sides of the 
 
 and rump, more or less tinged with yellow. The white markings are broader and more extended. 
 Adult frmalc in irintcr. Similar to the male but grayer above and inclined to be reddish-brown on the rum]) and lower 
 buck, wl.il.' tlic y, IIowWi is scarcely perceptible. 
 
 ing. Summer males of the preceding year exhibit a grayish patch, of a greater or less extent, on the upper back. 
 There are Cr;-,|U 'ntly a few greenish feathers in the black of the head. The females of the same age are more reddish above. 
 1 n-ii n :/ oftht i,'iir. Both sexes are highly tinged, above and below, with reddish-brown; while the white markings of 
 tin- vi ings an 1 tail are replaced by this rusty color. 
 
 .Y. .</,';' ;, ,-. Do not differ from the above, excepting that the throat Ls destitute of feathers long after the other portions 
 body are covered. Contrary to the rule, even in this Family, nestlings do not moult the first autumn. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There i; n i diiTic ulty in recognizing this species in the adult stage, and the young may always be distinguished by the 
 wing an 1 tail markings as given. There Ls no species which has come under 'my observation where then' is absolutely so 
 : iation as in the present. In a series tf some eighty summer skins, now before me, the yellow varies slightly in 
 i- partly due to age. The black tf the head is also more restricted in some than in others, aside from these 
 locations, however, there is a singular uniformity of coloration; while in winter there is but little more; variation. 
 A very large specimen from Utah, in the bright plumage of early summer, has the black of the head less extended than 
 usual. \v! : r with its uncommon size gives it a peculiar appearance. Late in mmmer the wear of the white edges 
 
 r blacker than earlier in the season. The adults undergo an entire change of plumage in the autumn, 
 but in spring the feathers of the wings and tail are retained while the remainder of the body acquires a new dress. It is 
 worthy that this is the only species among Fringilline birds, which I have examined, that i- n ;t streaked beneath in 
 !umage, but I cannot find any indication of those markings even in the nestlings where they usually ap- 
 pear in -ii, > i - which are unmarked when adult. 
 
 Distributed in summer throughout northern and middle North America; winters in the middle and southern portions. 
 The n-.rtheni ran,' , during winter, varies somewhat in different seasons, being governed by the supply of food, which Ls 
 largely regulated by the depth of snow. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A\ r .; .,; Ilt - , f twcnty-f.;ur specimens. Length, 5'fiO; stretch, 9'05; wing, 2'85; tail, 1-85; bill,'48; tarsus 
 
 'I"'. I- n -:>-'ciiiH'n,6-00; greatest extent of wing, 9'50; longer wine. TOO; tail, 2-07; bill, -50; tarsus, ;57. Shortest 
 'iien. l-T.'i; iiiall.-st extent of wing, 8'75: shortest wing. 2'00; tail, I'OO; bill, -\j; tarsus, -40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 *. placed in trees. They are compact structures composed outwardly of fibrous bark, leaves, weeds, and thistle 
 r smoothly lined with silvery-white thistle down than with any other material, when they present a 
 very pretty a . t>ut spec hn-n- li.'fjre me vary in being lined with fine roots, horse hair, or fern cotton. Three HP- 
 
 partly f f . oninion cotton, while one has r:: ing n -ally woven into the external portion. Dimension 
 
 . 3-00, internal, 2'00. External depth, 2'25 internal, 1-25. 
 
 . fmr in nuiii'i.'T oval in form, pale bluish-green in color unspotted, in all that I have examined. Dimensions 
 from -Gjx-30 to '70x'53. 
 
 WRDS OF FLORIDA. 13 
 
90 GOLDFINCH. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 It \vill be difficult to find, even among those preeminently gregarious birds the Spar- 
 rows, a species more inclined to associate in flocks, at all seasons, than the Goldfinches. 
 In winter, when all the earth is covered deep with new-fallen snow, and naught is to be 
 seen but the billowy drifts excepting the partly shrouded trees or an occasional patch of 
 weed-tops, appearing above the silvery sheet, where the whistling wind, rushing over 
 some unprotected knoll, has swept a portion of the snow away. This scanty outcropping of 
 dead herbage would be inconspicuous enough when the ground was brown and bare, but is 
 now quite noticeable when seen on the immaculate surface. But other eyes are looking at 
 what to us seems but a blemish in so fair a landscape, looking eagerly too, for, coming 
 from afar, borne through the frosty atmosphere, may be heard a faint sound, now near- 
 er and louder until the air is full of pleasant, lively, bird notes, then suddenly, as if born 
 out of the blue sky above, a hundred Goldfinches come dropping down in a small cloud 
 upon what to them is an oasis in a desert. Each weed stalk is immediately occupied by 
 a cluster of little brown-backed birds which are silent enough now, being busily engaged 
 in abstracting what few seeds old Boreas has left on the branches. They are hungry and 
 exactly like all animals in this condition, not excepting man, attend exclusively to the 
 business of feeding until at least partly full. One can approach quite near them at such 
 times, for they will be very little inclined to leave their breakfast, only occasionally paus- 
 ing to answer the call of some passing straggler who is endeavoring to find the flock, but 
 later in the day they are more prone to be startled. Then the slightest sound will cause 
 one or more to jump on wing with the sharp note of alarm, when at once, without further 
 warning, the whole flock is in air. After circling a few times about the spot, going high- 
 er and higher, they at length take their departure, moving quite rapidly, sounding their 
 notes as they rise and fall in the undulating flight which is characteristic of this species. 
 It is extremely probable that the same flock will not visit that locality again for days or 
 even months, for Goldfinches are exceedingly nomadic in winter. 
 
 As spring advances, and the Goldfinches which have migrated southward are return- 
 ing, the entire country is full of them. The birds linger for a time, while in the brown 
 plumage, in immense flocks, then, as the weather becomes wanner, break up into smaller 
 companies, and with the brightening summer put on their gala dress, assuming it seeming- 
 ly at once, for so rapidly does the moult take place that the new plumage is acquired in 
 less than a week. 
 
 I have said that they appear in gala attire, and this is true in a stricter sense than 
 can be applied to most birds, for with the Goldfinches the long, bright days of June, when 
 almost all other birds are occupied with domestic cares, are passed as one joyous festival. 
 Thus they wander about in small flocks until July when the duties of incubation begin. 
 In the more settled districts the nests are usually placed in ornamental or shade trees by 
 road-sides. I recently counted five nests, all in trees which stood along some four-hun- 
 dred yards of walk. The neat domiciles are built in the terminal fork of some high limb, 
 and the eggs are deposited from the first week in July to the first of August. 
 
 The young appear late enough for the parents to furnish them with newly-ripened 
 seeds which then abound upon various plants. I have always found this species feeding 
 
Clin YSOMITR1S PINUS. 91 
 
 iXclusively upon .seeds, and as they cannot find sufficient of this food earlier in the season 
 breed late. The young accompany the adults early in September, when they flock to old 
 fields which are grown up to thistles. Even during the breeding season the males show 
 an inclination to flock, and as they are then full of melody, each singing with a continuous, 
 warbling, song, of many minutes' duration, the effect produced by a concert of voices is 
 very line. The males also have a singular habit of flying about the neighborhood of the 
 nests, in huge circles, emitting a peculiar note tvhich is louder and clearer than that given 
 at other seasons. Both sexes are remarkably fond of bathing in summer, yet they cannot 
 lie considered as cleanly for their feathers are frequently bedaubed with a gummy sub- 
 tr.uee, from seeds. 
 
 The southward migration begins shortly after the autumnal moult, which occurs about 
 the first of September. As before remarked the winter range is regulated largely by the 
 snow-fall, for, when deep, it renders the seeds inaccessible upon which the birds depend 
 for a sustenance. During such seasons Goldfinches may be found as far south as Florida. 
 1 even saw them at Miami, in large numbers, in the winter of 1870-71. While in the 
 above mentioned State they feed largely on the new seeds of maples which appear early 
 in January. They leave for the North in March. 
 
 I should have stated that the eggs are from four to six in number; five being found 
 nearly as often as four, but six are more rare. 
 
 CHBYSOMITRIS PINUS. 
 
 Pine Goldfinch. 
 Chrysomitris pinus BON., Consp., 1850, 515. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. - 
 
 SP. Cn. Form,tjuite robust. Tongue, not very thick, horny, but having onlyavery slight indication of the hnir- 
 like terminal fibers. Sternum similar to that of tristis but proportionately a little broader and with the keel a trifle higher. 
 Bill, quite uccuminate. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Grayish-white above and below, streaked with dusky, but lighter beneath. Basal portion 
 of wings and tail, excepting outer webs of first three primaries, and narrow edges of outer webs of primaries, sulphur-yellow. 
 I mliT win;; covert*, edges and tips of greater wing coverts and of tertiaries, white. 
 
 Adult in winter. Similar to the summer plumage, but exhibiting n rufous tinge above and below. 
 
 Youny and Nestlings. Differ from the winter adult in being more strongly tinged with rufous. Sexes similar in all 
 stages of plumage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the ever present sulphur-yellow markings of the wings and tail. Some specimens show a tinge of yel- 
 low .in the alxloinen. Breeds from Northern New England to the Arctic Circle; winters from Maine to Florida. The spec- 
 inn n from Miami is somewhat smaller in size and darker in color than more northern skins. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements. Length. 5'25; stretch, 8-80; wing, 2'85; tail, 1'60; bill, '42; tarsus, -55. Longest specimen, 
 ,'reatcst extent of wing, 9' 10; longest wing, 3'00; tail, 1'05; bill, "45; tarsus, '60. Smallest specimen, ( from Miami, ) 
 length, 4-jO; stretch, 8-40; wing, 2'90; tail, 1-70; bill, '35; tarsus, -50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. The following description is taken from a specimen, now in the Smithsonian In-ti:utc, which 
 wa- f, ,un>l at Parley's Park, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, by Mr. Ridgway, who has kindly written it for me. "The very 
 bulky structure is composed of fine strips of bark, mostly gathered from coniferous and aspen tree*; the lining licini; of the 
 lame material but mixed with a little willow down. Dimensions; external diameter, 2'50, internal, 2'00. External depth, 
 2-00, internal, I'OO." 
 
92 PINE GOLDFINCH. 
 
 Ei/ys, four in number, bluish-white in color, sparcely dotted and lined with black. Dimensions, from '65 x '45 to 
 71x-50. 
 
 HABITS, 
 
 Near the banks of the Miami River, not far from Fort Dallas was a small spring. It 
 was overarched by guava trees, which had grown wild from lack of cultivation, while a 
 convolvulus had hung its verdant, flower-starred festoons from the branches. Giant ferns 
 with broadly pinnated fronds, five feet in length, grew on the margin and rank grasses 
 waved beside them. Thus the sparkling Avaters were surrounded by a luxuriant vegeta- 
 tion, never seen in the North, yet there was room beneath for the birds to find a conven- 
 ient bathing place. The Goldfinches soon found it,evcn though it did present a very differ- 
 ent aspect from the willow-margined brooks, to which they had been accustomed in a more 
 boreal clime, and, when the sun was high, visited the shady nook in flocks. I had long 
 been familiar with this species in Florida, but I was surprised to hear the call note of the 
 Pine Finch so far from its usual range. There were but a few, however, and they did not 
 remain very long. 
 
 The Pine Goldfinch, like the preceding species, is very irregular in its migrations, 
 and the instance related above is the only one which has come under my observation of its 
 occurrence anywhere in Florida. Even'in Massachusetts it is not found regularly in any 
 numbers; for example, during the winter of 1859- GO it was abundant but was not com- 
 mon again until 1868, when it remained until the following June. When in New Eng- 
 land it feeds largely on birch and fir seeds, thus is not dependent upon weeds which are 
 often covered with snow. Its migrations are therefore regulated solely by the food sup- 
 ply, and when the seed crop, of the trees mentioned, fails it moves southward in search of 
 other means of sustenance. 
 
 As spring advances the Pine Finch retreats to the evergreen forests of the mountain- 
 ous districts where it is much more at home than in the cultivated sections. They breed 
 in these wild, elevated, regions; Mr. Ridgway's nest, already described, was found in the 
 Wahsatch Mountains at an altitude of 9000 feet. It was placed on the horizontal limb of 
 a fir, twenty feet from the ground. This was taken June 23, but as Mr. Brewstcr found 
 it breeding at the White Mountains, New Hampshire, in August, it is extremely probable 
 that this species, like the Goldfinch, is obliged to await the ripening of certain seeds before 
 attempting to rear its young, which will account for local variation in the time of nesting. 
 
 The call notes and song of the Pine . Finch are quite similar to those of the preceding 
 species, but have such a peculiar, husky, intonation that they may be readily distinguished 
 at all times. 
 
 GENUS IV. JDNCO. THE SXOW BIRDS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, pointed. Wings , quite long . Tail, sliyhtly forked, but with the outer feathers a little shorter than the 
 others. Coracoids, shorter than (he top of keel, which is somewhat higher than one half the width of sternum. Size, not 
 very small. 
 
 All the species are dull in color, unstreaked, above or below, in the adult stage of plumage. The outer tail feathers 
 are always white. 
 
 There is scarcely a genus, throughout the entire Family, where the species so completely intergradc, in some stages of 
 plumage, as the present; indeed it is extremely difficult to decide whether some should be considered as species or only as 
 local races. 
 
JUNCO HYEMAL1S. 
 
 JTTNCO HYEMALIS. 
 
 Black Snowbird. 
 Junco hycmalfs SCLATER, Pro. Zool. Soc., 1857, 7. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, quite robust. Tongue, fleshy, not very horny at tip, which ia provided with short, terminal, hair-like 
 fillers. Sternum. a< given under generic characters. Bill, quite sharp. 
 
 Co 1.011. Ailult malr in suinmrr. Upper portion of body, including wings and tail, neck, breast and sides, slaty-blnck, 
 darkest anteriorly. Belly, abdomen, flanks, under tnil coverts, under wing coverts and extreme outer edges of primaries, 
 white. Four outer tail foathers are always white and two others are more or less so colored. Bill, pinkish, darker at tip 
 iiml base of upper mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Ft malr in sprint/. Similar to the spring male but having the slaty-black overwashed with rufous. Only two outer 
 tail 1'. 'aiders are wholly white. 
 
 Adult in winter and Youny. Adult malis in winter show more or less rufous, while the females are more highly ting- 
 ed with it than in the spring. The young are well washed with rufous for the first year and the white of the tail Ls much 
 
 extended. 
 
 _Y< .tt/inys. Are thickly streaked, above and below, with dusky, when they present a peculiar appearance 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens, of the same age and sex, vary considerably in amount of rufous, especially above. The extension of the 
 while '.n the tail is also \ariable, but I never saw more than four feathers wholly white; a specimen, however, now lie-lorn 
 me, has the n;'xt pair nearly immaculate, there being only a basal spot en the inner webs and a very small terminal one on 
 fne miter. This specimen is also remarkable as being the only one which I ever examined from the East that had any in- 
 dieaiicm of win:; liars; in this case there are two which are quite distinct. This bird is very dark in color and altogether 
 
 hat resembles "Aikenii." 
 
 The present Aperies may be distinguished by the dark sides and absenceof any decidedly red dorsal patch, such as is to 
 i in Ori'i/,iniu and allied specias. Distributed, in summer, throughout Northern New England, Canada, and along 
 the highlands and mountain ranges of Eastern United States, at least as far south as Virginia. Winters from the Atlantic 
 to the liocky Mountains between the latitudes of Florida and Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 .\\erairi' measurements of twenty eight specimens. Length, 6'25; stretch, 9'80; wing, 3'00; tail, 2-60; bill, '42; tarsus, 
 ?."i. Longest specimen, 7'00; greatest extent of wing, lO'OO; longest wing, 3'15; tail, 2'75; bill, '50; tarsus, '80. Smallest 
 specimen, 6'00; stretch, 9'50; wing, 2'80; tail, 2-50; bill, '40: tarsus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. Composed of fine grasses and lined with the same material. Dimensions; external di- 
 ameter, 4-00, internal, 3-00. External depth, 2'00, internal, I'OO. 
 
 Eyys, four or fiv - in number, oval in form, varying from white to bluish-white in color, spotted with reddish-brown and 
 lilac. Dimensions, from '70 x -55 to '75 x '60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On December 31, 187G, I was standing on the deck of the yacht Nina, sailing down 
 Calibogue Sound, before a fine breeze. We moved swiftly pasta point of land, which 
 shut out a view to the eastward, then the open ocean came into sight, and, in the dis- 
 tance, just to the southward, I recognized Tybee Light at the mouth of the Savannah 
 River! Nearer, to the right of when; the Sound opens into the sea, lay Daufuskic Island. 
 It was covcrcil with an exuberant growth of trees, mainly palmettos and live oaks, which 
 formed a wall of verdure, against which the white tower of the range beacon stood out in 
 strong relief; while the keeper's dwelling peeped out from among the green foliage. The 
 whole was fronted by a clean sandy beach, which rose abruptly from the sparkling water, 
 funning a neat foreground for one of the prettiest pictures that I had ever seen. Sweeping 
 
94 SLACK SNOWBIRD. 
 
 onward, almost to the light, we turned suddenly to the right and entered a creek, which 
 leads back of the island, along which we glided, for a mile or so, then cast anchor near a 
 large plantation. Going ashore we landed in a fine grove of live oaks which were heavi- 
 ly draped with long streamers of Spanish moss. These were hung so thickly that, to- 
 gether with the dense foliage, they rendered the light quite obscure, and it was not until I 
 had gone some distance that I observed that I had entered one of those small cemetarics, 
 so common in the South. Emerging from those gloomy shades I entered an adjacent cot- 
 ton field, from which a large flock of Sparrows started. Among them were several Snow- 
 birds, which, true to their instinct, instantly made for the trees and concealed themselves 
 in the long moss. This is the farthest point south that I have ever found them, but Mr. 
 Boardman records them as common in Florida during some seasons. 
 
 As above intimated, the Snowbirds intuitively seek protection by concealment, when 
 disturbed. They always exhibit this trait, and, in sections where there are no heavily fo- 
 liaged trees, of which they can avail themselves, will take shelter under brush heaps or 
 in thickets. This habit is acquired while they are among the spruces and hemlocks of 
 their northern homes. 
 
 In the South, and during the autumnal migration, the males have no other notes than 
 the sharp cry of alarm, which is often repeated several times in rapid succession until it 
 becomes almost a twitter, but during the northern journey they indulge in a very melo- 
 dious warble. This lay is only heard on those still, April mornings, when all the earth is 
 steeped in sunshine; when the bursting buds are disclosing the delicately tinted leaves; 
 when the grass on the southern slopes is showing its most brilliant green, and the balmy 
 breath of the coming spring is quietly awakening all vegetation to a renewed life; then the 
 Snowbirds, as if influenced by the surrounding tranquillity, gently pour forth their low 
 melody. Then we hear them at their best, for strangely enough when the summer has 
 fairly come, and all other birds are full of harmony, our little white-breasted friends for- 
 get the pleasant strains that they practiced earlier in the season, and only trill a series of 
 harsh chipping notes, which, when compared with their former efforts, is to say the least, 
 very inharmonious. 
 
 This species usually breeds on the ground, but Mr. H. B. Bailey found a nest at Up- 
 ton, Maine, placed on the limb of a spruce, four feet from the ground. The eggs are de- 
 posited about the first week in June, but a second litter is sometimes laid in July. The 
 young accompany their parents when they associate with the White-throated and other 
 Sparrows, migrating with them in September, and remaining with them, often in flocks, 
 all winter. 
 
 GENUS V. SPIZELLA. THE TRUE SPARROWS. 
 
 GEN. OH. Bill, pointed. Wings, long. Tail, slightly forked. Coracoids, shorter than the top of keel, which is 
 higher than one half the width of sternum. Size, -medium, never very small. 
 
 All the species are dull in color, streaked above, but not below, in the adult stage of plumage. There are never any 
 conspicuous white markings on the tail. 
 
 There are quite a large number of species in this genus but they are quite easily distinguished, as the specific charac- 
 ters are very distinct. 
 
SPIZELLA SOCIAL1S. 95 
 
 SPIZELLA SOCIALIS. 
 
 Chipping Sparrow. 
 Spi:ella socialis BON., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, horny, provided with the terminal, Imir-like fibers. Upper 
 mandible, slightly curved. Sternum, as given under generic characters. 
 
 COM PH. Ailuit in summer. Top of head, back, outer edges of upper wing coverts, and other wing feathers, chestnut, 
 brightest (,n the head, but with the occiput slightly, and the back broadly, streaked with black. Neck above, forming a 
 i-ollar, through which the black extends, rump, upper tail coverts, outer edges of tail feathers, ear coverts, side* of neck, 
 and sides, ashy. Wing? and tail, brownish-black. Forehead, line from bill, passing through eye, nnd bill, black. Medi- 
 an lin.', through Muck of forehead, superciliary line, throat, under wing coverts, under tail coverts, tips of upper wing cov- 
 ert--, f pniiin^ liars, white. Remainder of under parts, ashy-white, darkest across the breast. Feet light-brown. 
 
 Adull in irintrr. Differs from the above in having the crown overcast with blackish, and the chestnut of the crown is 
 extended down cm the neek, almost obscuring the collar. The lines of black above are not as clearly defined, but there Is 
 1 m ish] 1'. l:iw. The Mil is reddish, especially on the under mandible. 
 
 Young. In this stage the top of the head, and usually the rump, are more or less streaked with black. The marking 
 of the f ire'iead is n it as prominent. 
 
 You iiij of the i/inr in autumn. Show hut little chestnut on the crown, but are mere rufous on the wings, the white 
 bars b.'ini; r. placed by reddish. 
 
 .\istlinys. Arc similar to the above, but are streaked below, on all portions, excepting the abdomen, even the throat 
 and -idc-s , if head, including superciliary stripe, are so marked. The throat is yellowish, and the sides are reddish. The 
 an' similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens van' greatly in amount of chestnut on the back, where the black usually predominates, but I have seen a 
 bird which had the buck almost wholly chestnut. The black of the forehead also varies in width. It is always present, but 
 in some specimens the white median line becomes much extended, reaching over a greater portion of the anterior crown. 
 There is sometimes a slight trace of chestnut on the ear coverts. 
 
 Kradily known in the adult and young stages by the chestnut crown, black forehead and white median line. The nest- 
 lings always show an indication of the reddish crown. This species may be distinguished frompiailla in having less red a- 
 Imve. The ever present black line through the eye is a characteristic marking. Distributed, while breeding, across the 
 i 'on tin -nt from the latitude of South Carolina, north, at least to that of Canada. Winters from the Carolina* south ward to 
 Cuba, but is not common below Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. Length , 5'45; stretch , 8'50; wing, 2'65; tail, 2*35; bill, '38; tarsus, -03. 
 : -pecimen, 5'60; greatest extent of wing, 8'75; longest wing, 2'75; tail, 2'60; bill, '42; tarsus, '73. Shortest speci- 
 men, 5'40; smallest extent of wing, 8' 15; shortest wing, 2' 12; tail, 2'20; bill, '35: tarsus, '55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nrst>, placed in trees. They are compact structures, composed outwardly of fine roots, lined with horse hair. Dimen- 
 sions; external diameter, 3-25, internal, 2'00. External depth, 1'75, internal, 1-00. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, oval in form, blue in color, spotted, dotted nnd lined with black and lilac. Specimens va- 
 ry from the above in being marked with reddish-brown, but it Is usual to find some spots or dots of black. I once had a set 
 that was unspotted. Dimensions, from '75 x '50 to '80 x '55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One can scarcely enter a field of a plantation, in Northern Florida, which is overgrown 
 with woods, without starting large flocks of birds. Usually a large proportion of them will 
 be Chipping Sparrows. They remain all winter enjoying the bright sunshine of this mag- 
 nificent climate, spending their time in comparative idleness; for seeds are abundant, and 
 it requires but a slight effort to obtain them. It is quite noticeable that the birds of this 
 
96 CHIPPING SPARROW. 
 
 species found as far south as Blue Spring, Florida, arc mostly young, but further north, 
 in the Carolinas, where these birds are exceedingly abundant, the adults predominate. 
 I have mentioned, on page 29 of this work, that the adults of many birds wandered more 
 than the immature, bt this species appears to reverse that rule. The adults remain be- 
 hind, in the colder climate, but the young push onward toward the warmer section of the 
 country. 
 
 While in their winter quarters, the Chipping Sparrows have no characteristic habits, 
 other than those exhibited by many of the Fringilline birds; neither do they have any note, 
 save the ordinary chirp of alarm. Then, to recognize them, one must observe quite closely. 
 By the middle of April, when they arrive in Massachusetts, they forget the life of inactiv- 
 ity which they led in the enervating climate where they passed the winter, and display 
 much energy. At first the lively chipping song of the males is only to be heard at inter- 
 vals along the hedge-rows which form a favorite perch for the birds, but a few days later 
 every garden and lawn, throughout the State, will have its attendant fay in the form of a 
 Chipping Sparrow. 
 
 They watch their domains very closely, seldom leaving the immediate vicinity of the 
 dwelling's. As a natural result, from associating so much with human beings, these lit- 
 tle Sparrows become exceedingly tame, being, in fact, half domesticated. They will hop 
 familiarly about the porch in search of crumbs and other bits of food, occasionally display- 
 ing enough confidence in their friends to even venture across the threshold of the open 
 door. 
 
 About the middle of May the females can be seen gathering material for their prettily 
 constructed nests, which are often placed on some tree in close proximity ti> the house. 
 The eggs are deposited about June 1, the young making their appearance by the 15. At 
 this time the Chipping Sparrows are nearly insectivorous, feeding largely on such destruc- 
 tive insect larvae as the canker and currant worms. Although thus conferring a benefit 
 upon mankind, they are not always as useful, for they are accused, and I fear justly, of 
 killing honey-bees for food. I have frequently seen several of them thus employed at one 
 time. They would alight on the top of the hives or on some over-hanging limb, and dart 
 down at the returning or departing bees, like Flycatchers, then, having secured their prey, 
 would alight on the ground in order to beat it in pieces before swallowing it. I have ob- 
 served that the Chipping Sparrows assemble in the neighborhood of apiaries, in consid- 
 erable numbers. I have found twenty or more nests, in a single season, all built in an 
 orchard, near which stood several hives. 
 
 In spite of the above-mentioned mischievous propensity, our lively little friends are 
 general favorites, usually finding a hearty welcome, and will amply reward the husband- 
 man, for the protection which he affords them, by destroying large quantities of exceed- 
 ingly noxious insects. 
 
 By September, the young and adults flock to the cultivated fields in order to feed on 
 the newly-ripened seeds of weeds, which once more form their principal diet. They then 
 associate with large numbers of other birds, such as the Field and Savannah Sparrows. 
 Grass Finch, and many other members of this family, departing with them when they mi- 
 grate southward. 
 
SPIZELLA PUSILLA. 97 
 
 SPIZELLA PUSILLA. 
 Field Sparrow. 
 
 Spizella pusilla BON., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si-. Cn. Form, nit her slender. Size, medium. Tongue, horny, provided with the terminal, hair-like fibers. Keel, 
 lower tlmn that ofxorialis, hut tlie ooraeoids are longer. Upper mandible, slightly curved. 
 
 COLOR. Ai/ull in summer . Upper portion of body, including outer edges of wing feathers, and spot on the sides of the 
 head, reddish-brown, palest on the rum]). There is an indication of an ashy collar. The wings and tail are brown with the 
 inner eil^es df the feathers of the latter, ashy. Tips of wing coverts, forming bars, white. Under portions, dirty-white, 
 with the maxillaries, breast, side* and flanks tinged with rufous. Ear coverts, ashy. Bill, red. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. The reddish-brown alxivc is over-washed with dusky. There is more rufous below, where the white 
 is (Hirer, but the white bars of the wings are inclined to be reddish. 
 
 Youny. In this stage the crown shows traces of ashy, and the feathers of the back are edged with it. The bill is dus- 
 ky, especially mi the upper mandible. 
 
 Yininy of the year in autumn. Are very dusky above, but with the outer edges of the wing feathers broadly margined 
 with reddish: even the ashy edgings of the tail are replaced by it. The entire under portions, including under tail coverts, 
 are -iii^i-d with rufous, brightest on the sides, throat and breast. 
 
 X'Xtiinys. Are similar to the above, but are streaked below, on all portions, excepting the abdomen. The sexes are 
 similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary a very little in the shade of reddish-brown. The ashy collar is sometimes quite prominent, extending 
 across the m>ck, and there is an indication nf a median line, of the same color, extending from the bill to the occiput. 
 
 Readily known, when adult, by the rufous color above, and by the general suffusion of rufous in the younger stages. 
 Pi-trihuti-d, while breeding, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, between the latitudes of the White Mount- 
 ains and South Carolina. Winters from the Carolinas to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 -\\erage measurements of fifteen specimens. Length, 5'60; stretch, 8' 15; wing, 2*55; tail, 2*45; bill, '38; tarsus, '73. 
 Longest specimen, S'OS; greatest extent of wing, 8-50; longest wing, 2'75; tail, 2'60; bill, '40; tarsus, -73. Shortest speci- 
 men, .V2~>; smallest extent of wing, 7'75; shortest wing, 2- 12; tail, 2'20; bill, '35; tarsus, '65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in low bushes or on the ground. They are loosely constructed , being composed of fine grasses and weeds, 
 lined with grass and horse hair. Dimensions; external diameter, 3'50, internal, 2~50. External depth, 1-75, internal, I'OO. 
 
 Ey</s, four or five in number, oval in form, bluish-white in color, spotted, and blotched with reddish-brown and lilac. 
 Dimensions, from '61 x '50 to '70 x '55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 By the middle of April, when spring has fairly opened, when the warm, south wind 
 i umes in gentle puffs that scarcely move the autumnal leaves which are still clinging to 
 the oaks, the peculiar song of the Field Sparrow may be heard coming from the low ce- 
 dars which grow along steep, gravelly hill-sides or on barren tracts of land. This lay is 
 one of the sweetest that I ever heard. It consists of eight or ten notes which commence 
 low, gradually growing louder, then become softer, when a series of more distinct chirps 
 arc given, and the perl'ormaiice ends abruptly. The first part of the song is exceedingly 
 fine, hut the latter portion is not as pleasing and the sudden termination is somewhat disap- 
 pointing. The bird while singing is perched on some elevated situation, and seems to en- 
 ter into the business in hand with all his might. 
 
 These melodious strains are so striking that they produce a favorable impression even 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 13 
 
98 ZONOTRACHIA ALBJCOLLIS. 
 
 upon those who do not usually notice birds. But to the lover of Nature, this song be- 
 comes so associated with the peculiar location in which it is heard, where the warm summer 
 air is redolent with the spicy odor of the cedar and savin, that it is as much a portion of 
 the characteristic New England scenery as the tree-covered hills themselves. Individuals 
 vary slightly in notes, even in Massachusetts, but I was surprised to hear these Sparrows 
 giving an entirely different song at Watsontown, Pennsylvania, in August. 
 
 I have found the nests in a low bush but they are sometimes placed on the ground; the 
 eggs are laid during the latter part of May and a second litter is deposited later. The birds 
 are quite shy even when breeding. The males will cease singing when disturbed and dart 
 into the nearest thicket from which it is difficult to start them. When forced to take 
 wing they will instantly shoot into another place of concealment. By September the birds 
 leave the wooded section and assemble with other Sparrows in the cultivated fields. They 
 migrate a little later in the season, but rarely go as far south as Middle Florida. 
 
 GENUS VI. ZONOTRACIIIA. THE ZONE-THROATED SPARROWS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, rather pointed. Wings, about equal in lenyth to the tail which is sliyhtly forked, but with the outer 
 feathers shortened. Sternum, similar to that of Spizella, but a little broader, proportionately. Size, larye. 
 
 The throats or crowns of all the species are conspicuously marked with white, black, or yellow, often with a combina- 
 tion of all three colors. No prominent white markings en the tail. 
 
 ZONOTBACHIA ALBICOLLIS. 
 
 White-throated Sparrow. 
 Zonolrachia albicollis BON., Consp., 1850,478. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, thick and fleshy, but furnished with a terminal, bifid fringe of fine cilia. 
 Sternum, as given under generic characters. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Upper portion of body, including outer edges of wing and tail feathers and upper wing coverts, chest- 
 nut, palest on the rump, with the back streaked with rufous and black. Wings and tail dark-brown. Tips of wing cov- 
 erts, white, forming bars. Top of head, black, with a median line extending from bill to occiput, and one on either side, 
 starting from over the middle of eye and extending to occiput, throat, under wing coverts, abdomen and under tail coverts, 
 white, with the latter tinged with yellow and streaked with dusky. Remaining under portions, lores, sides of head below 
 line of eye, ashy, darkest anteriorly, with the sides and flanks tinged with chestnut. Line from bill to over middle of eye 
 and edge of wing, near shoulder, bright yellow. Bill, bluish. Feet pale-brown. 
 
 Young. The yellow line of the sides of head is less extended. The black and white of the crown show traces of chest- 
 nut. The white throat is somewhat obscured with dusky, and the breast is crossed with faint, wavy lines of the same color. 
 There is less chestnut on the sides, and the wing bars are narrower. 
 
 Young of the year. Differs in having the crown dusky and chestnut, with the white lines replaced by pale-rufous ting- 
 ed with dusky. The wing bars are also rufous. The white throat is more or less obscured with rufous. There are black 
 maxillary lines and the breast is streaked with dusky. The yellow lines of the head are somewhat restricted and obscured 
 with dusky. 
 
 Nestlinys. Differ from the above in being finely streaked below, on all parts, excepting the abdomen,with dusky, and 
 the white overwashed with yellowish. Sexes similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Individuals vary but little in color, the ashy of the breast is occasionally lighter and there is sometimes an indication 
 of a dusky spot on the middle of the breast. Readily known in the more adult stages by the black, white and yellow mark- 
 ings of the top of the head. Nestlings are much more diflicult to determine and as I have none of the allied species in- this 
 stage at hand, cannot speak with certainty of the differences, but should judge that albicollis is more rufous above. The 
 females are apt to be duller. 
 
 Distributed, while breeding, from Northern Massachusetts, to the far North, through the Eastern and Middle districts. 
 Winters from the latitude of North Carolina to Central Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. 
 
WHITE-TimOATED SPARROW. 99 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. T.i'ngtli, G 35; stretch. 0-55; wing, 3'05; tail, 2'85; bill, '48; tarsus, '90. 
 Lou-:---! -]< i'urii. 7-:!.~>; irreate^t extent of win;;, 9-80; l.'U^i wing, 3'10; tail, 3'00; bill, '65; tarsus, '95. Shortest speci- 
 nieii. li-30; smallest extent of wing, 8'80; shortest wing, 2-82; tail, 2'60; bill, -50; tarsus, -81. 
 
 DESCKIPTIOX OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 A'* NA. jilaeed on tlic ground. They are rather compart structures, composed of dried grasses and fine roots, lined with 
 l:oi-M' l.air ati'l :;r,i-s. Dimensions; external ilianieter, 4 - 00, internal, 2'75. External depth, 2'50, internal, T75. 
 
 Eyys, I'nir or !'.v<- in number, oval in f.irin, bluish-white in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted with reddish-brown and 
 lilac. Dimensions, from '80 x '00 to "90 x '05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The hammock edges in Florida are almost always occupied by birds of several spe- 
 cies. Prominent among them are the White-throated Sparrows but they are confined to 
 the Middle and Northern sections of the state. I did not find very many of them at Blue 
 Springs, and none south of this point. But they were abundant along the borders of the 
 extensive cotton plantations on the Sea Islands of the Carolinas and Georgia. While 
 there, however, they have no special habits by which they can readily be distinguished 
 from many other of the more arboreal, Fringilline birds; yet they never lose some pecu- 
 liarities by which the close observer can always identify them. The sharp chirp of alarm 
 that is given while the birds are in concealment, or while they peer cautiously out to watch 
 the intruder, is one of the chief characteristics which the White-throated Sparrows retain 
 at all seasons. 
 
 While passing through the Middle and New England States, when on their north- 
 ward migration, they do not always frequent the wooded portions, but move in straggling 
 flocks along the hedges and fence rows of the more cultivated sections. The mild but in- 
 vigorating weather of early May apparently awakens a desire in the birds to sing, and 
 then they begin to practice the first notes of their fine melody. But it is not until later, 
 when they arrive in the evergreen forests which form their summer resorts, that the song 
 is heard at full length. 
 
 Then in the early mornings of June when the purple mist hangs over the mountains, 
 where the delicate ferns which wave by the ever murmuring brooks are sparkling with dew 
 drops, when the freshly grown leaves of the overhanging foliage are showing their loveliest 
 green, the melodious strains of the White-throated Sparrows may be heard to perfection. 
 This lay consists of several sweet, prolonged whistles, and is somewhat plaintive, but very 
 pleasing. Not only do our little musicians perform through the cooler hours of the morn- 
 ing, but the sultry noon-time also finds them singing. They arc more silent when the sun 
 declines toward the West, but begin again in the cool of evening. Thus they are almost 
 untiring in their efforts through the day, and, as if not satisfied, will frequently burst in-' 
 to full song during the night. But when the rocky mountain tops arc gleaming in the 
 brilliant moon-light, and the silvery beams arc finding their way through the openings in 
 the shadowy forests, illuminating the little glades which form the homes of the Sparrows, 
 they are especially musical. Then when all else is silent, save the occasional melancholy 
 notes of the Whip-poor-will or the distant hoot of some Owl, the effect produced by this 
 incomparable song is surpassingly beautiful. 
 
100 PASSERCULUS SAVANNA. 
 
 The nests are placed on the ground, usually in some open spot and frequently by the 
 way-side. The eggs are laid by the first week in June, but a second litter is deposited 
 later. The singularly marked young in their first plumage, accompany their parents in 
 August, but these small communities assemble in flocks by the first of September, then 
 commence their southward migration. Even as late in the season as that the males cannot 
 resist the temptation of singing, and on very fine autumnal days one or two of the sweet 
 notes of their summer performance can occasionally be heard, but the complete song is nev- 
 er given at that time. 
 
 GENUS VH. PASSERCULUS. THE GRASS SPARROWS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, rather pointed. Winys, lonycr than the tail which is slightly forked ', but with the outer feathers short- 
 ened. Tcrtiarics, longer than secondaries. Sternum, narrower than that of Zonolrachia, but with the keel a little hiyhcr, 
 and the coracoids shorter, proportionately. Size, medium. 
 
 There is usualy a yellow superciliary line. All the species are streaked above and below. No prominent white mark- 
 ings on the tail. 
 
 PASSERCULUS SAVANNA. 
 
 Savannah. Sparrow. 
 Parsserculus savanna BON., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, horny, provided with the terminal, hair-like fibers. Ster- 
 num as given under generic characters. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Upper portion of body, including wings and tail, dark-brown, with the edges of all the 
 feathers, excepting anterior crown, whitish or pale-rufous. There are indications of whitish wing bars. A median line of 
 yellowish-white extends from bill to occiput, where it is mixed with dark-brown. Superciliary lino and ring around eye, 
 yellow. Lores and car coverts, dusky, with the feathers back of the latter whitish, mixed with dark-brown. Under por- 
 tions, including under wing coverts, white, streaked with dark-brown on all portion?, excepting abdomen and under tail 
 coverts. Edge of wing, white. Bill, brown, lower mandible, lighter. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. Differs from the above in being overwashed with yellowish-rufous below and on the sides of the head. 
 The yellow superciliary line is nut as extended. 
 
 Youni/. The yellow over the eye is much restricted. The dark-brown above is lighter and the streakings below are 
 edged with rufous. The ear coverts are also overwashed with rufous. 
 
 Young of the year. Show but little of the yellow line. There is strong overwashing of rufous above and below. The 
 occiput is frequently tinged with yellow. 
 
 Nestlinys. Are more finely streaked below where there is a strong tinge of yellowish. There is no indication what- 
 ever of the yellow superciliary line. Sexes similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary considerably in shade of color, and also in size. Sometimes the markings above are very pale, and 
 there are comparatively few streaks below, but others will be extremely dark above and more heavily streaked below, 
 when there is often a central spot on the breast. The throat is sometimes white, then the streakings unite and form max- 
 illary lines. 
 
 Distinguished from princeps by the smaller size and darker color; from ros/ratus by the smaller bill. Known from other 
 Sparrows by the yellow superciliary line, combined with the white edge of the wing and streakings below. Distributed, 
 in summer, throughout the Continent, from the latitude of Pennsylvania to the far North. Winters from the latitude of 
 Washington, south to Florida and Mexico. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of forty specimens from Florida and New England. Length, 5'75; stretch, 9'45; wing,2'75; tail, 
 1-90; bill, -45; tarsus, - 82. Longest specimen, G'27; greatest extent of wins;, D'GO; longest wing, 3'00; tail, 2-25; Mil, '49; 
 tarsus, '87. Shortest specimen, 5'25; smallest extent uf wing, 7'95; shortest wing, 2'50; tail, 1*81; bill, '45; tarsus, '70. 
 
PASSERCULUS PRWCEPS. 101 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .Y'-.</.. placed i m the ground, composed of grass loosely arranged and lined with finer. .Dimensions; external diameter, 
 3-51), internal, 'J'iV External depth, 2'00, internal, 1'25. 
 
 //.<. fuir nr li\e in iniuilicr, mal in f>rm, bluish-white in color, thickly blotched, and some portions nearly covered, 
 with rcddish-liriiwii. Some c^s, however, arc' markeil with very distinct f-'pots of umber and I have occasionally seen them 
 with t'ic same color. Dimensions from 77' x 'CO to '87 x '65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The savannahs of Florida arc wide spread plains, cither fresh or salt. The former are cov- 
 ered with a luxuriant growth of grass often six feet high, while on the latter the herbage is 
 shorter, and consists of several species of plants among which is the peculiar sea purslane, 
 (Scsuvium portal acastr urn.) This creeping herb quite covers the ground in many localities 
 and the red, succulent leaves yield a peculiar spicy scent when crushed beneath the feet. 
 This aromatic odor always reminds me of the marshes of Indian River, for it was there that 
 I first saw the plant growing to perfection. These salt plains arc the resorts of many birds, 
 but none are more abundant there than the little Sparrows which I have under consider- 
 ation, and which derive their common and specific names from their habit of frequenting 
 .savannahs. Many other species of the family are arboreal, but none among them are so 
 fond of open, grassy sections as the Savannah Sparrows. In Florida they arc abundant 
 in the marshy country along the sea board or rivers of the interior, and are common on 
 the plantations of Georgia and the Carolinas. In Pennsylvania they are found in the rich 
 interval lands, in Massachusetts and Maine they swarm along the sand hills and marshes 
 of the coast, and I have even found them on the grassy hill sides of the Magdalen Islands, 
 (iult'ofSt. Lawrence. They arc retiring inhabit, often running a long distance before 
 Hying. The males, however, are fond of perching on a low limb of a tree or fence top to 
 give their peculiar lay, which consists of a few lisping notes terminating in a faint warble; 
 the whole performance being rather an unsatisfactory apology for a song. 
 
 The nests are built on the ground in open fields, along the edges of the sand hills, or 
 on the marshes. There is very little attempt at concealment, but as the females sit closely 
 it is exceedingly difficult to flush them, and when forced to leave they will frequently run 
 some distance before rising, often feigning lameness in order to attract attention from the 
 nests. The eggs are deposited about the first of June and a second litter in July. They 
 breed a little later on the Magdalen Islands where I should judge that they only rear one 
 brood. They leave Florida early in May, arriving'in New England about the middle of 
 April, and remain until the first of November. 
 
 PASSERCULUS PRINCEPS. 
 
 Pallid Sparrow. 
 Passerculus princepi MAVNARD, American Naturalists, Vol., VI, 1872, 637. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Plate III. Adult in spring. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, large. Tongue, somewhat fleshy, horny at tip which i< pmvided with a terminal 
 fringe of cilia. Sternum, with the keel a little higher and the coracoids a trifle longer, than those vf savanna. 
 
102 PALLID SPARROW. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Upper portion of body yellowish-white, with the centers of the feathers dark-brown, en- 
 circled by rufous. Top of head, yellowish-rufous, streaked with dark-brown, but a median line of yellowish-white extends 
 from the bill to occiput. Wings and tail, brown, with the outer edges of all the feathers whitish. There is cnly a faint 
 indication of onp wing bar. Pure-white beneath witli the maxillaries, breast, sides, and flanks, streaked with In-own which 
 is edged with rufous. Ring around eye and superciliary line, yellow. Edge of wing, white, tinged with pale-yellow. 
 
 Young. Quite rufous above, where the colors are more suffused. There is also no yellow superciliary line, and the 
 bend of the wing is white. Sexes similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is usually a clustering of streakings on the breast forming a central spot, otherwise there is a uniformity of col- 
 or. Known from all other allied species by its pale color and large size. It might be confoundad with roslratus, however, 
 were it not for the large bill of the latter. Found in the winter along the coast of Massachusetts, south to Lung Island. 
 Doubtless breeds on some of the islands off the coast of Arctic America. A Ithough princeps is not a bird of Florida , I have 
 ventured to insert this description with the plate, considering the species of sufficient importance to justify this course. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements. Length, 6'25; stretch, 11 '00; wing, 3'28; tail, 2'50; bill, '46; tarsus, -95. Longest specimen, 
 6-30; greatest extent of wing, 11-20; longest wing, 3'30; tail, 2'60; bill, -52; tarsus, I'OO. Shortest specimen, 6'20; small- 
 est extent of wing, 10'90: shortest wing, 3'10; tail, 2'40; bill, '40; tarsus, '90. 
 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On December 4, 1808, I was walking over the Ipswich sand hills in search of Lapland 
 Buntings, when a little bird rose wildly from the beach grass in front of me, I took a snap 
 shot and killed the first specimen of Passerculus princeps ever brought to notice. For two 
 years this was the only specimen in existence. I took two more, October 14 and 15, 1871, 
 also on the Ipswich sand hills, then two were taken on Long Island and were sent to me 
 by Mr. H. Herrick for identification. After this several were obtained at Ipswich but it 
 was not until April 4, 1874, that I saw the bird in its full spring plumage. This speci- 
 men (a male) of which I give a plate, I shot on a tree at Ipswich, about a mile from the 
 beach. Mr. Wm. Brewster has since obtained a fine female at Point Lepreaux, N. B. on 
 April 11, 1876. A third which was obtained at Cape Elizabeth, March 15, 1875, is in 
 the collection of Mr. N. C. Brown of Portland. Mr. Jesse Warren found them quite com- 
 mon at Brant Rock in the autumn some two years ago. Mr. C. II. Merriam obtained one 
 at New Haven, November 4, 1875, and Mr. H. B. Bailey records it from Gravesend, L. I. 
 Thus it will be seen that the Pallid Sparrow may be found all along the coast from 
 New Brunswick to Long Island, and probably south of that point. Mr. Brown also saw it 
 at Lake Umbagog, N. H., but I think its occurrence so far inland is quite exceptional, as 
 it is without doubt a maritime species breeding on islands and sandy beaches of the far 
 North. I was disappointed at not finding it on the Magdalen Islands, Gulf of St. Law- 
 rence, where I obtained nothing but typical savanna. Thus its nesting habits arc entirely 
 unknown. Neither did I ever hear it utter a note except the chirp of alarm which does 
 not differ from that of the Savannah. In habits princeps also resembles the latter named 
 species somewhat but is quite timid, rising at long gun shot it will dart quickly over the 
 tops of the sand hills and alight in some thick patch of beach grass through which it runs 
 nimbly. I have sometimes seen it on the salt marshes associating with the Savannahs and 
 occasionally in apple orchards a short distance from the ocean, but it chooses those wind- 
 swept, sandy wastes which occupy so much of the sea coast of New England and adjacent 
 sections. I know of but few of the Sparrows that can be more readily distinguished than 
 this species, which is due to its pale tints and large size. 
 

 
 
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PO(ECETES GPAMJNEUS. 103 
 
 GENUS VIII. POCECETES. THE HAY- WINGED SPARROWS. 
 
 CKX. CH. Bill, '/"'/< thick Imt pointed. \Vings, longer than the tail, which is considerably forked, but with the outer 
 feathert ttighily shortened, Tir/iaries, about equal in length to the secondaries. Sternum, proportionately narrower than 
 that of Passcrru/vs, trilh the keel higher, and tin roracoids shorter. Size, medium. 
 
 The shoulders are prominently marked with chestnut, and the outer tail feathers are white. There is no yellow super- 
 ciliary line. All the species are streaked above and below. 
 
 POCECETES GRAMINEUS. 
 
 Bay-winged Sparrow. 
 Pooaetes gramineus BAIRD. Birds N. A.; 1858, 447. 
 
 DESCRIFflON. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, very thin and horny, bifid at the extremity but without the terminal 
 cilia. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. At/ult in summer. Yellowish-rufous above, streaked every where but more broadly on the back , witli dark- 
 lirown. Wiu^s mid tail, dark-brown, with the outer edges of all the feathers yellowish-rufous. Shoulders, chestnut. 
 There are two whitish wing bars. Beneath, including under wing coverts, yellowish-white, streaked on the throat, breast, 
 
 -. and flanks, with dark-brown. Outer webs of two outer tail feathers, terminal portion of inner webs, andasmall spot 
 on next pair, pure white. Bill, brown, lighter on lower numdible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. Quite similar to the above, but there is a tinge of yellowish-rufous across the breast and on the sides 
 and flanks. The streakings above are broader. 
 
 Young. In this stage there is a general suffusion of yellowish-rufous above and below, while the white of the tail is 
 nitrified tn the outer feathers. The chestnut of the shoulders is streaked with dusky. 
 
 .Y< sllini/s. Are finely streaked on all portions excepting abdomen and under tail coverts with dusky. The shoulders 
 show but little chestnut and there is but a slight indication of wing bars which are rufous. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a general uniformity of color but occasionally there will be fewer streaks below when they will be narrower. 
 The throat is .-oinetimes white, when the streakings form maxillary lines. Known from all other sparrows by the white 
 of the tail combined with the streakings above and below. Distributed in summer across the Continent, from the latitude 
 of Pennsylvania, north at least to that of Canada. Winters from the latitude of Virginia, south to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty specimens. Length, 6'29; stretch, 10'64; wing, 3'22; tail, 2'42; bill, '85; tarsus, 
 55. Long---! specimen, 6'67; greatest extent of wing, IMS; longest wing, 3'43; tail, 2'70; bill, '88; tarsus, ;60. Shortest 
 specimen, 5'50; smallest extent of wing, 10-25; shortest wing, 3'00; tail, 2'30; bill, '80; tarsus, -50. 
 
 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are slight structures, composed of dried grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 
 3'00, internal, 2-50. External depth, 2'00, internal, 1'80. 
 
 Eggs, oval in form, 'ashy-white in color, spotted, blotched, and lined, with black, brown, and umber. The lines are 
 irregular in shape and are usually darker than the other markings. Dimensions, from '70 x '55 to '70 x '60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 By the middle of March, when the icy covering which has enshrouded the earth all 
 winter is commencing to yield before the solvent rays of a genial sun, and the glittering 
 surface is checkered with ever widening spots and patches, the song of the Bay-winged 
 "Sparrow can IK- hoard. At first there are but one or two, but they soon increase in number 
 and make the air of the early spring morning vocal with their fine melodies. This lay is 
 not unlike that of the Song Sparrow, or at least the first few notes are quite similar, but 
 the termination is entirely different, being a kind of disconnected warble, yet the effect is 
 wonderfully pleasing. 
 
 This species like the Savannah is extremely fond of the grassy sections but does not 
 
104 CHONDESTES GRAMMACA. 
 
 occur as commonly on the sea shore, in fact I never found it breeding on the salt marshes. 
 It frequently chooses rye or other grain fields in which to build its nests that are placed 
 on the ground, usually in some slight depression of the soil, but without any attempt at 
 concealment. Indeed the birds appear to avoid spots that are thickly covered with herb- 
 age, and when they select greensward will place their domicile on the most barren portion 
 where there is a sparse growth of grass. The eggs arc laid about the first of May, the 
 Bay-wing being one of the earliest among the Sparrows to breed, and then another litter is 
 deposited later. 
 
 The brown-backed female sits closely and is extremely difficult to distinguish when 
 on the nest, so that one may pass quite near the spot without noticing her. When start- 
 ed she will run away, seldom attempting to fly until she has gone some distance. Both 
 sexes exhibit great solicitude upon being disturbed and the females will feign lameness 
 like the Savannah. The Bay-wings migrate with the other Sparrows and go as far south 
 as Middle Florida, but are never found off the plantations where they spend their time run- 
 ning about beneath the cotton-plants or through the sugar-cane in search of fallen seeds, 
 occasionally catching insects, and to all appearance feeling as much at home as when in. 
 the corn fields of New England. 
 
 GENUS IX CHONDESTES. THE PRAIRIE SPARROWS. 
 
 GEX. CH. Bill, rather pointed. Wings, longer than the tail which is well rounded. Tertiaries, shorter than second- 
 aries. Sternum, similar to that of Poo-cctcs, but is a little wider proportionately. Size, large. 
 
 Nearly all the tail feathers are prominently marked with white. Superciliary line, white. No streaking* below in the 
 adult stages but there is a central spot on the breast. 
 
 CHONDESTES GRAMMACA. 
 
 Lark Finch. 
 Chondestes grammaca Bon., List, 1838. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, large. 'Tongue, thin and horny but with no terminal fringe. Sternum, as given 
 under generic characters. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Upper portion of body, yellowish-rufous, streaked on the back and nape with dark-brown. Wings, and 
 two central tail feathers, brown, with the outer edges of all the feathers yellowish-rufous, remainder of tail, black, with the 
 outer webs of outer feathers and terminal portion of all but central pair, white. Top of head and ear coverts, chestnut. 
 Median line from bill to occiput, superciliary line, crescent below eye, yellowish-white. Beneath, white, tinged on the 
 breast, sides, and flanks, with yellowish. Forehead, line through eye, spot under white crescent, maxillary, and spot on 
 center of breast, black. Edge of wing, white. Bill, brown, lighter at base of lower mandible. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Young. The white on the tail is less extended. The black is not as distinct and the under portions are overwashed 
 with yellowish. 
 
 Nestlings. Are streaked on the breast. There is no indication of bars on the wing and the colors above are more suf- 
 fused. Sexes quite similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white of the tail taken in connection with the chestnut, black, and white markings of the head. The 
 tongue, like that of Pooscetes gramineus Is much slenderer than those of other members of this family which I have exam 
 ined and is also remarkable in having no terminal cilia or hair-like fibers; there is a general uniformity of coloration, but the 
 chestnut of the head varies slightly in individuals. Distributed through the United States west of the Ohio, wintering in 
 the more southern portions. It has, however, been seen at Washington by Mr. Ridgway in August, 1877. One was taken 
 at Gloucester in the autumn, some thirty years ago, and I had one brought in that was taken near my place on November 
 22, 1877. Prof. Baird wrote me some three years since that a specimen was obtained in the autuum by Mr. W. B. 
 near Sarasota Bay, Florida. This species appears to be spreading eastward. 
 
LARK FINCH. 105 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 airi' measurement* of twenty four specimen-;. Length, (V.W; t retch, 1(V95; wing, 2'65; tail, 2'85; bill, '53; tarsus. 
 ?."). 1. ii', r i'-t -I'.viincii, (>-~:>; greatest extent of wing, ll'CO; 1< ngest wing, 3 - 75: tail, 2'C5; bill, '55; tarsus, '72. Shortest 
 sjiei imeii. ">?">; smallest extent uf wing, O'Tj; shortest wing, -?."); tail, 2'78; bill, '50; tarsus,'70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF XESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .V -f/s. ]ilaeel on the ground or in trees, OonpOMd cf grMBN and weeds lined with fine grass, fibrous roots and horse-hair. 
 Dimensions; external diameter, 4'00, internal, 2 - 75. Kxternal depth, 2'00, internal, I'OO. 
 
 -. fiur to six in number, rather round in form, white in color, marked with faint spots <>f lilac, lined and blotched 
 with brown and umber. These lines are irregular in width and are deposited in a similar manner to those of the Orioles 
 and Blnekbiidx to which they bear a much closer resemblance tl.an to those of other Sparrows or Finches. Dimensions 
 from -75X-C5. to -85x'70. 
 
 i 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 As I have never been fortunate enough to meet with the Lark Finch while living 1 
 herewith give an account of its habits kindly written for me by Mr. Ilenshaw who has had 
 considerable experience with the species in the West. 
 
 "The Lark Finch, one of the finest of our Sparrows, with its trim shape and tastefully 
 arranged colors, is in certain sections of the West one of the most abundant of birds. In 
 the East all our Sparrows are, without regard to season, to a very considerable extent ar- 
 lioival in their habits, even the species which are most terrestrial having an evident love 
 for the hedge-rows and thickets, far from which they do not venture, and into which they 
 always scud with chirp and flutter when danger threatens. The Lark Finch lives in the 
 more open country and is therefore less dependent upon such shelter, often indeed prefer- 
 ring the prairie itself or the bare plain for an abode. In this very taste is probably to be 
 found the reason why the bird has thus far chosen to absent itself from the East which it 
 has hitherto found too thickly wooded for its notions. 
 
 "Not that it entirely disdains the advantages to be found in the wooded tracts, for in- 
 deed at times, as in the late spring, it quite abandons prairies and open fields and betakes 
 itself to the copses, especially those fringing the. streams. And if we seek it in its fa- 
 vorite home it will be found to combine in something like equal proportions the advantages 
 of cither kind of locality. 
 
 "It is certain to attract attention wherever we may chance to meet it, more particu- 
 larly should it be the vernal season, which with our Finch is about the fifteenth of May 
 at which time the males are in the full rivalry which the love season inspires. They are 
 then in small companies which consist of both sexes with, however, a preponderance of 
 males each of whom strives to bring his superior claims to the notice of the females. Asa 
 resnlt each little thicket is witness to many a scene of jealous contest, sometimes of song, 
 at other times of open battle, for the males are at this time extremely pugnacious. It is 
 now that our Finch is to be heard at its best, and in its power of song it certainly need fear 
 no rival in its own family. The song consists of a succession of clear liquid notes, fivoly 
 interspersed with trills, the whole flowing forth to make a full chant which is as beautiful 
 as it is indescribable. Nor, as is the case with some, I had almost said with most, of our 
 prominent .singers, is the Lark Finch at all chary of its melody. The songs of some of the 
 very best performers are often marred by their broken and disjointed character, even while 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 14 
 
106 PASSEBELLA IL1ACA. 
 
 they may be unsurpassed for sweetness and tender expression, but the end comes and finds 
 us only half satisfied, as if the songster had withheld something which were ours by right 
 and which he could give us if he would. Not so the Lark Finch, for not only docs he sing 
 early and late, long and often, but he seems to put his whole soul into the eifort, or per- 
 haps better, to send forth his lay without effort and to never tire. During the pairing time 
 I have seen several males in pursuit of a female who with affected coyness led them a 
 rapid chase through the tangled maze of brush and foliage, and as they pressed ardently 
 on each gave voice to a hurried strain of melody which blent into a whole, and marked 
 their track as it were by a continuous stream of music. 
 
 "By the last of July or early August the young are all well on the wing and the birds 
 then assemble in flocks irrespective of age or sex and so continue until the ensuing spring. 
 In Florida, New England, and the states bordering on the coast, it has hitherto been looked 
 upon as a mere straggler. But so many instances of its capture are now coming to light 
 in the latter named sections that it would almost appear as if the species were actually 
 from some cause moving eastward, and it may eventually take its place in the Eastern 
 fauna as a regular inhabitant." 
 
 GENUS X PASSERELLA. THE RUFOUS. SPARROWS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, rather pointed. Wings, longer than llie tail which is sliyhtly rounded. Tcrtiaries, much shorter than 
 secondaries. Sternum, proportionately stouter than that of Chondcstcs, with the coracoids shorter and the keel hiyhcr, it is 
 not, however, equal in heiyht to one ha/ftlic length of tlie coracoids. Size, large. 
 
 All the species are prominently marked on the rump and tail with bright rufous. They are also streaked below. No 
 prominent lines over the eye or white markings on the tail. 
 
 PASSEEELLA ILIACA. 
 
 Pox-colored Sparrow. 
 Patscrella iliaca Sw., Birds, II, 1837, 288. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, very robust. Size, large. Tongue, somewhat fleshy, bifid at the extremity but without the terminal 
 cilia. Sternum, as given under generic characters. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Top of head slaty, streaked and tinged with dark-rufous. Remainder of upper portion, including the 
 wings and tail, bright-rufous, clearest on the rump, with the edges of the feathers of the back yellowish-slate. There are 
 two whitish wing bars. Beneath, white, streaked and spotted on the throat, breast, sides, and flanks, with bright-rufous. 
 Abdomen, marked with triangular spots of dark-brown, Under tail coverts, tinged with yellowish. Ear coverts, rufous. 
 Bill, brown, yellow on lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Young. Quite similar to the above, but the slaty is nearly concealed by the rufous which is more extended on the back. 
 The rufous below is lighter and there are few or no dark-brown markings on the abdomen. Sexes usually similar in all 
 stages, but the females are sometimes duller. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a general uniformity of coloration above but the shade varies somewhat. Below, however, there is more vari- 
 ation. Frequently there are white maxillary lines, below which is one of rufou, when the throat is white oronly sparse- 
 ly spotted. There is sometimes a clustering of rufous spots on the central breast, but occasionally these will be dusky. 
 Rarely the centers of the feathers of the sides and flanks will be dusky. The above changes from the type are purely indi- 
 vidual variation not dependent upon age or sex. 
 
 Known from the allied species by the bright rnfous markings above and below, which will also distinguish them from 
 all other Sparrows. Distributed during summer throughout the Eastern section of North America, above latitude 47- . 
 Winters from New Jersey to Georgia. Rare in Florida. 
 
FOX-COLORED SPARROW. 107 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty specimens. Length, 7' 10; stretch, 1T25; wing, 2'95; tail, 3'25; bill, '50; tarsus, '70. 
 Longest specimen, T'50; greatest extent of wing, 11'75; longest wing, 3'80; tail, 3' 10; bill, '55; tarsus, -75. Shortest speci- 
 men, G - 80; smallest extent of wing, 10'55; shortest wing, 2'30; tail, 3' 17; bill, '45; tarsus, '67. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 jVes/j, placed on the ground, composed of dried grass and moss, lined with feathers. They are large for the size of the 
 bird, I>iiu. 'unions; external diameter, 5'00, internal, 4'00. External depth, 3'00, internal, 2'50. 
 
 13/5/5, oval in form, four or five in number, pale-green in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted, irregularly with reddish- 
 brown, with an under tint of lilac markings. Dimensions from '85x'62 to '86x'65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Magdalen Islands lie in the midst of the cold, wind-swept waters of the Gulf of St. 
 Lawrence. They are mainly of volcanic origin and the surface is hilly, but the soil is rather 
 poor, producing, as a natural growth of timber, nothing better than small spruces and hem- 
 locks. Although these trees are low, seldom exceeding twenty feet in height, they grow 
 quite thickly together. The branches are gnarled and cover the trees from top to bottom, 
 the limbs of one tree mingling with those of others standing about it, and thus the whole 
 forms a tingled maze through which it is impossible to penetrate without the aid of an axe. 
 This dwarfing of the trees on these northern islands is not due to the sterility of the soil as 
 much as it is to the climate, for these isolated spots of land are surrounded by water which 
 is at a very low temperature, indeed it is filled with floating ice for at least eight months 
 of the year. Upon my visit to the Gulf I found that ice-floes were still there, although it 
 was as late as the last week in June. These frigid surroundings quite intensify the climate 
 which is not much warmer than that of Southern Greenland. Thus I found snow in the 
 woods during the first week of July, and after remaining through the exceedingly short 
 summer which the inhabitants of this bleak region enjoy, I was not surprised at the peculiar 
 character of the trees and scant vegetation, for there were but few days when an overcoat 
 was not comfortable. 
 
 The tangled thickets did not cover the entire surface, for the inhabitants had cleared 
 away some portions, often forming little glades which were protected from the cold winds 
 by the surrounding trees and into which the sun shone with genial rays. These secluded 
 spots were the chosen resorts of the Fox-colored Sparrows and there they built their nests, 
 placing them on the ground beneath some low drooping limb by which they were usually 
 concealed. The parents were solicitous for the safety of their eggs and greeted our appear- 
 ance with shrill chirps of alarm. But when we approached cautiously we could hear the 
 magnificent song of the male filling the clear, still air with melody. I had often heard these 
 birds sing in New England, but learned for the first time what the full song was when 
 I saw them on the Magdalen Islands, their efforts while migrating being only a prelude 
 to their more finished attainments. These fine strains consist at first of three, clear, rather 
 rapid notes given with increasing emphasis, then a short pause ensues and the remainder 
 of the lay is poured forth more deliberately, terminating with a well rounded note giving 
 a finish to a song which, for sweetness and clearness of tone, is seldom surpassed even by 
 our best performers. 
 
108 CARDINALIS VIRG1NIANUS. 
 
 The Fox-colored Sparrows deposit their eggs about the last week in June, and the 
 yonng accompany the adults in August, migrating with them in large, straggling flocks 
 later in the season. This species has been found in Florida but twice to my knowledge, 
 both times by Mr. Boardman. They are quite common in the Carolinas, however, where 
 they remain until about the first of March, when they return northward in company with 
 other Sparrows. 
 
 GENUS XI. CARDINALIS. THE CARDINAL GROSBEAKS. 
 
 GE\. Cn. Bill, thick, upper mandible slightly curved. Winys, a little shorter than the tail, which is considerably 
 rounded. Sternum, stout, with the coracoids much shorter than the top of the keel which is almost as Inyh as one half tlie 
 length of the coracoids. Head, crested. Size, larye. 
 
 The males of all the species are bright in color, but the females are duller. They are not streaked below. No promi- 
 nent lines over the eye or white markings on the tail. 
 
 CARDINALIS VIRGINIANUS. 
 
 Cardinal Grosbeak. 
 Cardinalis Viryinianus Box., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, very robust. Size, large. Tongue, very fleshy, triangular in form but provided with the terminal, 
 hair-like fibers. Crest, pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Bright vermilion-red, duller on the back, wings, and tail. Inner webs of wing feathers, dark- 
 brown. Lores, line at base of bill, chin, and throat, black. Bill, coral-red. Feet, brown. 
 
 Adult female. Wings and tail similar to those of the males, remaining upper portions are yellowish-brown. Beneath, 
 yellowish-rufous, lighter on the abdomen. There are traces of vermilion on the throat and upper breast. Under wing cov- 
 erts, vermilion and the crest is tinged with it. Bill and faet as in the male. The black markings of the head and throat 
 are considerably paler. 
 
 Youny. Are duller. The males are overwashed on the back with olivaceous and the females show no traces of ver- 
 milion on the lower parts. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This well marked species may be recognized at onee by the description as given. There is a general uniformity of col- 
 oration but specimens from Virginia are much paler than those from Florida. Distributed throughout the Eastern section 
 of the United States from the latitude of Virginia southward. Not migratory. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty-seven specimens from Florida. Length, 8'39; stretch, 1<V95; wing, 3'55; tail, 4'40; 
 bill, "87; tarsus, '90. Longest specimen, 9 - 00; greatest extent of wing, 11'75; longest wing, 3'85: tail, 4*30; bill, '95; tarsus, 
 72. Shortest specimen, 8'75; smallest extent of wing, 10'25; shortest wing, 3'30; tail, 3 - 50; bill, '80; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. They are rather compact structures, composed of weeds, leaves, and Spanish moss, lined with 
 fine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 4'60, internal, 2'75. External depth, 2 - 00, internal, TOO. 
 
 Eyys, three or four in number, elliptical in form, ashy-white in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted, irregularly with 
 reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from I'OO x '80 to T05 x '78. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The plantations of Florida are usually bordered with quite low shrubbery but it grows 
 very luxuriantly and is often filled with briers or other climbing plants, the whole forming 
 dense thickets which are exceedingly difficult to penetrate. As a natural result, all of these 
 tangled copses form fastnesses for many of the birds which feed in the adjacent grounds. 
 The first time I entered a field in the South a cloud of Sparrows of several species arose 
 
CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 109 
 
 from the weeds and sought shelter in these bushes. I went in pursuit of them in order to 
 ascertain what they were, when my attention was attracted by a chirp not unlike that of 
 the Fox-colored Sparrow, yet it seemed sharper. I could not imagine what the author of 
 this cry could be, so advanced cautiously, at the same time peering into the undergrowth, 
 when suddenly a brightly colored bird dashed across a small opening, looking like a flash 
 of red light. I then recognized the Cardinal Grosbeak but was quite surprised to find that 
 they frequented low hushes. This, however, has been their habit wherever I have chanced 
 to meet them. On the Sea Islands they are common along the borders of the cotton fields 
 and were very abundant, late in October, in low bushes on the banks of the famous Deep 
 Cut of the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal. An apparent inclination to sociability causes 
 them to ilock even during winter, on the approach of spring this feeling increases and large 
 numbers assemble in order to feed upon the newly ripened seeds of maple which are nearly 
 ready to fall early in February. I have seen upwards of twenty feeding on one small tree 
 and, as it was destitute of leaves, the brightly plumaged birds gave it a singular appear- 
 ance. When eating they are silent but never quiet, and while jumping from limb to limb, 
 clinging to the under side of a branch, or swinging from some topmost bough in order to 
 reach a tempting cluster of seeds, they assume various graceful positions. A little later 
 in the season they may be seen searching for seeds and insects on the ground, for which 
 purpose they frequently scratch among the fallen leaves after the manner of the Towhee 
 Banting. 
 
 All through the winter they are comparatively silent, but when the jasiminc begins 
 to >liow its yellow flowers and the air is fragrant with its perfume, the full, clear notes of 
 the Cardinal may be heard from morning until evening. Their exceedingly fine song and 
 brilliant plumage attracts universal attention and consequently the Red Birds, as they are 
 always called in the South, are general favorites. Confident of not being disturbed they 
 build their nests near dwellings, in fact, like the Mocking Birds, they appear to seek the 
 presence of man as a protection from natural, enemies, and thus are rarely found in unin- 
 habited sections. 
 
 In Florida the nests are frequently placed in orange trees about five feet from the 
 ground. The eggs are deposited about the middle of April when the orange blossoms are 
 filling the air with their delightful odor. The females sit very closely and I have nearly 
 placed my hand on them before they would fly. There were never over three eggs in the 
 nests which t found in Florida but further north they lay four as a regular number. This 
 circumstance would, at first thought, seem to indicate that the Cardinals of Florida posses 
 igtr, but I think it is rather due to the fact that they breed oftener than those fur- 
 ther north. The eggs are also larger. Both sexes exhibit great solicitude on being dis- 
 turbed when breeding, uttering their sharp cry of alarm which causes all the birds of the 
 same speciVs in the immediate vicinity to assemble. Then in a few moments one will be 
 surrounded by quite a quantity of the red-plumaged Cardinals. There arc always numbers 
 within call as they breed in communities, and I have found at least a dozen nests in one 
 small grove. The assembled Cardinals will hop restlessly about, with crests devated, 
 showing the utmost sympathy for the pair that are in trouble. This fellow feeling is not 
 only evinced during the breeding season but this bird is one of the most compassionate that 
 
110 CARPODACUS PURPUREUS. 
 
 I ever saw. Not only will they endeavor to defend one of their own number when it is 
 injured but will even heed the cry of distress of other species. I once saw this trait ex- 
 hibited in a very striking manner. I was collecting at Miami and had shot a Maryland 
 Yellow-throat which fell to the ground badly wounded, but chirping loudly. This sound 
 attracted the attention of a female Cardinal that was in the same thicket. She instantly 
 came to the spot and alighted over the Warbler which was then lying panting on the ground. 
 After examining it anxiously for a moment she dropped down, hopped up to it, and, gently 
 taking it by one wing, endeavored to raise it. The little sufferer was by this time nearly 
 dead and consequently unable to stand, readily comprehending that her efforts were quite 
 useless and perceiving my approach the Cardinal slowly retreated manifesting by every 
 movement as well as note the deepest pity for the unfortunate bird. Nor are the Red Birds 
 lacking in courage, for they will defend themselves even when badly wounded, biting very 
 fiercely with their strong beaks. As their virtues are many and their vices very few, the 
 Cardinals well merit the approbation which is tendered them everywhere. 
 
 GENUS XII. CARPODACUS. THE PURPLE FINCHES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, thick, somewhat swollen at base. Upper mandible, curved. Winys, much longer than the tail which is 
 decidedly forked . Sternum, stout, with the coracoids considerably shorter than the top of the keel which is equal in height to 
 one half the length of the coracoids. Head, sub-crested. Size, medium. 
 
 The males are brightly colored but the females are duller. The adult males are streaked above, the females and young 
 above and below. No prominent white markings on the tail. 
 
 CARPODACUS PURPUREUS. 
 Purple Finch. 
 
 Carpodacus purpurea, GRAY'S Genera; 1848-49. 
 Carpodacus California, B.URD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 413. 
 Carpodacus Cassinii, KURD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 414. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, not large. Tongue, very short and fleshy, triangular in form, rounded at the extrem- 
 ity which is fringed with fine cilia. Sternum as given above. There is a rounded sub-crest of pointed feathers. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Dull rrimson-lake, brightest on the head, palest on the rump, streaked on the back, sides, and 
 flanks with dusky. Abdomen and under tail coverts, white, with the latter tinged with crimson-lake. Wings and tail, 
 brown, with the outer edges of all the feathers pale-crimson. There are two wing bars of the same color. Lores aud ring 
 around eye, gray. Under wing coverts, white, tinged with crimson. Bill, brown. Feet, dark brown. 
 
 Adult female. Olivaceous-brown above, streaked with dusky. The wing bars are whitish. There are indications of 
 a whitish superciliary line. Beneath, white, streaked and spotted everywhere, excepting on the abdomen and under tail 
 coverts, with olivaceous-brown. Other portions similar to those of the male. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult female, but with a greenish overwashing above and with yellowish-rufous edgings to the 
 markings below. The superciliary line is clearer and the bill is darker. 
 
 Nestlings. Are overwashed with yellowish-rufous above and below, even the under tail coverts are tinged with it. 
 The streakings are finer and the colors are more suffused. There are no indications of the white superciliary line. The 
 feet and bill are of a darker brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary greatly in shade of color. Spring birds are somewhat brighter than winter specimens, but this is main- 
 ly due to the wearing away of the paler edges of the feathers. The white of the abdomen is also more extended on some 
 than on others. When kept in confinement this species assumes a cage plumage of a dull yellow, but Mr. Brewster shot a 
 specimen, colored in this manner, which was in company with several that were in normal plumage, and two skins of males, 
 now before me, which are in full spring dress, have scattering feathers of a yellow color on the throat. A skin which I 
 took at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is quite yellow on the back. 
 
 Known from the closefy allied frontalis by the duller colors, which are comparatively uniform above, and the more 
 
PURPLE FINCH. Ill 
 
 deeply forked tail. The females nnd young of frontalis are more finely strenkeil above and below. I cunnot consistently 
 consider tlie so railed " Califomiau" and "Coiiinii" as spei-ics, so give them us s\nomms. Distributed during summer 
 a<To tin- ( 'iiiitiiient imrtli uflutitude 10 . Winters between latitudes 4'2 J and 30 J . Riire in Northern Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement" of twenty-seven specimens. Length, 5-95; stretch, 8'95; wing, 4'35; tnil, 2'20; bill, '57; tar- 
 su-.'I.'i. Longest spi-i-iinen, 0'35; greatest extent of wing, 10'40; longest wing, 3'47: t8il,2'40; bill, '70; tarsus, -50. Short- 
 e-t .pceiiiicn, "i 50; smallest extent of wing, 9'47; shortest wing, 3' Id; tail, 2'00; bill, '42; tarsus, '45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 _\< .-Vs, placed iii trees, composed of small twigs and fine roots, lined with horse-hair nnd strips of fibrous bark, usually 
 from cedar trees. Dimensions; external diameter, 4'J>1, internal, 2'75. External depth, 2'50, internal, T50. 
 
 Eyi/$, four or five in number, oval in form, light-blue in color, spitted and dotted, irregularly, with black, lilac, and 
 umber. The black markings occasionally form lines. Dimensions from '85 x '55 to 'SOx-GO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When the stately elm trees of New England are putting forth their blossoms, which 
 always appear when the trees are destitute of leaves, troops of Purple Finches may be seen 
 perched on the high branches, eagerly devouring the bursting buds. Later, when the 
 apple trees are covered with pink and white flowers, these birds visit them in order to feed 
 on the petals. Finches which I have dissected at this time were literally crammed with 
 such food. This practice must be detrimental to the fruit as many stamens are also detach- 
 ed by the Finches when they are removing the petals. As these birds eat but few insects, 
 subsisting the greater portion of the year upon seeds and berries of the cedar, they never 
 recompense the husbandman for the injury which they do him. In spite of this, however, 
 the Red Linnets, as they are commonly called, are great favorites with almost everybody, 
 which is mainly due to the fact that their song is exceedingly fine being a continuous, rip- 
 pling melody, but their musical qualities are frequently a cause of misfortune to them as 
 many are captured and caged. They thrive well in confinement, amply rewarding the care 
 which is bestowed upon them by frequently pouring forth their charming carol. ' Contrary 
 to the rule, the females sing although not as loudly as the males, but the song is nearly as 
 fine. This species is at least three years in acquiring the full dress, but the young breed 
 while in the gray plumage. The nests are usually placed in low cedars and I have known 
 of several pairs to occupy adjacent trees. They are not very solicitous for the safety of 
 their ei^us, merely uttering a few alarm notes if disturbed. When frightened they will 
 dart into the nearest evergreen tree and remain perfectly quiet. One can then pass direct- 
 ly under the birds without causing them to move, and, although there may be several, it 
 is extremely difficult to discern them. Then suddenly one who is evidently the leader, 
 will utter a peculiar, chucking note when instantly they will all spring into the air, rising 
 and falling in their undulating flight until they disappear in the distance. The males have 
 the somewhat similar habit of rising to a considerable height then descending slowly with 
 wings held upwards, at the same time singing loudly. This is practiced only during the 
 bivrdiuo- season and usually in the immediate vicinity of the nests. 
 
 The Purple Finches remain in Massachusetts in small flocks all winter, frequenting 
 some thick grove, but they are much more common at this season in the pine woods of 
 Pennsylvania. They also occur on the plantations of the Carolinas and I have seen them, 
 on one or two occasions, near Jacksonville. They appear to prefer the open country while 
 
112 P1PILO ERYTHKOPHTHALMUS. 
 
 in the south for I never met with them in the piney woods. While migrating and at other 
 times these birds do not accompany members of the same family but move by themselves. 
 They also differ from most Fringilline birds in not associating in large numbers, for I never 
 saw over twenty in one flock. 
 
 GEN-US XIII. PIPILO. THE GROUND BUNTINGS. 
 
 GE\. Cn. Bill, thick , somewhat swollen at base of lower mandible. Upper mandible, curved. Wings, a little shorter 
 than the tail. Feet, large. Sternum, stout. Coracoids, shorter than lop of keel which is considerably lower than one half 
 the length of the coracoids. Size, large. 
 
 Prevailing colors above, dark, lighter, below. The tail Ls usually, though not always, prominently marked with white. 
 Iris, usually highly colored. 
 
 PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 
 
 Red-eyed Towhee. 
 Pipilo erythrophlhalmus VIEILL., Gal. Ois. I; 1824, 109. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, not very fleshy, provided with a bifid tuft of coarse, terminal, 
 hair-like fibers. Sternum as given above. The feathers of the head are elongated. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Upper portion of body, including wings and tail, throat, sides of head and neck, and upper 
 breast, black. Edgeof wing, outer webs of basal portion of all the primaries, and elongated spot on the outer four, funning 
 an oblique bar, spots on outer webs of secondaries, entire outer webs of outer tail feathers and terminal portion of all but 
 the central pair, middle of breast, and abdomen, white. Sides and flanks bright chestnut, with the lower side of the ante- 
 rior portion narrowly edged with black. Under wing coverts, under tail coverts, and crissum, pale-chestnut. Feet, brown. 
 Bill, blue-black. Iris, red. 
 
 Adult female. With the black replaced by reddish-brown. White as in the males. The chestnut Ls much paler and 
 the feathers of the back show darker centers. 
 
 Young -male. In this stage the white of the tail is less extended. The white markings of the secondaries are obscured 
 with rufjus and the feathers of the rump and upper tail coverts are edged with it. There Ls no black margin to the chest- 
 nut of the sides. 
 
 Young female. Strongly overwashed with rufous above, the white markings being obscured by it. The white below 
 is tinged with-yellowish and there are indications of rufjus wing bars. 
 
 Nestlings. Similar to the young female but streaked above and below with dusky. There are strong indications of 
 wing bars. The males in this stage may be known from the fsmales by the general darker colors above, the wings and tail 
 being black as their feathers are not moulted until the following autumn. Iris bluish-white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is occasionally a concealed spot of white <m the throat. Florida specimens do not differ essentially from more 
 northern skins excepting that the chestnut is richer in shade, but almost all the birds that I obtained on the Allegheny 
 Mountains in Pennsylvania show traces of white streakings on the scapularies, thus approaching the western forms of the 
 genus. A spring specimen from Peotona, Illinois, shows an inclination to alhinoism but otherwise does not differ from 
 skins taken in Massachusetts. Known from the closely allied species from the West by the smaller amount of white on 
 the wings and from other species by the description as given. For comparison with the new Florida species see observa- 
 tions on page 114. 
 
 Distributed insummer throughout the Eastern section of the United States between the latitudes of South Carolina and 
 the White Mountains. Winters from the Carolinas to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. Length, 8'05; stretch, 11'23; wing, 3 - 50; tail, 3'76; bill, '60; tarsus. 1.02. 
 Longest specimen, 8'50; greatest extent of wing, 12'25; longest wing, 3'70; tail, 4'00; bill, '67; tarsus, ! 10. Shortest 
 specimen, 7'60; smallest extent of wing, 10'40; shortest wing, 3'30; tail, 3'32; bill, '60; tarsus, -95. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are loosely constructed, being composed of grass, leaves, and strips of bark, lined 
 with fine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 3'50, internal, 2-00. External depth, 2 - 50, internal I'OO. 
 
 Eggs, four or five in number, elliptical in form, ashy-white in color, spotted, dotted, and blotched, with reddish-brown 
 and lilac. Dimensions from '90 x '70 to '95 x '75. 
 
PiriLO LF.UCOP1S. 113 
 
 - 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When one is wandering along <the htunmook edges of Florida, ho will frequently be 
 greeted hy a sudden, explosive chirp which is given so loudly as to be almost startling. 
 The author of this sound is concealed by the dense thicket and the most that can be seen 
 of it is the quick flirt of a white-tipped tail as the bird beats a hasty retreat deeper into the 
 bushes. If the spectator remain quiet for a few moments, however, he will see a pair of 
 bright red eyes watching him from among the foliage and will be saluted by an inquiring 
 tow-hee, for the Red-eyed Bunting is exceedingly inquisitive, but upon perceiving the 
 slightest motion it is off, loudly and petulantly repeating its tow-hee, tow-hee. This is the 
 only note I ever heard from this species in Florida, neither did I ever find them elsewhere 
 than along the margins of the thick woods, but when in the north their habits are quite 
 different. 
 
 The rocky sides of the Alleghany mountains are covered with small trees while the 
 intervals between them are occupied by low bushes. This shrubbery forms a favorite resort 
 for the Towhecs, and the males may be seen any morning in May perched on the topmost 
 boughs of the highest trees, busily engaged in pouring forth their somewhat disconnected 
 song. This lay is not fine but yet enlivening for it rings out loud and clear and, as it echoes 
 along the steep sides of the valleys, produces an effect which is quite pleasing. In Massa- 
 chusetts the Towhees are found in open fields grown up to bushes, or along fence rows. 
 Here they are quite familiar, following the pedestrian about when he invades their domains, 
 occasionally uttering their peculiar cry. 
 
 They breed in the localitcs which I have described, about the middle of May, almost 
 always building on the ground but on one occasion I found the nest on a small limb about 
 a loot above the surface. The females, when setting, are quite tame and I have frequently 
 nearly placed my hand on them before they would fly. 
 
 In August the newly fledged young are found in pastures feeding upon berries, in com- 
 pany with their parents. In this stage of plumage the streaked breast and whitish eyes 
 give them a singular appearance quite at variance from the adults. They do not keep this 
 dress long, however, but gradually assume one more like that of the mature birds. The 
 Towhees spend the greater portion of their time on the ground, frequently scratching 
 among the fallen leaves after insects. This habit is especially noticeable in autumn when 
 the birds gather in straggling flocks on their southward migration. 
 
 PIPILO LEUCOPIS. 
 White-eyed Towhee. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Plate IV. Adult uinlj and female in spring. 
 
 Si'. <'u. Form, robust. Si/e. medium. Tongue, not very fleshy, provided with a bifid tuft of coarse, terminal, hair- 
 like lihi-rs. Sternum, similur to that of eri/t/irnji/it/in/mia, but nut as stout. The I'.-nthcr- of the head an- elongated. 
 
 COI.OK. Ailult ninli. I "]>|MT portion of body, including wings anil tail, throat, sidi-s of head and neck, and upper 
 breast, blai k. Kd^eof win.^. miter welis of ba*al purl inn of all the primaries, and i-lnii.ua ted spot "ii the outer four, forming 
 an (il>lii|ue liar. -|>ts un outer webs of secondaries, narrow line on outer webs of outer tail feathers, s|M>t.s on terminal por- 
 tion of thre;.- |iairs, n >t, however, extending to the shaft, middle of breast, and tilxlomen, white. Sides and flunks, chestnut 
 
 BIRO.- OK i I.OKIDA. 15 
 
112 P1P1LO ERYTHROPIITHALMUS. 
 
 in the south for I never met with them in the piney woods. While migrating and at other 
 times these birds do not accompany members of the same family but move by themselves. 
 They also differ from most Fringilline birds in not associating in large numbers, for I never 
 saw over twenty in one flock. 
 
 GENUS XIIL PIPILO. THE GROUND BUNTINGS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, thick, somewhat swollen, at base of lower mandible. Upper mandible, curved. Winys, a little shorter 
 than the tail. Feet, larye. Sternum, stout. Coracoids, shorter than top of keel which is considerably lower than one half 
 the lenyth of the coracoids. Size, larye. 
 
 Prevailing colors above, dark, lighter, below. The tail is usually, though not always, prominently marked with white. 
 Iris, usually highly colored. 
 
 PIPILO ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 
 
 Red-eyed Towhee. 
 Pipilo erythrophlhalmus VIEILL., Gal. Ois. I; 1824, 109. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, not very fleshy, provided with a bifid tuft of coarse, terminal, 
 hair-like fibers. Sternum as given above. The feathers of the head are elongated. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Upper portion of body, including wings and tail, throat, sides of head and neck, and upper 
 breast, black. Edge of wing, outer webs of basal portion of all the primaries, and elongated spot on the outer four, forming 
 an oblique bar, spots on outer webs of secondaries, entire outer webs of outer tail feathers and terminal portion of all but 
 the central pair, middle of breast, and abdomen, white. Sides and flanks bright chestnut, with the lower side of the ante- 
 rior portion narrowly edged with black. Under wing coverts, under tail coverts, and crissum, pale-chestnut. Feet, brown. 
 Bill, blue-black. Iris, red. 
 
 Adult female. With the black replaced by reddish-brown. White as in the males. The chestnut is much paler and 
 the feathers of the back show darker centers. 
 
 Youny male. In this stage the white of the tail is less extended. The white markings of the secondaries are obscured 
 with ruf >us and the feathers of the rump and upper tail coverts are edged with it. There is no black margin to the chest- 
 nut of the sides. 
 
 Youny female. Strongly overwashed with rufous above, the white markings being obscured by it. The white below 
 is tinged with -yellowish and there are indications of rufous wing bars. 
 
 Nestlings. Similar to the young female but streaked above and below with dusky. There are strong indications of 
 wing bars. The males in this stage may be known from the females by the general darker colors above, the wings and tail 
 being black as their feathers are not moulted until the following autumn. Iris bluish-white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is occasionally a concealed spot of white on the throat. Florida specimens do not differ essentially from more 
 northern skins excepting that the chestnut is richer in shade, but almost all the birds that I obtained on the Alleghany 
 Mountains in Pennsylvania show traces of white streakings on the scapularies, thus approaching the western forms of the 
 genus. A spring specimen from Peotona. Illinois, shows an inclination to albinoism but otherwise does not differ from 
 skins taken in Massachusetts. Known from the closely allied species from the West by the smaller amount of white on 
 the wings and from other species by the description as given. For comparison with the new Florida species see observa- 
 tions on page 114. 
 
 Distributed in summer throughout the Eastern section of the United States between the latitudes of South Carolina and 
 the White Mountains. Winters from the Carolinas to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. Length, 8'05; stretch, 11'23; wing, 3'50; tail, 3'76; bill, '60; tarsus. 1.02. 
 Longest specimen, 8'50; greatest extent of wing, 12'25; longest wing, 3'70; tail, 4'00; bill, '67; tarsus, I'lO. Shortest 
 specimen, 7'60; smallest extent of wing, 10'40; shortest wing, 3'30; tail, 3'32; bill, '60; tarsus, '95. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are loosely constructed, being composed of grass, leaves, and strips of bark, lined 
 with tine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 3'50, internal, 2'00. External depth, 2'50, internal TOO. 
 
 Egys, four or five in number, elliptical in form, ashy-white in color, spotted, dotted, and blotched, with reddish-brown 
 and lilac. Dimensions from "90 x '70 to "95 x "75. 
 
PIP1LO LKUCOP1S. H3 
 
 IIMSITS. 
 
 AVhen one is wandering .along the hummock edges of Florida, he will frequently be 
 by a sudden, explosive chirp which is given so loudly as to be almost startling. 
 The author of this sound is concealed by the dense thicket and the most that can be seen 
 of it is the quick flirt of a white-tipped tail as the bird beats a hasty retreat deeper into the 
 bushes. If the spectator remain quiet for a few moments, however, he will see a pair of 
 bright red eyes watching him from among the foliage and will be saluted by an inquiring 
 tow-hec, for the Red-eyed Bunting is exceedingly inquisitive, but upon perceiving the 
 slightest motion it is off, loudly and petulantly repeating its tow-hce, tow-hee. This is the 
 only note I ever heard from this species in Florida, neither did I ever find them elsewhere 
 than along the margins of the thick woods, but when in the north their habits are quite 
 different. 
 
 The rocky sides of the Alleghany mountains are covered with small trees while the 
 intervals between them are occupied by low bushes. This shrubbery forms a favorite resort 
 for the Towhecs, and the males may be seen any morning in May perched on the topmost 
 boughs of the highest trees, busily engaged in pouring forth their somewhat disconnected 
 song. This lay is not fine but yet enlivening for it rings out loud and clear and, as it echoes 
 along the steep sides of the valleys, produces an effect which is quite pleasing. In Massa- 
 chusetts the Towhees are found in open fields grown up to bushes, or along fence rows. 
 Here they are quite familiar, following the pedestrian about when he invades their domains, 
 occasionally uttering their peculiar cry. 
 
 They breed in the localites which I have described, about the middle of May, almost 
 always building on the ground but on one occasion I found the nest on a small limb about 
 a foot above the surface. The females, when setting, are quite tame and I have frequently 
 nearly placed my hand on them before they would fly. 
 
 In August the newly fledged young are found in pastures feeding upon berries, in com- 
 pany with their parents. In this stage of plumage the streaked breast and whitish eyes 
 give them a singular appearance quite at variance from the adults. They do not keep this 
 dress long, however, but gradually assume one more like that of the mature birds. The 
 Towhees spend the greater portion of their time on the ground, frequently scratching 
 aiming the fallen leaves after insects. This habit is especially noticeable in autumn when 
 the birds gather in straggling flocks on their southward migration. 
 
 PIPLLO LEUCOPIS. 
 White-eyed Towhee. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Plate IV. Adult malo and female in spring. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form. robust. Size, medium. Tongue, not very fleshy, provided with a bifid tuft of conrse, terminal, hair- 
 like lil-!^. Sternum, similar to tluit t>f rrylhrophlhalmui, but not as stout. The feathers of the hend are elongated. 
 
 Coi.oi;. Ar/u/t iniili. Upper portion of body, including wings iind tail, throat, sides of head and nc.-k, and upper 
 breast, bhu k. Kdgeof w ing. outer webs of ba^al portion of all the primaries, and elongated spot on the outer four, forming 
 an oblique liar, ^pots on outer webs of secondaries, narrow line on outer wclis of outer tail feathers, s|xits on terminal por- 
 tion of three pairs, not, howe\cr, extending to the shaft, middle of breast, and abdomen, white. Sides and flanks, chestnut 
 
 BIRDS OK H.OUIDA. 15 
 
116 SOJVG SPAIUiOW. 
 
 Nestlings. Show no traces whatever of the ashy, which is replaced J>y yellowish-rufous, niyl the under parts are very 
 strongly tinged with the latter named color. The streakings below occupy the same position, but arc not as wide, and do 
 not form a cluster on the breast. The bill and feet are lighter. Soxes .similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are few birds which are more easily recognized than the Sung Sparrow, yet it is difficult to find a species where 
 there is so much individual variation in respect to the markings below. In a large series before me, from many sections 
 east of the Mississippi River, I find that there is every gradation, from a breast so slightly spotted as to almost leave the 
 central cluster alone, to one so heavily marked as to nearly obscure the cluster, and even the throat, usually immarulatr, in 
 spotted. Rarely there is no clustering of spots on the breast in the adult; this character is, however, usually absent in 
 the nestlings. Specimens from Utah are less spotted than the average of more Eastern skins and are paler above. Known 
 in the adult stage by the streakings above and spots below, taken in connection with the ashy markings of the head. The 
 nestlings may be recognized by the reddish-brown wings and tail. Distributed during the breeding season from the latitude 
 of South Carolina to the far North. Winters from Massachusetts to Northern Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-eight specimens. Length, 6'38; stretch, 8'75; wing, 2'55; tail, 2'77; bill, '48; tarsus, 
 75. Longest specimen, f>'75; greatest extent cf wing, 8'CO; longest wing, 2 f C: tr.il, 2'CO; bill, '0; tarsus, - 7C. Shortest 
 specimen, G'OO; smallest extent of wing, 9'00; shortest wing, 2'35; tail, 2'65; bill, '55; tarsus, '70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or in bushes. They are compact structures of grass, lined with finer. Dimensions; exter- 
 nal diameter, 4 - 00, internal, 2'50. External depth, 2'75, internal, T75. 
 
 Eyys, f jur or five in number, oval in form, bluish in color, spotted and dotted with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimen- 
 sions from -05 x "70 to "85 x 'C5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Winter has scarcely begun to relax his icy grasp from the water and to lift his snowy 
 mantle from off the land, when those harbingers of the coming spring, the Song Sparrows, 
 begin to chant their enlivening lay about the homesteads of New England. Loud and 
 cheerily do they sing on the bright mornings in early March, and when they have once 
 begun nothing seems to daunt their ardor. No matter how very stormy the weather, day- 
 light always finds them singing. I have heard their song when the wind was blowing a 
 gale, and the little performers- were obliged to seek shelter beneath the hedges, and have 
 seen one start to fly when the force of the blast was so great that it fairly swept him into 
 a thicket but he clung tenaciously to the boughs and, as if to bid defiance to the raging 
 elements, poured forth his liveliest carol. Rightly has this species been named melodia, 
 for none among our native birds sings so long or so often as the Song Sparrow. As we 
 have seen, they begin their musical efforts amid the snow.and sleet of the lingering winter, 
 continuing them through the spring and summer; nor docs the sultry heat of August cause 
 them to cease, for even then they sing during the cool of morning and evening. Through 
 the autumn their melodies may still be heard, and when the brown earth is covered with 
 fallen leaves our little, plainly colored friends occasionally indulge in the same clearly 
 given lay that they practiced earlier in the season. 
 
 The Song Sparrows are among the first to breed of the smaller birds, nesting often by 
 the middle of April. The nests are sometimes placed in low bushes but oftener on the 
 ground. Shortly after the first brood have been reared a second litter of eggs is deposited 
 and often a third brood is brought out the same season. During the summer and autumn 
 these Sparrows are very fond of the neighborhood of streams and other bodies of fresh water, 
 
HKLOSPIXA PALUSTR1S. 117 
 
 indeed they appear to be partly aquatic, for if one be wounded it will instantly jump into 
 tin- water and strike out boldly. I have also frequently seen them dive beneath the sur- 
 face when I was about to capture them, or creep into holes with the body submerged, be- 
 having much as I have seen young ducks under similar circumstances. 
 
 These sparrows, like the greater portion of the family, are seldom found in the woods 
 but prefer hedge rows along open fields. On the Magdalen Islands they find shelter in the 
 short shrubbery on the edges of the little clearings, they are abundant on the margins of 
 the rich interval lands of Maine, and thousands may be found in the thickets along fences 
 which intersect the farms of Massachusetts. They also swarm in countless myriads in the 
 rank growth of vegetation along the river bottoms of Pennsylvania. On the borders of 
 the cotton plantations of the Sea Islands, they were very numerous and I even met them 
 in the orange groves of Northern Florida; in fact it is difficult to find a single locality where 
 one will not be greeted by the chirp or melodious carol of the Song Sparrow, for they are 
 one of the most abundant of birds in the section of which I write. 
 
 GENUS XV. HELOSPIZA. THE SWAMP SPARROWS. 
 
 (!K\. Cii. Bill, somewhat slender, not t/iiik nor swollen at base. Ujyicr mandible, but little curved. Winys, lonyer 
 than f/it tail which is s/iylit/y rounded. Sternum, not stout, with the cofaeoids equal in linyth to the top of the keel which is 
 rrry htw, not exceeding in heiyht one third the length of the coracoids. Size, rather small. 
 
 I have been induced to f.illow Prof. Baird's suggestion as givon in Birds of N. A. 1858, p. 477, and remove the species 
 herewith given from the genus Mclosjriza, not only r:n account (,f the differences in external structure, but also on account 
 of the peculiar form <.f the sternum which has as lowakeeland as long commie Is its any genus in the Family, not excepting 
 Aininodromvs, to which Helospiza is closely allied both in structure and in habit. 
 
 HELOSPIZA PALUSTRIS. 
 
 Swamp Sparrow. 
 Helospiza palustris BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 477. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, small. Tongue, rather thin and horny, prorided with a bifid, terminal tuft of 
 bur-like fibers. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in spriny. Ear coverts, sides, flanks, upper portion of body, yellowish-rnfuus, with the latter broadly 
 streaked with dark-brown. Top of head, chestnut. Forehead, maxillary and superciliary lines, lores, back of neck , and 
 band aern-s breast, ashy. Outer webs of wings and tail, bright reddish-brown, dullest on the latter; inner webs, brown. 
 SIM its on seapularies and wing coverts, dark-brown. Throat, belly, abdomen, and under tail coverts, white, with the latter 
 tinged with yellowish. Bill and feet, brown. 
 
 Adult in trint'.r. Similar to the above, but with the chestnut of the top of head obscure'] with black markings, and a 
 median line of ashy extends from hill to occiput. 
 
 Yimny. Have the sides and flanks streaked with dusky, while the top of the head is streaked with black, and the sides 
 of the head are tinged with yellowish. 
 
 Ynuny of the yar. Colors above, more suffused, and there are but slight indications of maxillary lines. There is a 
 tinge of yellowish over the throat, sides. Hanks, and breast, and the latter is streaked with dusky. 
 
 A t/tinys. The ashy markings are oliscured with yellowish-rufous, and the entire under parts are tinged with it. 
 The lower neck and breast are streaked more or less with dark-brown. Bill, lighter. Soxes similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary considerably in shade of color on the back, some having it nearly as bright as the crown. The streak- 
 er aUn broader MI -omc than on others. Readily distinguished in the adult stages h\ the clear chestnut crown and 
 black forehead, taken in connection with the ashy band across the breast. The younger stages may always IK; disiingui-hed 
 by the bright reddish-brown "'ings which arc \rry n itieeable e\cu in the nestlings. Distributed, during the breeiiitrj- -ca 
 son, throughout Ka-tern I iiited State- 1 , from the latitude of Pennsylvania north to tliat of Canada. Winters from the Car- 
 oliiias to Southern Florida. 
 
118 SWAMP SPARROW. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. Length, 5-70; stretch, 7'76; wing, 2'85; tail, 2-23; bill, '45; tarsus, -82. 
 Longest specimen, O'OO; greatest extent of wing, 8' 12; longest wing, 2'60; tail, 2'35; bill, '50; tarsus, '90. Shortest speci- 
 men, 5'40; smallest extent of wing, 7'40; shortest wing, 2 - 30; tail, 2'12; bill, '41; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground, composed of dried grass and weeds, lined with ner grass. Dimensions; external diam- 
 eter, 4'00, internal, 2'50. External depth, 2'75, internal, T75. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, spotted and dotted quite finely with reddish-brown and 
 lilac. Dimensions from '5Cx '75 to '60x '80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I know of but few if any localities north of Florida where the vegetation grows more 
 luxuriantly than on the margins of the little creeks which empty into the Susquehanna Riv- 
 er, Pennsylvania. The soil is exceedingly fertile, for it is composed of the washings of 
 the rich lands on the slopes, and produces a fine growth of timber. Here the sturdy syca- 
 more grows to perfection, often rearing its lofty leaf-crowned head to the height of a hun- 
 dred feet. Black walnuts also attain to a large size, while beneath them grow a host of 
 butternuts, wild plums, hawthorns, and other small trees which so completely shade the 
 surface, that it seems impossible for any thing to obtain light enough to thrive at all, but 
 in spite of the dense overhanging foliage, the ground is thickly covered with rank nettles 
 and other weeds. But wherever an opening occurs admiting the sunshine the herbage be- 
 comes exceedingly high; this is especially noticeable along the margins of the streams where 
 giant grasses often six feet in height overhang the water. Upon the whole it would be 
 difficult to find a place more conducive to bird life, and many species were very abundant 
 there. The branches above were filled with the more arboreal birds while swarms of the 
 terrestrial found a home in the herbage below, and the more open sections were occupied 
 by the Swamp Sparrows. Here they remained throughout the summer, sheltered from the 
 sultry noon time heat by the cool green foliage above, and they linger late in autumn, long 
 after the butternuts have fallen and the ground is strewn with leaves, when the naked 
 stalks and withered rustling grass affords them but slight protection. 
 
 I have ever found that the Swamp Sparrows seek grassy thickets and are common in 
 them along the streams of Florida, even as far south as Miami. I have never heard them 
 make any attempt at a song in the South, but in Massachusetts they trill forth a sprightly 
 lay that consists of a series of rapidly given notes which, although somewhat resembling 
 those uttered by the Chipping Sparrow, are more lisping and not as loud. This perform- 
 ance is given only during the breeding season, but in the autumn they have a very pretty 
 warbling song which, although low, is exceedingly sweet. 
 
 . The Swamp SparrfTws breed about the last week in May, usually placing the nest on 
 a tussock or on the ground, but I once found one that was fastened halfway up the thick- 
 ly growing stalks of some coarse grass, the bent tops of which formed an arch over it and 
 nearly concealed it. The young may be seen accompanying their parents in August, and 
 migrate with them in November, when they all usually move along the low lands, but on 
 their return in spring they often follow other Sparrows across the uplands. 
 
AMMODROMUS MELANOLEUCUS. 119 
 
 CK\i:.S XVI. AMMOmiOMUS. TIIR SHORE FINCHES. 
 
 <ii:\. CM. Hill, i/tiiti- xffiiili r. nut Ihiil. nor swollen at base. Upper mandible, somewhat curved. Winys, lonyer than 
 t/ir tail whifli in conxii/i-rrMi/ rouinli-il. and with lit- feathers acuminate. Sternum, not stout, with the coracoids equal in 
 lini/th In tin- tii/i of tin- keel, ur n little shorter. Keel, low, cither not exceeding in heiyht one third the lenyth of the coracoids 
 or but little hit/hi r. Size, small. ' 
 
 The sternums of this genus vary considerably, in fact more so than Is usual in species which arc so closely allied. In 
 other anatomical structures, however, there is but little difference and the more important external characters areaLsoquite 
 similar. The edge of the wing is yellow. 
 
 AMMODROMUS MELANOLEUCUS. 
 
 Black and White Shore Pinch. 
 Ammodromus melanoleucui MAVNARD, Rod and Gun, Jan. 16, 1875. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Plate V. Adult in spring. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Tongue, long, thin and horny, provided with a bifid, terminal tuft of hair-like 
 fibers. Sternum, not stout, with the keel very low, not exceeding in height one third of the length of the coracoids which 
 equal in length the top of the keel. 
 
 C'OI.OR. Adult. Above, black, with the feathers narrowly edged with ashy. Wings, and tail very dark-brown with 
 the outer webs margined with greenish. Beneath, white, broadly streaked everywhere, excepting on the abdomen, with 
 black. Lino extending from upper mandible to point over the eye, and edge of wing, bright-yellow. Bill, black, bluish 
 at ba.se of lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Youny. Similar, but tinged with yellowish-rufous on the breast, sides of head, and flanks. The outer edges of the 
 wing feathers are also brownish. Sexes, similar in all-stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a general uniformity of coloration in specimens of the same age, but the streakings are broader on some than 
 on others, when there is frequently a central clustering of spots on the breast, and sometimes there are white maxillary 
 lines. Readily distinguished from all others by the preponderance of black below. The distribution of this species is 
 very limited as thus far observed, and none have been taken, to my knowledge, since 1872 when I found them on the saline 
 savannahs about Suit Lake and on the marshes east of Indian River, but south of the Haulover Canal. They are migratory 
 but I do not know where they spend the winter. The nests and eggs are unknown. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eight specimens. Length, 6'95; stretch, 7'87; wing, 2'32; tail, 2'04; bill, '50; tarsus, '78. 
 Longest specimen, fi'25; greatest extent of wing, 8'25; longest wing, 2'50; tail, 2'25; bill, 'GO; tarsus, -80. Shortest speci- 
 men, 5'75; smallest extent of wing, 7'50; shortest wing, 2' 15; tail, 2'25; bill, '40; tarsus, -77. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Near the sources of the St. Johns River in Florida is a little body of water, only about 
 two miles in circumference, called Salt Lake and, as its name implies, is quite brackish. 
 This phenomenon is due, not to its present proximity to the sea which is only six miles dis- 
 tant, for a ridge of high pine lands intervenes, but to the peculiar character of the soil 
 which contains a large quantity of salt. There is but little doubt that this entire section 
 was overflowed by the tides of the ocean not long since. In fact the vegetation which cov- 
 ers these wide-spread plains is almost exactly like that which grows on the marshes of the 
 Indian River. It is composed mainly of course grass and a species of rush, both of which 
 gmw to the height of four or five feet, and so thickly together that one can scarcely make 
 his way through them. The margin of the lake is, however, destitute of vegetation as 
 arc the beds of numerous small creeks which in the spring and summer are dry, and thus 
 form convenient roads. 
 
120 BLACK AND WHITE SHORE FINCH. 
 
 I was making my way along one of these novel paths on the seventeenth of March, 
 1872, keeping a sharp lookout for birds, at the same time carefully watching the ground at 
 my feet in order to detect the presence of the venomous water moccasins which were more 
 numerous here than I had ever seen them elsewhere, when my attention was attracted by 
 a little black" bird which rose from the high grass about twenty yards from me, hovered a 
 moment, uttering a feeble sputtering song, then dropped down and disappeared. I saw it 
 but a moment, yet I was convinced that it was something that I had never seen before. 
 I laboriously made my way to the spot, but was unable to start it even after the most vig- 
 orous efforts. This was my first sight of the new Ammodromus, for I was certain that it 
 belonged to this genus and in a day or two my suspicions were confirmed, for an assistant 
 brought in a specimen which he had taken in the place I had first seen it. We did not 
 find any more near Salt Lake nor did I see a single specimen, but shortly after I found 
 them quite common on the marshes of Indian River. Yet I only took seven specimens 
 there, for the birds are exceedingly difficult to obtain as they are not only very shy, but 
 after once starting will seldom rise a second time, remaining concealed in the thick grass. 
 In flight as well as habit this species resembles the Sharp-tailed Finch much more nearly 
 than it does the Gray Shore Finch. The song, or rather the crude attempt at a song, for 
 the low sputtering notes scarcely deserve the title, is given while the bird hovers in air 
 suspended over the same spot, after which it drops quickly into the grass. These are the 
 only notes that I ever heard them utter, except a sharp chirp of alarm which is given when 
 they are disturbed. Then one will appear for a moment on the top of a waving spear of 
 grass, but only for a moment; the next instant it is gone. 
 
 The Black and White Finches inhabit the dry marshes where the grass grows in patch- 
 es surrounded by a peculiar species which is very much lower and which becomes tangled. 
 The birds live in the former, but build there nests in the latter, or I have every reason to 
 believe that they do, as during the latter part of April I started them many times from 
 the herbage, and they exhibited the utmost solicitude whenever I approached certain spots, 
 but I failed completely to find the nest although I searched for it many times. This spe- 
 cies was quite common on the marshes of Indian River, just below Dummctt's Grove, but 
 I never saw a specimen north of Haulover Canal. They were very abundant on the upper 
 end of Merritt's Island where I obtained a few. 
 
 These birds are migratory as they are not to be found in Florida during winter, but 
 where they go during this season I am unable to state, but judge that they may be found 
 on the Bahama Islands, and it is also probable that those I found were merely a colony 
 from that place, where they will doubtless be found to occur in large numbers. They are 
 not, however, to be met with on the Florida Keys, but the character of the vegetation is 
 not conducive to their habits as there arc no grassy savannahs. 
 
 In comparing this species with the Gray Shore Finch we find that it has entirely 
 different habits; first, the song is quite unlike that of maritimus, second, it breeds nearly 
 two months later, and thirdly, it is migratory while the other species is a constant resident 
 in Florida. 
 
AMMODliOMUS MARIT1MUS. 121 
 
 AMMODROMUS MABITIMTJS. 
 
 Gray Shore Pinch. 
 Ammodromvi maritimus Sw., Zuol. Jour., Ill, 1827, 328. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Tongue, long, thin, and horny, provided with a terminal tuft of hair- 
 like fibers. Sternum, rather stout, with the keel a little higher than that of the preceding species and with the coracoids 
 somewhat shorter. 
 
 COLOR. A'lull. Above, grcenisli-gray, broadly streaked with dusky. Wings and tail, dark-brown, with the outer 
 we! i- i .!_;. -d with ri'(l(lish-bri>wn. Beneath, ashy-white, purest on the throat but very much darker on the sides an<} flanks. 
 Si lc - i:f head and streaking* below, dusky. There is a decided maxillary line of dusky below one of white, and a slightly 
 Bed median line of ashy extends from the bill to the occiput. Line from base of upper mandible to point over the eye, 
 nnd edge of wing, yellow, and there is a greenish suffusion back of the eye. Bill, black, bluish at base of lower mandible. 
 1 ' t, brown. 
 
 Youny. Similar, but browner above, with the median line better denned. The greenish gloss back of the eye is not 
 very pcTeeptibl.:, and there are traces of yellowLsh-rufjus across the breast. 
 
 Youni/ of Ike yuar. Are very brown above, where the dark streakings are nearly obscured. They are also very much 
 whiter liel.iw, where there are but few streakings. The median ashy line Is considerably broader and much more clearly 
 defined. S,-xes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a general uniformity of coloration in specimens of the same age. The streakings below are never well defined, 
 but oeeasionally encroach upon the throat which is usually immaculate. Readily distinguished from mclano/cucus by the 
 unif.inn grayish tint throughout which is so conspicuous, even in the young, that this species need not be confounded with 
 jiuy other. A constant resident along the coast from the Carolinas to Middle Florida and on the Northern portion of the 
 Gulf of Mexico. Found as far north as Connecticut in summer but does not occur in the interior. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty specimens. Length, 5 - 50; stretch, 8'25; wing, 2'50; tail, 2' 10; bill, '60; tarsus, -80. 
 Longest specimen, 5'75; greatest extent of wing, 8'40; longest wing, 2-f>0; tail, 2-25; bill, '65; tarsus, '95. Shortest speci- 
 men, 5'25; smallest extent of wing, 8' 15; shortest wing, 2 - 40; tail, 2'00; bill, '55; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground, or near it. They are either gourd-shaped, with a contracted entrance on top, partly cov- 
 ered, having the entrance on the side, or open. They are composed of coarse grass lined with finer and occasionally with 
 rootl.'ts. Dimensions; external diameter, 4'00, internal, 2'50. External depth, 4'75, internal, 1'75. 
 
 Eyys, four, five, or even six in number, rather elliptical in frm, dull-white in color, spotted and dotted quite finely with 
 reddish-brown and sepia. Dimensions from '80 x '58 to '82 x '62. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The coast of South Carolina and Georgia is peculiar being made up of various islands. 
 These are separated by deep sounds which form the mouths of the numerous rivers that 
 flow through this section of the country. The islands are not much elevated but are above 
 high water mark, while the land back of them is very low being, in fact, overflowed by the 
 tide. These salt marshes are quite wide extending for some hundreds of miles along the 
 shore, ;ind are intersected by numerous creeks some of which are very deep. As those 
 that empty into one sound connect with those lhat have outlets in sounds on either hand, 
 there is a continuous chain of canals which admit the passage of vessels of considerable 
 size. In my last trip south on the yacht Nina I availed myself of this circumstance, and 
 after leaving Bull Bay in South Carolina, kept inside as far as Jacksonville, Florida. As 
 we were frequently obliged to remain in one spot for some time, I had a fine opportunity 
 of observing the birds which inhabited the vast marshes through we were sailing, and the 
 Gray Shore Finches were among those which claimed my constant attention. 
 
 IIIKUS ttr t-MiKIDA. 16 
 
122 AMMODROMUS CAUDACUTUS. 
 
 Here these birds found a home in the tall grass which grew very thickly and formed a 
 complete protection for them. Thus they are perfectly safe, having few if any enemies; 
 therefore they have increased to a surprising degree; in short they fairly swarm in count- 
 less numbers. Every square acre held its thousands, and every mile its hundreds of thous- 
 ands if not millions, of these little gray birds. At first I was not aware that there were so 
 many, for we entered the marshes during a low course of tides, but when the water rose 
 so high as to cover all but isolated patches of tall grass, forcin 5 the birds' to congregate 
 in them in large flocks, I saw how numerous they were. Usually they live concealed, but 
 at such times they retreat before the advancing flood, until they are obliged to perch on 
 the tops of the swaying grass where they crouch, patiently awaiting the subsiding of the 
 waters, when they seek their fastnesses and run about on the mud in search of small shells 
 and aquatic insects which form the principal part of their food. 
 
 During the cold season they are quiet only occasionly uttering a chirp of alarm, but 
 when we arrived in Florida, in January, I heard them singing for the first time that season. 
 This lay was very familiar to me as I had frequently heard it at Cedar Keys, where I found 
 the Gray Shore Finch very common and about to breed as early as February. Then the 
 males would give their performance morning and evening, and throughout the day if the 
 weather were stormy. The song consisted of four notes, the first two were given abruptly 
 with a distinct articulation, while the last were more connected; the former being low and 
 quick, the latter prolonged and accented, and both together much resembled the carol of 
 the Red-winged Blackbird; in fact I at first thought the sound was produced by this bird 
 as the Finches were almost always concealed at the time. While giving this singular song 
 the bird becomes greatly excited, ruffling his feathers, spreading his tail, and drooping his 
 wings, while the head is bowed forward when the last syllable is uttered as if it cost him 
 a very great effort. This somewhat rude lay is evidently quite attractive to the female for 
 she is always near the spot, and the male often pauses in order to pursue her through the 
 grass. 
 
 Besides the notes I have described the Gray Shore Finch utters a low twittering song 
 while hovering in air a few feet above the grass. It is a singular fact that these birds 
 were about to lay so early in the season at Cedar Keys,for they do not nest in the Carolinas 
 until the first of June which is but a little earlier than the breeding time in Connecticut. 
 The nest is placed either on the ground or fastened to grass stalks or stems of low bushes. 
 They arrive on the marshes of the more northern sections during the last of April and leave 
 before the ground freezes, but they are constantly resident at least as far north as North 
 Carolina. 
 
 AMMODROMUS CAUDACUTUS. 
 
 Sharp-tailed Finch. 
 Ammodromus caudaculus Sw. , Birds II, 1837, 289. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Tongue, thin and horny, provided with a tuft oflong, coarse, terminal, hair- 
 like fibers. Sternum, stout, with the keel somewhat higher than one third the length of the coracoids, which arc shorter 
 than the top of the keel. 
 
SHARP-TAILED FINCH. 123 
 
 Count. Ailult in sirring. Above, including the outer edges of the tail feathers, and car coverts, yellowish-rufous, 
 with the remainder < f the wings and tail, and top of head streaked with (lark brown. Supercilary and innxillury lines, 
 spaee baek nf ear diverts, ninl limd amiss lireast, ImfT. Meilian line, extending from bill to occiput, ashy. Beneath, 
 white, finely streaked mi the' breast, sides, and flanks with dark-brown, while there is a bufly tinge on the two latter and 
 on the undiT tail eo\ert~: there are also a few dusky streakings below the maxillary lines. Edge of wing, yellow. Bill, 
 brown, lighter at base of lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Adult in trinlrr. Has a greenish tinge to the plumage above, the ashy median line is clearer, the bufly markings on 
 the head are yellower and the tinging on the sides and flanks, stronger. The ear coverts are ashy, the feathers of the scap- 
 ul.iri - a iv edged with white and the dark mark markings below are broader. 
 
 Young. Similar to the almve, but with a brownish hue on the top of the head which completely obscures the streak- 
 ing-. The dark marking-; almvo are not as prominent but the white edgings are broader. The bufly tinging beneath 
 i-; more extended and the streakings are not as clear. 
 
 Young of the year. Very nueh tinged with greenish above where the feathers show ashy edgings. The streakings be- 
 low are n.-arly obscured, while the bully ting;; i- extended over the throat and ear coverts. 
 
 Xftt/inys. Birds in this stage present quite a singular appearance being bufly above and below, broadly streaked on 
 the upper parts with dark-brown and more finely below in a similar manner as the adult. The tail feathers are not nearly 
 a aeeuminate. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The breadth of the streakings below vary with individuals as do also those above, and one specimen has a yellow line 
 from base of upper mandible to point over the eye, as in the preceding species. This bird presents a singular variety of 
 markings, from the first to the final plumage. As will be seen, the streakings above and below are at first prominent then 
 
 me nearly obsolete, only to come out broad and clear after the next moult, when they gradually narrow down to the 
 adult stage. The buff, however, which at first tinges the entire bird, grows gradually less until it only covers restricted 
 areas. Itcudily distinguished from nil others by the buff markings as described. Found in summer along the coast from 
 Maryland to New Hampshire, and in some of the large marshes of the interior. Winters from the Carolinas to Middle 
 Florida and on the Northern portion of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-five specimens. Length, 5-50; stretch, 7-70; wing, 2-45; tail, 1'77; bill, -47; tarsus, 
 77. I. mi:'"-: specimen, 5'85; greatest extant of wing, 8'10; longest wing, 2-76; tail, 2'10; bill, '55; tarsus,-85. Shortest 
 specimen, .VI"); simlljit extent of wing, 7'33; shortsnt whig, 2' 15; tail, 1'45; bill, "40; tarsm, '70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .Y<.sV.<, placed on the ground. They are loosely constructed, being composed of grass lined with finer. Dimensions; 
 external diameter, 1'IXl. internal, 3'00. Extarnal depth, 2'50, internal, 1-50. 
 
 Eyys, four or live in number, rather elliptical in form, pale-blue in color, spotted and dotted quite finely with rufous. 
 Dimen.4,n-i from -75x'55 to -80x'60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The salt marshes which border the coast of Massachusetts are usually comparatively 
 solid or at least firm enough to bear the weight of a man, but some spots are very peculiar 
 tu ing composed of soft mud overlaid with sod. Thus these slough, as they are termed, 
 arc very deceptive, as the surface which looks solid to the eye proves very yielding to the 
 feet and the unwary pedestrian finds himself submerged to the armpits in soft slimy ooze, 
 the odor of which is only exceeded by its pertinacity in adhering to the clothing. These 
 singular places arc doubtless the remains of lagoons or small bays, that have been sur- 
 rounded by the slowly forming marshes which have gradually encroached upon the space 
 occupied by the water. Indeed this transformation of water into earth may be plainly 
 seen in progress, for some portions are not even covered with vegetation, others merely 
 support the sod; while small peninsulas have made out which arc firm enough to walk 
 upon. These' are covered with a species of short, wiry grass that grows very thickly and, 
 as it is never cut, the dead growth of previous seasons accumulates, forming a mat. The 
 insecurity of the footing prevents cattle or other mammals from wandering on such places 
 
124 SHARP-TAILED FINCH. 
 
 thus the localities are comparatively lonely and just suited for the home of some retiring 
 species of bird. The Sharp-tailed Finches are aware of this fact for here they find excellent 
 breeding grounds, as they are almost entirely free from invasion. The thick matting of 
 dead grass is admirably adapted to nest building and their neat domiciles are almost al- 
 ways placed in it, while the overhanging grass serves to hide them. I know of but few 
 birds which take so much pains to conceal their eggs as the Sharp-tailed Finches. They 
 will frequently form a path for nearly a yard under the grass, by which they enter the 
 nest that is placed in a thicket at the end. The female when setting is extremely difficult 
 to start, and then I have nearly placed my foot on her before she would fly. As will 
 readily be perceived by the foregoing description, the nests are not easy to discover, and 
 it is only by carefully examining every foot of the ground that I ever found one. They 
 breed in communites in the localites which I have described, and I have taken as many as 
 eight nests from a space not larger than a half acre. 
 
 The Sharp-tailed Finches breed late, from the last week in June to the middle of July, 
 and the young accompany their parents in August. During nesting time the males utter 
 what is certainly the faintest approach to a song that I ever heard any of the family at- 
 tempt. This is given when the bird is hovering in air, a few feet over the surface of the 
 ground, and is so low that I have listened in vain for any sound when the wind was blow- 
 ing, even if the bird was only twenty yards distant. On still days, however, a sputtering 
 husky warble may be distinguished which continues only for a moment when the would be 
 musician drops as suddenly as if shot into the grass. At this season they spend the greater 
 portion of their time in the low grass, only occasionally appearing for a moment on the top 
 of some pile of debris, left by the iigh spring tides; but later they may be found in the 
 tall sedge which grows along the creeks. Here they may be seen early in September in 
 large flocks, when they have quite different habits than when nesting. At all times, how- 
 ever, they run about on the mud in search of small shells or other aquatic animals left by 
 the receding water, but when the tide is high they perch on the top of the grass, enjoy- 
 ing the bright sunshine of those .lovely autumnal days peculiar to the sea-coast of New 
 England. 
 
 All of the Fringilline birds arc more or less agile, but none among them move more 
 quickly on the ground than the members of this genus. The species under consideration 
 is particularly noticeable in this respect as they are perfect acrobats when among the tall 
 sedge, now clinging to a slender swaying top which will scarcely bear their weight, then 
 hanging head downward in order to reach some insect, after. which they will drop to the 
 ground and make their way with surprising rapidity to some other point. When surprised 
 they will rise to a short distance above the grass, fly for a few yards, and then dart into a 
 place of concealment. Then it is difficult to make them rise a second time, for they will 
 run nimbly among the grass stems for a long distance. When wounded they arc very 
 difficult to capture, for if their legs be uninjured they will make good use of them and en- 
 ter some hole and remain quiet, or will run through the grass until certain that a safe dis- 
 tance intervenes between themselves and their pursuers. The Sharp-tailed Finches leave 
 
PL/> 
 
 17 
 
 .24 
 
PEVCJEA JESTIVAL1S. 125 
 
 the north about the middle of October und enter the marshes of the Carolinas and Georgia 
 where they urc exceedingly abundant. They are also common in the marshy country just 
 north of the St. Johns River, Florida, but are not to be found in any numbers south of 
 this point on the cast coast. In fact I never saw a single specimen below Mosquito Inlet. 
 There were a few, however, about Cedar Keys in company with the Gray Shore Finch, 
 but I saw no indications whatever of their breeding, as was the case with the preceding, 
 species, and I think, beyond a doubt, that they all leave Florida by the middle of April. 
 They linger somewhat while on the migration, for they do not reach their breeding grounds 
 until late in spring; in fact they are one of the very last among the Sparrows to make their 
 appearance. 
 
 GENUS XVII. PEUC^EA. THE GRASS FINCHES. 
 
 (JKV. f'n. Bill, slender, hit not thick nor swollen at base. Upper mandible, considerably curved. Wings, sltarter than 
 tin' tail which is much graduated, and with the feathers narrow but not acuminate. Sternum, stout, with the coracoids about 
 1'iuiil in /myth to the top of the keel. Keel, exceeding in height one third the length of the coracoids. Feet, small. 
 
 All the species are streaked above but have only a few markings below. The toes are quite short and the feet small. 
 The edge of the wing is yellow. 
 
 PEUCJEA .SJSTIVALIS. 
 
 Pine Wood Finch. 
 Peucaa (estivalis CABINIS, Mas. Ilein., 1850, 132. 
 
 . DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, thin and horny, provided with a bifid tuft of long, terminal, 
 hair-like libers. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including the outer edges of the wings and tail feathers, dark-chestnut, with the feathers ed- 
 ged with ashy. The back and upper tail coverts arc streaked with dark-brown. There is a median line of ashy extending 
 f;-i mi the bill to the occiput. Wings and tail, brown. Under parts, supercilary line, and ring around eye, brownish-yellow, 
 clearest on the belly and abdomen, darkest on the breast. Edge of wing, yellow. Bill, brown, very much lighter at base 
 of lower mandible. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but more reddish alx>ve where there is less ashy. There are indications of maxillary 
 lines i.if dusky and there are some narrow streakings across the breast where the brownish-yellow tinging is somewhat 
 darker Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary greatly in the amount of ashy edging to the feathers above. The females, although quite similar to 
 the males, arc inclined to lie redder above and to have streakings below. Readily distinguished from all others by the 
 chestnut markings alwve combined with the graduated tail and yellow edge of wing. Found in summer through the dry 
 piney woods along the coast, from Middle Florida to the Carolinas, and in the interior as far north as Southern Indiana. 
 Winters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-five specimens. Length, 5'70; stretch, 7'87; wing, 2'37; tail, 2'44; bill, '50; tarsus, 
 (>. Longest specimen, 6'20; greatest extant of win?, 8'20; bngast win',', 2-56; tail, 2'60; bill, '55; tarsus, -76. Shortest 
 specimen, 5'60; smallest extent of wing, 7'75; shortest wing, 2"23; tail, 2'35; bill r '45; tarsus, '62. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nt'sls, placed on the ground. They are loosely constructed , being composed of rather coarse grass lined with finer. 
 Dimensions; external diameter, 4'00, internal, 3'00. External depth, 2'50, internal, 1-.50. 
 
 Eyys, fiur or live in number, rather oval in form, pure, brilliant white in color. They are, I believe, never siitted. 
 Dimensions from -0x 'GO to 'Six '63. 
 
126 PINE WOOD FINCH. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The pincy woods in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ilarney, Florida, arc among the 
 finest that I ever saw in the state. A narrow strip of marsh or hummock borders the 
 water, but back of this the vast plains stretch away in the distance with the large brown 
 tree trunks rising at intervals, while high over head wave the branches covered with 
 evergreen leaves. There are but few of the lofty limbs and therefore they cast but little 
 shadow, thus the ground is covered with green grass in profusion and is sprinkled with 
 wild flowers of varied hue. Some ten years ago I visited this lovely region for the first 
 time. Then everything was in its primitive state, for there was but one settler on the 
 east side of the lake and, as he cultivated but a very small portion of the soil, the coun- 
 try was a wilderness, there not being another house or cabin within twenty-five miles. 
 Then the deer roamed in herds and it was not an uncommon occurance to meet with a 
 dozen in one morning's walk. They found ample pasturage in the luxuriant growth of 
 short grass which covered the earth with a soft carpet. 
 
 This grass formed a place of concealment for many birds, and it was here that I first 
 became acquainted with the Pine Wood Finch. I was walking through the woods one 
 morning, when a little bird started from nearly under my feet, flew a short distance, then 
 dropped and disappeared. Anxious to obtain it, I endeavoped in vain to start it a second 
 time, but shortly after I took a specimen and recognized it as the species under consider- 
 ation. This was in winter when they are difficult to find but later, by the last of March 
 or first of April, they are more abundant and much easier to obtain. Then the males 
 make themselves more prominent for they are in full song. Early in the morning, when 
 the delicate sun-dews and rare orchids are sparkling with dew-drops, when all is silent save 
 the distant cry of the Sandhill Crane or the low murmur of the gentle breeze in the tree 
 tops, the melodious strains of the Pine Wood Finch are heard to the best advantage. 
 There are few among the many brilliant songsters of this family which surpass our little 
 friends. Seated on a branch of some fallen tree or a low limb of a pine , they pour forth 
 the sweetest warbling carol that I ever heard in Florida. When I first listened to the bird 
 I could not believe that it was a sparrow, for there is a kind of ventriloquism about the 
 sound, causing it to so completely fill the air that it is not easy to distinguish the exact 
 spot from which it comes. After giving his performance for some time the male flies down 
 into the grass to join his mate. 
 
 At first the song is only given morning and evening, but a little later the birds sing 
 at intervals all day continuing until long after sunset. They breed about the middle of 
 April placing the nest on the ground, concealing it in the higher patches of grass. The 
 young are able to fly by the first of June. The Pine Wood Finch is very abundant through- 
 out Northern and Middle Florida in summer but I looked for it without success in suitable 
 localities at Miami. I found a few about Cedar Keys in winter and, as above stated, at 
 Lake llarncy, but I do not think that very many pass the winter in the state. I was sur- 
 prised to find them breeding at Wilmington, North Carolina, in June, but I did not find 
 them there in winter a few years later. 
 
COTURN1CULUS PASSER1NUS. 127 
 
 GENTS XVIII. COTURNICULUS. THE YELLOW-SHOULDERED SPARROWS. 
 
 (.'is. Cii. Dill, short anil thick, c/nitii/irnh/i/ mmlli-n at IKUC, U/iprr inaiii/ili/r, l>ut little furred. Winys, much longer 
 than tin- tail irliiffi is a tittli ruiim/nt, anil with ll J'mlhi rs acuminate. Sternum, stout, with the coracoidx much shortir in 
 li-nifth than l/ii ti>/i of thi keel which is not low, marly ctjualiny in hciyht one half the Icnyth of lite coracoids. Size, quite 
 small. 
 
 All the species arc streaked above, and some have narrow lines below where there is more or less buff. The edge of the 
 wiiiL' is yellow. The feet are quite small. I do not include Leconte's Bunting under this head, for I think that it should 
 lie placed in a separate genus, for which I propose the name, Passerherbulus, for generic characters of which see the forth- 
 coining appendix;. 
 
 
 
 COTURNICULUS PASSEKINUS. 
 
 YeUow-winged Sparrow. 
 Colurniculus passerina BON., List, 1839. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. Tongue, short, rather fleshy, provided with a tuft of terminal, hair-like fibers. 
 Sternum, as given above. 
 
 ('num. Adult. Above, including the wings and tail, dark-brown, with the feathers edged with yellowish-ash, find 
 tipped and edged with dark-chestnut, especially on the neck and back. There is a median line of yellowish-ash extending 
 from the bill to the occiput, and a superciliary line, the anterior portion of which is orange and the remainder buff. Under 
 parts, yellowish-white, with a strong buffy tinge on the breast, throat, sides of head, sides, flanks, and under tail coverts. 
 Edge of wing and shoulder, yellow. Bill, brown, very much lighter at base of lower mandible. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult, but more reddish above, and the tail faathers, which in the adult are usually edged 
 with nearly a <tmight line of yellowish-ash, show indications of dark brown bars. There are also dusky streakings on the 
 sides of the breast. The anterior portion of the superciliary line is not as yellow. 
 
 Nestlinys. Show no traces of chestnut above, where the feathers are edged with buff and yellowish-white. There are 
 indications of whitish wing liars, and the shoulders show no traces of yellow and the edge of the wing is only tinged with 
 it. There is but little buff below, but the throat, breast, sides, and flanks are streaked with dark-brown. There is no su- 
 perciliary line. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 imens which I procured at Key West vary grsatly from birds of Massachusetts in being much darker below, especially 
 across the breast, where there are narrow brownish streakings. There is very little ashy above, where the chestnut is very 
 much mure prominent, occupying fully one half of the surface. Tae median line is decidedly buffy and the superciliary line 
 is deep onin.';'. Birds from Miami are nsarly as dark as the above, while those from the more northern section of Florida 
 are not as du-kv and those from Pennsylvania are nearly as light as those from Nantucket. Skins from any given locality 
 do not differ greatly, as is exhibited in a large series now before me, the principal variation being due to the wearing of tlie 
 edges nf the feathers. Known in the adult stage from Ilenslowi by the absence of streakings below, and from all others by 
 the chestnut and ashy a!ne, combined with the yellow and bull mperfilinry line and short, acuminate tail. Found in 
 summer throughout the I'nited States, east of the Rocky Mountains, south of latitude 43^. Winters in the more Southern 
 secti.ins. Resident in Florida and on the Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen specimens. Length, 5'15; stretch , 8-00; wing, 2-50; tail, 1-70; bill, '45; tarsus, '7:2. 
 Longer >p .eimen, :>'.','>: greatest extent of wing, 8'45; longest wing, 2'GO; tail, 1'75; bill, -55; tarsus, -75. Shortest speci- 
 men, 5-(HI; smallest extent of wing, 7'GO; shortest wing, 2'40; tail, 1'65; bill, '35; tarsus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 ."%<.</., placed on the ground. They are loosely c< nstructed, lieing composed of dried grass lined with finer. Dimen- 
 sions; external diameter. I'OO, internal, !>'50. External depth. J'(K>, internal, I'OO. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, rather oval in form, ashy-white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and 
 lilac, more thickly on the larger end. 
 
 HABIT'S. 
 
 A greater portion of the Island of Nantucket is destitute of trees, being composed of 
 rolling, sandy plains which arc covered with short, wiry grass or other herbage, while at 
 
128 YELLOW-WINGED SPARROW. 
 
 intervals grow clumps of low wax myrtle shrubs. During the warm summer weather 
 there is but little variety of animal life to be found on these commons, as they are termed, 
 for the soil being dry the heat is great, and the vegetation withers affording but little shelter 
 even for birds. There are some, however, of this latter named class which appear to pre- 
 fer that of kind country. These are the Yellow-winged Sparrows, and it will be difficult to 
 find in any given area, a greater number of individuals of any one species of Fringilline 
 birds than are found there, for they fairly swarm. When one is walking across the plains 
 they will start up everywhere, and often a half dozen males may be heard singing at one 
 time. I say singing, but hasten to correct myself, for, although the birds are perched on 
 the highest elevations that they can find on their domains (which, however, seldom exceed 
 a foot in height), while the ruffled feathers, bowed head, and wide-spread tail indicate that 
 they are doing the best in their power to bring forth a melodious carol, the feeble sound 
 produced by all these vigorous efforts is so low that it is quite inaudible at a few rods dis- 
 tance, and more nearly resembles the stridulation of a locust than the song of a bird. 
 This unsuccessful attempt is rendered only the more ludicrous by the important air which 
 the bird assumes at the time, and this sputtering chant appears to please them greatly for 
 they often utter it. Indeed they are seldom quiet, being engaged in their melodious efforts 
 constantly during the cool of the day, and even performing when the noon time heat is so 
 great as to be nearly suffocating, especially on the sandy wastes where they live. In addi- 
 tion to this uncouth song they give a series of chattering, scolding notes when greatly 
 annoyed. These sounds are more often uttered when any one approaches the vicinity of 
 the nests. 
 
 The Yellow-winged Sparrows breed early in June, as I found the young newly fledged 
 by the first of July, but they lay a second litter, and I took a nest containing five newly 
 laid eggs on the third of this month. The female ran from the nest, as I approached the 
 spot, without uttering a cry, feigning lameness, but almost instantly hid herself in a neigh- 
 boring bush. The nest was placed in a depression of the soil, and was so completely 
 concealed by the overhanging grass that, had the bird remained on it I should not have 
 observed it, although I was passing within a few feet and carefully scanning the ground 
 as I walked. 
 
 Although abundant on Nantucket, these birds are not very common elsewhere in east- 
 ern Massachusetts, but are more numerous further west, and in Pennsylvania where they 
 are found in considerable numbers. They also occur in the pine woods of Florida, and I 
 even found them on a grassy mound near an abandoned, half completed fort at Key West. 
 I never heard them sing in Florida, but judge that they are constant residents there. They 
 are migratory in other sections, arriving in the north about the first of May, and leaving 
 early in November, proceeding leisurely on their southern migration. This species is sel- 
 dom if ever found in flocks, nor do they accompany other Sparrows. At this season they 
 are very shy, keeping in the grass, through which they run nimbly, and from which it is 
 very difficult to make them rise; then when on the wing, they will plunge into the nearest 
 place of concealment. 
 
DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS. 129 
 
 FAMILY XVI. ICTERID^E. THE ORIOLES AND STARLINGS. 
 
 />'///. int/i the upjicr mandible but little curved and tlie lower more or less swollen at the base, unnotched. Coracoids al- 
 shnrti r than tin top of the keel which is higher than one third the Icnyth of the coracoids. Marginal indentations exceed- 
 ing in Jcpth the hciyht of the keel. Primaries, nine. 
 
 Tlii* family belongs exclusively to the New World and is well represented in the United States. Although some spe- 
 appruach the preceding Family quite closely, yet the sternal characters are quite different, the marginal indentations 
 being always much deeper. In other anatomical characters the members of the family agree with the preceding, for example 
 both are provided with small cocca, a little better developed perhaps in the present than in the former family. Both are 
 pro\idcd with agnll, but the stomach, which in Fringillidte is always muscular, varies greatly in this family, often afford- 
 ing good generic characters. The females are frequently smaller in size and are always duller in color than the males. 
 
 GENUS I. DOLICHONYX. THE RICE BUNTINGS. 
 
 (!KX. CH. Bill, thick and conical, shorter than the head. Upper mandible, but little curved. Winys , much longer than 
 the tail which is rounded, and with the feathers acuminate. Sternum, not stout but broader than one half the Icnyth of the 
 coraraids. Size, small. Stomach, muscular. 
 
 This genus closely resembles some of the members of the preceding Family in many respects, as exhibited by the thick 
 bill, general form, and muscular stomach, yet the marginal indentations exceed in depth the height of the keel. The fe- 
 nmlrs iirc smaller than the males, and are unlike them in plumage during the breeding season, but both sexes are similar at 
 other seasons. 
 
 DOLICHONYX ORYZIVORUS. 
 Bobolink. Rice Bird. 
 
 Dolichonyx oryzivora Sw., Zool., Jour., 1827, 357. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, rather fleshy, provided with a short tuft of terminal, hair- 
 like fibers. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 ( 'i ii.oR. Adult male in spring. Black throughout, with a patch on the back of the neck, edge of feathers of the back, 
 and outer webs of primaries and tail, yellowish. Scapularies, rump, upper tail coverts, and patch on the sides near the 
 shoulders, white. Lower back , gray . Secondaries and tertiaries, edged with whitish. Tips of wings and tail, brown. The 
 flanks, tibia, and under tail coverts are narrowly margined with yellowish. Bill, black, bluish at the base of lower mandi- 
 ble. Feet, dark-brown. 
 
 Adult female in spring. Uniform yellowish throughout, broadly streaked above, and more narrowly on sides, flanks and 
 tibia with dark-brown. There are two stripes of dark-brown on the head, mixed with yellowish and two spots back of the 
 eye of the same color. Wings and tail, brown, with the outer webs of all feathers, yellowish-white. Bill, brown, much 
 lighter on lower mandible. Feet, pale-brown. 
 
 Adult male in winter. Similar to the adult female, but larger and yellower, especially below, while the streakings 
 below are more suffused. 
 
 Adult female in winter. Does not differ much from the spring dress, but is somewhat yellower below, and the streak- 
 ings above are more suffused. 
 
 Young male in spring. Quite like the spring adult, but with the white markings overwashed with brownish. The 
 yellow i- nut as elear and the sides and flanks are edged with yellowish. 
 
 Young of the year in spring. The males have all the feathers above and below edged with yellowish, while the other 
 markings arc overwashed with dusky. The bill is also lighter. The female is much yellower below where the streakings 
 are nut as prominent. 
 
 Nestlings. Uniform yellow above and below, with streakings of dusky on the upper parts, and lined on the breast, 
 . and flanks with the same color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species must be a long time in arriving lit maturity, as it is difficult to find a specimen as black beneath as de- 
 Mribed in the 1 ndult dress. Out of some twenty-five skins now before me, only four are in this stage, tin: second plumage 
 being mure common. Specimens of the same age and sex are quite uniform in coloration. Known from all others by the 
 markings given. There is, however, a resemblance between the female of this speri.'s iln i| that of the Black-throated Bunt- 
 ing, but the latter is smaller and has reddish on the wings. Found in summer east of the Rocky Mountains, between lati- 
 tu.iev 38 ami 4H . Winters in the West Indies. 
 
 BIRI>S 01 HolilDA. 17 
 
132 COW BLA CKB1RD , 
 
 i 
 
 Youny female. Similar to the adult, but darker, with a more decided gloss to the feathers above. There are indica- 
 tions of dusky maxillary lines, and the streakings below are more prominent. 
 
 Nestlings. Similar to the young female, but streaked below with yellowish-white, the throat is overwashed with yel- 
 low. There are decided maxillary lines, and indications of whitish wing bare. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a general uniformity of coloration among the males, but the females vary somewhat for there are occasionally 
 maxillary lines and some are darker above than others. There are seldom any black feathers in this sex but a specimen in 
 the collection of Masters Edward A. and Outram Bangs has a patch on one side of the breast and a few feathers on other por- 
 tions tipped with black, giving it a singular appearance. This species assumes a plumage quite similar to the adult the 
 first season and, contrary to the rule among this Order, the nestlings moult the wing and tail feathers. These are much 
 broader in the first plumage than in the second, and the barbs of the webs are much farther apart giving the feathers a 
 coarse appearance. Thus I find that a secondary of the first plumage has five barbs to every ten hundred ths of an inch 
 while there are only four in one of the second, both feathers being taken from the same specimen. The feathers are also 
 broader at first, and under the microscope the barbules are seen to be wider and provided with pectinations on both sides 
 as far as the curve which serves to interlock them with neighboring barbules. Known from all others by the plumage as 
 described. Distributed in summer throughout the Middle and Southern sections of the United States. Winters in the 
 Southern States as far south as Northern Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten male specimens. Length, 7'69; stretch, 13'58; wing, 4'37; tail, 2'95; bill, '67; tarsus, 
 '95. Longest specimen, 7'75; greatest extent ofwing, 13'65; longest wing, 4~45; tail, 3'15; bill, '68; tarsus, TOO. Shortest 
 specimen, 7 - 61; smallest extant ofwing, 13-52; shortest wing, 4 - 30; tail, 2-82; bill, '65; tarsus, -90. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen female specimens. Length, 6'82; stretch, 11 '80; wing, 3'85; tail, 2'55; bill, 'CO; tar- 
 sus, -80. Longest specimen, 6'61; greatest extent of wing, 12 - 00; longest wing, 3-95; tail, 2*66; bill, '65; tarsus, -95. 
 Shortest specimen, 7 - 12; smallest extent ofwing, 1T61; shortest wing, 3'70; tail, 2'40; bill, '55; tarsus, '85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, elliptical inform, ashy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with yellowish-brown and lilac. Some- 
 times the eggs will be nearly white, there being but few spots, while occasionally thesurface will be so covered that the back 
 ground is quite oliscured. They vary greatly in size also as will be seen in the following measurements. Dimensions 
 from -60, x "72. to '93, x "80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Far back in my childhood, when all nature was full of delightful mysteries, I noticed 
 a Chipping Sparrow busily engaged in feeding a young bird that was nearly double its own 
 size. This singular reversing of the usual order of things attracted my attention and, al- 
 though I was too young to follow up the matter that season, I never forgot the incident. 
 Then little by little the problem became solved and one of the first unaided discoveries 
 that I ever made in Ornithology was the parasitical habits of the Cow Blackbird. I pre- 
 sume that there is scarcely a person in the country who is at all interested in birds, but 
 what is aware of the singular propensity of the Cow Blackbird to deposit its eggs in the 
 nests of other birds. They are also quite singular in almost all of their habits especially 
 when breeding. 
 
 They arrive in New England during the latter part of March or early in April in com- 
 pany with other Blackbirds, being seldom seen in flocks by themselves at this season. The 
 males arrive first, and as soon as the females make their appearance, associate in small 
 companies. The former named sex predominate, there being at least three of them to one 
 female. At this time the males have a singular song that consists of two notes which, 
 although given with great energy and evidently costing the bird a great effort, are far from 
 being musical; for it is a kind of hiss combined with a croak. The Cow Birds are capable 
 of uttering a much better song, and one that I kept in confinement would give a, scries of 
 beautiful, liquid notes and never indulged in the uncouth performance above described. 
 
COW BLA CKB1RD. 133 
 
 The males arc very fond of strutting about in order to display their brilliant charms to the 
 plainly dressed females, lor they spread their tails widely, droop their wings, and ruffle their 
 dark feathers, not only when singing, but whenever they approach the object of their af- 
 feotions. 
 
 Two or more males often pay their attentions to one female, singularly, without at- 
 tempting to quarrel, when she will suddenly take wing and all will start in pursuit. The 
 flight of a female at this time is exceedingly swift, for she will usually manage to keep ahead 
 of her followers who ardently press on, giving a rather sharp, prolonged cry as they dart 
 through the air. All the males within hearing join in, and it is not unusual to see a half 
 do/en at a time after one of the other sex who will lead them a long chase, now darting 
 upward to a considerable height, then doubling, will glide through the tangled branches of 
 a clump of trees, emerging on the opposite side with great rapidity. This exciting race 
 is evidently maintained merely as a matter of sport, for when the object of chase becomes 
 weary she will quietly settle on the branch of a tree, and her admirers gather around her, 
 calmly arranging their feathers. After resting for a time one will commence his gallant- 
 ries once more, when the female darts into the air again and the males dash vehemently 
 after her as before. 
 
 Not long after the arrival of the females they may be seen peering about in bushes or 
 among the boughs of trees in search of the nest of some other bird in which to deposit their 
 eggs. Their judgement, or rather instinct, must be almost unerring, for I never knew one 
 to mistake an old nest for a fresh one, nor do they ever place their eggs with those that 
 are partly incubated. The species which the Cow Blackbirds select as foster-parents for 
 their young are, strangely enough, almost always smaller than themselves. The Thrushes, 
 Warblers, some Sparrows, and occasionally the Wrens, are the prominent birds chosen. 
 The intruding egg is, I think, laid when the owner of the nest is absent, as those birds 
 which are most assiduous in guarding their homes, like the Flycatchers, are only occasion- 
 ally troubled. It is a noteworthy fact that very few species ever notice this addition to 
 their store of eggs, even though it be very much larger, and quite different in color. 
 Occasionally the nest will be abandoned after the visit of the Cow Blackbird, and once in a 
 while a new structure will be built over the intruding egg. The species which more often 
 show this good judgement are the Yellow Warbler and Gold Finch, but it is probable that 
 this only occurs when the parasitical egg is laid before any of their own. Sometimes two 
 or even three Cow Blackbird's eggs are to be found in one nest, but undoubtedly this is 
 tin; work of more than one female, as it is probable that the instinct of each bird teaches 
 her never to visit the same nest a second time. 
 
 The young changeling does not appear to be looked upon as an intruder, for it is care- 
 fully reared. This may be due to the fact that, as the eggs of the Cow Birds are always 
 hatched first, and either the eggs which belonged in the nest are removed by the parents 
 as worthless, or when the young are hatched they are so very weak that they are crushed 
 to death by the interloper; thus the foster-child, being the only one left, it receives all the 
 attention which should have been bestowed upon the rightful owners of the nest. An- 
 other proof that the intrusion of this species does not trouble the birds upon which it im- 
 
134 AGELJEUS PHCENICF.US. 
 
 poses, is that they never pay any attention to the presence of the Cow Blackbirds. These 
 latter named birds, when mature, never disturb any eggs or young of other species, which 
 may account for the forbearance on the part of those deceived; thus while the predatory 
 Cuckoos and Jays arc greeted with loud cries and driven from the place, the Cow Black- 
 birds pass unnoticed, although they doubtlessly kill more young birds than all other species 
 combined. 
 
 I have mentioned that eggs of the Cow Birds vary considerably, this would suggest 
 the idea that they approximate in size and markings with those of the birds in whose nests 
 they are deposited. This is not so according to my observations, yet I would not be 
 surprised if, upon careful examination and comparison of a large number of specimens, 
 that they did in a measure agree, at least in color. This species derives its common and 
 Latin names from its habit of associating with cattle. They usually settle around cows in 
 a pasture for the purpose of catching grasshoppers which are started by the movements of 
 these animals, and of which the birds are very fond. Our little friends appear to be on 
 excellent terms with their large associates, for they may often be seen perched on their 
 backs. 
 
 During early autumn the Cow Blackbirds assemble in large flocks on the coast in order 
 to feed on locusts, and migrate early in October, accompanied by Red-winged and Crow 
 Blackbirds. 
 
 GENUS III. AGEL^BUS. THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. 
 
 GEN. Oil. Bill, pointed, broad at lip, equalinleng/h to the head. Upper mandible, straight. Wings, longer than the tail 
 which is considerably rounded. Sternum, stout, e^ualin breadth to one half the length of the coracoids . Keel, high. Size, 
 rather tarye. Stomach, muscular. 
 
 Males of the present genus are black in color with red shoulder patches. The females are smaller than the males, and 
 duller in color at all seasons. 
 
 AGELJEUS PHCENICEUS. 
 Red-winged Blackbird. 
 
 Agelaiusphoeniceus, VIEILI.OT, Anal., 1816. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, rather large. Tongue, long, thin, and horny, provided with a bifid tuft of coarse, ter- 
 minal, hair-like fibers. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in summer. Uniform, lustrous black throughout, with the lesser wing coverts, bright-scarlet, mar- 
 gined on the lower side witli either yellow or buff. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Adult female in summer. Dark-brown above, with the feathers narrowly margined with yellowish-white. There is a 
 median line extending from bill to occiput, and a superciliary line, reaching to the nape, of yellowish-rufous. Shoulders, 
 strongly tinged with red. Beneath, white, streaked with dark-brown. Throat and sides of head, overwashed with rosa- 
 ceous. Bill, brown, lighter at base of lower mandible. Feet, dark-brown. 
 
 Adult male in winter. Similar to the summer plumage, but all of the feathers are narrowly edged with reddish, which 
 wears away, however, as spring approaches. 
 
 Adult female in winter. Much more strongly marked above with yellowish to which is added a tinge of reddish. The 
 median line is obscured. 
 
 Young male. The black is less lustrous and the feathers above are margined with reddish. Shoulder patch is paler 
 and streaked with black. There are indications of superciliary lines. The feathers of the breast, sides, and tlauks, are 
 edged with whitish, especially in winter when there is also much more rufous above. The bill is considerably lighter on 
 the lower mandible. 
 
AGEL&US PHOSNICF.US. 135 
 
 Young female. Similar to the adult but has no rosaceous on the throat, or red on the shoulder. There is more rufous 
 alvove. especially in winter. 
 
 You nt/ malt nl' lln \/ir in .i/>rin;/. With thefeath'Ts above widely margined with rufous, especially on the shoulders, 
 where there :ire luit !'" indications nf searl.'i. There an- superciliary lines and a slight maxillary line. All the feathers 
 below are edged with whitish. The ground color is hlack, however, but this is rather brownish, especially on the tips of 
 the win::*. 
 
 Younij malt uf the year in winter. Similar in color to the female, being brown above, with the feathers margined with 
 yellowish-white an-.l reddish. White, beneath, streaked with dark-brown. There is a tinge of yellow on the throat. No 
 indications whatever (if red on the shoulders. Other markings similar to those of the adult female but the size Is always 
 considerably larger. 
 
 Youny female of the year. Strongly tinged below with yellowish which is more noticeable in winter. Otherwise simi- 
 lar to the young. 
 
 Nestlings. Resembles the above, but there is much more yellow below, and there are indications of wing bars. The 
 bill U lig'it-hr>wn. There is a naked space around the eye and on the throat long after all of the remainder of the body 
 is covered with feathers. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Adult males from Massachusetts have a pale-buff margin to the shoulder patches which are of an intense scarlet. This 
 margin is made up of the lower row of lesser wing coverts and they are darker where they are covered. Florida birds have 
 less df this edging and it is of a darker buff. -In Western skins of the so-called "yvbernator" these coverts are only buff 
 at the base, the tips being black. The Southern females do not differ much from more Northern specimens, excepting that 
 they are smaller, as are also the males. Females from Utah have the colors on the anterior portions more obscured, and 
 there is liut little trace of a median line. A male specimen in the collection of the Masters Bangs, taken in October, is 
 quite similar to some taken at Key West only a month later. Distributed in summer throughout the United States. Win- 
 ters in the C'arolinas and southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen male specimens from New England. Length, 9~03; stretch, 14'72; wing. 4'75; tail, 
 3-55; bill, '98; tarsus, I -07. Longest specimen, 9'50; greatest extent of wing, 15'25; longest wing, 5'00; tail, 3-65; bill. 1'05; 
 tarsus, I- l.'i. Shortest specimen, 8'61; smallest extent of wing, 14-20; shortest wing, 4'50; tail, 3'45; bill, '92; tarsus, I'OO. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen female specimens from New England. Length, 7'72; stretch, 12-20; wing, 3'83; tail, 
 2-87; bill, -82; tarsus, -95. Longest specimen, 8'00: greatest extent of wing, 14-50; longest wing, 4'00; tail, 3'05; bill, '90; 
 tarsus, 1-00. Shortest specimen, 7'45; smallest extent of wing, 12-00; shortest wing,2'40; tail, 2'70; bill, '85; tarsus, -90. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen male specimens from Florida. Length, 8'57; stretch, 14-12; wing, 4'30; tail, 2'87; 
 bill, -85; tarsus, -97. Longest specimen, 9'25; greatest extent of wing, 14'50; longest wing, 4-66; tail, 3-62; bill, I'OO; tarsus, 
 1-05. Shortest specimen, 7-90; smallest extent of wing, 13-75; shortest wing, 3'95; tail, 3'00; bill, '71; tarsus, -90. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen female specimens from Florida. Length, 7'50; stretch, 12'72; wing, 3-32; tail, 2-75; 
 bill, 'W>; tarsus, 1-05. Longest specimen, 7'98; greatest extent of wing, 12'25; longest wing, 3'9i); tail, 3-02; bill, "95; 
 tarsus, 1-05. Shortest specimen, 7- 10; smallest extent of wing, 11-15; shortest wing, 3'(X); tail, 2'45; bill, '75; tarsus, '92. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, bushes, or on tussocks. They are compact structures, composed of quite coarse gross and weeds, 
 lined with fine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 4'15, internal, 3'12. External depth, 5'85, internal, T85. 
 
 Rjyt,ma\ in fonn, three to five in number, pale-blue in color, spotted, blotched, and lined irregularly with reddish- 
 brown and umber. The above described markings are on the surface, and usually cluster around the larger end, but there 
 are other S|M>IS which are duller and incorporated in the shell. The spots vary greatly in number, and occasionally one will 
 be immaculate. Dimensions from '90s -65 tu l'07x -75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few, if any, among our insessorial birds that are found in such immense 
 flocks as the Red-winged Blackbirds. Large quantities associate together in New Eng- 
 land, but as they move southward these communities join forces, and when they arrive in 
 the rice fields of the Carolinas and Georgia, they have accumulated in such vast swarms 
 as to fairly darken the air. Great numbers also occur throughout Florida, and I even found 
 them abundant at Key West. During the entire winter they are gregariously inclined, 
 but as spring approaches they break up into small flocks and the males which have only 
 the cluck, used as a call note when flying, or as one of alarm when startled, begin to give 
 
136 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 
 
 the louder and more energetically delivered song which indicates that the breeding season 
 is drawing near. 
 
 The wide-spread marshes of the everglades of Florida are covered with a luxuriant 
 growth of tall grass which attains to the height of five or even six feet. These vast plains 
 form the homes of hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds and there they also breed. As 
 the grass is submerged in at least a foot of water in the spring, the Blackbirds are obliged 
 to suspend their nests near the top of the stout stalks, of which they bring several together 
 weaving the leaves in the nests and around them in order to make them secure. The ever- 
 glades are seldom free from wind which often blows a gale, waving the grass back and 
 forth furiously, so that the birds are forced to build exceedingly compact structures or they 
 would be blown to pieces. The nests are therefore made of the leaves of the coarse saw 
 grass which abounds, neatly and firmly woven together. The swaying motion to which 
 their domiciles are constantly subjected, has a tendency to throw the eggs out, and would 
 were it not that the birds who have doubtlessly been taught by the experience of former 
 generations, build their nests very deep and, not content with this, they make them more 
 secure by contracting the entrance so much that it is impossible for the eggs to fall out, 
 even when the grass bends so that the tops touch the water. I discovered the first nests 
 in that locality on the eighth of April, and they each contained three eggs which I after- 
 wards found were all that were ever deposited. These, contrary to the rule among birds 
 which lay a less number of eggs in the south than in the north, were proportionately smaller 
 when compared with New England specimens. 
 
 May first of that same season found me standing on one of the small outer keys, about 
 a hundred miles south of the point last discribed. This islet, like many others, contained 
 a small lagoon in the center, around which was a belt of land that supported a number of 
 trees, mainly the kinds known, as Buttonwood and Mangrove. There were a large number 
 of Red-winged Blackbirds breeding on this Key but I was puzzled to find the nests, for I 
 could not see them in the trees and there were no bushes or grass. After watching them 
 attentively for a few moments, I saw a female emerge from a small hole in a Butterwood 
 tree not far from the ground, and climbing up to it discovered the nest which was built 
 like that of a Blue Bird. I afterward found several in similar places all containing eggs. 
 For a time I could not understand why the birds had chosen these novel situations for 
 homes, but the ha-ha of a passing group of Fish Crows helped to enlighten me, for I knew 
 that the predatory habits of this latter named species renders the eggs of all birds unsafe 
 if exposed, unless the owners are sufficiently strong to. protect them, and what the Red- 
 wings lacked in strength they made up in cunning, as they placed their treasures where 
 it was impossible for their enemies to get at them. 
 
 By the middle of May I had reached Ipswich, where I found fresh eggs of the Red- 
 wings. Here they construct their domiciles of the long eel gi'ass which has been bleached 
 white by exposure to the sun. This is often woven into long pendulous nests which are 
 hung to trees after the manner of the Baltimore Orioles. Indeed I have found specimens 
 built by the Red-winged Blackbirds which were fully six inches deep and so nearly like 
 the structure of the -above named bird found in the same place, that it was diffcult to 
 
XAKrnon-:rii.\ LUX ICTKHOCKPHALUS. 137 
 
 
 
 distinguish one from another. These nests were all placed in slender saplings which bent 
 with every breeze, hence their peculiar form. But what is more singular, is the fact that 
 when the birds built in the low shrubs which were so stiff that they could not wave much, 
 tlic nests were often of the same form as those taken from trees. Indeed one of the deep- 
 est that I ever obtained, I found in the midst of a barberry bush where there was no need 
 of building such an elaborate; structure. This certainly looks as if the birds labored with- 
 out reasoning sufficiently, or they would not make themselves unnecessary work. It is 
 extremely probable, however, that habits caused by surrounding circumstances are acquired 
 slowly and when once fixed become dillicult to eradicate, being even inherited by the 
 succeeding generations. 
 
 June first I found the Red-wings building on the floating islands in Lake Umbagog, 
 evidently sitting on their eggs which were in a somewhat advanced state of incubation. 
 Thus it will be seen that there is but little over six weeks difference in time of nesting 
 between the birds found in the most Southern portion of the United States and those that 
 occur in the more Northern, which is quite short when we consider the extremes in climate, 
 there being almost perpetual summer on the Florida Keys, while the ice and snow linger 
 in upper New England until the first of May. 
 
 Although the Red-winged Blackbirds appear in New England in early March, when 
 the snow is still in the valleys and on the northern slopes, they leave when the first frosts 
 have whitened the meadows. Then young and old accumulate in vast flocks and move 
 southward. They remain for a short time in Pennsylvania but soon migrate, seeming to 
 prefer the salt marshes of the coast at this season of the year. As winter advances they 
 retreat inland. 
 
 CKXl'S IV. A'ANTHOCEPIIALUS. THE YELLOW-IIEADED BLACKBIRDS. 
 
 IKN. Cii. Bill, pointnl, liruad at tip, a little shorter than the head. Upper mandMe, nearly straight. Wings, longer 
 than tin tin/ irhich is a little roundnd. Sternum, not stout, quite similar inform to that of Agelteus, e-rceptiny that the cor- 
 acoids arc somewhat shorter. Size, large. Stomach, muscular. 
 
 Males ut this <;enus are black in color, with yellow heads and with no white markings on the wings. The females are 
 smaller, and duller in color, and they also lack the white markings. 
 
 XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEPHALUS. 
 Yellow -headed Blackbird. 
 
 Xanthocephahis icterocephalus , BAIRD, Birds N. A., 1858, 531. 
 
 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Feet, large and stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny. Sternum, as given 
 above. 
 
 nit. Adult male. r.reater portion of body, glossy black. Head, excepting band at base of bill, lores, and space 
 tin niiid eye which are black, neck, upper breast coming down into a point, and ventral spot, yellow. Greater wing coverts, 
 white, black at tips. ]!il| and feet, black. 
 
 Adult f cmali'. Uniform sooty brown, with the chin and breast yellow but paler than in the male. There are traces of 
 yellow on the sides ami top of the head, and superciliary lines of the same color. No white on the wings. Bill, brown. 
 Feet, black. 
 
 \'niin;i mat* . Similar to the female, but has white on the winj;s as in the adult, and the colors are somewhat paler, es- 
 pecially the yellow. 
 
 Youni/J'fiiiale. Differs from the adult in having superciliary lines of whitish extending down to the nape, streaks of 
 whitish un the breast, and indications of a median line of the same on the head. There Are but few traces of yellow on the 
 breast. 
 
 UIKDS OF FLORIDA. 18 
 
138 YELLOW-HEADED R LACK BIRD. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is readily distinguished from other Blackbirds in the adult stage by the yellow head, and in other stages by 
 the peculiar colors as described. Distributed during the breeding season throughout the region west of the Mississippi. 
 Wintering in the more Southern sections. Accidental in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens. Length, 10'50; stretch, 17'30; wing, 5'40; tail, 4' 13; bill, '88; tarsus, 1-4(1. 
 Longest specimen, 10'60; greatest extent of wing, 17'40; longest wing, 5'45; tail, 4'17; bill, '!)8; tarsus, T45. Shortest -\--- 
 imen, 10'40; smallest extent of wing, 17'20; shortest wing, 5'35; tail, 4'05; bill, '80; tarsus, T35. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, lO'OO; stretch, 17'00; wing, 5'25; tail, 3'70; bill, "80; tarsus, 
 T30. Longest specimen, 10' 10; greatest extent of wing, 17'10; longest wing, 5'30; tail, 3'75; l)ill, '85; tarsus, 1'25. Sliort- 
 est specimen, 9'95; smallest extent of wing, 16'95; shortest wing, 5'24; tail, 2'62; bill, 76; tarsus, 1-26. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in reeds. They are bluky, though compact, structures composed of quite coarse grass and woods, lined 
 with fine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 5'60, internal, 4'12. External depth, 5'85, internal, 2'65. 
 
 Ef/r/s, oval inform, three to five in number, bluish-gray in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with yellowish-brown 
 and occasionally lined with umber. Dimensions from "80 x '70 to 1'OOx '75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Yellow-headed Blackbird has been taken once in Florida and once in 
 Massachusetts, as stated, yet I have never chanced to meet with it; but Mr. R. Ridgway 
 of the Smithsonian Institution, has kindly written for me a description of its habits, as 
 observed by him. . 
 
 "The tules constitute in California one of the most characteristic, if not prominent, 
 features of the landscape. The term is peculiar, so far as the United States are concerned, 
 to the vernacular of that state, and is used to designate those vast areas of reedy marsh 
 which occupy so great a portion of the valleys of the rivers which flow into the Bay of 
 San Francisco. It was among the tules, near Sacramento, that we formed our acquaint- 
 ance with the Yellow-headed Blackbird. There this species swarmed among the countless 
 multitude of the feathered race. Its most intimate associates being the Red-wings whioh 
 were no less numerous than the motley crowd of water-fowl composed of hovering Terns, 
 clucking Coots, Gallinules, and various kinds of Ducks which together made an uproar 
 quite confusing to one not used to the scene." 
 
 "The geographical range of the Yellow-headed Blackbird is quite coextensive with the 
 treeless districts of the western half of the continent, where ever suitable localities, such 
 as that described above, occur. It is, therefore, to be met with from the prairie districts 
 of the Mississippi valley to the Pacific, being no less numerous in parts of Illinois and 
 Wisconsin than in the most favored parts of California, while to the North and South its 
 regular range extends to the wild rice swamps of the Saskatchawan on the one hand, and 
 to the prairie sloughs of Texas on the other. Within the above limits the Yellow-headed 
 Blackbird may be said to occur regularly, although there are of course very numerous 
 districts where it is never found, owing to unsuitableness of environment. There are, how- 
 ever, even records of its occurrence far beyond any localities above mentioned. It has 
 been captured at Volusia, Florida, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Massachusetts, 
 while it has even strayed to Greenland and Cuba. The occurrence of this species in these 
 last two localities, however, may be regarded as entirely exceptional." 
 
STURNELLA MA <!.\\ 1 :', ! I 
 
 "The habits of the Yellow-headed Blackbird partake in their character of those of the 
 lli'd-wings with \vliicli it usually associates. It is, however, more decidedly gregarious, 
 while it is also noticeably more terrestrial, being frequently seen on the ground walking 
 about with a stately, graceful step very much after the manner of the Cow Blackbird." 
 
 "The Yellow-headed Blackbird usually, if not always, breeds in colonies, in which re- 
 spect it corresponds in habits with Brewer's Blackbird and other members of the family, 
 selecting for the purpose an extensive marsh filled with tules. It attaches its nest to the 
 reed stalks, fastening them between several upright stems. The material, and doubtless 
 also the exact position of the nest, probably vary more or less according to the character 
 of the locality. The males of this species loiter in the vicinity of the nests while the females 
 arc incubating and, when their homes are invaded, circle about the intruder, uttering at 
 the same time harsh notes of distress. The song of this Blackbird is a very unmusical 
 affair. Indeed we cannot bring to mind any other of our native birds whose notes are so 
 discordant, and we know not with what to compare them unless it be the grating squawk of 
 a Guinea Fowl. The male, however, makes a great parade of himself when in a musical 
 humor, pulling out his feathers, strutting about in a very pompous manner, and then, after 
 a great heave and strain, delivers himself of a wheezy sort of squeak which is evidently 
 satisfactory to himself, while it also seems to please his mate." 
 
 (iKM S V. STURNELLA. THE MEADOW LARKS. 
 
 CIKN. I'll. Ili/l, pniii/i'il, liriiinl nl tip, C'lual in lenytklo the head. Upper mandible very lit tic curved. Winys rcry murk 
 i/iiin III: /ni/ irhirh i.i in-ll rntimlnl. /'/, laryc. Sternum, narrower, Imt lilt/i i.Tniilmij Ihr hiii/lil <if Ilit keel in 
 mill It. Ciiriii-nii/s much shorter than the top of the keel. Marginal indentations shallow and narrow. Stomach, not very 
 intixfiitar. Size, laryc. 
 
 M. Mnbcrs nl' this ge'iius arc conspicuously marked with yellow or other bright colors below. The legs are long and the 
 tail short, indicating terrestrial habits. The females are smaller than the males. 
 
 STUBNELLA MAGNA. 
 Meadow Lark. 
 
 SturnellamaynaSvi.. Phil. Ma-., I: !*#<. i:i. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. OH. Form, robust. Size, large. Feet, very large and stout. Tongue, lung, thin nnd horny, with a longitudinal 
 central dcprcs.-iun, and deeply bifid at tip, but without any terminal cilia. Blue in color on the ba.sal half, remainder, 
 white. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. Ai/tilt mull in sutitnuT. Above, including wings and tail, reddish-brown, with the feathers c;f the back and 
 rump ha\ing lighter edges and dark-brown centers. Wings and tail have either the central port inns dark-brown with 
 Confluent, transverse bars or with both \\vbs barred without the central line. Outer leathers of tail, white, with some por- 
 ; outer and inner webs more Or len marked with brown. Top nf head, dark-brown, with a median line; extending 
 from the bill to the' occiput, yellowish-white. Sides cif head, excepting dark-brown line 1 back of eye, lores, sides of neck, 
 sides, flanks, under wing cow-rts, and un ler tail coverts, ashy-white, more or Ic-s tinged with yellow, especially cm the lat- 
 ter named ] Mil ion, an 1 linj extending from base of bill to point over eye, bright u-amh, uri '-yellow. Spot- on -Mr-, Hanks, and 
 it shaped mark on breast, with the horns broadening out and extending up on to the nock, black, liill, dark-brown, 
 bluish at ba-c of lower inaudible. Feet, brown. 
 
 A dull fit/tali- in stimuli r. Smaller insize than tin-males and with the dark markings more or lessoliscured with brown- 
 ish-yellow. 
 
 Adult in ii-uUtr. Differs from the' summer dress in being more rufous above and in ha\ in:: the' black markings obscur- 
 ed with whitish. Thi- i- much more noticeable in the icinale, and in both -.-xe- ju<t after the' autumnal moult. 
 
 1 ntnif/ ii/'t/n iji'ar. Has the markings above' more sull'used. There is \cry much less \e'llo\v in advance oftlice\c. 
 The entire under parts are overwa-shed with whitish nearly obscuring the black crc-cuit. There is me ire white: on the tail. 
 
140 MEADOW LARK. 
 
 Ne.it/iny.i. Are similar to the adult above, excepting that there is no yellow on the superciliary Iin3 and the brown of 
 the head is mixed with reddish. Beneath, uniform pale yellow, lighter 'in the female on tha throat, with the sides, flanks, 
 and a crescent-shaped patch on the breast, spotted and lined with dark-brown. Bill and feet, brown, the former lighter on 
 lower mandible. But what is most singular is that in this stage there is much more white on the tail than in any other 
 stage. The wing and tail feathers are moulted. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from all other birds by the description as above. As will be seen by the measurements, Florida speci- 
 mens differ in being smaller and they are also brighter in color. Theso-callad "nei/lecta" from the West differs in having the 
 yellow extend up on the maxillary, which is seldom if ever seen on more eastern skins. Individuals from the same locality 
 do not vary much either in size or color. Distributed in summer throughout the United States south of the latitude of 
 Southern New Hampshire, usually retreating a little southward in winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten male specimens from Massachusetts. Length, 10*40; stretch, IG'30; wing, 4*00; tail, 
 3" 16; bill, 1*25; tarsus, 1'30. Longest specimen, ll'OO; greatest extent of wing, 17*00; longest wing, 5' 15; tail, 3'50; bill, 
 1 - 30; tarsus, 1-25. Shortest specimen, 9*95; smallest extent of wing, 15*07; shortest wing, 4*76; tail, 2*83; bill, 1*18; Un-sus, 
 1-39. 
 
 Average measurements of nine female specimens from Massachusetts. Length, 9*55; stretch, 14*43; wing, 4*29; tail, 
 2*82; bill, 120; tarsus, T39. Longest specimen, 9" 75; greatest extent of wing, 15*03; longest wing, 4*50; tail, 3*11; bill, 
 1*25; tarsus, 1*4-1. Shortest specimen, 8*98; smallest extent of wing, 13*50; shortest wing, 4*15; tail, 2*48; bill, 1'IG; tarsus, 
 1*24. 
 
 Average measurements of ten male specimens from Florida. Length, 9*80; stretch, 15*70; wing, 4*45; tail, 2*85; bill, 
 1*20; tarsus, 1*46.. Longest specimen, 10*20; greatest extent of wing, 15*75; longest wing, 4*60; tail, 3*20; bill, 1*23; tarsus, 
 1*45. Shortest specimen, 9*50; smallest extent of wing, 14*75; shortest wing, 4*25; tail, 2*82; bill, 1*15; tarsus, 1*35. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen female specimens from Florida. Length, 9*55; stretch, 1*44; wing, 4*25; tail, 2*82; 
 bill, 1*18; tarsus, 1*30. Lrmga^t spaciman, 9*53; greats-it extent of wing, 11*75: longest wing, 4*65; tail, 2*90; bill, 1*20; 
 tarsus. 1*35. Shortest specimen, 8*50; smallest extent of wing, 13*00; shortest wing, 3*90; tail, 2*40; bill, 1*1.3; tarsus, 1*25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are composed of grass lined with finer. Dimensions; external diameter, 5*10, in- 
 ternal, 2*12. External depth, 5*15, internal, 2' 15. 
 
 Ejys, oval inform, four to six in nu n'j3r, pure whits in color, spattad anl blotched with redish-brown and lilac, move 
 thickly on the larger end. Dimensions from 1*05 x *7() to 1* 15 x '80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The famous Indian Hunting Grounds of Florida which lie south of the Everglades, 
 are very remarkable as the topography of the country is quite different from any that I 
 ever saw elsewhere in the state. A narrow strip of high pine land extends along the coast, 
 but back of this is a wide reach of prairie that is bounded on the west by a strip of pincy 
 woods beyond which is another stretch of open land, thus prairies and woods alternate for 
 many miles. The growth of grass on the margins of these plains is low, seldom exceeding 
 six inches in height, and consequently forms the homes of countless Meadow Larks, for 
 these birds always exhibit a decided preference for low herbage. The Hunting Grounds 
 were a perfect wilderness at the time of my visit in 1871, for there was but one settler and 
 he was newly located in the neighborhood. The nearest house to the eastward was thirty 
 miles distance and to the westward and northward hundreds of miles intervened before 
 there was the slightest vestige of civilization. Thus the birds which occured there were 
 seldom if ever disturbed so that I found them exceedingly tame; in fact they would start 
 up at my feet, fly a few yards, and either settle down again in the grass or alight on a low 
 Ihnb of a pine, where they would quietly gaze at me, even allowing me to pass directly 
 beneath them without attempting to move. Then as if satisfied that I intended doing then- 
 no harm, would sound aloud, strange note which was so utterly at variance with the song 
 
M/-:\/><>\\ I.AHK. 141 
 
 of the sumo species in New England, that when I first heard it could scarcely believe it was 
 a Meadow Lark. This lay even in the North has a peculiar intonation which is quite sug- 
 tive of freedom, but that given by the birds which inhabit the trackless piucy woods and 
 wide-spread plains of Florida is, although very melodious and pleasing, so wild, clear and 
 ringing, that it is in perfect harmony with surroundings where Nature reigns supreme. 
 
 As we advance northward through Florida, more into the haunts of civilization, we 
 find that the Meadow Larks gradually learn the lesson that all birds acquire sooner or la- 
 ter, the fear of man. Thus I found them rather on the alert in the neighborhood of small 
 settlements and near Jacksonville they were fully as shy as in Massachusetts. This is 
 largely due to the fact that as they frequent the plantations they are often hunted as game. 
 They are also looked upon as nuisances for they eat rye and other grains, frequenting newly 
 sown fields in large numbers for this purpose, and specimens that I shot on a plantation 
 were filled with rye, though they usually subsist upon insects. Probably the cultivated 
 district all'ords them better facilities for obtaining food, for as we proceed further north- 
 ward into Georgia and the Carolinas they almost wholly abandon the wooded districts. In 
 Pennsylvania and .Massachusetts they are seldom, if ever, found in other than open fields 
 which have been cultivated at some recent period, excepting on the coast where they often 
 occur on the salt marshes. They never nest there, however, but build on the uplands at 
 sonic distance from the water. 
 
 The Meadow Larks breed in Florida during the last week of April but do not lay in 
 .Massachusetts until the middle of May. The nests in the latter named section are placed 
 in the grass and although often open are sometimes domed, occasionally there being a cover- 
 ed passage for some distance. When the female is sitting, the male lingers near and seated 
 on some tree pours forth his loud, clear lay which is certainly one of the most thrilling and 
 enlivening songs given by any of our native birds. 
 
 By July the young may be seen in company with their parents who exhibit great solic- 
 itude for their safety, flying about and uttering sharp cries until their offspring are induced 
 to take wing when all move away to some adjacent field. The family continues in compa- 
 ny and are frequently joined by others until quite large flocks accumulate in autumn. At 
 this season they are rather peculiar in habits, as they often crouch in grass which is high 
 enough to conceal them until the intruder comes very near, when they will rise suddenly 
 and lly swiftly away in a straight line, giving a few sharp notes as they go. Those in the 
 immediate neighborhood will not always start at the report of a gun, and will only jump 
 when approached quite closely. They appear to become very much attached to certain 
 localities and will always return to spend the night in chosen spots, often coming in long 
 after sunset. They repose on the ground in scattering groups and start quite readily even 
 during the darkest nights. 
 
 The Larks of Massachusetts linger until late in autumn, moving southward when the 
 ground becomes covered with snow, but they are apt to return occasionally during the mild- 
 er weather, and I have taken them in every month of the year. Therefore [ should judge 
 that the birds which breed in any one locality seldom go far from it. South of Virginia 
 they are not migratory at all, or at best only gather in large flocks. 
 
142 ICTERUS BALTIMORE. 
 
 GENUS VI. ICTERUS. TIIK OIUOLES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Dill, much pointed, not very brand at tip, shorter than the. head. Upper antl linerr mnn/li'tlix n l/tllf mrrrd. 
 Winijs, somewhat, lonyer than the tail which is slightly rounded. Fret, not larije. Sternum, nut nearly as narrow as that of 
 the preceding yenus. Keel, rather low. Coracoids, equal in length to the top of the keel. Marginal indentations equal in 
 depth to the hciyht of the keel. Stomach, not muscular. Size, medium. 
 
 Members of th is genus are conspicuously marked either above or below with bright colors or with black. They are 
 all arboreal in habits. 
 
 ICTERUS BALTIMORE. 
 
 Baltimore Oriole. 
 "Icterus Baltimore DAUDIN," Aun., Orn. Biog., I; 1831, (ifi. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Feet, not large. Tongue, thin and horny, with a slight central de- 
 pression, bifid at tip, provided with a fringe of cilia extending along the sides forone third the terminal length. Sternum, 
 rather stout. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in summer. Head, all around neck coming down into a triangle on the breast, back, wings, and 
 band across tail reaching to the tips of central pair, black, also bar on tips of greater wing coverts and outer edges of out- 
 er webs of all the wing feathers, white. Remaining portions, orange-yellow, brightest on the breast. Upper mandible, 
 black, blue on lower edges. Lower mandible and foot, blue. ' 
 
 Adult female in summer. Beneath, uniform yellow, tinged with orange on the breast. Upper portions, including the 
 tail, yellowish-brown, brightest on the head and rump. No black band on the tail. Wings, brown, with white markings 
 as in the males. Bill, bluish throughout. Feet, blue. 
 
 Adult male in autumn. Much brighter beneath than in spring, the breast frequently becoming orange-carmine. The 
 back has a faint overwashing of orange and the rump is tinged with dusky. There is much more white on the wings which 
 is yellowish. 
 
 Adult female in autumn. Much deeper in color below, and the back is more uniformly overwashed with yellowish- 
 brown. The wings have much more white. 
 
 Youny male. Has much more white on the wings, and the rump is overwashed with yellowish-brown. There is only 
 a slight indication of the black bar on the tail, the central feathers becoming perfect first. The color below is not nearly as 
 bright. 
 
 Youny female. Is much lighter in color below, showing none of the orange tinging on the breast. The back is not as 
 clear black. 
 
 Youny of the year in spring. The males are mottled on the back with yellowish-brown and black. The black of tl.e 
 lower neck only extends in spots on the breast, and the color below is pale showing only a tinge of orange. The female is 
 very pale. 
 
 Youny of the year in autumn. The males show no black whatever and both sexes are tinged with orange below. The 
 back is pale, otherwise the plumage is similar to the female in autumn. Bill, brown, considerably lighter at base of lower 
 mandible. 
 
 Nestlings. Very pale-yellow beneath and paler brown above. Wings and tail as in the last plumage. Bill, brown 
 throughout. Feet, blue. The wings and tail feathers are not moulted. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have described the average brightest plumage of the adult, but I once procured a specimen that had a carmine streak 
 down the breast. A local race of perfectly adult specimens which I procured on the islands in the Susquehanna River at 
 Willimnsport, Pennsylvania, differ in being of a nearly uniform pale-yellow beneath and in having considerable white on 
 the wings. Readily known by the colors as described. Distributed in summer from the Carolinas north to Canada on the 
 eastern side of the Central Plains. Wintering south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-five specimens. Length, 7'62; stretch, 1T65; wing, 3'71; tail,2'82; bill, '72; tar- 
 sus, -85. Longest specimen, 8'00; greatest extent of wing, 12-25; longest wing, 4-00; tail, 3'10; bill, '75; tarsus, -90. 
 Shortest specimen, 7 - 25; smallest extent of wing, 11- 15; shortest wing, 3'42; tail, 2'65; bill, -70; tarsus, -80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, pendulous in form, composed of strips of fibrous bark, horse-hair, strings, rags, etc., neatly an 1 
 firmly woven together. Dimensions; external diameter, 4'UO, internal, 2 - 00. External depth, G'OO, internal, 5'<K). 
 
 Eyys, four to six in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, spotted, dotted, and lined with umber. Some of the 
 markings arc incorporated in the material of the shell. Dimensions from '90x'G(> to l'20x '72. 
 
BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 143 
 
 1 1. \IUTS. 
 
 When the warm, reviving breath of the south wind has caused the cherry trees of 
 New England lo put forth (heir blossoms, the first notes of the "Ma Hi more Orioles are heard. 
 I do not think I ever knew a single season to pass when these lovely birds did not appear 
 promptly as soon as the cherry trees were in bloom, for they are extremely fond of fre- 
 quenting them in order to feed on the insects which infest them at this season. As they 
 swing gracefully from the topmost boughs, their brilliant plumage forms a fine contrast 
 with the snowy flowers which surround them, while at intervals th perfumed air is filled 
 with bursts of that clear, ringing melody which is always a sure indication that summer 
 has I'airlv come. Later the dark-green foliage on the lofty branches of the grand old elms 
 which beautify so many of our streets is enlivened by their presence. Indeed of all the 
 ornamental trees which are to be found in villages, the elm appears to be the prime favor- 
 ite with the Orioles for these birds seldom occur far from dwellings when their chosen 
 trees stand in the immediate vicinity of them. In some portions of Pennsylvania, howev- 
 er, where but little attention is paid to planting trees about the houses, they almost always 
 inhabit, small groves, seeming to prefer the lofty trees in the immediate neighborhood of 
 water. 
 
 The Susquchanna River at Williamsport is some three hundred and fifty yards in width 
 and is filled with numerous small, wooded islands upon which the Baltimore Orioles abound, 
 in fact I never saw them more abundant in any given locality. It was here that I first 
 obtained the specimen with the peculiar yellow plumage of which I have spoken, but these 
 only occurred at one particular point on the River, all of the other birds being in normal 
 dress. This was about the middle of May when they were migrating, which would partly 
 account for the large numbers that had congregated together, but later when they were 
 nesting, they were still numerous, proving that it was an attractive place for them. The 
 birds which remained there were remarkable on account of having a peculiar song that 
 consisted of several short, though sweet, notes repeated rapidly. The effect, however, 
 was very pleasing, but I was much surprised to find that the females sang nearly as well 
 as the males. It is a fact that no two birds even of the same species sing exactly alike 
 although the difference is oftentimes so very slight that it is extremely difficult to detect, 
 but I know of very few, if any, among our native birds where there is so much individual 
 variation in the song as in that of the Baltimore Orioles. It is also noticeable that the 
 peculiar lay of some individuals is frequently inherited by their offspring. Thus I know of 
 several places where all the Orioles utter notes which are similar but which I never heard 
 elsewhere. But a particular song is not always imparted by the parent to its descendants; 
 for example, one of the finest singers that I ever heard was an ( (riole that built for several 
 years in an huge pear tree which stands back of my place in Ncwtonville. This bird be- 
 sides having a variety of clear, liquid notes which were perfectly enchanting, frequently 
 uttered ;i series of loud whistles which sounded almost exactly like those given by t.'ie 
 Great-crested Flycatcher, vet T never heard any other Oriole attempt anything like them. 
 The melody of the Baltimore Orioles, although so varied that it is simply indescribable, 
 has a singular clear richness of tone which renders it unmistakable whenever heard. Their 
 
144 ICTERUS SPUR1US. 
 
 harmonious strains have caused them to become general favorites and, as they are seldom 
 molested, they have acquired confidence in humanity, frequenting the gardens and shrub- 
 bery about dwellings. Thus they find protection from many enemies under the guardianship 
 of man, but they amply repay him for his kindness by destroying multitudes of insects. 
 They not only eat greedily of that detested pest, the canker worm, but are among the few 
 species of birds that will eat the tent caterpillar. They will alight on the nest of this des- 
 tructive insect, tear it to pieces, and devour the larvae. Later in summer they will take a 
 few berries and they are immoderately fond of green peas. This latter named trait is their 
 only fault, yet we may well pardon them for this when we find that they also eat the po- 
 tato beetle. An Oriole that I shot in the act of helping himself to peas had four or five of 
 the above named insects in his stomach. 
 
 As a nest builder this Oriole excels, not only is the structure durable but it is ex- 
 tremely light and admirably formed to occupy the position usually chosen for it, the 
 extremity of a swaying bough. That this habit of suspending the nest in such inaccessible 
 places, where no animal large enough to injure the eggs or young can reach it without the 
 aid of wings, is an ancestral trait acquired in the Tropics, where such a precaution is much 
 more a matter of necessity than here, can scarcely be doubted. At present, however, it is 
 exceedingly conducive to the increase of the species that this cautionary trait was perpet- 
 uated, as practically it can make but little difference to the Orioles whether their eggs are 
 stolen by monkeys who would eat them, or by some urchin who is ambitious to have the 
 egg a "Golden Robin" in his collection. 
 
 The eggs of these Orioles are deposited by the first of June and the singular notes of 
 the young may be heard early in July. As they leave the nest by the middle of the 
 month they become fully fledged by the first of August and undergo their first moult when 
 the adults acquire their autumnal dress. By September they are all in perfect plumage 
 and shortly after migrate in straggling flocks. I have a specimen which was taken in 
 Massachusetts as late as November 13, but this is extremely exceptional for they seldom 
 remain after the middle of September. They linger for a time in Pennsylvania, but de- 
 part for the South before October. 
 
 ICTERUS SPURIUS. 
 Orchard Oriole. 
 
 Icterus spurius BON., Ohs. on Nom. Wils.; 1825, No. 44. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Feet, not large. Tongue, as in the preceding species. Sternum, not stout. 
 Bill, slender and considerably curved. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in summer. Head, all around neck coming down into a triangle on the breast, back, and tail, 
 Mack. The latter, slightly tipped with white. Wings, also black, with a bar of white and chestnut, and all theoutcr edges 
 of outer webs, margined with either chestnut or greenish white. Remainder of body, including lesser and under wing cov- 
 erts, chestnut. Bill, black, blue at base of lower mandible. Feet, blue. 
 
 Adult female in summer. Yellowish-green throughout, darker on the back. Wings, brown, with white markings as in 
 tin- male., but willi no chestnut. Bill, brown, lighter at, base of lower mandible. . 
 
 Youny male. Similar to the adult female but there is a patch of black extending over the throat, lower neck, and lores. 
 There are also black feathers in the back, and portions of the tail are frequently of the same color, while there are traces 
 of chestnut on the sides and middle of the breast. Bill and feet as in the adult. 
 
P LATE IV. 
 
 
 ' - *' 1, r f , Li* I.. 
 
 PIPILO LEUCOPIS. 
 White-yed Towhee. if 
 

ORCHARD ORIOLE. 140 
 
 Y<nm;i f cmali . Similar to the adult but much paler, (-specially on the hack. The wings are lighter ami have more 
 whi'e on them. 
 
 \ :*tlin</s. Unite like the adult female Imt very pale-yellow throughout, hut area little darker above. Wings and tail, 
 as in the abo\e for they are not moulted. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is but little variation in plumage among birds of the same age and sex from the same locality, so that they may 
 readily lie distinguished by the color- as described. Distributed in summer throughout the Eastern Section of the United 
 States, south of Massachusetts Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty specimens. Length, 6'G2; stretch, 9 - 50; win,*, 3'00; tail, 3'10; bill'65; tarsus, "70. 
 i spi-eimen, 7 - 5J">: greatest extent of wing, KVOO; longest wing, 3*25; tail, 3'25; bill, '90; tarsus '75. Shortest speci- 
 men, li-ixi; smallest extent of wing, !)"25; shortest wing, 2'75; tail, 3'00; bill, '60; tarsus, '65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, not very pendulous in form, composed of fine, tough grass firmly woven together. Dimensions; 
 external diameter, 4 '00. internal, 'J'tKl. External depth, 2'50, internal, 1'50. 
 
 EI/I/S, four to six in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, spotted, dotted, and sometimes lined, with umber and 
 lilac. Dimensions from '80x -60 to '85 x '65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The city of Wilmington, North Carolina, is pleasantly situated on a high bluff which 
 overlooks Cape Fear River. Like many of the Southern cities, the streets are well shaded 
 with live oaks and other trees which as a natural result attract many birds. On visiting 
 this place, .May '1~>, 1872, I found that the foliage was swarming with various species of 
 tin- feathered tribe, but none were more prominent than the Orchard Orioles. This was 
 partly due to their abundance but they rendered themselves noticeable by the loud, clear 
 whistle which sounded out in all directions. This song, although similar to that of the 
 Baltimore Oriole, is in many respects not as varied but is, notwithstanding, very fine. 
 The Orchard Orioles were about to breed in Wilmington, and I saw the females carrying 
 material for their nests. This is seemingly quite late to begin laying so far south; indeed 
 I found them with eggs at Williainsport, Pennsylvania, about the same date, and have 
 a nest full of eggs in Massachusetts as early as June. 
 
 This Orioh- differs somewhat in habits from the Baltimore inasmuch as it nearly al- 
 ways places its nest on an apple or other low tree, in the fork of a limb and not suspended 
 from it. They have the very restless movements which characterize this genus. One may 
 
 en clinging to the lowest branches of a tree, then with the rapidity of thought will 
 bound upwards, and swing from the topmost bough where he remains only fora moment, 
 however, as suddenly catching sight of a passing female, he darts oil' in pursuit followed by 
 one or two others, for like the Baltimore, the males are rather promiscuous in their atten- 
 tions. On account of their preferring low trees as homes, they frequent the neighborhood 
 of houses in Pennsylvania, nesting in the fruit trees, and are seldom seen on the river in 
 company with the Baltimore Oriole. Nor did I ever see the two species associating to- 
 gether anywhere. 
 
 The young make their appearance in the trees about the middle >f July but they 
 migrate very soon, as 1 did not find them at all during the last week of August. 
 
 1!) 
 
146 SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRVGINEUS. 
 
 GENUS VII. SCOLECOPIIAGUS. THE RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. 
 
 GEN. CB. Bill, slender, pointed, not very broad at tip, a little shorter than the head. Upper and lower mandibles a lit- 
 tle curved. Winys, lonyer than the tail which is sliyhlly rounded. Feet, not larye. Sternum, narrow. Keel, hiyher than 
 one half the width of the sternum. Marginal indentations exceeding in depth the heiyht of the keel. Coracoids e.Tcecdiny in 
 length thetopoft/ie keel. Stomach, not very muscular. Size, rather larye. 
 
 The adult males are black in color, but the females are duller, while the young show rusty markings. There are never 
 any bright colors. 
 
 SCOLECOPHAGUS FEBRTJGINEUS. 
 
 Rusty Grackle. 
 Scolecophatjui ferruyineus SWAINSON., F. Bor. Am., II; 1831, 286. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CD. Form, rather robust. Size, quite large. Feet, medium. Tongue, long, thin and horny, with a terminal 
 tuft of hair-like fibers. Sternum, as given above. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male in summer. Uniform lustrous black throughout, with greenish reflections. Bill, black, lighter 
 at base of lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Adult female in sumemr. Uniform dark-plumbeous throughout, lighter on the throat, becoming very dark on the wing* 
 and tail where there are greenish reflections. 
 
 Adult and young in autumn. Similar to the summer adult but having all thefeathers margined with reddish-brown, 
 while the adult females are darker. 
 
 Young of the year. The males are dull black with the entire plumage overwashed with reddish-brown. There are also 
 superciliary lines of the same. The female is dull-plumbeous, but is so overwashed with rusty that the ground color is quite 
 obscured. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is considerable variation in size but there is no essential difference in color in birds of the same age and sex. 
 Readily known by the uniform black and plumbeous plumage in the adult stage, and the young may be distinguished by 
 the rusty overwashing. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern North America, north of the White Mountain range. 
 Winters from the Carolinas to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten specimens. Length, 9'50; stretch, I4'50; wing, 4'45; tail,3'50; bill, - 75; tarsus, 1'25. 
 Longest specimen, 9'70; greatest extent of wing, 14'90; longest wing, 4'80; tail, 3'95; bill, '80: tarsus, T30. Shortest speci- 
 men, 8-65; smallest extent of wing, 13'60; shortest wing, 4" 12; tail, 3'35; bill, -70; tarsus, 1-20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in bushes, composed of twigs, weeds, ami grass, the latter being mixed with mud. The whole is lined 
 with leaves and fine grass. Dimensions; external diameter, 6'50, internal, 2'00. External depth, 4'00, internal, 2'00. 
 
 Eyys, from three to five in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, spotted and lined with light-brown. Dimensions 
 from l-05x-75 to l'OOx'70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Just south of Blue Springs, Florida, was a thick grove of Palmettoes which bordered 
 a narrow strip of marsh that lay between it and the St. John's River. These trees, like 
 many others which grow in rich soil, were quite high and the fronds very large, consequent- 
 ly the shade was so dense that the sun was quite excluded. Thus a somber light pervaded 
 the place which was not conducive to the growth of plants so that the dark soil was covered 
 with rapidly decaying fragments of palm fronds. This debris naturally formed a shelter 
 for many insects and minute mollusks which were, however, far from being safe in their 
 gloomy retreat, for large numbers of Rusty Grackles had found that they were abundant 
 
KUSTV CRACKLE. 147 
 
 there and entering from the marsh, visited the grove regularly. I always found them there 
 in the morning, walking about on the ground and overturning the rubbish in search of 
 their prey. They were not in the least shy, in fact it was difficult to make them fly at all, 
 but when approached quite closely or when alarmed at the' report of a gun, they would 
 alight on the trees over my head, but after a moment would settle down again. They re- 
 main in Florida until after the first of March when they migrate. 
 
 The Rusty Blackbirds arrive in Massachusetts about the middle of the month and 
 frequent the trees and shrubbery by the side of streams. They are, while here, the most 
 unsuspicious of all the Blackbirds, allowing one to come quite near them without exhib- 
 iting the slightest alarm. In Florida they are silent or at best only utter that peculiar 
 chirp of alarm given by all the Blackbirds, but here they make a most unmelodious attempt 
 to sing, emitting a wheezy kind of croak. This rude lay is all the song that our dark- 
 colored friends are capable of giving and evidently the birds consider it a most brilliant 
 performance for they spread their tails, raffle their feathers, and strut proudly before the 
 silent females who are seemingly quite impressed with the superiority of their mates. 
 These Grackles linger for a time, but in the middle of April depart northward. 
 
 There are spots on the Magdalen Islands which might rightly be termed sloughs, 
 for they are perfectly inaccessible as the surface, although apparently solid, is in reality so 
 thin that it will not bear the weight of a dog. This floating mass of vegetation, however, 
 supports bushes and in some cases small trees all of which grow very thickly together. I 
 had observed Blackbirds about them on several occasions, but as they kept well in the 
 center of the large tracks, I could not make out at first what they were but after a time 
 found that a large colony of Rusty Grackles were evidently building in one of the above 
 described places. All efforts to penetrate the fastness proved unavailing and upon visiting 
 tin locality somewhat later, (about the middle of July) I concluded by the movements of 
 the birds that the young were out, but I did not procure any. This species breeds at Lake 
 Utnbagog, Maine, and Mr. E. Harrington obtained a nest there, early in June, which 
 contained fresh eggs. 
 
 By the last week in September the Rusty Grackles reappear in Massachusetts where 
 they frequent the fields of ripened corn, but I do not think they eat the grain for I never 
 found anything in their stomachs except insects and small mollusks. They remain in 
 small flocks until the middle of October, then depart southward. I found them gathered in 
 large numbers with the Crow Blackbirds in Pennsylvania, and migrate with them a little 
 later in the month. 
 
 GENTS VIII. ()IISCAI.I S. THE BOAT-TAILED BLACKBIRDS. 
 
 'ins. I'M. Bill, stuut, nut n-ri/ iininli-il nor hrnnd at tip, about as lonyasthe head. Upper mandible, curved. Wini/.i, 
 a lill/e short/ r thnn the. tail irhiili is (jrniliuitnl. f< //, larye. Sternum, narrow. Krt-l, ln;/li<r than one half I hi- iritlt/i nj'lli' 
 xiirnuni. Mnrijinnl indrntntinns considerably c.rccediny in depth tin hrii/hl <ij' // /."/. Coracoids, much shorter tlian thf. 
 top of tkr k"/. XlnniiK'h. "/ r< rij muscular. Size, laryc. 
 
 The adult males are black in color. The females are much duller and smaller. The tail, when spread, is lioat-sliapod. 
 Tlii-rc are never any bright 
 
148 QUISCALUS VERS1COLOR. 
 
 QUISCALUS VEBSICOLOR. 
 Purple Grackle. Crow Blackbird. 
 
 Quiscalus versicolor VIEILL, Analyse; 1816. 
 
 Quiecalus ayetaMs BAIRD, Amer. Jour. Sci. and Arts, XU, 87: 186(5. 
 
 Quiscalus teneus RIDGWAY, Proc. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci.; 180'J, 135. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, quite large. Feet, stout. Tongue, long, somewhat fleshy, but thin and hoiny for the 
 terminal fourth, bifid, and provided with fine, terminal cilia which extends along the sides of the horny portion. Blue in 
 color, black at tip. Sternum, not very stout. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Uniform lustrous black throughout with bluish and greenish reflections on the head, neck, and 
 upper breast. The remainder of the body is bronzy with violet reflections on the wings and tail. Eyelids, dark-brown. 
 Iris, white. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Adult female. Uniform, dull brownish-black throughout, with greenish reflections on the head and with bluish on the 
 wings and tail. Bill, feet, and iris as in the male. 
 
 Youny of the year. Similar to the adult female but the males show some of the bright reflections, but the frinales are 
 much duller. 
 
 Nestlings. Uniform dark-brown, darkest on the wings and tail, where there is a slight gloss of violet. There is a yel- 
 lowish overwashing beneath , where there are indications of dusky streakings. Iris, dark slaty-blue. Bill and i'cet brown. 
 The wing and tail feathers are moulted. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a great amount of variation in skins' from different localities. Birds from New England besides being quite 
 large in size have usually, though not always, the bluish-green reflections of the head ending in a well defined line on the 
 neck, and the wings are uniform in coloration. Birds from Florida differ from this in being beautifully varigated on the 
 wings, back, sides, and rump, with bronze and violet reflections, while the head is of a purer blue, and specimens from the 
 middle district rather combine the two patterns of coloration. I have, however, seen a perfect series of gradations in all 
 respects and thus look upon the so-called species as given in the synonyms. The nestlings are at first much darker than 
 those described, as seen by a male partly fledged which was kindly procured for me by the Bangs Brothers. Distributed 
 in summer throughout Eastern North America from the Arctic Circle to the Gulf of Mexico. Wintering in the mure south- 
 ern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen male specimens from New England. Length, 12'62; stretch, 17-73; wing, 6'65; tail. 
 5'30; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 1'25. Longest specimen, 13-20; greatest extent of wing, 18 - 42; longest wing, 6'05; tail,6 - 09; bill, 
 HX); tarsus, 1'30. Shortest specimen, 12-00; smallest extent of wing, 17' 10; shortest wing, 5'22; tail, 4'5H; bill, 1-45; 
 tarsus, 1-09. 
 
 Average measurements of nine female specimens from New England. Length, 11 "45; stretch, 15'76; wing, 4'95; tail, 
 4-52; bill, 1'45; tarsus, 1'20. Longest specimen, 12-00; greatest extant of wing, 16-30; longest wing, 5-23; tail,4'89; bill. 
 T55; tarsus, 1'25.. Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 15'30; shortest wing, 4'62; tail, 4'10; bill, I'-IO; tar- 
 sus, ri5. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty male specimens from Florida. Length, 12-14; stretch, IG'12; wing, 4-04; tail, 4'82: 
 bill, 1'25; tarsus, 1'22. Longest specimen, 12'50; greatest extent of wing, 17'30; longest wing, 5'55; tail, 5'05; bill, 1'30; 
 tarsus, 1-30. Shortest speciman, ll'OO; smallest extant of wing, 15-49; shortest wing, 4'40; tail, 4'09; bill, 1-20; tarsus, 
 1-08. 
 
 Averags measurements of twenty farnale spacimsns from Florida. Length, 1T14; stretch, 14-OU; wing, 5-20; tail, 
 4'86; bill, - 98; tarsus, T22. Longest specimen, 11'75; greatest extent of wing, 15'49; longest wim:. ;">">-!; tail, 5-24; bill, 
 82; tarsus, T25. Shortest specimen, lO'OO; smallest extent of wing, 13-54; shortest wing, 4'75; tail, 4"24; bill, 1'22; far>u-. 
 99. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees and bushes. They are large, compact structures composed of course grass and weeds mixed with 
 mud and moulded into form, lined with fine grass. Dimensions: external diameter, 7-(K), internal, 3'45. External depth, 
 4-50, internal, 3'. r >0. 
 
 Eyys, from four to five in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, spotted, blotched and lined with brown and umber. 
 The lines arc seldom well defined on the edges, and the ground color is often clouded, being sometimes completely obscured 
 with brownish washing. Some specimens are uniformly dotted throughout. Dimensions from l'30x'90 to l-09x'8C. 
 
PURPLE GRACKLE. 149 
 
 11 \HITS. 
 
 It is difficult to find a section of country north of the Florida Keys, cast of the Miss- 
 issippi Ki\er, where the harsh chirp of tlie Crow Blackbirds is not to be heard, at least 
 throughout the suiaincr. They are so versatile in their habits that they find nearly all 
 localities suitable for their homes. Thus I found their nests fastened to the waving grass 
 of the Kverglades, and they build in immense numbers on the reedy margin of the upper 
 St. John's. In Pennsylvania they select low bushes along the river bottoms, and in Mass- 
 achusetts where the country is quite thickly populated, experience has taught them the 
 necessity of choosing the highest pine trees as summer homes. I know of three rookeries 
 similarly situated, all within the radius of a mile from my place. At Ipswich, where they 
 are seldom disturbed, they often breed in orchards near houses or in small trees on the is- 
 lands of the marshes, and the nests are sometimes placed so low that they can be reached 
 from the ground. They also exhibit a propensity to nest inside deserted buildings and I 
 once knew a pair that placed their domicile in the mouth of a partly covered well. On a 
 few occasions I have taken the nests from holes in trees at Ipswich but they most always 
 build in holes of old stubs that stand in the shallow water id' Lake Umbagog. The mate- 
 rial used ami the form of the structure are also variable. Thus in the Everglades I found 
 that the nests were firm, compact and deep with a contracted entrance. Those placed in 
 high trees in Massachusetts are composed partly of mud and are rather flat being fonncd 
 nearly like those of the Robin, while on the coast the birds generally use the bleached eel 
 grass, therefore the nests are much lighter. Those which I have taken from holes in trees 
 were largely composed of mud mixed with coarse grass and weeds. Although so variable 
 in breeding habits the time of depositing the eggs does not differ much in the wind-spread 
 section of which I have spoken, when we consider the extremes in climate. In Florida the 
 eggs are laid about the first of May and I have found them at Ipswich a few days later, 
 while the birds lay by the middle of the month at Lake Umbagog, and possibly but a lit- 
 tle later much farther north. 
 
 I have mentioned that these birds built in rookeries, and I have always found them 
 nesting in communities of fifty and upwards. In fact they are gregariously inclined at all 
 season>, a-scmbling iii large Hocks in the autumn and winter, often in company with the 
 Boat-tailed (irackle, for the two seemed to be on excellent terms. In matter of diet the 
 Crow IMackhirds are perfectly omnivorous, now visiting the newly sown fields in order to 
 feed on the grain, or [Hilling up the farmer's com just as it has appeared above the ground 
 that they may eat the swollen kernel at the root. Then in autumn vast swarms set tie- 
 on the fields of ripening corn and eagerlr strip the ears; thus they are constantly in mis- 
 chief, hut by far the worst charge that can lie laid upon them is their trait of robbing the 
 nests of other birds. 
 
 They will visit the homes of those species which build in accessible situations and 
 deliberately remove the eggs or, what is more to he deplored, the helpless young and de- 
 vour them in spite of the cries of the distracted pap'iits who are powerless to prevent the 
 outrage, as the aggressors are both strong and agile. So frequently were these depreda- 
 tions committed upon the homes of the Robins and other birds, that built about my [place 
 this season, that there was scarcely an hour in the day during early summer when I coul.l 
 
150 QUISCALUS VERSICOLOR. 
 
 not hear the warning cries of the adult birds, followed by the harsh, scolding notes of the 
 Crow Blackbird as he was vigorously attacked on all sides, but he seldom retreated with- 
 out accomplishing his purpose. Such continuous slaughter must greatly thin the ranks of 
 the birds that are thus robbed and it will be safe to say that the Purple Grackles destroy 
 more birds than all the other predatory species combined. The sufferers quickly forget 
 their wrongs, for it is only during the breeding season or when the young are small that 
 they exhibit any enmity toward the Blackbirds, and I have seen the Grackles amicably 
 eating cherries in company with a large number of smaller birds, composed of half a dozen 
 species. 
 
 In Florida, where the Purple Grackles are very tame, they also eat a variety of food. 
 In early Winter large flocks may be seen on the tops of the palmettoes, feeding on the 
 fruit, and they also eat berries in their season. Later small flocks are found on the mar- 
 gin of streams, frequently wading into them in search of little mollusks, crabs, etc., and it 
 is not rare to meet with one or two scattering individuals in the thick hummocks, overturn- 
 ing the leaves in order to find insects or small reptiles Avhich they devour. I once saw 
 one catch a lizard which was crawling over the fan-like frond of a palmetto, and fly with 
 it to the ground. The reptile squirmed all the while in its frantic endeavors to escape, 
 but the Blackbird held it firmly and, after beating it to death, removed the skin as adroitly 
 as if accustomed to the operation, then swallowed the body. 
 
 The harsh, guttural notes of the Purple Grackle can scarcely be called a song but, like 
 all the other Blackbirds, they make great display when uttering them. The performance 
 is given while the birds are perched upon some elevated situation, and I have frequently 
 heard an entire flock, composed of some hundreds of individuals, thus employed. As each 
 evidently tried to surpass the others in emitting the rasping squeal, they succeeded admi- 
 rably in producing much more noise than music. The notes of the local race found in 
 Florida differ from those which occur in the North in being much more disagreeable, if 
 that were possible, for they are somewhat harsher. 
 
 The young leave the nest by the last week in June and become fledged by the middle 
 of July, when they accompany their parents and all gradually gather in flocks, so that by 
 the first of October vast numbers have accumulated. They always select some particular 
 spot, usually a thick swamp, as a roosting place, to which they return regularly every even- 
 ing, coming in small flocks, and continuing to arrive until long after twilight. They are 
 quite watchful even during dark nights, for if a gun be discharged in one of these resorts 
 all of the birds will rise at once and many will fly away to neighboring woods while others 
 will return after a time, but if disturbed very often they will abandon the place entirely. 
 By November when the leaves are falling, they migrate, lingering for a time in Pennsyl- 
 vania, where such quanities accumulate that the vast flocks fairly darken the air. They 
 move in exceedingly compact bodies, flying so closely together that it seems impossible 
 for them to use their wings at all, yet they fly very swiftly, and when one of these living 
 clouds is passing overhead the sound produced by their pinions resembles that of rushing 
 water. The Crow Blackbirds take their final departure for the South before the first of 
 November. 
 
QUISCALUS MAJOR. 151 
 
 QUISCALUS MAJOB. 
 Boat-tailed Grackle. 
 
 Quiscalus major VIKIUOT, Xoiiv. Diet. XXVIII, 1819, 487. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Feet, very stout. Tongue, long, thin and horny, deeply bifid at tip, and pro- 
 vided with a fringe of cilia which extends along the sides for the terminal fourth,* black in color. Sternum stout. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Uniform lustrous black throughout, with purplish-blue reflections on the head, neck, and upper 
 breast, and greenish on the remainder of the body, being duller on the wings and tail. Iris, reddish brown. Bill and feet, 
 black. 
 
 Adult female. Dark-brown above, becoming reddish on the head, with a greenish gloss on the back, wings, and tail. 
 Si' Its of head, dusky, with a superciliary line of yellowish-brown. Beneath yellowish-brown, becoming darker on the sides, 
 flanks, and under tail coverts. Iris, hill, and feet as in the male. 
 
 Young. The mules lack the bright reflections and the feathers of the breast show whitish edgings. The female is 
 much paler beneath. 
 
 Nestlings. Similar to the young female but much paler beneath, especially on the throat and abdomen. There is also 
 a strong o\erwashing of yellowish-brown above. Bill and feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no variation in birds of the same age and sex from the same locality. Readily distinguished by the large 
 si/e and colors as described. Distributed in summer from Florida to the Carolinas and throughout the Gulf States. Win- 
 ters in the more southern ]>ortions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirty male specimens from Florida. Length, 15'95; stretch , 22'70; wing, 6'35; tail, G - 45; 
 bill. l'G2; tarsus, 1'95. Loiigc-t specimen, 16'90; greatest extent of wing, 25'00; longest wing, 7'70: tail, 7'40; bill, 2-00; 
 tar-us, 3-05. Shortest specimen, 15'(0; smallest extent of wing, 20'50; shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 5'50; bill; 1'25; tarsus , 
 1-40. 
 
 \ rug'; measurements of twenty female specimens from Florida. Length, 12'74; stretch, 17'35; wing, 5'G2; tail, 
 5'30; bill, 1-38; tarsus, 1-31. Longest specimen, 13'50; greatest extent of wing, 18'00; longest wing, 5'95; tail, 5'60; bill, 
 1-50; tarsus, MO. Shortest specimen, 12'00; smallest extent of wing, 16'70; shortest wing, 5'40; tail, 5'00; bill, 1'25; tar- 
 sus, 1-25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in grass anil bushes. They are large, compact structures composed of coarse grass and weeds, lined with 
 fine trpass. Dimensions; external diameter, 8'IK), internal, 4 - 00. External depth, 5'00, internal, 3'00. 
 
 Eyys, from three to four in number, oval in form, pale-blue in color, clearly lined and spotted with brown and umber. 
 The lines are well defined on the edges, but the ground color is often clouded with brownish. Dimensions from l'35x '90 
 to l-20x-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Among the most noticeable land birds of Florida are the Boat-tailed Gracklcs. This 
 is partly due to their large size, but is mainly owing to the fact that they make themselves 
 conspicuous by their loud notes and ostentatious display. As they are generally regarded 
 as harmless birds they are seldom molested and thus have acquired confidence in man, be- 
 coming very tame. Indeed they are the most unsuspicious of any birds of such large sixo 
 that I ever saw, and I have frequently passed within two yards of them as they sat on the 
 low lm~!irs on the bank of the river. But wherever the tourists go, they are prone to shoot 
 everything that they see, and the Jackdaws, as they are called, soon become aware of this 
 propensity, so that they are very shy about cities or towns. Being remarkable sagacious 
 birds they do not remain long where they are persecuted, but retreat to wilder sections 
 
152 BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE. 
 
 where they are very abundant, and where I have had many opportunities of observing their 
 habits. 
 
 Like the preceding species, the flight of the Boat-tailed Grackles is somewhat heavy 
 and decidedly marked, for the long, keel-shaped tail gives the bird a peculiar appearance 
 and looks as if it were too heavy for the remainder of the body which is often kept at an 
 inclination, with the head highest. I do not think these birds are as agile in aerial evolu- 
 tions as the other Blackbirds for they seldom wheel in circles, but fly more in a direct line; 
 in fact this species is characterized by their dignified movements, even when walking. 
 They spend a great portion of their time on the ground, frequenting the neighborhood of 
 streams and other bodies of water into which they wade in search of small mollusks, crabs, 
 etc. Throughout the winter these Blackbirds assemble in large flocks, some of which are 
 wholly made up of males while others are composed mainly of females, but by the first of 
 March these large assemblies break up into smaller companies and both sexes come to- 
 gether. Then the males begin to sing, but perhaps I am violating the rules of harmony 
 when I call this peculiar lay a song. Yet, although the chirp is much harsher than that 
 of the Crow Blackbird, the remainder of the performance is much different. It consists 
 of a series of sharp, short, though clear, energetic notes uttered somewhat rapidly, and 
 taken in connection with the primeval surroundings, produces an effect which is exceed- 
 ingly pleasing. 
 
 As I have remarked before, the east side of the Indian River is mainly composed of 
 dry prairies through which are interspersed little ponds. The space occupied by the water 
 is small, but it is surrounded by a belt of marshy ground, of a greater or less extent, which 
 has thickly grown to high, coarse saw grass. This rank herbage which is often six feet 
 high, is the chosen resort of the Boat-tailed Grackles, and the nests are fastened to the 
 large stems. Sometimes there will be willows near the water, and on a few occasions I 
 have found the nests in them. The average height of the structures above the surface 
 was four feet, but I took one from a branch of a tree that was placed ten feet from the 
 ground. 
 
 This was quite exceptional, in fact it is rare to find them elsewhere than in the grass 
 The birds began to breed in the Everglades by the second week in March, and I found 
 them nesting in the rushes in the islands at Salt Lake by the seventeenth of the month, 
 but it was as late a the third of April when I visited the breeding ground mentioned a- 
 bove. The eggs had evidently been deposited for some time, as they nearly all contained 
 embryos, but some were fresh. The usual number was two, indeed out of at least thirty 
 nests only one contained three. Farther south, in the Everglades and in the Indian Hunt- 
 ing Grounds, I almost always found three. 
 
 This is all that I ever obtained but Mr. C. H. Nauman has taken four, three are, 
 however, the usual number deposited. The birds were quite solicitous for thesafetyof their 
 eggs, chirping loudly and alighting quite near us. The males were present and evinced 
 considerable interest, for they elevated the feathers on their heads, fluttered their wings 
 and joined in the general outcry. But they have a singular way of exhibiting their excite- 
 ment which I never observed in any other species, for they draw the nictitating membrane 
 
COR V US CARN1VOUS. 153 
 
 of the eye backwards and forwards very rapidly. At this time they .also uttered a croak 
 which resembled the alarm note of the Green Heron. I do not think that the males share 
 in the duties of incubation but they certainly care for the young when they appear. I 
 found the fully fledged nestlings flying at Lake llaruey by the first week in May, and Mr. 
 Naiunan writes me that they bring out two or even three broods in one season. I have 
 u the Boat-tailed Crackles as far north as Pamlico Sound in North Carolina, on the 
 twentieth of November, and at Siuithville on the twenty-second, but I did not meet with 
 them after this along the coast until we reached the St. John's River. This was during 
 the cold season of. 1876-77 when they would be much more likely to seek warmer quarters. 
 I do not think, however, that they remain above Florida during winter, but they migrate 
 northward in the spring as fa-r, at least, as Virginia. 
 
 FAMILY XVII. CORVID^E. THE CROWS AND JAYS. 
 
 Upper mandible, more or less curved and usually notched. Lawcr mandible, not swollen at base. Nostrils, almost al- 
 ways i-iin-rtil iril/i projfi-tini/ lirislles. Coracoids, shorter than top of keel which it moderately high, liut not exceeding in 
 hiii/lit one third the length of the coracoids. Marginal indentations not exceeding in depth the heiyht of the keel. Primaries, 
 ten. 
 
 This Family is largely represented in the Old Word as well as in the New. There Is an apparent resemblance to some 
 members of the preceding Family, but the bristly feathers of the bill, ten primaries, and the peculiar form of the sternum 
 will serve to distinguish them. The coeca are very well developed, and the stomach is usually quite muscular. The fe- 
 male-, do not differ from the males, or at least in our native species. 
 
 GENUS I. CORVUS. THE CROWS. 
 
 (ins. Cu. Bill, stout, altout as long as the head. Upper mandible, curved. Wings, much longer than the tail which is 
 roundnl. .V< rnum, welt proportioned with the expanded, termination of thefuratla short. Marginal indentations, very 
 shallow. Size, large. 
 
 The prevailing colors are black. The five pairs of laryngeal muscles of this genus are particularly distinct and will 
 to illustrate this character as given under Section I, Osctnes. (Sje plate VI. Nos., 1,3,3, and 4, of which explanations 
 are given at the end of this section.) 
 
 CORVUS CARNIVOTJS. 
 
 American Raven. 
 Corvus carnivous BARTRAM, Travels in E. Flu; 1793, 290. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, large. Feet, stout. Tongue, somewhat fleshy, but thin and horny at tip, which is bi- 
 fid, and provided with a terminal cilia which extends along the sides, black in color. Sternum, stout. Feathers of neck 
 ami throat, lanre-^liapnl. 
 
 OR. Adult male. Lustrous black throughout, with purplish reflections which are more noticeable on the back, 
 nd brrast. Hill and feet, black. 
 
 Young nf the year. Quite similar to the adult but considerably duller. The bill is brownish and the soles of the feet, 
 lighter. 
 
 Nestlings, Uniform dull brownish-block beneath. Head above, darker. The wings and tail arc lustrous with purplish 
 tion-s, as in the above for the feathers are not moulted. Bill and feet, brown. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no variation excepting in size, which depends greatly upon the locality. Winter birds are brighter in 
 color. Readily known by the superior size, and li>.m-c-sliapcd feathers on the neck. Distributed as a eoustnut resident 
 throughout Eastern North America north of Massachusetts and everywhere WWt of the MteMppi River. Rare in the 
 Alleglmny Mountains and on the coast of New Jcr 
 
 HIIiDS 01 FU>KII>A. 20 
 
1 54 AMERICAN RA VEN. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifteen male specimens from North America. Length, 23'20; stretch, 50'50; wing, 16-50; tail, 
 9-90; bill, 250; tarsus, 2'48. Longest specimen, 25-00; greatest extent of win;;, 56-00; longest wing, 17-50; tail, UH)5; bill, 
 2-78; tarsus, 2-66. Shortest specimen, 21-40; smallest extent of wing, 46-00; shortest wing, 15-50; tail, 9-06; bill, 2-40; 
 tarsus, 2-35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or on cliffs. They are bulky, compact structures composed of sticks, lined with coarse grass 
 and sea-weed. Dimensions; (approximate) external diameter, 36-00, internal, IS'OO. External depth, 18-00, internal, 6'00. 
 
 Eygs, from four to five in number, dark-green in color, spotted and blotched with grayish and black. Dimensions from 
 1-70x1-35 to l-MOxl-45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When the thick, white fog hangs like a pall over the Magdalen Islands quite obscur- 
 ing the surrounding water and causing the steep, conical, grass-covered hills near at hand, 
 to look like dim, greenish clouds suspended in mid air; when nothing is to be heard save 
 the monotonous, never-ceasing sound of waves beating at the base of the higk cliffs, and 
 the east wind coming fresh from the ice-bergs which float in the mighty ocean not far 
 away, is as chilly as a breath from the tomb; when all objects appear so distorted and un- 
 real in the misty light, that one seems transported to another world; then a harsh croak is 
 heard sounding out with such sudden distinctness as to be startling. 
 
 One who is unaccustomed to the locality gazes about in amazement for there is not 
 a living thing in sight, and the cry was so weird and coincided so perfectly with the gloomy 
 surroundings as to suggest that it was of supernatural origin. Again the uncouth note is 
 repeated, but nearer, harsher and more real, and then the eye guided by the sound, sees 
 a black shape gliding through the mist. Then another appears and still another, followed 
 by half a dozen more, while the air is filled with dismal croakings. One can by this time 
 discern that the mysterious sounds are produced by Ravens which are returning from a 
 predatory excursion to some neighboring island, for these black pirates take advantage of 
 the obscuring fog in order to rob the nests of various sea-birds which breed near. 
 
 The Ravens subsist largely by pillage, at least during summer, eating the eggs and 
 destroying the young of other birds. They also attack small lambs, picking out their eyes, 
 thus causing their death, and they will sometimes kill large sea-birds. Dr. E. L. Sturte- 
 vant informed me that he was at one time standing on a beach at Grand Menan, when ho 
 saw a Gannet soaring very high in air with, what appeared to be, a black spot above and 
 below it. The bird seemed distressed and continued to mount upwards until both dark 
 spots were seen to be above it, when suddenly it fell from that immense height, struck 
 the ground, and was actually dashed to pieces by the force of the shock. Dr. Sturtevant 
 approached it, when a Raven sprang from the body and flew away. These birds also eat 
 fish or any other dead animals thrown up by the waves. 
 
 The Ravens prefer the bleak, wind-swept islands along the coast and build their nests 
 on the rocky shelves of high cliffs. They always choose the most inaccessible situations 
 that are available, often placing their bulky domiciles in a niche which is so small that it 
 can hardly contain it. The newly hatched young must be very tenacious of life, or the 
 
COKVVS AMKKICANUS. 155 
 
 l);in'iits must guard thorn very assiduously, for their homes are often placed in localities 
 where they are Cully exposed to storms. 1 saw one on the naked face of a cliff at Bird 
 K ).-k where every blast coining from the north-east must have blown against it. This was 
 in July so the nest was empty, but the Light Keeper assured me that the eggs were de- 
 posited as early as the first of April and that the adult birds -had succeeded in rearing a 
 brood which had ilown away some time before my visit. A week or two earlier, in June, 
 I found a nest containing young on a high cliff at Amherst Island. We were unable to 
 reach it without incurring great risk even with the aid of ropes, but we succeeded in 
 gaining a point quite near it where we could observe the young. The adults exhibited 
 considerable solicitude, as they flew distractedly about occasionally giving their harsh 
 cries, but taking great care, however, not to approach within gunshot of us. Caution 
 appears to be a special attribute of the Ravens for it is extremely difficult to procure a shot 
 at one, but, as they fly badly during a high wind which sweeps them out of their course, 
 they are frequently blown within shooting distance and my friend, Mr. G. W. Brown, suc- 
 ceeded in procuring one or two perfectly adult specimens in this way, but as this was in 
 in July they were moulting badly. 
 
 The movements of the Ravens are much heavier than those of the Common Crow 
 which they resemble in many respects, and their flight is slower, but they sail more often 
 circling about high over head. These birds are migratory, large numbers coming from 
 the north to the Magdalen Islands and to Grand Menan during the winter. They are much 
 tamer during the severe cold weather and, as they give considerable trouble by killing 
 lambs as previously stated, the farmers at the latter named place are obliged to shoot them 
 in self-defense. Thus I knew one man who managed to secure sixteen in a single day but 
 they were unusually abundant that season. I think that they breed in the White Moun- 
 tains and also at Tyngsboro', Massachusetts, for I had a nestling fully fledged which was 
 obtained at the latter named place by Mr. Will Perham who states that he is positive they 
 nest in the vicinity. I have seen them on one or two occasions in the Alleghany Moun- 
 tains but they are very rare there, while they are occasionally found on the coast of New 
 Jersey. 
 
 COEVTJS AMEEICANUS. 
 
 Common Crow. 
 Corvus Americanus. AUD. Orn. Biog; II; 1834, 317. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, quite roboat Si/e, medium. Feet, stout. Tongue, somewhat fleshy, but thin and liorny at the tip, 
 I'ifi'l, ;>nd provided with terminal cilia which extends along the sides, black in color. Sternum, rather stout. Feathers of 
 'he nock, not lanoe-Bbaped. Feet. large 1 . Middle toe and claw, shorter than the tnrsu-i. 
 
 ii. A'/ull. Uniform, lustrous Mack throughout, with violet reflections which are brightest on the l>ack, wings, 
 nnd tail. JSill ;ind feet, black. 
 
 Young. Arc much duller throughout, an 1 the feather* on the head and neck nre slightly grayish. Mill, somewhat 
 lighter at tip. 
 
 NsstKngt. Uniform, dull brownish-black, witb the wings and tail lustrous, for they are not moulted. Bill and Int. 
 brown. .S.-\cs, >imilar iu all sta^'i-*. 
 
156 COMMON CROW. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no variation in birds of the same age from the same locality, Imt Florida specimens are smaller witli 
 large bills and feet. Readily distinguished from the closely allied ossifrayvs by the large size of the feet and the shorter 
 middle toe. Distributed in summer throughout North America, retreating into the United States in winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements often specimens from New England. Length, 19-50; stretch, 27'50; wing, 12-30; tail, fi -!fcj; 
 bill, 2-25; tarsus, 2'30. Longest specimen, 21-00; greatest extent of wing, 38'00; longest wing, 12'GO; tail, 7'50; bill, 2'50; 
 tarsus, 2-20. Shortest specimen, 18-00; smallest extent of wing, 36'00; shortest wing, 12'00; tail, 6-25; bill, 2-00; tar- 
 sus, 2-00. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens from Florida. Length, 18-22; stretch, 35-40; wing, 21-65; tail, 7'25; bill, 
 2-30; tarsus, 2-29. Longest specimen, 19-45; greatest extent of wing, 37-90; longest wing, 12-50; tail, 8-00; bill, 2-60; 
 tarsus, 2-58. Shortest specimen, 17-00; smallest extent of wing, 33'00; shortest wing, 10'80; tail, 6'50; bill, 2'00; tarsus, 
 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. They are large structures composed of sticks, lined with grass, weeds, hair, etc. Dimensions; 
 external diameter, 18-00, internal, lO'OO. External depth, 10-00, internal, 4'00. 
 
 Eyys, from three to five in number, oval in form, varying from pale to dark-green in color, spotted and^ blotched with 
 yellowish and grayish-brown. Dimension* from l'55x I'lO to 2'OOx T30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Among the first birds that I remember noticing were the Crows. I must have been 
 very young, yet the earliest impression that I received regarding them was their extreme 
 shyness, and the members of this species which I have met in the North have ever taken 
 the greatest pains to confirm this idea. Sagacity is certainly one of the prime character- 
 istics of the Crow and sagaciousnss has taught them that all members of the human family, 
 of whatever age, sex, or color, are their mortal enemies. Any one in our section who has 
 endeavored to shoot them will bear testimony to this and, furthermore, many affirm that 
 the birds are accurate mathematicians, being enabled to calculate to an inch the distance 
 a gun will send shot, and thus tantalizingly keep just out of range. Although I cannot 
 exactly confirm this statement, I do know that the birds very quickly learn where they 
 are safe and where they must be cautious. For example, there is an estate not far from 
 my place where no one ever shoots, as the owner has banished all guns from his land. 
 Birds of many species build there and among them are two or three pairs of Crows. These 
 wary birds are as unsuspicious as Robins when at home and I have frequently walked 
 within twenty yards of them, but they are as shy as any of their comrades whenever 
 they visit neighboring farms. 
 
 I found them very tame in Florida, where they are always abundant, excepting in 
 the immediate vicinity of settlements, and at first it appeared quite odd to see Crows 
 alight within a dozen yards of me without the slightest indication of fear. These birds in 
 Massachusetts have a peculiar way of jetting the tail and of keeping the head erect as if 
 constantly on the lookout for danger, but the southern race is much more indolent, for I 
 never remember observing this habit. They simply gazed at me quietly and then, if I ap- 
 proached too near, would give a caw or two and fly to the next tree. They are mainly 
 found in the piney woods, seldom visiting the prairies or hummocks, and they are also rare 
 on the plantations where I never knew of their being in the least troublesome. 
 
 
COK V UK A MEXICAN US. 1 57 
 
 In Massachusetts the Crows, most unfortunately for the fanner, frequent the open 
 country and are ready, at tin- slightest notice but without any special invitation, to feast 
 on the newly sown grain or pull up the freshly sprouted corn. They are also very fond 
 of this latter named article of diet when the ears are in the milk, that is just before ripen- 
 ing. All these depredations are committed in such a sly manner that the thieves elude 
 completely the intended vengeance of the husbandman. They are in the fields at break 
 of day or take advantage of a temporary absence of the guardian of the crops. Scare- 
 crows, no matter how artistically constructed, lose their sham terrors after a time and 
 other inventions for frightening them almost always fail. In short they are bound to have 
 their fill and will not be driven away from any locality where they get good living, until 
 one or two are slain and the bodies of the offenders are exposed on the spot where they 
 committed their venturesome forays. Then the survivors take the hint and depart but, 
 persistent to the last, only wing their way to some neighboring farm where they will 
 commence-their ravages with fresh vigor. 
 
 I found the Crows building in the tops of high pine trees at Miami about the first 
 week of April. The time of breeding in Massachusetts varies somewhat with the season 
 but the eggs are usually deposited by the first week of May. In most districts they se- 
 lect high pines but I have found the nests at Ipswich in apple trees not ten feet from the 
 ground. These birds are not very shy in this latter named section as they are seldom dis- 
 turbed, for they obtain the greater portion of their food about the creeks and on the marshes, 
 seldom molesting the crops. The voice of the Crow is harsh but the caw is rather enliv- 
 ening, especially in winter. This note is all that they usually utter but occasionally they 
 emit a peculiar cry consisting of four or five notes, pitched in a high key. It appears at 
 first thought that the cawing Crows should hardly be placed in the same section with the 
 Mucking Bird, White-throated Sparrow, and other species that pour forth such 'charming 
 melodies. Not only are the notes of the Crow capable of considerable modulation, as has 
 been illustrated by keeping them in confinement and instructing them, but they also have 
 a kind of song which is given during the breeding season. It may seem absurd to talk 
 about Crows singing, but having heard their performance, I can bear testimony to its ex- 
 cellence, that is comparatively speaking. 
 
 I was once watching a- pair of Crows that were building in a small grove in Newton- 
 ville and, as I had succeeded in gaining a place of concealment not far from the birds, 
 without attracting their attention, had a fine opportunity of observing their movements, 
 while they were entirely unconscious of my presence. The first thing that I noticed was 
 a peculiar sound which somewhat resembled the cooing of a Dove, but it was far more 
 musical. As only one of the birds was discernible from where I stood, I could not at first 
 make out from what direction it came, but after a moment, moved slightly, when I saw at 
 once that the author of this singular melody was no other than a Crow, evidently a male, 
 lie was seated on the limb of a tree by the side of bis mate and was behaving in an odd 
 manner for so grave a bird. Jlo would move sideways on his perch, bow his head, spread 
 his tail, and droop his wings, at the same time giving utterance to the cooing note. The 
 female watched him demurely all the while but made no demonstrations whatever, and, 
 
158 COMMON enow. 
 
 after performing some five minutes, both flew away. Another habit which I have observed 
 relative to the breeding of the Crows, is that sometimes three birds will be engaged in 
 building one nest and then all will remain about it until the eggs are hatched. I have 
 noted this upon several occasions during different years, but of what sex the odd bird was 
 I am unable to say, yet as I have found the usual number of eggs in the nest upon two 
 occasions, judge that it is either a barren female or a male. 
 
 In winter the Crows come down from the north in countless numbers and frequent 
 the sea shore in small flocks. At this season they subsist on animal and other edible food 
 thrown up by the tide, but during the severest weather, when the earth is covered with 
 snow and the creeks, rivers, and bays are ice-bound, they undergo many hardships. I 
 have frequently seen them with both feet frozen so stiff that they were unable to walk, and 
 in this condition they were endeavoring to procure food from the margin of the ice where 
 the water which dashed over them with every wave froze almost as soon as it struck, and 
 their tails and wings became clogged with ice. It seems strange that these birds will re- 
 main in such an inhospitable region where they must suffer greatly, when a few hours' 
 flight would carry them to much warmer quarters. It is noticeable, however, that a large 
 quantity of the Crows do migrate just before storms, returning in milder weather. The 
 few that remain more in the interior of the country fare better, for they have thick woods 
 to which they can retreat and, as they are of a provident disposition, they lay up stores 
 of corn, acorns, etc. which they hide in holes of trees or bury in the ground. It is inter- 
 esting to watch a Crow when he is endeavoring to find one of these caches. He will fly 
 across a snow-covered field where he has made his deposit and, after taking a turn or two, 
 evidently misled at first by the changes which the weather has made, soon alights and con- 
 fidently proceeds to a small mound, but a moment's scrutiny of this satisfies him. He then 
 turns to another but with no better success, next he pauses an instant to take a better sur- 
 vey and to refresh his memory, when he hops briskly a few yards, gives two or three strokes 
 with his powerful beak, and unearths his treasure. It is also observable that he is silent 
 until he has completed the discovery and devoured his lunch, then he gives a few trium- 
 phant caws as he flies slowly away. 
 
 The Crows form a self-constituted police force, being constantly on the lookout for 
 offenders, and when an Owl or Hawk appears within the bounds of their jurisdiction, some 
 will give chase, sounding the peculiar notes which call others, until the unfortunate intrud- 
 er is surrounded by a mob, all of whom vociferate loudly. They will not desist until the 
 object of their alarm has taken its departure or hidden itself. Besides these gatherings, 
 the reason for which is obvious, the Crows often assemble for no apparent object. They 
 will occasionally gather in large numbers, generally selecting a few scattering trees which 
 stand in an open country as a place of rendezvous, but I can give no plausible reason for 
 these assemblies. They are,however, of not unusual occurrence in the autumn. I do not 
 think that the Crows of Massachusetts or south of this point are migratory, but judge that 
 the large numbers of these birds which frequent the coast all winter, conic from the far 
 north, for they are larger in size and less suspicious than the natives, as if unaccustomed 
 to being disturbed. 
 
COR V US OSSIFRAGUS. 159 
 
 CORVUS OSSIPRAGUS. 
 
 Fish Crow. 
 Corvus ossifrayus WILSON, Am. Orn., V; 1812, 27. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si 1 . CH. Form, slender. Size, small. Feet, not stout. Tongue, somewhat fleshy, but thin and horny at tip which 
 is liitid and provided with terminal cilia which extends along the sides, black in color. Sternum, not stout. Plumage, 
 well Mended. Middle toe and claw, loni'cr than tile tarsus. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Lustrous block throughout, with purplish reflections which are more noticeable on the back, wings, 
 and tail. Itill and (Vet, black. 
 
 Young of the year. Quite similar to the adult, but considerably duller, especially on the wings and tail which are in- 
 clined I" lie brownish. 
 
 Nestlinys. I'nitbrm, dull brownish-black beneath. The wings and tail are lustrous for the feathers are not moult- 
 ed. Bill and feet, brown. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As will be swn by the measurements, there is considerable variation in size in birds from the same locality, otherwise 
 they are >imilar. Known from Anvriennus by the inferior size, brighter colors, blended plumage, small size of the feet, and 
 shorter middle toe. Distributed in summer along the coast as far north as New Jersey, retreating southward in winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Au-rauv im-asurrmeutsof forty--ix specimens from Florida. Length, 15'75; stretch, 33'75; wing, 11'25; tail, 6'25; bill, 
 Ho; tarsus, 1-7"). Liiiig'^t sp-eimcn, 21'0:); greatest extent of wing, 43'75; longest wing, 1 I'OO; tail, 7'25; bill, 2-05: tar- 
 sus, -J-05. Shortest specimen, 15' 10; smallest extent of wing, 30'00; shortest wing, 9'75; tail, 5'50; bill, 1-05: tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. They are bulky, compact structures composed of sticks, lined with coarse grass and sea-weed. 
 Dimensions external diameter, 18-00, internal, lO'OO. External depth, lO'OO, internal, 4'00. 
 
 K/j/s, from four to five in number, oval in form, varying from pale to dark-green in color, spotted and blotched with 
 yellowish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from l'40x 1'OSto 1'SOx T15. 
 
 1 1 A BITS. 
 
 Just after dark on the fourth of December, 1876, the Yacht Nina was hove to, some 
 miles at sea, off North Island, South Carolina. All day we had been sailing down the coast 
 before a fine breeze, but now the wind was freshening and, as the dangerous Remain Shoals 
 lay just in our course, we had decided that it was best to put into the Pedee River. The 
 Ducks, Loons, and other sea birds had been flying towards land for the last few hours, 
 great cumulus clouds were rolling across the darkening sky, the sea was rising fast, in fact 
 everything indicated a coming gale. We were waiting for the moon to rise for, although 
 the Georgetown Light sent its guiding rays to us, the passage across the bar was intricate 
 and dillicult to follow in the darkness. Soon the east brightened, and then the silvery disk 
 came pushing upward, quickly illuminating the waves which were begining to toss wildly 
 under the influence of the rising wind. Giving one more look at the chart which I had 
 been somewhat anxiously studying, I caine on deck and we put our little vessel's head on 
 her course, steering directly toward the land. For an hour or more we dashed onward, 
 until at last we could see the low, black line of coast. As we drew nearer, we could discern 
 the white sandy beach shining in the pale moonlight, then Hie sound of breakers came to 
 our cars but still we resolutely kept on for I knew that our only safety lay in this course. 
 Suddenly, just as we seemed to be leaping into the now foaming breakers, we swung 
 
160 FISH CROW. 
 
 around and ran along the smooth beach just outside the breakers. It soon became appar- 
 ent why we took this way for we could see a long line of white-capped waves breaking 
 over a shoal that lay to the eastward. So we ran on between the land and reef until the 
 great, luminous eye of the light-house opened upon us from behind the palmetto trees that 
 stood on North Island, then we once more turned landward, this time sailing directly into 
 the mouth of the river and anchored under the lee of a. point. It was well for us that we 
 did for in an hour the wind was blowing such a gale that, sheltered as we were, our yacht 
 dragged her anchor and we were obliged to put over a second. 
 
 As we lay there two days I had a fine opportunity of collecting the birds on the neigh- 
 boring islands. I never remember seeing a more lovely spot than North Island. It con- 
 sisted of small hillocks with ponds interspersed at intervals, while the whole was covered 
 with a thick growth of trees; the evergreen live oak, stately magnolias, glossy-leaved bays, 
 beautiful palmettoes, and large holleys grew in profusion. They were covered with vines 
 and draped with long streamers of Spanish moss, and the whole was surrounded by a ridge 
 of white sand which formed a very appropriate setting for the most perfect gem of an island 
 that I ever saw. 
 
 The wind was blowing hard and cold from the North-east but, as the trees formed a 
 perfect shelter, hundreds of birds were congregated there and by far the most numerous 
 were the Fish Crows; in fact they greatly outnumbered all the other species put together. 
 They were evidently migrating for they came down the coast in an almost unbroken 
 stream and continued to fly all day. I think I saw more pass the island than I ever saw 
 before. It did not seem possible that there could have been so many of these Crows in 
 existence for they could be counted by tens of thousands. I have always found that they 
 accumulate in large flocks in winter and have noted immense numbers on the prairies of 
 Southern Florida, but nothing that I had previously seen ever gave me the impression 
 which I that day received regarding the abundance of these birds, and I was thoroughly 
 satisfied that the Fish Crows were not in any danger of being exterminated, at least in the 
 section of country which they inhabit north of South Carolina. 
 
 The Fish Crows are essentially maritime birds and, as will be infered by the above 
 remarks, gregariously inclined for the greater portion of the year. They spend their time 
 about shores, not only of the sea but of large bodies of water, subsisting largely upon 
 what they can pick up on the margin. They have, however, a singular habit of hovering 
 over the surface in order to catch any floating object, and I have seen several thus en- 
 gaged at one time when they so nearly resembled Gulls that, had it not been for the flight 
 and note, they might have been taken for a black species of this latter named family. 
 They do not, however, depend wholly upon the water to supply them with food, for they 
 are very fond of the fruit of the palmetto and I have also found them feeding on the spicy 
 berries of the bay. 
 
 The Fish Crows are not always, however, content with such diet but, unfortunately 
 for the Herons, Cormorants, Terns, and other birds which breed in rookeries, are extremely 
 fond of eggs and will always eat them whenever a favorable opportunity offers but, as 
 they regard the parents birds, especially the sharp-beaked Herons, with the utmost re- 
 
PLATE Xli. 
 
COUVUS OSSIRFAGUS. 161 
 
 spcct, they never visit the nests excepting in the absence of their owners. The Crows are 
 ' always on the alert, however, and when a nest is left unguarded, even for a moment, they 
 will dart into it, plunge their beaks through the shell of the eggs and carry them away. 
 I i >m-(> i'Dund a nest of a Fish Crow built in a low tree which was completely surrounded 
 by the shells of Cormorant's eggs, each of which was emptied through a hole in the side. 
 There was a rookery on a neighboring island and the Crows spent their time in flying about 
 it, frequently returning with an egg. "Whenever we visited a heronry or Cormorant rookery 
 the Fish Crows had a fine time, for, evidently understanding what we were after and know- 
 ing that the parent birds would retreat before us, they came in numbers and, as they were 
 not shy, would always manage to obtain their share of the eggs. Indeed upon one occasion 
 they carried away all the eggs from a heronry, consisting of upwards of a hundred nests, 
 in an hour's time. 
 
 Of the three species of this genus which occur in Eastern North America, the Raven is 
 the least active, the gravest and the heaviest flyer; next, as an intermediate, comes the 
 Common Crow; while the present species represents the other extreme, being full of nervous 
 activity, flying with a quicker motion of the wings, and seldom sailing. They also stop 
 suddenly and will wheel as readily in the air as a Red-winged Blackbird. They move in 
 straggling flocks and as they go utter the ha-ha which, although not much lower than that of 
 the Common Crow, has such a peculiar intonation as to be recognizable at once. They mi- 
 grate constantly through the winter, and large numbers often pass a given point, thus I 
 have seen them flying for several hours over the Everglades. At such a time, if I shot one 
 and it fell where its companions could see it, they would hover over the spot, then circle 
 about, vociferating loudly, often coming within a few yards of my head. They appear to 
 select particular spots as roosting places, generally in swamps, to which they return before 
 sundown and depart after s mrise. These Crows breed about the first week in April, fre- 
 quently in communities but I have found single nests. The structures are very large for 
 the size of the bird and are placed in trees. Taken all together the Fish Crows can scarce- 
 ly be considered as useful birds but they are decidedly characteristic of southern maritime 
 scenery, and many a barren reach of sea-board is enlivened by their cnegetie movements 
 ami quaint cries. 
 
 I have spoken of the Fish Crows as inhabitants of the sea-shore, but I have also found 
 them on the rivers in the interior of Florida and judge that they occur on large bodies of 
 fresh water some distance from the sea, yet think that in winter they are by far more nu- 
 merous along the coast. I have seen them as far north as Norfolk, Virginia, as late as 
 the tenth of November, but they were migrating then, yet it is possible that some remain- 
 ed all winter. 
 
 (JF.NTS II. (YANTUUS. THE BLUE JAYS. 
 
 ('i.\. CH. Bill, stout and conical, a lit/le shnrtrr than the head which is crested. Winys, alxiut nfual in Icnyth to the 
 taU which it well rounded. Sternum, will proportioned. Marginal indentations equa/iny ini/tji/h the htiykt of /!.<' /.-/</. 
 Size, not larye. 
 
 The prevailing mlnr. ibovoat lei~t. i< blue which, with the crested head, renders the species in this genus conspicuous. 
 The wings arc usually barred with black. 
 
 UIRDS OF 1 LORI1M. 21 
 
162 CYANURVS CR1STATUS. 
 
 CYANUEUS CEISTATUS. 
 
 Blue Jay. 
 Cyanurus cristatus SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am., II; 1831. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Bill, rather thick and conical, with the upper mandible slightly curved. 
 Sternum, ratherstout. Tongue, broad, thin and horny, bifid, and provided with coarse, terminal cilia which extend a- 
 long tlie sides. Crest, not very long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, blue, tinged with purplish, purest on the head. Wings and tail, pure dark-blue, with the 
 inner webs of the former dark-brown, and with the feathers of the latter, excepting central pair, as well as the secondaries, 
 tipped with white, and all are barred with black. The greater wing coverts are also barred with black and tipped with 
 white. Forehead, nasal feathers, ring around eye, and throat, dusky-white. Band across occiput, extending down on the 
 sides of head and connecting with a crescent on the breast by a longitudinal bar, black. Loral spot and under wing cov- 
 erts, also black. Remainder of breast, abdomen, and under tail coverts, white. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Young. Much duller above and with less white on the wings and tail. The black markings of the head, neck, and 
 breast are not as distinct, while there is rather more white below. 
 
 Nestlings. Uniform slaty above, black on the head where there is only a short crest. Wings and tail, as in the above. 
 The black markings of the head, neck, and breast are present, but are rather brownish. The remainder of the lower parts 
 are quite white. Bill and feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Occasionally the black crescent will be bordered above and below with bluish. Florida specimens, although somewhat 
 duller in color, especially below, are not very much smaller than more northern skins. Distributed as a constant resident 
 throughout Eastern North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten specimens from New England and Florida. Length, ll'OO; stretch, 16'25; wing, 5'32; 
 tail, 5'50; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 1'30. Longest specimen, 21'CO; greatest extent of wing, 17'CO; longest wing, 6'25; tail, 4'78; 
 bill, 1'15; tarsus, 1'40. Shortest specimen, HVOO; smallest extent of wing, 15'50; shortest wing, 4'40; tail, 5'00; bill, I'OO; 
 tarsus, 1-20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks and roots, lined with strips of cedar bark and rootlets. Dimensions, exter- 
 nal diameter, fi'OO, internal, 4'50. External depth, 3'50, internal, 2'00. 
 
 Eyys,from four to five in number, oval in form, varying from yellowish-brown to grayish-green in color, spotted 
 and blotched with drab, and occasionally dotted with black. Dimensions from l'05x - 55 to l'20x'90. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have said that the Crows were sagacious, but they certainly find rivals in this par- 
 ticular trait in the Blue Jay for it will be difficult to find a species which exhibits any more 
 sagacity than the present, in many points. The Crows are very fond of hearing their own 
 voices and in this they are also surpassed by the Jays which are certainly as garrulous 
 and as noisy birds as any of our native species. When the first frost has opened, the burs, 
 disclosing the dark-brown chestnuts within, then the Jays are supremely happy and their 
 loud cries resound through the still autumn air. They are extremely busy but utter their 
 cries as they pursue their vocation, for this is their harvest time, and they may be seen 
 flying toward the deep woods, laden with chestnuts which they deposit in some hiding 
 place as a winter store. They usually select some hole in a tree or perhaps a cavity behind 
 a lose strip of bark which they fill with nuts. But they do not confine all their attention 
 to the above named article of diet but will also gather acorns and, what is more unfortunate 
 
BLUE JAY. 163 
 
 for the farmer, will visit the corn field in order to carry away the ripened grain. It is 
 astonishing what an amount of corn these birds will manage to remove in a few weeks. 
 When they have once found a field which is near enough to a wood for them to enter it 
 unperceived, they will labor persistently until the husbandman inteferers with them by 
 shooting some of the thieves or by removing his corn to the barn. Thus the provident 
 Jays find a store of provisions awaiting them when the ground is covered so deeply with 
 ice and snow as to be inaccessible to them. 
 
 In Hying the Jays are somewhat awkward, moving quite slowly, but among the thick 
 branches of the dense woods they are perfectly at home and, as they are exceedingly watch- 
 ful, they are very difficult to approach. If one who has had but little experience in study- 
 ing the habits of these birds, enters a grove which is resounding with their loud cries in 
 search of them, he will be surprised to find that the noise suddenly ceases. He pushes 
 onward into a thicket from which the sound appeared to come only a moment before, but 
 finds nothing and, after a thorough search in every portion of the woods, is obliged to give 
 up the chase, unsuccessful, although the birds have not left the place and have doutlessly 
 often gazed at him within gunshot. They were merely practicing the art of concealing them 
 selves and in this they are almost perfect. I use 'almost' as a qualifying word for I long 
 ago discovered a vulnerable point in their armor; unfortunately they are very inquisitive. 
 As long as the intruder bustles about and shows himself, they sit very quietly in their 
 hiding places or just keep out of his sight by hopping nimbly from limb to limb, but should 
 he merely enter the grove and conceal himself, they appear eager to find out what he looks 
 like. They go about it very cautiously, however, but right here another unfortunate trait 
 discloses itself, they will not keep quiet, but at first one will begin a low muttering sounding 
 exactly as if it were conversing with its companions who will then answer. Thus I have 
 seen many a Jay come to grief through these two faults. 
 
 Like the Crows, the Jays always mob an Owl whenever it ventures into their domains 
 but they are usually content with simply driving it out of the woods, seldom following it 
 into the open sections. They also dislike Hawks and will follow them with mocking 
 cries, taking care, however, to keep well out of the way, yet will always try to annoy their 
 large enemy by imitating his shrill cries. This they do to perfection for the Jays are fine 
 mimics ami their voices are capable of considerable modulation. Their usual notes are 
 harsh and somewhat discordant yet to me it is not unpleasant, but I presume this is owing 
 more to the very [(leasing associations connected with them than to any harmony in the 
 sounds themselves, for the cries of the Jays are oftener heard on those misty autumnal days, 
 when the forests of New Englanld are so rich in color and when the air is as soft and warm 
 as if the departed summer had returned. 
 
 The Jays always seem to prefer the pine or evergreen trees and in winter they are 
 seldom found far away from them, as they retreat to them for shelter during storms and 
 severe weather. No matter how intense the cold, these birds manage to survive provided 
 they have an abundance of food, but I have, on a few occasions, found them frozen to 
 death. This was when a sudden cold snap succeeded a long rain storm, then doubtlessly 
 the Jays were wet through and in this condition their feathers were not such perfect 
 
164 CYANOC1TTA FLORIDANA. 
 
 non-conductors of heat and cold as when dry, therefore they perished. These are the dark 
 days of Jay life, but usually at this season the time passes pleasantly, for they have their 
 stores to draw upon and they may be seen perched upon a branch holding a frozen chest- 
 nut in their claws, hammering at it briskly with their strong beaks until it is broken to 
 pieces when it is swallowed. On fine days they occasionally make excursions into the or- 
 chards in search of the eggs of insects, such as caterpillars and canker worms. Thus they 
 prove of some benefit to the husbandman but they are too great transgressors to be favorites 
 as they, not only steal the farmer's produce, as related, but also rob the nests of other 
 birds, even killing the young. 
 
 In spite of their cautious disposition, Jays are stupid about some things; for example, 
 I know of but few birds that are easier to capture in snairs than this species. I have never 
 found any difficulty in taking them, even in box traps baited with an ear of corn. They 
 are not remarkably interesting as pets, as they do not become tame readily, but are not 
 especially shy in their native state when not molested and I have seen them very abundant 
 in the live oakes which stand in the streets of Jacksonville, Florida, often alighting with- 
 in a few feet of the heads of the pedestrians. They also become quite familiar on the 
 farms in the North, especially in winter, and I know of one that was accustomed to enter 
 a shed when the door was left open. He would hop about the floor or bask in the sun, 
 but was always ready to dart out whenever any one approached. The Jays of New England 
 breed the first week of May, placing the nest in low trees, often choosing a cedar or other 
 evergreen. The birds attend very closely to the duties of incubation, and even if the fe- 
 male be shy at other seasons it is difficult to make her leave her eggs then. When the 
 young appear both parents are very assiduous in guarding them. The newly fledged nest- 
 lings may be found in the woods by the first of July, and the families remain in company 
 until the following summer. The Jays are not usually migratory, or at best, only during 
 some of the severest seasons, when those from the North occasionally come as far south 
 as Massachusetts. 
 
 GENUS III. CYANOCITTA. THE BUSH JAYS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, stout and conical, shorter than the head which is not crested. Wings, shorter than the tail which is 
 graduated. Coracoids, proportionately shorter than those of the preceding genus. Marginal indentations equating in depth 
 the height of the keel. Size, not large. 
 
 The prevailing color above is blue, with an ashy patch on the back, but they are lighter below. The wing^ are not 
 barred. 
 
 CYANOCITTA FLORIDANA. 
 
 Florida Jay. 
 Cyanocilla F/oridana BON., List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Bill, rather thick and conical, with the upper mandible slightly curv- 
 ed. Sternum, as given above. Tongue, broad, thin and horny, bifid , and provided with coarse, terminal cilia which extend 
 along the sides. 
 
FLORIDA JAY. 1C5 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings nml tail, dark-blue, with the top of the anterior part of the head, lighter. 
 Inner wcKs ul' wing feathers, dark-brown. Lories, space around eye, car coverts, and under wing covert", dusky. Beneath, 
 yellowM:-ash. witli a sliglit collar crossing the breast, and under tail coverts, bluish. The throat and under portions of 
 neck arc streaked with dusky. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Yuuny. Quite similar to the adult, but duller, with less blue on the breast, and the top of the head is. lighter. Sex- 
 es, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is occasionally a superciliary line of whitish, while the throat is tinged with bluish, and the colors above are 
 duller. This is especially noticeable in skins which I obtained at Cedar Keys and on the west coast of Florida. Thus it 
 will be seen that Floridana approaches the western forms, for I am inclined to regard the so-called Woodhouseii and Calif or- 
 nica as only local races of this species. Distributed throughout Middle and Northern Florida, also quite likely along the 
 Gulf of Mexico in suitable localities. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of ten specimens from Ftorida. Length, 12'00; stretch, 14'55; wing, 4'52; tail, 50'7; bill, 1'05; 
 tarsus, 1-:JO. Longest specimen, 12'50; greatest extent of wing, 15'GO; longest wing, 4'75; tail. 5-90; bill, I'lO; tarsus, T40. 
 Shortest specimen, ll'SO; smallest extent of wing, 14' 10; shortest wing, 4 - 30; tail, 4'25; bill, I'OO; tarsus, T20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Ncsls, placed in bushes, composed of sticks and roots, lined with weeds and rootlets. Dimensions, external diameter, 
 6-00, internal, 4'50. External depth, 3'50, internal, 2'00. 
 
 Eyys, four in number, oval in form, olive-green in color, spotted and blotched with black. Dimensions from 1'lOx '55 
 to 1-85 x -90. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The soil of Florida is mainly sandy and, although capable of producing much more 
 vegetation than one would suppose when cultivated, is in many sections covered with noth- 
 ing larger than shrubbery which is mostly composed of dwarf and willow oaks. The usual 
 height of these trees is about five feet, but in some localities they attain to nearly double 
 tliis altitude and then the plains which they cover are called high scrub land to distinguish 
 them from the low scrub. As related, the latter is inhabited by the White-eyed Towhee, 
 while in the former the Florida Jays find a home, and as this peculiar growth is confined to 
 certain sections, these birds are quite local in distribution. Thus the first place in which I 
 found them, in going up the St. John's River, was at Blue Springs. Here they were abun- 
 dant, and they occupied a belt of country some forty-five miles wide, extending from the 
 above named part to the coast. They were also numerous on the East side of Indian River 
 as far south, at least, as Merritt's Island, but the strong hold of these birds is in the high 
 scrub lands of the Western Coast, where they fairly swarm. They occur as far south as 
 Tampa Bay, and I found them in quite large flocks on the main-land opposite Cedar Keys. 
 How much further west they extend I am unable to say, but should not be surprised to 
 find them in suitable localities along the entire northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 The Florida Jays are noisy birds at times, and the first intimation which one receives 
 of their presence is a harsh scream which is given as a note of alarm. As they usually 
 move in flocks, this cry is taken up by others, and soon the scrub for many rods around 
 will be resounding with these peculiar sounds. When undisturbed they feed on the ground 
 or in bashes bat, upon the approach of an intruder, will mount the highest point available, 
 where they remain until driven away. They are not usually shy and will allow one to 
 
166 CYANOCITTA FLORID ANA. 
 
 approach them quite closely, but when one or two are shot the survivors instantly disap- 
 pear. Then it is very difficult to catch sight of them, for they are very expert in conceal- 
 ing themselves, or rather they are expert in keeping a safe distance between themselves 
 and their enemy. They will glide through the bushes with remarkable rapidity, never 
 once showing themselves, or if they have an open space to cross dart over it, not in flocks, 
 but singly, and, plunging into the next thicket, they will be at once lost to view. It 
 requires considerable tact to obtain more than three or four out of one community the same 
 day, the best way being to conceal oneself and, by imitating their cries, attract them. 
 They are very inquisitive and, when bent upon investigating any object, will forget their 
 usual caution and venture quite near, muttering in a low tone to their companions who 
 will answer and they will converse in a similar manner to that practiced by the Blue 
 Jays. 
 
 They are of quite a compassionate disposition for, when one of their companions is 
 wounded, they will evince by their frantic movements and cries the utmost sympathy for 
 its misfortune. At one time when I had disabled some Parakeets, several Jays evidently 
 attracted by their cries, gathered around and uttered a singular harsh note which I had 
 never heard before. Shortly after, as I was looking for Ducks in some small ponds near a 
 plantation, not far from Lake Biersford, my attention was attracted by hearing this partic- 
 ular grating cry which was repeated several times. Looking in the direction from which 
 the sound came I was surprised to see a Florida Jay clinging to the flanks of a cow. As 
 this was to me a new feature in the history of these birds, I anxiously watched the pair for 
 further developments. After a moment the Jay jumped upon a branch near but almost 
 instantly alighted upon the side of the animal and appeared to be picking something from 
 her skin. This was evidently agreeable to the cow, for she stretched out her head in a 
 way peculiar to these quadrupeds when they are being caressed by their companions. 
 The bird maintained its position by grasping the shaggy hair with its feet and in this 
 way moved completely under its large friend. Wishing to obtain a closer view of this 
 procedure, 1 approached, when the cow which was one of these half wild animals found in 
 Florida, perceived me and started away upon the ran, brushing the bird off in her rapid pas- 
 sage through the bushes. It alighted on a small tree when I shot it and, upon examining 
 the contents of its stomach, found that it was filled with ticks or jiggers which infest the 
 skin of all quadrupeds in this section of Florida. Thus the apparently strange companion- 
 ship of the two animals was explained and it occurred to me that, as the Jay was probably 
 accustomed to associate with deer for a similar purpose, the loud cry which I heard was 
 intended as a note of warning to its friend for the bird was aware of my presence, but 
 the cow was not sufficiently well posted to understand it as she was, in a measure, domestica- 
 ted whereas the wilder animals being always exceedingly wary, would have comprehended 
 at once that the Jay perceived an enemy. I afterwards saw some others similarly engaged, 
 so concluded that it was a regular habit. 
 
 The Florida Jays breed in the scrub in communities, and I have seen many of their 
 nests in the winter but was not fortunate enough to obtain one with eggs. They lay 
 quite late in the season, about the first of May, and at that time are very assiduous in 
 
PERISOKEUS CANADENSIS. 167 
 
 guarding the locality which they have chosen as homes. At times the Jays become very 
 familiar, approaching the houses on the edges of settlements in order to pick the bones 
 which are thrown about or will even venture to cat the meat hung close to the hunters 
 camp. 
 
 GENUS IV. PERISOREUS. THE GRAY JAYS. 
 
 I! EX. Cn. Dill, stout and conical, much shorter than the head which is semi-crested. Wings, longer than the tail which 
 ix wrli r/mntlcil. Size, medium. 
 
 The principal colors are gray throughout. The feathers are cf that peculiar loose structure seen in the Titmouse, giving 
 the birds a downy appearance. 
 
 PERISOREUS CANADENSIS. 
 
 Canada Jay. 
 Perisoreus Canadensis BON. List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si>. Cn. Form, robust. Siza, medium. Feathers of semi-crest, very downy. Tongue, broad, thin and horny, bifid, 
 and provided with coarse cilia which extend along the sides. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Alxive, ashy-plumbeous, with the top of the head and neck, yellowish-white, crossed by a nauchal 
 band of plumhrnus. The secondaries and tail are slightly tipped with whitish. Beneath, grayish, lighter on the throat 
 and dusky posteriorly. Under wing coverts, plumbeous. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Young. Not nearly as light about the head as in the adult, and they are duller below, while there is n slight indica- 
 tion of a dusky line through the eye. 
 
 Nest/inys. Verydusky throughout with little or no white on the head. There isalso a well-defined dusky line through 
 the eye. The throat is also dusky. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a noticeable similarity in plumage in si>eeimens of the same age and sex butsome are a little lighter below than 
 thixe which I have described. Distributed throughout Northern North America, coming into Northern United States, 
 especially in winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 .\\cragc measurements of five specimens from New Hampshire. Length, 12 - 00; stretch, 17'45; wing,5'75; tail 5-75; 
 bill, '80; tarsus, 1-65. Longest specimen, 12'10; greatest extent of wing, 17'50; longest wing, 5'50; tail, G'OO; bill, '85; 
 tarsus, 1.70. Shortest specimen, 11'25; smallest extent of wing, 17'00; shortest wing, 5 - 60; tail, 5'70; bill, '75; tarsus, T52. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, built in trees, composed of sticks moss and grass, lined with fine roots. Dimensions, external diameter, 6MK), 
 internal, 3-50. External depth, 4'00; internal, 2'00. 
 
 Rjijs , five to six in number, oval in form , pale gray in color, spotted and blotched with brown. Dimensions from 1 '05 x 
 55 M l'25x-<JO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There is a great contrast in the country inhabited by the bird which we now have un- 
 der consideration and the one last described. The home of the Florida Jay is in a land 
 where frosts are seldom known and where snow never falls, aland of almost perpetual sun- 
 shine where the flowers bloom throughout the year. The Canada Jays inhabit the gloomy 
 evergreen forests of the North, where the thick branches of the giant hemlocks and spruces 
 exclude the sunlight and the short summer passes so quickly that vegetation has but little 
 time to advance, while for a greater portion of the year the Ice King reigns supreme. 
 
 It was in the primitive forests of Northern New Hampshire, that I first met with 
 the Canada Jay. This was on the third of November, 18C8, and there had been a heavy 
 
168 CANADA JAY. 
 
 fall of snow during the night and the ground was covered with a white mantle. The 
 early morning found me following an old logging road through the woods. The branches 
 of the trees which met over my head were bending with the weight of snow that lay 
 upon them, while the smaller undergrowth was completely enshrouded. Thus I was entire- 
 ly surrounded by masses of glittering white which not only prevented my seeing the sky 
 overhead, but also excluded any extended view on either hand. I was some miles from 
 the nearest settlement; thus not a living thing was in sight and not a sound broke the 
 stillness, when at once I was somewhat startled by hearing a most peculiar note. A few 
 days before, two of us had chased a lynx through this very section and I was certain 
 that the noise was made by one of those animals for it was a kind of mew not unlike that 
 given by the wild cat. This sound was repeated several times, followed by a low mur- 
 muring and, as I remained perfectly quiet, the author of these peculiar notes approached 
 nearer when I was enable to discover that it was a Caimda Jay. Then another appeared 
 and still another until I was surrounded by quite a flock of them. They were all vocifer- 
 ateing loudly as if surprised at seeing a human being in such a lonely spot but they were 
 not in the least shy as they came within a few feet of my head in order to examine me 
 critically. I have always found these birds tame in the section remote from settlements 
 but in the more cultivated districts they soon become wild. Thus I found them very 
 difficult to approach at Bethel, Maine, where they occur in winter and where they are 
 frequently shot. 
 
 This latter named point is about their southern range in winter, but on one occasion 
 I saw an individual in Newtonville. This was in early summer some four years ago and 
 I was walking through the streets of the village accompanied by a friend, when I observed 
 a bird flying over a vacant lot pursued by two or three Robins. It was flying very slow- 
 ly as if weary and, coming directly toward us, alighted panting on the sidewalk with- 
 in a few yards of our feet. I instantly went forward and recognised it as a Canada Jay. 
 The poor bird was so completely dazed with fright, that I nearly caught it in my hands, 
 but, as I stooped to take it up, it flew into a neighboring garden taking refuge in some 
 ornamental evergreens where we followed and endeavored to capture it; but it always elud- 
 ed our grasp then, after recovering somewhat, flew away over some house tops and was lost 
 to our view. How this stranger came so far from its home, especially during such warm 
 summer weather, remains an unsolved mystery, nor did I ever hear of this particular Jay 
 again. 
 
 In comparing the flight of the three Jays of which I have spoken, I find that that of 
 the Blue Jays is the strongest, and they frequently fly long distances; the Florida Jays 
 are inclined to sail more, especially when moving across a short space and they seldom go 
 far at one time; while the Canada Jays are the poorest flyers of them all usually sailing 
 about through the trees and seldom leaving the woods in order to taking a prolonged flight. 
 They are very agile among the trees, however, hopping from limb to limb with great ra- 
 pidity and when anxious to conceal themselves will manage to accomplish it in an exceed- 
 in^ly short time. They are said to breed in February placing their nests in evergreen 
 trees, thus the young appear in early spring. 
 
CLAMATORES. 169 
 
 SECTION II. CLAMATORES. SONGLESS BIRDS. 
 
 Inferior larynx provided, with less than five pairs of muscles. The stcrno-trachcalis 
 has its origin above the. broncho-trachealis. 
 
 Birds in this Section lack the complicated singing apparatus found in those which are 
 placed under Oscincs. These last named birds have five pairs of vocal muscles in addition 
 to the stcrno-trachcalis which may be considered as a sixth pair, for they not only support 
 the trachea but, by drawing it downward, thus relaxing the tympaniforui membrane, aid 
 in producing sound. 
 
 I have given life-sized drawings of the inferior larynx of a Crow in Plate VI, figs. 1 
 to 4, in order that students may understand the various parts. Fig. 4 shows a view from 
 the lower side; 0, is a portion of the trachea and B, the bronchial tubes which extend to 
 the lungs. The muscles which are deeper in color, are as follows: Bt, broncho-trachealis; 
 Bp, broncho-trachealis posticus. Fig. 3 exhibits a side view with the same figures ap- 
 plied to the same parts as far as explained. The broncho-trachealis is better defined and 
 its division into the broncho-trachealis anticus, B, and posticus, Bp, is very clearly seen. 
 The broncho-trachealis brevis is given at Bb, the bronchialis posticus at BB, which with 
 the bronchialis anticus, BB.\, make up the number of vocal muscles; their counterparts 
 being on the opposite side. It is observable that the sterno-trachealis has its tracheal or- 
 igin below the division of the broncho-trachealis; the other extremity being attached to 
 the costal process of the sternum, seen in fig. 5, Cp. The exact point from which this 
 muscle emerges from the trachea is of great importance in determining in which section 
 of the order Insessores any particular species is to be placed, for, in all birds which only 
 have the power of modulating their voices to a limited extent, this muscle will be found 
 to originate on the trachea quite above the broncho-trachealis. This will be further il- 
 lustrated in a future plate in which I purpose giving drawings of the larynx of some mem- 
 ber of Section II. 
 
 The other accessories for producing melodious sounds are the tympaniform membrane 
 which stretches across the under side of the upper portion of the bronchial tubes, fig. 2, 
 M, and the scmilunar membrane, shown in fig. 1, which is a section of the larynx, at S. It 
 is supported by the os transversale, T, a slender bone which crosses the interior of the tra- 
 chea. The office of the laryngeal muscles is to tighten these two membranes, which then 
 vibrate and produce sound. 
 
 FAMILY I. TYRANNID^J. THE TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 Bill, more or less Irianyu/ar inform, wider than hiyh at base, and the upper mandible /' abruptly curved at tip which it 
 notched. Nasal and loral rcyion at base uf upper mandible provided with stiff bristles which also very often occur on the chin. 
 Sternum, broad with hiyh keel. 
 
 i- a largo family with dull colors, occasionally relieved by yellow below or by bright markings on tlie crown. 
 The dill r. nr, , between the various genera are slight, although constant. I have made some change" in the arrangement 
 of the genera, ba-eJ mainly upon anatomical characters. The tympaniforui membrane is always present bat, although I 
 have found the os transversalo in all that I have examined, yet I hove never seen the semilunar membrane. The coracoids 
 are short, but are set on at an angle causing t'.ia farcular to b3 wall arched, an 1 in tjr-nin vl prJSJ-H is short. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 22 
 
170 MYIARCHUS CR1NITVS. 
 
 GENUS I. MYIA11CHUS. THE CRESTED FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, about as lony as the head, which is crested, but without a Mr/lit central patch of feathers. Outer 
 yuills, not incised. Tail, slightly rounded. height of keel, less t/ian one half the length of the coracoids. Upper outline 
 ofmanubrium, viewed from the side, straight for one third the length then any led obliquely downward. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, narrow andshallow. Broncho-trachealis anticus and posticus present , also traces of bronchialis anticus. 
 
 The colors above are dull, but there is more or less yellow below. I have placed this genus nearest the Section Oscines 
 partly on account of the similarity of the stsrnil charactars but m jre particularly on account of the developement of the 
 laryngeal muscles which exceed those of any species in this Section that have come under my notice. 
 
 MYIARCHUS CRINITUS. 
 
 Great Crested Flycatcher. 
 
 Myiarchus crinitus CABANIS, Jour, fur Ornith. Ill; 1855, 479. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, large. Sternum, as given above. Feathers of the crest, long but rounded at the 
 tip. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, olivaceous-green with the feathers of the top of the head showing darker centers. Upper 
 tail coverts and tail, dull-cinnamon, tinged with greenish, with the inner webs of the feathers of the latter, excepting a nar- 
 row margin next the shaft, bright-cinnamon. Wings, including coverts, dark-brown, with the tips of the latter, forming 
 bars, and the edges of the scapularies and secondaries, pale-yellow, while the outer edge of the basal portions of the primaries 
 are bright-cinnamon, and the inner webs of all the longer feathers are edged with pale-cinnamon. Throat and upper 
 breast, dark-ash. Remainder of upper parts, including under wing and tail coverts, lemon-yellow. Bill, brown. Feet, 
 black. 
 
 Young. Differ from the adult in having the bars on the wings less clearly defined, in being darker above, and in hav- 
 ing greenish on the anterior portions of the sides. The cinnamon is also darker. 
 
 Young of the year. Color above, inclined to be reddish, the bars on the wings are clearly defined, but the whitish is 
 replaced by pale-cinnamon and the edgings show very little yellow. The outer webs of the tail feathers are lighter cinna- 
 mon, the throat is lighter, and the yellow of the breast encroaches upon the dusky. 
 
 Nestlings. The top of the head is overwashed with pale-cinnanon. Beneath, very pale with the yellow encroaching 
 upon the breast considerably. Sexes, similar in ail .stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Occasionally there will be indications of narrow cinnamon edgings to the feathers of the crest, this being especially 
 observable in Florida specimens. Birds from this latter named section are also darker than the more northern skins other- 
 wise they are quite similar m coloration, but the bill is almost always longer and the curved point of the upper mandible is 
 more elongated; they do not differ in size, however. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern North America from Mid- 
 dle Maine to Southern Florida, wintering on the Keys and in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirteen specimens. Length, 8'8#; stretch, 13'30; wing,4'15; tail, 3'75; bill, '80; tarsus, -81. 
 Longest specimen, 9'20; greatest extent of wing, 13'60; longest wing, 4'35; tail, 4MtO; bill, '92; tarsus, '90. Shortest 
 specimen, 8'50; smallest extent of wing, 13'0(); shortest wing, 4 - 00; tail, 3'50; bill, '70; tarsus, '77. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of grass and fine weeds with an occasional cast-off skin of a snake. Dimen- 
 sions, external diameter, 4MK), internal, 2 - 50. External depth, 2 4 00, internal, TOO. 
 
 Eggs, four to five in number, rather elliptical in form, buff in color, streaked and lined with brown and lilac. The 
 markings are usually placed longitudinally and give the eggs a peculiar appearance rendering them at once distinguishable. 
 Dimensions from '80 x'65 to '85 x '70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few birds, even among the most melodious of the Oscines, that render 
 themselves more conspicuous by their voices than the Great Crested Flycatchers. It is true 
 
ORE A T CRESTFD FL YCA TCHER. 171 
 
 that all the notes which they utter are given in about the same tone, yet their cries are 
 loud, consisting of a scries of somewhat shrill whistles often followed by a harsh chatter. 
 There is considerable individual variation in the notes of these birds, yet there is a similar- 
 ity of intonation by which they can at once be recognized. Besides the regular lay, I 
 have heard them give a peculiar note which so nearly resembles the call of the Quail that 
 it is impossible to decide which of the species is producing the sound. The first place 
 that I ever heard this cry was in a thick hummock at Miami, when I was so completely de- 
 ceived that I advanced carefully through some yards of tangled thicket, expecting every 
 moment to start a Quail, and did not discover, my mistake until I had approached so near 
 a Great Crested Flycatcher which was perched on a low bush, as to be enabled to perceive 
 the motion of its throat as it gave utterance to the imitative strain. The locality in 
 which I found this particular bird was exceptional for these Flycatchers do not often occur 
 in the hummocks of Florida but prefer the more open country, being usually found in the 
 piny woods. These latter named sections are usually vast plains with slight depressions 
 which are fdled witn water and grown up to cypress trees. These swamps, generally cir- 
 cular in form and which vary from fifty to several hundred yards in diameter, are the chos- 
 en resort of the Great Crested Flycatcheis. Indeed, it is difficult to find a swamp which 
 is surrounded by pine woods, after the first of April that is not guarded by one or more of 
 these birds. I say guarded, for like nearly all members of this section they seem to con- 
 sider the land in their immediate vicinity as their special property and will instantly 
 eject any uvian intruder which ventures upon their domains. 
 
 The Great Crested Flycatchers spend the entire winter on the Keys but do not make 
 their appearance on the southern portions of the main-land of Florida until March. They 
 reach the vicinity of Jacksonville in early April, arrive in Pennsylvania about the first of 
 May, and I have taken them in Massachusetts during the second week of the month. In 
 Pennsylvania I found them frequenting old apple orchards and they build in holes after 
 the manner of the Blue Bird, depositing their eggs about the middle of June. It is a 
 well known fact that the sloughs of snakes are -very frequently found in their nests, they do 
 not always occur, yet their presence is so general as to leave no doubt but that it is a 
 decided habit of the Flycatchers to use thorn. Why these singular objects are employed 
 is of course a matter of pure conjecture, yet, as the skins arc placed in a conspicuous posi- 
 tion and as the birds must take considerable pains to secure them, it is probable that they 
 are intended as something more than mere building material. Dried snakes' skins are hard- 
 ly attractive enough to be considered as ornamental, even to birds, so we are forced to the 
 conclusion that they must be regarded as useful by the Flycatchers. It is noticeable that 
 many birds exhibit great fear of snakes, and Robins or other species may be kept from 
 eating berries by simply hanging the slough of a snake on the bushes. 
 
 Therefore it is quite possible that the Flycatchers taught by a long experience, use 
 the skins of these reptiles to frighten away such predatory species as Cuckoos and Crow 
 Blackbirds. The Great Crested Flycatchers become attached to certain localities and will 
 build their nests for several successive years in the same hole if not disturbed. Individu- 
 
172 TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 als also have the habit of visiting particular trees during certain hours of the clay and I 
 have seen the same bird return to perch on the top of a high black walnut regularly every 
 day at a given hour in the afternoon. I do not think that he missed a day during the 
 two or three weeks that I observed him. These birds guard their nests quite assiduously, 
 especially when they have young, but do not appear to pay their offspring much attention 
 after they have left the nest and have become somewhat accustomed to snapping up insects, 
 in which art they soon become expert. About the middle of August, when the young are 
 flying about, the adults become silent and retire to the woods to moult and soon after mi- 
 grate. 
 
 GENUS II. TYRANNUS. THE KING BIRDS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Head, semi-crested with a briyht central patch of feathers. Outer quills, incised. Tail, square and s!iy!it/>j 
 emaryinale. Height of keel , about equal to one half the length of the coracoids. Upper outline of manubrium, viewed from 
 the side, showiny a rounded process with a truncated end. Marginal indentations, shallow but not very narrow. Only sliyhl 
 traces of either division of the broncho-trachealis but the bronchiaHs is well developed. 
 
 The colors above are dark but lighter below being either white or yellow. The central patch of the crown is only pres- 
 ent in the adult stage. This genus appears to come next Myiarchus in laryngeal developement as well as in sternal char- 
 acters. 
 
 TYRANNUS CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 King Bird. 
 Tyrannus Carolinensis BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 171. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Sternum, not very stout. Feathers of the crest, somewhat lance-shaped. 
 Bill, shorter than the head. Tongue, thin, flat, and horny, bifid at tip, but not provided with cilia. 
 
 Color. Adult. Above, dark slaty-blue with the top of head nearly black. Upper tail coverts, dark and edged with 
 white. Tail, black with the outer web of two thirds of the terminal portion of outer feather rather widely, and a shorter 
 terminal portion of all the remaining feathers narrowly edged, and tips of them all, white. Wings, dark-brown with the 
 lesser coverts slaty, and both rows tipped with white with a tinge of sulphury-yellow forming indistinct bars, while all the 
 remaining feathers are edged with white. Central patch of feathers on the crown, bright-orange under which arc some of 
 yellow. Beneath including under tail coverts, pure-white with under wing coverts, sidas, flanks, and an indistinct band 
 across the breast, slaty. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Young. Show traces of brown above, the head is not as dark, the orange patch is not as extended, and the white tip- 
 ping to the tail is not as broad. 
 
 Young of the year in autumn. Quite similar to the preceding but browner above, especially on the head which is 
 without the concealed central patch. The white edgings of the feathers of the rump are replaced by reddish and the other 
 white markings above are tinged with sulphury-yellow. 
 
 Nestlinys. Uniform brownish-slaty above. The white markings are much less extended than in the young and cither 
 decidedly sulphury or yellowish-rufous. Beneath, pure silky-white with but few traces of slaty anywhere. Inside of mouth, 
 yellow. Bill, black. Feet, plumbeous. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is but little individual variation in plumage even in specimens from Florida, but the bills of the more southern 
 birds are larger and have the curved tip longer. Nestlings from the same brood vary somewhat in amount of white on the 
 wings and tail, also in shade of color above and amount of slaty below. Distributed in summer thoughout Eastern United 
 States from Florida, at least as far north as Canada. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens from New England. Length, 8'37; stretch, 14'55; wing, 4'21; tail, 3-31: 
 bill, '72; tarsus, '65. Longest specimen, 8'55; greatest extent of wing, 15'27; longest wing, 5'05; tail, 4'42; bill, -70; 
 tarsus, (>. Shortest specimen, 8'20; smallest extent of wing, 13-77; shortest wing, 4'37; tail, 3'10; bill, '75; tarsus, "70. 
 
 
KING BIRD. 173 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .V </*, placed in trees, rntlier bulky structures, composed of grass, weeds, of which the common everlasting usually forms 
 the urrater part, and roots, lined with fine grass and rootlets. Dimensions, external diameter, 4'50, internal, 2'50. Exter- 
 nal depth. 2-M. internal, 1'50. 
 
 <. four to five in number, oval in form, pale-buff in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with umber and lilac. 
 Dimen-ioiis from 1 '00 x '75 to '85 x '65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 About the second week in May, when the advancing vegetation has given assurance 
 that the cold season has fairly passed, the peculiar, shrill, continuous cries of the King 
 Birds are heard in the open fields and orchards of New England. The males arrive first 
 and with a characteristic promptness which this species ever displays, each individual selects 
 some particular spot as a home and guards it with great assiduity. A few days later the 
 females arrive and both soon begin the duties of nest building. The King Birds in certain 
 districts appear to prefer particular kinds of trees in which to place their domiciles. Thus 
 in some sections it is quite difficult to find a nest which is not built in a buttonwood. In 
 other localities the birds select apple trees, while in some places they show a predilection for 
 bushes which overhang the water. They never build in very close assemblies for in no case 
 will one pair allow another to settle very near them, but they sometimes exhibit a decid- 
 ed inclination to sociability by building in detached communities. When family affairs 
 are fairly under way, and the female is sitting, the male redoubles his watchfulness but 
 when the young appear both parents guard the vicinity of the nest with the most jealous 
 care. Then, all such enemies to small birds as Crows and Hawks are obliged to exercise 
 care while passing near a King Bird's nest, for upon the appearance of one of these birds 
 he is instantly attacked with a fury that cannot be resisted, for the King Bird is both 
 powerful and agile. I have seen an unfortunate Crow which was merely flying over an 
 (in-hard in which a pair of these irascible birds had a home, assailed and not only driven 
 from the spot but pursued for half a mile. 
 
 The boldness of the King Birds is noticeable and their attacks even to species much 
 lamer than themselves is no trifling matter, for they do not, like many other birds under 
 similar circumstances, merely dash at the object of their dislike and pass it without touch- 
 ing it, but they stvikc so hard with their sharp beaks as to frequently make the feathers 
 fly. At any rate, I never saw a Crow or Hawk but what would retreat as hastily as possi- 
 ble, their usual plan being to rise very high in the air, thus escaping the persecutions of 
 the persistant little tyrants. Even cats arc ignominiously driven from the field by the brave 
 King Birds. Cats are very cowardly when they are obliged to encounter any danger 
 which they do not understand, and I once saw one badly frightened by a Chipping Sparrow. 
 This particular animal was notably brave and would seldom retreat before a dog, but in 
 the case in hand the Sparrow alighted directly upon her head as she was about to spring 
 upon its young, chirping loudly, at the same time pecking her ears fiercely. The Cat 
 was completely mystified by this strange proceeding and instantly rushed away, shaking 
 her head as she ran, thus dismounting the bird. The downward swoops of the Flycatchers 
 which are always accompanied by loud screams judiciously delivered by the birds at the 
 
174 TYRANNUS DOMINICENSIS. 
 
 moment they strike, generally prove too much for feline courage, and I never saw a cat 
 that would await a second attack. 
 
 The King Birds also appear to prefer certain plants for building materials, for exam- 
 ple in the interior they very frequently use the common everlasting, while on the sea shore 
 they choose the bleached eel-grass. The eggs are deposited early in June and the young 
 leave the nest by the middle of July. This is a time fall of anxiety for the parents as they 
 are extremely solicitous for the safety of their offspring. They manage to keep them to- 
 gether never permitting one to stray far from the others, then when danger appears they 
 Avill fly around them and by their cries induce them to move away. 
 
 I once saw a family of four nestlings sitting together and, as I came near, the adult 
 birds tried to persuade them to fly by uttering loud cries, going a short distance in the 
 direction they wished them to take and returning. Their offspring were quite young and 
 did not appear to comprehend, for they did not move. As I drew nearer, the adults be- 
 came quite excited and darted frantically about, then finding that the objects of their care 
 did not understand what they wanted, one, evidently the female, flew swiftly against two 
 that were sitting together, causing them to take wing, when the remainder followed and 
 all moved away to a distant tree. 
 
 Just after sunset, during the bright evenings of summer, the King Birds have a 
 singular habit of taking a rapid flight upward. After going some yards silently, they will 
 suddenly dart obliquely a few feet uttering a shrill twittering, then will mount higher, 
 only to repeat this eccentric movement again and again. Then having attained to a con- 
 siderable altitude, they will quietly descend into the gathering darkness. I never remember 
 observing this excepting during twilight and think that the same bird performs but once 
 during the evening. As the males only exhibit this peculiarity, it may be regarded as an 
 attempt at a song and, although not very melodious, is not unpleasant. There are prob- 
 ably few birds which are so useful as the King Birds for they are almost, if not wholly, 
 insectivorous and, aside from their habit of eating a few honey-bees, never do any harm. 
 They may be seen perched on a convenient fence-post or mullen-stalk, occasionally launch- 
 ing out at some passing insect and, with a decisive snap of their strong beaks, terminating 
 its career. The King Birds remain in New England until about the middle of September, 
 then depart southward. I think that they must migrate very rapidly, passing quite out 
 of the United States to winter in the West Indies. They enter Florida on their return 
 about the first of May, a few remaining to breed. 
 
 TYRANNUS DOMINICENSIS. 
 
 Gray King Bird. 
 Tyrannus Dominicensis RICH. List; 1837. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, very robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Feathers of the crest, somewhat lance-shaped. Bill, stoat, 
 longer than the head. Tail, somewhat forked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, light-slaty inclined to brownish, with the top of the head darker. Wings and tail dark- 
 brown with all the feather? edged with sulphury-yellow. These edges are wider on the secondaries and tertiaries and both 
 
GRAY KIN G BIRD . 175 
 
 rows of coverts nre tipped with tlic same color, forming indistinct Imrs. Conccnlc<l coronal patch, orange and yellow with 
 white iit the base. There is a broad, dusky line commencing nt the lores and extending over the ear coverts. Beneath, in- 
 cluding under tail coverts, yellowish-white, with the sides, flunks, and indistinct bar across the breast, slaty. Under wing 
 
 -, sulphury-yellow. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 Y.-'inij. Similar to the adult, hut browner above, and with much less white on the wings which is often replaced by 
 brownish. Sexes, similar in ail .stage-. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is some variation in the size and form of the hill but there is a great similarity of coloration. Readily known 
 from tin' preceding spivics l>y the larger size, stouter and longer bill, absence of white on the tip of the tail, and general 
 ] paler colors above. Distributed in summer throughout the Keys and along both coasts of Florida, north on the Atlantic 
 side to Charlston, South Carolina; accidental in Massachusetts. Winters in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-two specimens from Florida. Length, 9'52; stretch, 15-32; wing,4'43; toil, 3-82; bill, 
 1-24; tarsus. -77. Longest spceiincn, D'hO; greatest extent of wing, 1C- 10; longest wing, 5'06; tail, 4-;J. r >; hill, 1-45; tarsus, 
 80. Shortest specimen, 9'25; smallest extent of wing, 14'55; shortest wing, 3'80; tail, 3'40; bill, 1 04; tarsus, '74. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 A'' sis, placed in hushes, composed of grass and weeds, lined with fine grass and rootlets. Dimensions, external diam- 
 eter, 4-75, internal, 2 75. External depth, 2'75, internal, 1-75 
 
 Eyys, Four in number, deep-salmon in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with umber and lilac. Dimensions from 
 1 10 x -80 to "JO x '70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first time that I ever saw the Gray King Bird was on the seventh of April, 
 1 S71 . I was in company with my friend, Mr. II. W. Henshaw, and we were just return- 
 ing from a trip into the Everglades. As we were pulling slowly along the sluggish stream 
 which is the begining of the Miami River, we were saluted by a loud whoop and, turning 
 in the direction of the sound, saw the tall form of the young Seminole chief, Tiger-tail, 
 looming up over the tops of the grass which is not very high at this point. He had ob- 
 served us and, wishing to cross the river, had hailed us. After setting him on the other 
 side, we passed onwards but it was owing to the slight delay which this incident occasioned 
 that we saw the Flycatcher now under consideration for, just as we neared the rapids 
 which occur in the river as it emerges from the Everglades, a bird flew silently across 
 and alighted on a tall cypress which stood near the margin. I at once recognized it as 
 being the Gray King Bird and pointed it out to my companion, who landed and secured 
 the specimen. 
 
 This bird was evidently a straggler for I did not see any more at Miami, nor did I 
 meet with the species again until the last week in April, when I found them very abun- 
 dant among the Keys. There is a similarity in the flight of the Gray King Bird and 
 that of the common King Bird but, the former may be at once recognized by their heavier 
 movements, and they are much less agile. The northern species are noisy birds but in 
 this respect they are excelled by the Gray King Birds which are constantly chattering. 
 They not only utter their cries while flying, but will also give their shrill notes while sit- 
 ting, raising their wings while so doing, very much after the manner of the Red-winged 
 Blackbirds. 
 
176 CONTOP US B OREAL1S. 
 
 The Gray King Birds appear to prefer the outer, or higher, keys and visit them in 
 great numbers, especially during the spring migration. In order to give some idea of the 
 homes of these birds, I will describe Bamboo Key where I found them particularly common. 
 This little island which contains nearly two acres of land, lies about midway between Key 
 West and Cape Florida. It is one of a line of outer keys which have an old coral reef for 
 a foundation and, as the present reef which extends parallel with the keys but which lies five 
 miles at sea, is clearly visible, this is used as a wrecking station and has a lookout erect- 
 ed upon it. There were two families living there but, with the characteristic improv- 
 idence of the poorer class in Florida, they did not attempt to cultivate the soil, choosing 
 rather to depend upon a precarious livelihood gained by wrecking. Thus the vegetation 
 of the place was, in a great degree, in a primitive condition. Nearly Ihe whole key was 
 surrounded by a belt of mangroves but these grew on very low ground over which the tide 
 rose every day; higher, on the dryland, were bushes among which two or three species of 
 cacti grew in profusion and, as the whole was overgrown by a tangled mass of vines, it 
 formed an impenetrable thicket. The wreckers had formed a small clearing in the midst of 
 this jungle and erected two or three wretched houses. 
 
 I landed on the first of May and remained there several days during which time I 
 saw hundreds of Gray King Birds. They appeared to be migrating, for numbers were con- 
 stantly arriving from sea-ward, yet, unlike many other species, they invariably came in 
 pairs and were evidently mated as they were constantly pursuing each other through the 
 air in a playful manner, at the same time vociferating loudly. They exhibit a decided 
 preference for mangroves and later, by the middle of the month, build their nests in them, 
 usually selecting bushes which overhang the water. These birds inhabit all of the higher 
 keys from Key West to Cape Florida. They also occur on the West Coast in suitable 
 localities but I do not think that they are as abundant on the East side of the peninsula. 
 They must migrate early, as I never found them in autumn. 
 
 GENUS III. CONTOPUS. THE PEWEES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, shorter than the head which is crested but without the central coronet patch. Outer quills, sliyhlly in- 
 cised. Tail, square and cmarr/inate. Upper outline of manubrium, viewed from the side, rounded gradually downward. 
 Heiyht of keel, a little less than one half the lenc/th of the coracoids. Broncho-trachealis, sliyhtly developed. Bronchialis, 
 quite larye. 
 
 The colors are dull, relieved only by restricted white markings below. There is a silky patch of elongated, white feath- 
 ers growing from the sides of the upper rump. The under mandible of the adult is yellow, veined with red in life. 
 
 CONTOPUS BOREALIS. 
 
 Olive-sided Flycatcher. 
 
 Contopus Borealis BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 188. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Si/e, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, triangular in form, thin, horny, bifid, provided with 
 coarse cilia which extend along the sides. Stomach, somewhat muscular. Wings, long and pointed. Feathers of seini- 
 crest, rounded. 
 
 Color. Adult. Above, including wings, tail, and upper tail coverts, dark sooty-brown overwashed with plumbeous on 
 all portions excepting top of the head. Edges of secondaries, tertiaries, and tips oftwo rows of wing coverts, forming indis- 
 tinct bars, white. Beneath, including under tail coverts, yellowish-white. Narrow band across breast, sides, flanks, and 
 
 
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 177 
 
 un.ler win.;; coverts, thirkly streaked witli olivaceous-slaty. Upper inancliMe, dark-hrown, under, yellow, darker at tip. 
 l-'eet. l>laek. 
 
 Yo-um/ of the year in autumn. Similar to the a<lult but more strongly tinged with yellow below, the wing bars show 
 n tingini: "I' rufous and the under mandible is dark-brown. 
 
 M-itl/iny.i. Are more oli\ne>ous above. The white of the wings is replaced by rufous. Under portions, inclined to 
 buff. Hill, dark-brown, yellow at base of bwer mandible. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is but little variation in plumage in specimens of the same age Readily known from all allied species by the 
 lame >i/.e and olivaceous markings lielow as well as by the greater proportionate length of wing. The descriptions of the 
 younger stages are from specimens in the cabinet of Mr. Win. Brewster. Distributed in summer from Massachusetts, north- 
 ward. \\imeis south of the I'nited States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avenge measurements of seven specimens from New England. Length, 7*02; stretch, 12-92; wing, 4-00; tail, 2-82: 
 bill. -(>0; tarsus -ft*. Longest specimen, 7'74; greatest extent of wing, 13-50; longest wing, 4'20; tail, 2'09; bill, -71; 
 tarsus, (>. Shortest specimen, 7'50; smallest extent of wing, 12-45; shortest wing, 3'80; tail, 2'74; bill, '65; tarsus, '60. 
 
 DESCRimON OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Netts, placed in trees, composed of sticks and weeds, lined with fine roots. Dimensions, external diameter, 4'00, inter- 
 nal, 2-0(1. Kxternal depth, 2'00, internal, I'OO. 
 
 K/i/.t. three to four in number, oval in form, salmon colored, spotted and blotched with yellowish-brown, umber and 
 lilac. Dimensions from'75x-60 to'85x'65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The last Flycatcher described was a member of the avi-fauna of the extreme southern 
 portion of the United States and now we will turn to one which inhabits the more north- 
 ern section of the Union. In many parts of Maine and New Hampshire, clearings are 
 made in the primitive woods by cutting away the smaller growth of timber, but the larger 
 trees are merely girdled. A belt of bark of greater or less width is removed completely 
 around the trunk, after which the trees soon die but are left standing until they decay. 
 These uiuantic spruces and hemlocks which have required centuries to come to maturity, 
 do not quickly succumb to the destroying elements but the bark soon falls away and the 
 exposed wood becomes whitened by the sun and air. They will last for years and portions 
 of forests thus treated are called deadnings, a suggestive name, for these leafless giants 
 stretching their withered and whitened limbs over the despoiled soil, strongly remind one 
 of tombstones in p cemetery. The Olive-sided Flycafchers, however, do not appear to 
 regard them in such a melancholy light, but look upon them as convenient roosting places 
 and whenever one of these clearings occur on the side of a mountain or other rising ground, 
 the loud whistling notes of these birds may be heard. If the deadnings be large, there 
 may be two pairs but usually there is only one, for, like the other members of this family, 
 the Olive-sided Flycatchers are very quarrelsome and will not permit any birds, much less 
 one of the same species, to settle very near them. 
 
 The notes of these birds are very loud, fully equalling those of the Great Crested Fly- 
 catchers, if not exceeding them. The ordinary call slightly resembles the plaintive pe-wee 
 of the Wood Pewee, but is so much harsher and is given with so much emphasis that the 
 similarity is scarcely perceived upon hearing the cry, but comes as an after-thought. Be- 
 sides this comparatively gentle strain, the Olive-sided Flycatchers utter some loud whistles 
 when alarmed that may be heard at a great distance. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 23 
 
178 CONTOPUS V1RENS. 
 
 In Massachusetts, these. Flycatchers appear to prefer old fields grown up to cedars, 
 but place the nest on the outermost limb of some deciduous tree, either an apple or an oak. 
 They become attached to certain localities and will return year after year to breed in the 
 same place, for Mr. II. A. Purdie has found the nest several successive seasons in one field. 
 They are extremely solicitous for the safety of their eggs and sound their loud alarm notes 
 so frequently that, as Mr. Purdie remarks, they always betray their nesting place. 
 
 They arrive in New England about the middle of May, nest the first week in June, 
 the young leave their homes by the middle of July, and all migrate by the last of August. 
 I saw a single specimen on a slope of the Alleghany Mountains near Williamsport, Penn- 
 sylvania, as late as the first week of June, thus it is possible that they breed in the more 
 elevated portions of that section, more especially as the growth of timber- there corresponds 
 quite nearly to that of Northern New Hampshire. 
 
 CONTOPUS VIRENS. 
 
 Wood Pewee. 
 Contopux virens CABAXIS, Jour, fur Ornith., Ill; 1855, 479. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, rather long, tliin and horny, bifid, but without 
 the terminal cilia. Stomach, not very muscular. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper tail coverts, olivaceous-brown, darkest on the head. Wings and tail, brown 
 with the secondaries and tertiaries edged with yellowish-white. Tips of two rows of wing coverts, forming bars, also white. 
 Beneath, yellowish-white, with the sides, flanks, tibea, and indistinct band across breast, olivaceous-brown. Under tail 
 coverts, yellowish-white, streaked with olivaceous. Upper mandible, dark-brown, lower, yellow. Feet, black. 
 
 Adult iy. autumn. Darker above and much yellower below than in spring. The under mandible is also dark-brown, 
 but pale-yellow at the base. The wing markings show a strong tinging of yellow. 
 
 Youny of the year. Quite brown above with an overwashing of yellowish-rufous on the nape, rump, and upper tail 
 coverts. The wing bars are broader, but the white is replaced by yellowish-rufous. Under portions, similar to the adult, 
 but the dark markings are greener. Bill, very dark-brown, yellow at bass of Ijwer mandible. 
 
 Nnsllinys. Similar above to the plumage last described, but browner and showing more yellowish-rufous. Beneath, 
 olivaceous-brown, with the abdomen and under tail coverts, yellowish-white. Bill, usually black, with dull-orange at the 
 base of the upper mandible, but a specimen not quite fully grown, kindly procured for me by the Bangs Brothers, has the 
 under mandible entirely yellow as in the adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age vary but little, excepting inform of bill. In the younger stages this member is broader and 
 has a shorter curved tip, especially in nestlings. It is somewhat difficult to obtain a specimen which is entirely in the first 
 plumage as they acquire the second dress before they are fully grown and, on the other hand, the adults delay so long in 
 assuming the antumnal dress that it is rare to take one in this stage in New England; the one which I have described being 
 taken on the autumnal migration in Pennsylvania. Known from borcalis by the smaller size, more slender form, and the 
 uniformity of the darker markings, they being in streaks in the larger species. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern 
 North America from Canada south, at least, to Georgia. Winters in Mexico and Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen specimens. Length, 6'45; stretch, 10'sJO; wing, 3-37; tail, 2'44; bill, -57; tarsus, -50. 
 Longest specimen, (i'80; greatest extent of wing, 10'85; longest wing, 3'GO; tail, 2'75; bill, '65; tarsus, -55. Shortest speci- 
 men, 6-10; smallest extent of wing, 9-65; shortest wing, 3' 15; tail, 2-24; bill, '50; tarsus, '45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed, inwardly, of grass and pine leaves. The outside is smoothly covered with lichens se- 
 cured by cobwebs. Lined with fine grass. The whole structure somewhat resembles that ol the Humming Bird. Dimen- 
 sions, external diameter, 2'50, internal , 2 -00. External depth, 1-50, internal, TOO. 
 
 Eygs, three in number, oval in form, creamy-buff in color, spotted and blotched around the larger end with brown, 
 unibsr, and lilac, there being few or no markings on the smaller end. Dimensions from '71 x'50 to '75 x '55. 
 
WOOD PEWEE. 179 
 
 IIAHITS. 
 
 Among the numerous birds which visit New England in summer, there are none that 
 come with less display than the Wood Pewees. Almost all of our returning migrants an- 
 nounce their arrival more or less ostentatiously; the flocking Blackbirds chatter loudly as 
 soon as they enter the meadows, the Bobolink greets his old home with his most cheerful 
 song, the notes of the Oriole seem the clearest when he sings among the blossoming cherry 
 lives, and even the little Chipping Sparrow does not allow an hour to pass after he enters 
 the garden without informing his old friends of his advent by uttering his peculiar notes. 
 In fact, field, meadow, and woodland are ringing with the melody of newly arrived song- 
 sters and amid this joyous outbreak, the gently given pe-wee of our somber-colored little 
 friends passes almost unheeded. But later, in June, when the oaks and maples are cov- 
 ered with delicately tinted foliage, when the ferns have fully unrolled their beautiful 
 pinnate fronds, when Nature has clothed all vegetable life with her loveliest greens and the 
 air in the groves is redolent with that spicy odor only to be observed in early summer, 
 then the plaintive lay of the Wood Pewee is heard to perfection. It is more noticeable 
 near the middle of the day when many birds are biking their noon-time siesta and naught 
 is to be heard excepting the long-drawn notes of this Flycatcher which are given very 
 low as if the bird was not desirous of breaking the stillness. They sing throughout the day 
 all summer long, constantly reiterating their lay even during the most sultry days of 
 August. 
 
 As might be infered from the plaintive melody uttered by the Wood Pewees, they 
 are rather indolent in habit when compared with the other Flycatchers. Neither are they 
 quarrelsome and I cannot recall an instance when I saw one make an attack upon another 
 species. This indolence, however, is more seeming than real, it being the habit of the 
 birds to go quietly about their vocations without bluster. They will perch on some high 
 limb in the woods, in an upright attitude with drooping wings, but it can be seen that they 
 are watching keenly all the while, for the head is turned quickly from side to side and 
 the bright eyes are surveying every object far or near with microscopic exactness. Sud- 
 denly it catches sight of a passing insect which is desirable, for the Wood Pewees are 
 epicures to a certain extent as they will not eat all species of insects, then it launches out 
 with an almost inconceivable swiftness, checks its rapid (light by spreading its tail to the 
 'utmost, and the loud snap of its beak announces that its victim has met its fate. Their 
 prey is usually taken on the wing, but I have occasionally seen them picking insects from 
 the brandies. 
 
 They are generally silent when feeding, the notes of which I have spoken being given 
 more frequently when the birds are at leisure. Besides this call, the Wood Pewees in- 
 dulge in a kind of song. They will alight on a limb, usually flying upward before so 
 doing, and, giving a little flutter of the wings, will utter a few murmuring notes which are 
 so low that they can be heard but a few yards. This peculiar lay is only given, as far as 
 I have observed, in the breeding season and, as if is evidently an attempt to sing, proves 
 that the birds would indulge in as melodious a carol as any of the members of the Section 
 Oscines, were they not debarred by physical impossibilities. Thus in the Wood Pewee we 
 
180 CONTOPUS VJRENS. 
 
 find a clear illustration of the use of the vocal muscles, they being imperfectly developed 
 the bird is incapable of uttering any thing approaching the songs of its better endowed 
 neighbors. Rarely, these birds give a harsh cry not unlike some of the sounds produced 
 by the Olive-sided Flycatchers. 
 
 I have described the Wood Pewees as inhabiting (he deep woods and, although this 
 is their frequent custom, they occasionally inhabit orchards, but it is quite rare to find a 
 nest on other than a forest tree. The neat domicile of this Flycatcher is one of the prettiest 
 among those of our native birds and its covering of lichens renders it quite inconspicuous 
 when placed on a limb. The birds are usually wise enough to select a large branch where 
 the nest resembles one of the peculiar knobby excrescences so often seen on oaks. There 
 are a few species of birds which use this peculiar kind of covering for their structures. 
 Notably among these are the Vireos, Gnatcatchers, the present species, and the Humming 
 Birds, and it is observable that all birds which make use of it seldom employ any other 
 material, even if they build in widely different sections. Thus the nests of the Wood 
 Pewees that I have examined which were taken in Georgia were not essentially different 
 from those taken in Maine. There is also a singular uniformity in the eggs of this species 
 which are among the most beautiful of any I ever saw, occasionally one is found that is 
 not spotted as thickly as usual, but the form of the egg, the shade of ground color, with 
 the position of the markings are so peculiar and constant that the species is always recog- 
 nizable at sight. 
 
 The Wood Pewees arrive late, about the first week in May, shortly after which they 
 begin to build but, as some time is required to construct their elaborate domiciles, the eggs 
 are not deposited until June. The birds guard their nests very carefully and in spite of 
 their usual gentle disposition, will not hesitate to dart into the face of any one who attempts 
 to scale the tree in which their home is placed. The young appear about the first of July 
 and leave the nest the latter part of that month. They follow their parents for a long 
 time and are fed by them, as their bills are quite soft and are long in assuming the hooked 
 form peculiar to the adults and which may be necessary in order to catch insects successfully. 
 At this time the young have a continuous twittering cry, quite unlike anything that their 
 parents ever utter, and they always keep well together, seldom scattering about woods. 
 Thpy remain in Massachusetts until the middle of August, when they all disappear. I 
 found them more abundant in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, the first week in September, 
 than I ever saw them in any other given section. Their call notes could be heard on all 
 sides for there were hundreds of them, but in a few days they had all departed for the 
 south. 
 
 (iEXUS IV. SAYORNIS. THE PIICEBES. 
 
 (TEN-. CH. Bill, much shorter than the head which is semi-crested but without the central coronal patch. Outer quills, 
 not incised. Tail, square and smart/mate. Upper outline ofmanubrium, viewed from the side, anylcd ob.i'jue/y downward. 
 Httyht of keel, about eyual to one half the Icnyth of the coracoids. flroncho-trachealis, very sliyhtly developed. Jlronr/na- 
 Hs, i/uite large. 
 
 Colors above quite dark, usually relieved by lighter below. The bill is black on both mandibles. Although there i- ;in 
 elongated patch of f jathers on the upper rump, yet they are not as thick as in the last genus, nor as white. 
 
SA YORNIS FUSCUS. 181 
 
 SAYORNIS FUSCUS. 
 Phoebe. Bridge Peweo. 
 Sayonisfusrus HAIKU, Birds N. A.; 1858, 184. 
 
 DESCRI1TION. 
 
 SP. Cii. Ftom, rather robnst. Size, medium. Sternum, as given above. Tongue, thin nnd horny, bifid, but without 
 t':e terminal cilia. Stomach, rather muscular. 
 
 Count. Aitull. Alxive, including upper tail coverts, sooty-brown, darkest on the head, with a tinge of olivaceous on 
 nil jmpiiinis excepting tup of head. Wings and tail, dark-brown with the outer edges of all the feathers, yellowish-white. 
 Both rowstif wing coverts, narrowly tipped with white, firming indistinct bars. Beneath, including under wing and tail 
 <-o\erts, pale yellowish-white, with the sides, flanks, and an indistinct band across breast, sooty-brown. Bill and feet, 
 black. 
 
 Adult in autumn. Darker above than in summer, the wing tors are clearer, the under portions are of a decided sul- 
 phury yellow, and the dark markings arc not as extended. 
 
 Youny nfthr yrar. More olivueei >us above than in the adult stage. The whitish wing bars are replaced by yellowish 
 rufous, there is a deeper shade of yellow below, nnd the M>ty-hrown markings are olivaceous. 
 
 Nnsllinyt. Much browner above than the young, being overwashed with yellowish-rufous, but the top of the head is 
 darker. The wing bars are yellowish-rufous. Beneath, pale yellowish-white with faint indications of brownish on the 
 sides. 1'pper mandible, black, under, brown. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no difference in plumage, in specimens of the same age and season but there is a slight variation in 
 form of the bill as usual in this group. Known from the. Wood Pewee by the larger size, black bill which is longer even 
 in nestlings, and general browner ( .,!,. rs above in all stages, and from other Flycatchers by the characters as given. Dis- 
 tributed in summer throughout Eastern North America, from Canada at least as far south as South Carolina. Winters in 
 the southern section from the Carolina*, to Florida and on the Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A \t-r.ige measurements of twenty-five specimens from New England and Florida. Length, 7'00; stretch, 1T41; wing, 
 2.60; tail, 2-07; bill, -55; tarsus, -70. Longest specimen, 7'50; greatest extent of wing, 12-60; longest wing, 3'82; tail, 3'75; 
 bill, -60; tarsus, -75. Shortest specimen, 6'50; smallest extent of wing, 10-32; shortest wing 2'40; tail, 2-50; bill, '50; tarsus, 
 65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed under bridges, buildings, in the shelter of ledges of rocks, upturned trees, or banks of earth. Composed 
 of moss jind roots lined with tina grass, rootlets, and hair. Dimensions, external diameter, 4'50, internal, 2'50. External 
 depth, 2-50, internal, 1-23. 
 
 Eyys. four to six in number, oval in form, creamy-white in color, occasionally dotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions 
 from -75 x -50 to -80s '60. 
 
 IIAIilTS. 
 
 On the thirty-first of December, 18C8, 1 found myself for the first time, gun in hand, 
 in the piny woods of Florida. As this was then, comparatively speaking, an unknown 
 section to ornithologists, I was naturally anxious to find what birds occurred there. I had 
 not gone far when I saw a Flycatcher perched on the lower branch of a pine, but some 
 distance above my head; this I instantly shot, and, upon picking it up, was a little disap- 
 pointed at finding that it was a Phoebe, for after traveling so far I expected to find some- 
 thing with which I WAS not quite so familiar, but later in the day I secured several fine 
 birds that I had never seen living before and as I always consider it necessary to actually 
 shoot every species, in order to be absolutely sure of their identification, I was conten- 
 ted for I had proved beyond a doubt that this Flycatcher wintered in Florida. I did not 
 
182 PHCEDE. BRIDGE PEWEE. 
 
 recognize the bird when I first saw it, partly because I was looking for something quite 
 different but more particularly because I had not been accustomed to finding this species 
 in the woods. Since that time, however, I have found that they prefer the wooded dis- 
 tricts in the south, but they are occasionally found on the plantations, and at Key West I 
 observed them about the gardens of the city. 
 
 The Phoebcs are among the first of our spring migrants to enter New England and 
 their energetic, oft-repeated phe-be is frequently heard when the fields are white with 
 snow. It must be quite difficult for these birds to find insects thus early in the season but 
 they do manage to get them for all that I ever dissected, no matter how cold the weather, 
 were filled with flies or beetles. I say all but I must make one exception; this was a 
 specimen that I shot on the eighth of April, 1868, during a snow storm which was of a 
 long duration. The bird was sitting in a hawthorn hedge when I procured it and, upon 
 opening it, I found that it had been eating the dried berries of that shrub. Thus it will 
 be seen that birds which are as strictly insectivorous as these Flycatchers will, when com- 
 pelled by necessity, adopt a vegetable diet. 
 
 Almost immediately after their arrival, the Phcebes select a suitable breeding place. 
 In Massachusetts this is usually a nook on a conveniently placed prop under a bridge or 
 barn, or in some out-building but, as they appear to prefer the neighborhood of water, 
 the former named structures are more frequently chosen. At Ipswich there are certain 
 bogs where peat was dug, when this substance was used for fuel, and as the meadows be- 
 longed to farmers who often lived at a distance, they constructed small houses there in 
 order to store the peat when it was dry. When coal became abundant and cheap, peat 
 was abandoned and thus the little buildings became useless. They were left standing, 
 however, much to the delight of the Phoebes who now occupy them every season. I do 
 not think I ever entered one of these structures at the proper season but what I found a 
 nest of one of these Flycatchers. There were never more than one to a house, however, 
 for the Bridge Pewees never permit a second pair of the same species to build very near 
 them. 
 
 After a pair of these Flycatchers have taken possession of any particular place it is 
 difficult to make them leave it; no matter how persistently they are robbed they will build 
 anew, often choosing the exact spot from which the former nest was removed. The same 
 pair or their successors must occupy the same site for many years as I once knew of an old 
 mill under which a pair of Phoebes built season after season, until the building was de- 
 stroyed by fire, when they merely moved to an adjacent edifice. If undisturbed they will 
 often place a second nest over the first but I do not think that the old domicile is ever 
 used without additional material. Two broods are nearly always reared the same season 
 and a new lining is placed over the old one on which the fresh litter of eggs are then 
 deposited. 
 
 It is not common to find the nest of a Phoebe in other than the situations described 
 in Massachusetts for there are many available places awaiting their choice, but in northern 
 Maine, where out-houses, bridges, etc, are not as common, they breed in the shelter afford- 
 ed by the upturned roots of trees. In buildings the nest is sometimes placed flat upon the 
 
KMP1DONAX MINIMUS. 183 
 
 top of some beam, but it is oftener fastened to the side of a perpendicular wall after the 
 method practiced by the Swallows, and then mud or clay. is used to make the material ad- 
 hesive. This latter named mode of constructing their domiciles is more often employed in 
 the woods than any other. 
 
 In Pennsylvania I have found the nest of the Bridge Pewees under the shelter of 
 overhanging rocky shelves in quarries and also beneath the projecting banks of earth along 
 the Susquehanna River. They arc remarkably abundant in the latter named section and 
 one can scarcely go a mile along the stream where suitable places occur, without finding 
 one of the neatly constructed homes of these Flycatchers. The birds appeared to be less 
 pugnacious in this particular locality for they would build in close proximity to the Rough- 
 winged Swallows that occupied the deserted holes of Kingfishers, not more than a dozen 
 yards away and both species were on excellent terms. 
 
 The Phoebes arrive in New England, as previously remarked, very early when compar- 
 ed with other members of the family, stragglers often making their appearance in March, 
 but they become common during the first week of April. They lay their first litter of eggs 
 at least by the first of May and the young leave the nest in June. Immediately after this 
 they lay again and the second brood may be found in August in company with their parents. 
 It is also quite probable that a third brood is occasionally reared but this is not usual. As 
 the Bridge Pewees arc the first of all the Flycatchers to come into New England, so they 
 are the last to take their departure, lingering as late as the last of October. At this sea- 
 son these birds are usually silent, having apparently forgotten the lay practiced in spring. 
 Their notes are somewhat plaintive at times but are more frequently given with energy, 
 especially in early spring when the birds merely reiterate the phe-be at intervals. As the 
 season advances, they will often repeat this lay quite rapidly and on summer evenings they 
 have the habit of rising in the air by short, oblique flights, when their notes are given in 
 quick succession. This rude attempt at a vesper song resembles that made by the King 
 Birds, but the Phoebes do not indulge in it as regularly. These Flycatchers are found 
 throughout the Atlantic States in winter from the Carolinas, south, and I have seen them 
 common even at Key West. 
 
 GENUS V. EMPIDOXAX. THE LITTLE FLYCATCHERS. 
 
 ' ! EN. Cn. Bill, considerably shorter than the head which is slightly crested but without the central coronal patch. Oul- 
 'r i/ui/h. sliyhlly incised. Tail, somewhat rounded. Upper outline of manubrmm, viewed from the side, rounded gradually 
 doirnwanl. Ibiyht of keel, a little exceeding one half the length of the coracoids. 
 
 Colors above are dark-olivaceous, below, either white or yellowish. The markings of the bill are variable. The devel- 
 opment of the laryngeal muscles is also variable and is given under specific characters. The wings are short and rounded. 
 
 EMPIDONAX MINIMUS. 
 
 Least Flycatcher. 
 Empidonax minimus BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 195. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, rather small. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, thin and flat but not horny, provided with 
 a hiliil tuft of cilia at tip which extend along the side for one third of the terminal length; yellow in color. Stomach, quite 
 
1 84 LEAST FL YCA TCHER. 
 
 muscular, walls '15 thick. Larynx provided with a thick and strong sterno-trachealis. Broncho-trachealLs quite well de- 
 veloped, also bronchialis anticus. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper tail coverts, olivaceous-green, darkest on the head, where the feathers show 
 dusky centers, and paler on the rump and upper tail coverts, with a plumbeous under tint on the nape. AVings and tail, 
 dark-brown, with the outer feathers of the latter lighter. Tips, edges of the terminal two thirds of the secondaries, outer 
 edges of thetertiaries, tips of primaries andoftwo rowsofwing coverts, forming bars, pale yellowish-white. Beneath, white, 
 becoming yellowish on the abdomen and under tail coverts. Sides, flanks, and an indistinct band across breast, olivaceous. 
 Under wing coverts, yellowish-white. There is a broad white ring around the eye and the lores are white mixed with 
 dusky. Bill, brown, yellow at base of lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Youny of the year in autumn. Browner above than in the adult stage, the whitish wing bars are decidedly yellowish , 
 and the olivaceous markings below are inclined to be yellow also, while the band on the breast is better defined. The un- 
 der mandible Is wholly yellow. 
 
 Nest/inys. Nearly slaty above, with a greenish overwashing. Beneath, white, with a faint tingeof yellowish. The 
 band on the breast is scarcely discernible and the other dark markings below are not nearly as extended. Sexes, similar in 
 all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary somewhat in shade of color above, some being quite dark while the same birds will frequently be very 
 yellow below, with the hand across the breast quite clearly defined. In this stage of plumage, these birds .o nearly resem- 
 ble Traill's Flycatcher that it is almost impossible to detect any difference in the dried skins although the same birds would 
 be easily recognized in the flesh. The precise differences between this species and other members of the genus are given 
 under observations in the succeeding pages. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern United States between latitudes 
 40 and 47 J . Winters in Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty specimens from New England. Length, 5'50; stretch, 8' 10; wing, 2'40; tail, 2' 17; 
 bill, '66; tarsus, '38. Longest specimen, 3*70; greatest extent of wing, 3'50; longest wing, 2'65; tail, 2' 40; bill, '70; 
 tarsus, '42. Shortest specimen, 5'30; smallest extent of wing, 7'70; shortest wing, 2'25; tail, 2'5<); bill, '62; tarsus, '35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of dried grass, woody fibers, cotten, etc., all neatly woven and held in place with cob- 
 webs. Lined with horse-hair and feathers. Dimensions, external diameter, 2'75, internal, 1'57. External depth, 2'00, 
 internal, 1'50. 
 
 Eyys, four in number, rather elliptical in form, yellowish-white in color, usually unspotted. Dimensions from '60s 
 50 to '65 x -52. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 About the first week in May the abruptly given che-beck of the Least Flycatcher is to 
 be heard in the orchards and along the hedge-rows of New England, and I will venture to 
 assert that there are none among our native birds whose advent is so noticeable. Not only 
 do their energetic notes announce their presence, but the disturbance which they always 
 create among the other members of the feathered tribe, renders them conspicuous; for the 
 Least Flycatchers are the most pugnacious species which visit us, not excepting even the 
 King Birds. Like most of the present family, they migrate very rapidly and, as particu- 
 lar birds exhibit a predilection for certain spots to which they return season after season, 
 every orchard is soon tenanted by its elf. I say elf, for truly elvish are the tricks displayed 
 by the Least Flycatchers. Nothing in the form of a bird is allowed to remain Avithin the 
 bounds of their jurisdiction; a group of brightly colored Warblers will come trooping through 
 the orchard in order to feed upon the insects which infest the growing leaves, when sud- 
 denly, down swoops the little tyrant with loud cries and, rapidly snapping his bill, like an 
 epitomized fury he darts from left to right among the astonished visitants who unable to 
 withstand this fierce assault, beat a hasty retreat and in a twinkling the Flycatcher is back 
 
EMP1DONAX TRAILLI. 185 
 
 again to his perch on some favorite branch, quietly reiterating his che-bcck. He has very 
 little time to rest, however, especially (luring the migrating season, for he is constantly 
 called ui)ou to drive; some intruder from his domains and no matter how large the species 
 may be they are all forced to retreat, most ignominiously defeated, before the sudden and 
 well directed attacks of their little foe. This extreme pugnacity, however, is only exhib- 
 ited during the excitement of the breeding season; after the eggs are laid and domestic 
 cares engage his attention, his tyrannical spirit becomes somewhat subdued and then he 
 is gradually transformed into as sedate and peaceful a member of avian society as can be 
 found in the orchard. 
 
 As already described, the usual notes of the Least Flycatchers are very abrupt, they 
 are also extremely harsh and attract attention by their oddity for they form a strong con- 
 trast to the harmonious strains of many of the Oscincs. These Flycatchers, however, 
 frequently make an attempt to sing, for they will alight on a twig, flutter their wings, at 
 the .same time uttering a feeble twitter which is so low that it can be heard but a few 
 yards yet, in comparison to their other efforts, it is somewhat melodious. This rude lay 
 is only practiced during the breeding season for when the young appear, both sexes are 
 busily engaged in supplying them with food. 
 
 The Least Flycatchers begin to build soon after their arrival but, as some time is re- 
 quired to construct their domiciles, the eggs are not generally deposited until the first 
 week in June. The situations chosen are almost invariably forked twigs on apple trees, 
 for these birds are fond of the open country, seldom being seen in the deep woods. Both 
 sexes incubate and the young hatch in less than two weeks. They are very unsuspicious 
 when they nest near houses and a pair that built in a tree near my door the past summer 
 would permit me to examine their neatly constructed home without evincing any concern, 
 oven when it contained young. The young are out of the nest by July and accompany 
 their parents for a short time but they soon learn to provide for themselves, when they 
 tter about the country, often entering the woods at this season. I do not think that 
 the adults moult at all while in the north as I never took one that was assuming the au- 
 tumnal dress, even as far south as Pennsylvania. They do not remain late in the season, 
 generally leaving Massachusetts by the second week in September, but I have seen them 
 as late as the twentieth of the month. They linger for a short time in Pennsylvania 
 when they inhabit the woods, rather avoiding the open country, but before the first of 
 Octobor there is not one to be found in the north. 
 
 There arc few birds which arc of more benefit to the husbandman than the Least Fly- 
 catchers as they have few faults and the quantity of insects which they destroy is very 
 large. These are mainly captured where they arc doing the greatest amount of damage, 
 for these Flycatchers do not wander far from the gardens and orchards in which they build. 
 Besides snapping up numbers of dipterous insects, they feed largely upon small beetles of 
 various species, and I have even known them to eat canker worms. Thus, although not 
 so ornamental or melodious as many of our native species, we must cheerfully accord this 
 quaint little Flycatcher a place in our gardens for which it will amply repay us by doing 
 its best to check the increase of our insect enemies. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 24 
 
186 TRA ILL' S FL YCA TCHER. 
 
 EMPIDONAX TEAILLI. 
 
 Traill's Flycatcher. 
 Empidonax Trailli BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 193. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, thin and flat but not horny, provided with a 
 bifid tuft of cilia at tip which extend along the side for one third of the terminal length; yellow in color. Stomach, quite 
 muscular. Larynx, provided with a thick and strong sterno-trachealis. Broncho-trachealLs quite well developed, also bron- 
 chial is. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper tail coverts, uniform olivaceous-green, with the foathers of the head showing 
 dusky centers. Wings and tail, dark-brown, with the outer feathers of the latter, lighter. Tips, edges of the terminal two 
 thirds of the secondaries, outer edges of the tertiaries, tips of primaries and of two rows of wing coverts, forming bars, yel- 
 lowish-white. Beneath, yellowish-white, becoming darker on the abdomen and under tail coverts. Sides, flanks, and band 
 across breast, olivaceous. Under wing coverts, yellowish. There is a narrow, yellowish ring around the eye but the lores 
 are olivaceous mixed with dusky. Bill, brown, yellow on lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Nnsllinys. Above, very olivaceous-brown. Beneath, yellowish. The band on the breast is scarcely discernible and 
 the other dark markings below are not nearly as extended. Sexes, similar in all stages . 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary greatly, being often as light as typical Least Flycatchers, from which it is difficult to distinguish them. 
 In lifj, the two species are so different that any one can decide between them, but with the dried skins this Is not as easy. 
 Although the experienced ornithologist separates them rather by intuition than by actual differences, yet I find by careful 
 study of a large series of both spscies that the following characters in Traill's Flycatcher are more or less constant. The 
 size is generally larger but not always. The bill h usually broader but this cannot be depended upon; while the yellow 
 under mandible, which in life is veined with purple, is not a point that counts for much as the Least Flycatcher occasion- 
 ally shows one that is similar. Now for tire true differences. The plumage of Trai/ti is very silky, the rump is as dark as 
 as the back, the circle around the eye is quite narrow and yellow, while the lores nre decidedly olivaceous. The differen- 
 ces between this species and other members of the genus are given under observations in the succeeding pages. Distrib- 
 uted in summer throughout New England north of latitude 43 J , and across the continent; ranging as far south in the west, 
 however, as latitude 37 J and north into the Fur Countries; the western form (pusil/us ) now being considered identical 
 with the eastern. Winters in Mexico and Central America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eleven specimens from New England. Length, 5 'fiO; stretch, 8'25; wing, 2-6 r >; tail, 2'58; 
 bill, '66; tarsus, '45. Longest specimen, 5'75; greatest extent of wing, 8'75; longest wing, 3'75; tail, 2'70; bill, '70; tarsus, 
 60. Shortest specimen, 5'29; smallest extant of wing, 7'75; shortest wing, '2'50; tail, 2'28; bill, "6!); tarsus, '40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGOS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks and weeds lined with dried grass. Dimensions, external diameter, 3'00, inter- 
 nal, 1-75. External depth, 1'50, internal, 1-00. 
 
 Eyys, three to four in number, oval in form, creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish- 
 brown. Dimensions from '75 x '50 to '78 x '55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 For several of the earlier years of my ornithological experience, I looked in vain for 
 Traill's Flycatcher and the region about my home underwent a careful scrutiny. Many 
 an innocent Least Flycatcher fell when he chanced to wander into the woods where I was 
 looking for its rarer relative. All this close study into the habits of at least one species of 
 the genus greatly aided me in after years and, when on the first of June, 18G9, 1 did meet 
 with the first specimen of Traill's Flycatcher that I had ever seen living, I recognized it, 
 even before shooting, as being something new. It is not at all strange that I missed find- 
 ing this little bird so long, as now, with all my experience with the species, I should be 
 obliged to let many migrating seasons pass without finding one in Eastern Massachusetts. 
 
TRAILL'S FLYCATCHER. 187 
 
 Not but what a certain number pass us every year, but that it is quite difficult to tell just 
 when they will pass and just where to find one for, like the other members of the genus, 
 this Flycatcher migrates very rapidly and is withal somewhat eccentric in choice of local- 
 ities in which to feed. I have found them on the upland among deciduous trees, in thick 
 pines, and in swampy thickets. This was, however, when they were on the way to their 
 summer homes, but when once settled in the woods of Northern New England, they almost 
 always prefer the alder thickets which border the countless streams of that well watered 
 region. 
 
 It would be quite difficult to detect the presence of this small Flycatcher when the 
 leaves arc on the trees, were it not for its notes which are quite peculiar, sounding like the 
 syllables ke-wick, rather slowly given when compared with the che-beck of the Least Fly- 
 catcher and are somewhat harsher. This lay is repeated about twice a minute during the 
 earlier portion of the day, after which the bird becomes silent. While singing it is almost 
 always perched upon some elevation but not so high as to render it observable as it is con- 
 cealed by foliage. 
 
 It is only in its chosen home in the mountain valley where the rushing sound of rap- 
 idly flowing water fills the cool air, that the peculiar notes of this Flycatcher are heard. 
 During the migration they are silent; consequently they are, as already intimated, not easy 
 to find. Yet as they are seldom found in other than thick woods, it is well to examine 
 carefully any small Flycatcher seen there for it will quite likely be this species. The 
 Least Flycatcher does occasionally venture into the wooded districts but it is by far a more 
 nervous and active bird than Traill's which although it has a similar habit of jerking the 
 tail, so noticeable in the common species, yet this is done less frequently. Besides this, 
 Traill's Flycatcher is apt to perch lower, often being found in thickets only a few feet high, 
 and I have shot them when they were sitting within a foot of the ground. As related, 
 they are not constant to any particular kind of woodland during the spring migration, but 
 in autumn I have nearly always found them in the wooded lowland and in the vicinity 
 of water. 
 
 In spring, Traill's Flycatcher appears in Pennsylvania about the middle of May, 
 reaching .Massachusetts some two weeks later and arriving in its summer resort about the 
 first week of June. They soon commence the duties of nest building, placing the domi- 
 cile in an upright fork of an alder not far from the ground, according to Mr. Brewster who 
 has obtained several. The eggs are laid about the last of June. When the young appear, 
 the adults exhibit considerable solicitude, flying about the intruder and reiterating their 
 cries quite.' rapidly. The fledgelings leave the nest in August and accompany their parents 
 lor a time, but scatter when migrating and I have obtained solitary individuals in Massa- 
 chusetts as late as the eleventh of September. But the southward march is even more 
 hurried than the spring migration and by the first of October, they have all departed, at 
 least from the Northern and Middle sections of the United States. I do not think that 
 this Flycatcher ever appears in Florida; in fact all of the members of the present genus are 
 rarely found in the latter named section, as in migrating they pursue a westerly course, 
 keeping along the Mississippi Valley, and so on through Texas, into Mexico. 
 
188 EMP1DONAX ACADICVS. 
 
 EMPIDONAX ACADICUS. 
 
 Acadian Flycatcher. 
 Empidonax Acadicus BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 197. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Plate X. Adult in spring with the nest and eggs. 
 
 - ^ y 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, thin and flat but not horny, bifid at tip but 
 not provided with terminal cilia. Bill, broad. Stomach, somewhat muscular, walls -10 thick. Larynx, provided with a 
 thick and strong sterno-trachealis. Bronchialis, quite well developed, but there is only a small remnant of either division 
 of the broncho-trachealis. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper tail coverts, olivaceous with a decidedly greenish tinge predominating, dark- 
 est on the head, where the feathers show dusky centers. Wings and tail, lirown, with the outer edges of the feathers of 
 the latter, greenish, and outer webs, lighter. Outer edges of primaries, also greenish. Tips, edges of the terminal two 
 thirds of the secondaries, outer edges and tips of the tertiaries, tips of two rows of wing coverts, forming bars, yellowish- 
 white, with the upper bar inclined to be of a deeper yellow. Beneath, white, with the sides, flanks, under wing and tail 
 coverts, greenish-yellow. There is a greenish-yellow ring around the eye but the lores are olivaceous. Bill, brown, yellow 
 on lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Youny of the year in autumn. Somewhat darker above than in the adult stage, but the greenish markings below are 
 more restricted and the yellow of the wings is darker or replaced by yellowish-rufous. 
 
 Nnsllinys. Very light beneath, showing but little of the greensh markings. More olivaceous above than in the pre- 
 ceding stage and having indistinct transverse bars of dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age and season do not vary much; the wing bars are occasionally darker than the type but oth- 
 erwise the plumage is similar. The bills are also singularly uniform in size and color for Flycatchers. Known from other 
 members of the genus by the larger size, broader bill, decidedly greener color above, and lighter tints beneath, but more 
 particularly by the proportionately shorter fourth primary which causes quite a gap in the otherwise regular graduation of 
 the ends of the quills when seen from above. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern United States south of latitude 
 42, exclusive of New England and Florida. Winters in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eleven specimens from Pennsylvania. Length, 5'75; stretch, 8'95; wing, 3'00; tail, 2'25; 
 bill, '50; tarsus, '55. Longest specimen, 5'90; greatest extent of wing, 9'00; longest wing, 3'10; tail, 2'40; bill, '55; tarsus, 
 60. Shortest specimen, 5'60; smallest extent of wing, 8'90; shortest wing, 2'80; tail, 2' 15; bill, '45; tarsus, '50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS, 
 
 Nests, placed in trees and bushes, composed of sticks, moss, and dried blossoms of beach trees, lined with moss. Di- 
 mensions, external diameter, 3'00, internal, 2'00. External depth, I' 50, internal, '75. 
 
 Eyys, three to four in number, oval in form, creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish- 
 brown. Dimensions from '75 x '50 to '78 x '55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 In the spring of 1872, I wont to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in order to study the 
 habits of some birds that I had never before had the opportunity of seeing alive and through 
 the kindness of my friend, Mr. August Koch, whose hospitality I enjoyed for several weeks, 
 I soon became familiar with the best collecting grounds in the vicinity, for Mr. Koch proved 
 a most excellent guide as he had always lived in the place and had scoured the country 
 diligently every season from childhood in search of its avian treasures. Therefore his 
 assistance proved invaluable to me as without it I should have been long in discovering 
 some of the most delightful spots that I ever beheld. 
 
 The country about Williamsport is very conducive to bird life as it presents features 
 which prove quite attractive to nearly all species. The Susquehanna Kiver flows through 
 
PLATE XXX. 
 
 EMPIDONAX ACADICUS. 
 Acadian Flc<itcheT Adt . 
 
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 189 
 
 the place and the shores are bordered by fertile meadows that on the west side slope 
 gradually upward into more elevated lands which are occupied by houses that are sur- 
 rounded by cultivated fields and orchards. The Allcghany mountains rise just io the 
 eastward of the settlement and their steep sides are covered with a thick growth of timber 
 which, on the lower acclivities, is composed of quite lofty trees, but higher they become 
 smaller and on the Hat wind-swept hill-tops they are considerably dwarfed. But it is 
 along the base of the foot-hills that the forests are the thickest. Here the ground is 
 swampy, being plentifully watered by numerous rills which trickle down from the decliv- 
 ities above. The moist soil is deep and, as it is extremely rich', produces an abundance 
 of undergrowth which is mainly composed of the large laurel or rhododendron. These 
 shrubs are some ten or fifteen feet in height and, as they are not only dense but also sup- 
 port numerous trailing vines, the whole forms a luxurious thicket which fairly swarmed 
 with birds, being, in fact, a collector's paradise. 
 
 There was scarcely a day during my stay in this section that I did not visit these 
 swamps and on the twenty-third of May, I heard a peculiar note which was new to me 
 and was certain, even before I saw the bird, that the sound was produced by the Acadian 
 Flycatcher. This was not strange, however, partly because I was expecting to find this 
 species but more particularly as I was perfectly familiar with the notes of all the other 
 small Flycatchers and knew instantly that the sound which I heard was not made by any 
 one of them. I secured several Acadians there but was obliged to leave just before they 
 commenced breeding. Later, however, during the first and second weeks in June, I found 
 them very abundant in White Deer Valley, a point some twenty miles down the river, and 
 obtained several nests. 
 
 This valley is narrow and lies between the timber-covered mountains which rise so 
 abruptly on either side that, for a greater part of the day, the sun cannot reach even the 
 top of the. lofty forest which springs from the rich soil that occupies the limited area along 
 the bottom. As the trees which make up the woodland are either evergreen and conse- 
 quently dense, or deciduous and well clothed with leaves, but a small portion of sunshine 
 ever penetrates to the ground below; thus a murmuring brook which flows among the moss- 
 covered rocks and beneath the nodding ferns is nearly always in shadow. This spot which 
 at some seasons might appear gloomy, was most delightfully cool during the warm days 
 of summer, especially as I was obliged to traverse a hot and dusty road in order to reach 
 the place. 
 
 There were but few species of birds inhabiting this valley and the Acadian Flycatch- 
 ers were by far the most abundant and I had an excellent opportunity of carefully studying 
 their habits. The Lr-asf Flycatchers, as related, prefer the open orchards and revel in the 
 brightest li^ht of the long summer days, but I have found that the Acadian Flycatchers 
 live the darkest portions of the woods. Not that they are especially fond of thickets, 
 for, although I found them in dense swamps at Williamsport, they kept well above the 
 more tangled portions, living among the comparatively open, although shaded, tops of the 
 laurels, and in this valley I found that they frequented the rather sparse growth of small 
 trees and tall shrubs. 
 
190 EMPJDONAX ACAD1CUS. 
 
 The Acadian Flycatchers are not shy birds and will permit one to come within ten or 
 fifteen yards without evincing any uneasiness; when a nearer approach is attempted, how- 
 ever, they will utter a low but abrupt pe-wit of alarm and flit to a more distant perch. In 
 addition to this note which is given by both sexes, though that of the females is much less 
 distinctly rendered, the males have a loud se-wink, emphatically emitted, followed by an 
 attempt at a song which consists of a series of chuckling notes like those of a Flicker when 
 heard in the distance. When thus performing, the birds flutter their wings after the man- 
 ner of the other Flycatchers, and occasionally they will make this motion without the ac- 
 companying notes. These are the only sounds that I ever heard them produce and, although 
 quite similar to those given by the other members of the genus, are characteristic enough 
 to render their authors recognizable at once. When I first entered the place of which I 
 speak, I was confident that the Flycatchers were breeding for I noticed that the females, 
 like many other birds when incubating, appeared sluggish, but to make certain of this I 
 shot one, when a look at the denuded abdomen confirmed my suspicions. I then set about 
 searching for the nests systematically; or perhaps I should have said, I let the birds do the 
 searching while I watched them. Whenever I saw a Flycatcher, usually a male as most of 
 the females were setting, I quietly sat down and observed his movements, taking care, 
 however, not to alarm him. After uttering a few se-winks and making the accompanying 
 musical attempts, he would snap up a passing insect or two, then fly leisurely along the 
 valley, occasionally pausing a moment, thus I could keep him in sight. In this way I 
 would follow, until he would finally stop near a witch-hazel and utter his notes quite rap- 
 idly. Then I would feel sure that the nest was in the immediate vicinity and cautiously 
 drawing near, would almost invariably detect the low, answering twitter of his mate as she 
 sat on the eggs. Generally their home would be concealed by the large leaves of the hazel 
 but sometimes I could see it for some distance. The nests which I found there were among 
 the most artistic specimens of bird architecture that I ever beheld, for they were partly con- 
 structed of living lichens the ends of which were allowed to trail downward, and the deli- 
 cate colors contrasted finely with the green of the foliage. The drawing which I give was 
 taken from a nest that I obtained at the time of which I am writing and is represented 
 as being on a branch of the witch-hazel. 
 
 The witch-hazel appears to be a favorite with them for all but one of the fifteen nests 
 which I discovered were placed in this shrub, the exception to the rule being built on a 
 low limb of a hemlock. The flat domiciles were always placed near the extremity of the 
 limb, supported by a horizontal fork, and from five to ten feet from the ground. The ha- 
 zels usually grew from the valley bottom but occasionally one would be found a few yards 
 up the mountain side. The birds exhibited very little solicitude upon being disturbed, the 
 female often alighted on a branch only a few yards away and quietly arranged her feath- 
 ers while I was transferring her nest and eggs to my collecting basket. 
 
 The Acadian Flycatchers, as have been shown, arrive late, the last week in May, 
 and soon after breed, nesting, as far as I could judge, about the fifth or sixth of June, for 
 on the fifteenth of the month the eggs fill contained embryos and some few were quite far 
 advanced. Their stay in the north is limited as they migrate early, probably shortly after 
 
EMP1DONAX FLAV1VENTR1S. 191 
 
 the young are strong enough to fly well, for, although I have a single specimen obtained 
 in Pennsylvania as late as the ninth of September, I was unable to find any during the 
 last week in August and look upon the one captured as a straggler. 
 
 EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTEIS. 
 
 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 
 Empidonax Jlavirentris BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 198. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cit. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, thin and flat but not horny, bifid at tip 
 bat not provided with terminal cilia. Bill, short. Stomach, mascular, wdlls '15 thick. Larynx, provided with a thick 
 and strong sterno-trarheulis. Bronchial!*, quite well developed, but there are no traces of either division of the bronch;- 
 tmchealix. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in spring. Above, including upper tail coverts, decidedly greenish-olivaceous, darkest on the head 
 where the feathers show dusky centers. AVings and tail, brown, with the outer edges of all the feathers greenish. Tips, 
 edges of tlie terminal two thirds of the secondaries, outer edges and tips of the tertiaries, tips of two rows of wing coverts, 
 firming liars yellowish-white, with the upper bar inclined to be of a deeper yellow. Beneath, including under wing and 
 tail covens, greenish-yellow with the sides, flanks, and an indistinct band across breast, olivaceous. There is a greenish- 
 yellow ring around the eye, but the lores are olivaceous. Bill, brown, yellow on lower mandible. Feet, brown. 
 
 Adult in autumn. Inclined to be darker alx>ve, more dusky below, and the yellowish markings on the wings are much 
 darker. 
 
 Youny of the year in autumn. Quite dark above but yet decidedly greenish. The light markings of the wings are 
 quite yellow and broader than in the adult, otherwise similar. 
 
 Ni'ftlinys. Quite slaty above, and much lighter below, being nearly white, and the darker areas are slaty. The ring 
 around the eye and the markings on the wing are fully as bright as in the more adult stages.- 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age and season do not vary much, but the form of the bill varies slightly. This is the greenest 
 of our Eastern Flycatchers and may be distinguished at once by the smaller size, and yellow colors below. In preparing the 
 descriptions of the smaller Flycatchers, I have examined a large number of specimens, not only from my own collection, 
 but Messrs. II. A. Purdie, Wm. Brewster, W. B. Dowse, T. H. Brackett, and the Bangs Brothers have kindly allowed me 
 t< i study tin' skins of this genus which were in their possession. Distributed in summer throughout Eastern United States, 
 north of the latitude of Massachusetts and possibly along the. mountain ranges into Pennsylvania. Winters in South 
 America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of five specimens frcm Upton, Maine. Length, 5'35; stretch, 8'40; wing, 2'68; tail, 2'07: bill, 
 75: tarsus 4-3. Longest specimen, 5'55; greatest extent of wing, 8'70; longest wing, 2'75; tail, 2' 15; bill, '82; tarsus, '45. 
 Slmrtest specimen, 5'10; smallest extent of wing, 7'90; shortest wing, 2'60; tail, 2'00; bill, '66; tarsus, -40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND BUGS. 
 
 Nests, ( From description kindly given me by Mr. II. A. Purdie.) placed under the shelter of roots of upturned trees or 
 in bunches . if moss, composed of moss, lined with black rootlets, pine needles, and grass. Dimensions external diameter, 
 4-00, internal, 2'0<). External depth, 4"25, internal, MO. 
 
 Et/ys, four in number, rounded-oval in form, creamy-white in color, spotted with light reddish-brown. Dimensions 
 from -65 x '53 to -70 x -55. 
 
 HAlilTS. 
 
 1 have described the preceding species of Flycatcher as inhabiting deep glens and as 
 being fond of the obscure light of the woods, but the Yellow-bellied Flycatchers are most 
 decidedly, of all the genus, the true children of the shade, for they are seldom found else- 
 where than in the thickest swamps. Even in these secluded retreats, they avoid the tops 
 of the bushes, keeping well down in the dense foliage, often perching within a foot of the 
 
102 YELL W-BELLIED FL YCA TCHER. 
 
 ground. Alder swamps which are so filled with undergrowth that it is difficult to force 
 one's way through them, are the favorite resorts of these Flycatchers. It is extremely 
 difficult to detect the presence of these little birds in such places, not only on account of 
 the luxurious vegetation, but principally because they are extremely quiet, the only note 
 which they utter during the migrations being a plaintive pea given only at intervals and, 
 so low as to be inaudible a few yards distant. I have frequently entered a swarnp in 
 which I was certain some of these Flycatchers had taken refuge and have, at first, been 
 unable to find a single specimen, but upon remaining quiet for a moment, I would hear the 
 low peas in all directions. Guided by the sound of the nearest, I would proceed cautious- 
 ly in its direction and, after a moment's search, would see the bird as he sat on some low 
 twig, occasionally launching outward for a short distance to catch a passing insect which 
 his keen eye had informed him was especially palatable. As long as I remained perfect- 
 ly still, the Flycatcher would pursue his vocations but upon my making the slightest 
 movement, he would observe me and, giving a quick, upward flirt of his tail, would flit 
 silently but with marvelous celerity among the brown stems of the alders, and skillfully 
 wending his way through the labyrinth of twigs, vines, and leaves, he would almost in- 
 stantly disappear. 
 
 Although the Yellow-bellied Flycatchers are not sluggish birds, yet when compared 
 with the allied species, they appear somewhat inactive. This is due, however, to the fact 
 that there is but little need of them leading a bustling life. The orchards which are the 
 chosen domains of the Least Flycatchers are also the resorts of hundreds of other birds and 
 consequently the Flycatchers must keep wide-awake in order to gain a livelihood and they 
 do it, as I have endeavored to show. Traill's have a less disputed field but still there are 
 enough other avian inhabitants of the locality in which they find a home to make insects 
 tolerably scarce, so these birds cannot be idle; while as I have already described, the Aca- 
 dians usually live in localities where many species of the feathered tribe are abundant. 
 With the birds under consideration, this is quite different for they occupy spots where but 
 few others occur and where insects abound; thus they are not obliged to lead a very active 
 life and therefore their habits have become decidedly modified by the circumstances in 
 which they are placed. 
 
 The lives which the members of this genus lead have apparently had some effect upon 
 their physical organization. Thus we find that the Least Flycatcher is not only the best 
 flier, but it also has the best development of laryngeal muscles, consequently has the most 
 variety of notes, it being understood, however, that this partial development does not al- 
 ways mean that the voice of their possessor is the most musical. Next in order follows 
 Traill's, differing but slightly from the one last described, and then comes the Acadian 
 with weaker laryngeal muscles, for the broncho-trachealis is but slightly developed and 
 consequently the twittering notes are given less frequently than by the two preceding; 
 last in the list comes the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. The low and slowly given pea and 
 a gravely rendered ke-lick, the first as a single note and the second repeated only at long 
 intervals, are the only sounds which I ever heard them utter for they make no attempt at 
 the twittering song. I was not surprised, therefore, when, upon examining the larynx, I 
 
EMPID ON AX FLA VI VENTRIS. 193 
 
 found that there was no trace of either division of the broncho-trachealis, as I consider 
 this an important muscle in producing a variety of melodious sounds. 
 
 Tlu' Yellow-bellied Flycatchers spend the summer in the forests of the more northern 
 New Kngland States, frequenting the swamps which are thickly covered with small larch 
 and hemlock trees. Here they are perfectly at home but are as retiring in habit as I 
 have described them during the spring migrations and, were it not for the peculiar ke-lick 
 which is occasionally heard, they would pass unnoticed. When I was at Lake Umbagog 
 in June, 1878, I was confident that several pairs which I observed, had nests in the im- 
 mediate vicinity but could not find them, and a few seasons later I searched in vain for the 
 
 Mil at (Jrand Menan and further north in New Brunswick. As the nests had been 
 described by authors as being placed in trees or bushes, my search was confined to the hem- 
 locks, larches, etc. and consequently was always unsuccessful. But my friends,' Messrs. 
 Purdie and Deane, were more fortunate and during the past summer, 1878, succeeded in 
 procuring a nest which was placed under the shelter of the roots of an upturned tree, much 
 after the manner employed by the Bridge Pewee. This was obtained at Iloulton, Maine, 
 and on June fifteenth, the nest contained one egg; three days later, the entire set of four 
 was deposited. Mr Purdie informs me that the structure was very pretty, especially when 
 he first saw it as then the bird was sitting upon the nest and she appeared to be sucken in 
 a ball of green moss. The female was not at all shy for she was approached within two 
 feet before she darted off. An excellent account of this episode is given by Mr. Purdie 
 in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club for October, 1878, and is written with 
 the conscientious care so characteristic of the author. I found the Yellow-bellied Fly- 
 catchers as late as the first of June in the swamps of Pennsylvania and obtained birds in 
 the nestling plumage the last week in August, so judge that they may breed there, They 
 migrate early, leaving New England during the latter part of August, but they linger in 
 Pennsylvania until the first of October when they shortly after disappear. 
 
 ORDER II, ALCEDINI. KINGFISHERS. 
 
 Sternum with four marginal indentations, the two outer of which are quite deep but the 
 inner arc shallow. Bill, long and stout, with a deep gape. 
 
 This order is characterised not only as described above, but by the long and pointed 
 wings and stout form. It will be seen that I have entirely discarded the old order, Scan- 
 sores, as the characters presented by the members usually placed in this group are so 
 incongruous that I see no way of arranging them naturally and, in order to be perfectly 
 consistent, have raised the groups hitherto considered as sections or families, to the rank 
 of Orders. 
 
 FAMILY I. CERYLID^E. THE CRESTED KINGFISHERS. 
 
 Head, crested. The sexes differ in markings. Legs, short. Two outer toes, joined at 
 the base. 
 
 WKDS of FLORIDA. 25 
 
194 CERYLE ALCYON. 
 
 The sternum is stout, with short coracoids which are set on at an angle. The keel is 
 produced forward, approximating quite closely to the strong furcular which has no termi- 
 nal expansion. There is no distinct manubrium but the lower portion of the keel projects 
 out and occupies its place, yet it is not forked. The oesophagus is straight, being without 
 any dilatation, and is lined throughout with a mucous membrane which lies in longitudinal 
 ridges. It emerges into the proventriculus which is provided with a zonular band of sim- 
 ple, oval glands. The stomach is somewhat peculiar in form, being an irregular spherical 
 body, not muscular, and lined with a thin, somewhat smooth, yellow membrane. The 
 pancreas is not large and occupies but about one half of the fold of the duodenum which 
 encloses it. The intestines are quite long. There are no coeca and the spleen which is a 
 spherical body and quite dark in color lies on the stomach near the cardiac opening. The 
 trachea is straight. Larynx, provided with a strong sterno-trachealis, also a thick bron- 
 chialis which adheres to the two upper half rings. The tympaniform membrane is present 
 and also the os transversale but there is no semilunar membrane. 
 
 GENUS I. CERYLE. THE BELTED KINGFISHERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Keel, hiyhcr than one half the width of the sternum. Coracoids, greatly exceeding one half the length of 
 the keel. Two outer toes joined for one half the basal portion. 
 
 The colors of this genus are dull in comparison with other members of the family but they are conspicuously banded 
 below. The young are born naked and acquire *he feathers without any transitional downy stage. 
 
 CERYLE ALCYON. 
 Belted Kingfisher. 
 Ceryle alcyon BOIE, Isis; 1829, 316. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, short, broad, flat and somewhat fleshy, provided with 
 a triangular tip, yellow in color. Feathers of the crest, long, and loosely constructed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Upper portion of body, including upper wing and tail coverts, slaty-blue, darkest on the head. 
 Wings, black, with the outer portion of outer webs of secondaries, slaty-blue, and two thirds of the basal portion of inner 
 webs of all the feathers, spots and bars on the middle of the outer webs of primaries, white. This color encroaches upon 
 the blue of the of the inner webs of the secondaries in bars. The extreme tips of the two rows of wing coverts are also 
 white, forming indistinct bars. Primaries and secondaries, slightly tipped with white. Tail, black, with the two central 
 feathers and outer portion of outer webs, blue, with both webs of all but central pair, spotted and barred with white. Be- 
 neath, including under wing and tail coverts, white, with a band across breast, sides, and flanks, slaty-blue. There is a 
 white ring nearly around the neck, being interrupted on the nape by a bar of slaty-blue. Sides of the head, dark-slaty, 
 witli a spot in advance of the eye and a crescent-shaped mark beneath it, white. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male but with the central tail feathers barred similar to the others. There is a second 
 band of chestnut across the middle of the breast, and this color extends along the sides to the exclusion of the slaty-blue, 
 as far as the flanks which are slaty. 
 
 Young male. Similar to the adult above but with the white tippings to the secondaries more extended. There is less 
 white on the wing coverts but the central tail feathers are barred as in the female. There is but one band below, the up- 
 per, yet that is overwashed with chestnut which also occupies the anterior portion of the sides, and the slaty of the remain- 
 ing portions are overwashed with it. 
 
 Young female. With a duller bluish-slaty band on the breast, the chestnut markings are more extended and the col- 
 or on the top of the head is darker, being nearly black. 
 
 Nestlings. At first the young are completely naked, then the faathers appear without any intermediate downy stage. 
 When the young are fully fledged, both sexes aresimilar and quite like the young male, for the female has only an indica- 
 tion of the chestnut bands. There is, however, more white on the wings, where it appears in irregular spots. The feathers 
 of the crown are black, edged with bluish. Bill and feet, black in all stages. 
 
BELTED KINGFISHER. 195 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no variation even in size between the specimens collected at Key West and in Northern Maine, aside 
 from those described, molting from age or sex. Distributed in summer throughout the entire continent of North America. 
 Winters iu the more southern portions, but is occasionally found as far north as Massachusetts at this season. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twelve specimens. Length, 12'31; stretch, 21'75; wing, 6'25; tail, 3'72; bill, 1'65; tarsus, 
 65. Longest specimen, 13'50; greatest extent of wing, 23'50; longest wing, 6'50; tail, 4'00; bill,2 -50; tarsus, '70. Short- 
 est >]>eeimen, 11- 12; smallest extent of wing, 21'00; shortest wing, G'OO; tail, 3'45; bill, 1'81; tarsus, -61). 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes which are drilled in banks of earth. The opening is about 3.50 in diameter and the burrow ex- 
 tends in a horizontal direction for from four to eight feet. The cavity foi the nest, at the extremity, is some (>'00 in diam- 
 eter and the eggs are placed on the sand or gravel. 
 
 Eyys, four to six in number, oval in form, pure white in color, with a polished surface. Dimensions from T08 x T 12 to 
 1-16x140. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few birds which are better known throughout the length and breadth of our 
 northern continent than the Kingfishers, for their .abruptly given rattle is heard along the 
 rushing streams and blue lakes of the far north, by the majestic, swiftly flowing rivers of the 
 middle districts, and on the borders of the quiet lagoons of the extreme south. Go where 
 we will, at the proper season, we will be greeted by these quaint birds always provided, 
 however, that there is water enough in the immediate vicinity to sustain life iu a minnow. 
 When we hear their enlivening notes in the north, we may be sure that the halcyon days 
 arc near, for their advent proclaims that the sway of the Ice King is broken and the laugh- 
 ing brooks are once more free from bondage. It is true that the happy pair no longer 
 float their nest upon the placid waters as they did in the long-past Golden Age, but the 
 Powers of the air yet extend their favors to the progeny of the devoted Alcyone, and when 
 we see the Kingfishers perched on the yellowing willows, we may be sure that the glorious 
 summer is not far away. 
 
 The Kingfishers arrive in New England from the last week in March to late in April, 
 the time of their appearance, as implied above, depending upon the mildness of the season. 
 At first, they are only found in the immediate vicinity of water when the male may be seen 
 playfully pursuing the female, but later, they seek sand or gravel pits, often some dis- 
 tance from their usual resorts. When crossing the intervening country, they will mount 
 high in air and pursue their way in a direct course, flying with a slow but steady flight, 
 while the body is kept at an angle, giving the bird a peculiar appearance. A pair will 
 frequently be a long time in deciding upon some particular spot in which to make their 
 home, visiting first one sand-bank, then another, until a thorough inspection of the lo- 
 cality lias convinced them that it is suitable for a home, then they will begin the laborious 
 process of drilling a hole for the nest. This is accomplished by scratching with the feet, 
 aided by the powerful bill, but it requires a long time to construct the tunnel and both 
 birds will frequently be employed upon it for upwards of two weeks. The mouth of the 
 hole is usually about two feet from the top of the bank and extends in a horizontal direc- 
 tion for from four to eight feet, sometimes straight but often turning to the right or left, 
 
] 96 CEKYLE ALCYON. 
 
 especially if while excavating, the birds chance to encounter a stone or if they come to a 
 root, they will go under it. The termination of the burrow is enlarged and scooped out 
 into a nest-like cavity which is to receive the eggs that are deposited about the second 
 week in May. I never found that any material was used in constructing a nest for I have 
 always taken the fresh eggs from the bare sand or gravel, but later, when the young occupy 
 the holes, they are found on a bed of fish bones and scales which are thrown up by the 
 birds, much after the manner of Owls and Hawks. I once kept some young .alive for a 
 short time and when first captured, they threw up fish scales and bones compressed togeth- 
 er in oval formed bodies which were surprisingly large when compared with the size of 
 the birds. 
 
 The Kingfishers were more abundant on the Susquehanna River than I ever saw them 
 elsewhere and I have found a dozen holes in a half hour's row along the stream all of 
 which were occupied. I opened several nests in order to study the growth of the young 
 and in all cases found the fish scales and bones as described. When exposed to the light, 
 the birds would utter a lisping cry which did not, in the least, resemble the rattle of the 
 adults. As the young do not leave the nest-like cavity for some time, the odor that aris- 
 es from the mass of filth which accumulates in the extremity of the burrow is perfectly 
 intolerable. But later in life, not long before they fly, the little Kingfishers enter the 
 tunnel and may often be seen sitting at its entrance. When we approached the locality 
 in which the nest was placed, the adult birds did not manifest any uneasiness because they 
 were accustomed to seeing many persons pass daily, in fact some of the holes were made 
 in a bank where a public road ran close to the margin of the river and some of the nests 
 were directly beneath the wheel tracks. But when we actually began to dig out their 
 domiciles, the Kingfishers exhibited the utmost alarm, flying excitedly about ami giving 
 their harsh notes continuously but never venturing very near us, as they evidently under- 
 stood that we were enemies. Further up the river, in sections more remote from settle- 
 ments, they were as shy as in Massachusetts and showed great solicitude whenever their 
 breeding places were approached. 
 
 The Kingfishers learn very quickly where they are safe; thus they are always shy 
 wherever they are habitually shot at, but in sections where they are protected, they are 
 remarkably tame. I have seen them quietly perched within a few yards of pedestrians, in 
 localities where the use of a gun was strictly forbidden, while on ponds only a short dis- 
 tance away, they would be exceedingly wary. They are, however, naturally shy for those 
 which I have found in the remote sections of Florida where they were never disturbed, 
 would not allow me to approach very near them. The young which I endeavored to rear 
 appeared sullen, probably through fear, would not feed readily, and soon died. It is quite 
 noticeable that these birds are not apt to start at the report of a gun which is fired at a short 
 distance away, even if the shot strikes quite near them, and may be shot at repeatedly with 
 a rifle at from seventy-five to a hundred yards distance without moving, provided the ball 
 does not actually hit the object on which they are sitting. I have thought that this was 
 due to the similarity between the sound made by the report of a gun and the shock which 
 they must experience when plunging into the water. The birds usually ascend to the 
 
BELTED KINGFISHER. 197 
 
 height of from twenty to thirty feet above the surface, then poising themselves with rap- 
 idly vibrating wings for a few seconds, they will dart suddenly downward, striking the 
 water so forcibly as to frequently become entirely submerged. If the attempt be success- 
 ful, (hoy will rise with their prey which is usually a small fish, in their beaks, shake the 
 water from their wings, give a triumphant rattle, and fly cither to some favorite perch to 
 devour it or carry it to their nests. 
 
 I have mentioned that the Kingfishers arc found throughout Florida, being as abun- 
 dant on the Keys as on the St. John's River. They must breed in all those localities, and 
 on the St. John's and other streams, bluffs having abrupt banks occasionally occur in 
 whirh they can make their holes, but I cannot conjecture where they build on the Keys as 
 I do not know of a single bank throughout their entire extent. On Indian River I found 
 them nesting in a singular situation. There is a narrow canal which connects Indian Riv- 
 er with Mosquito Lagoon at a point where the two bodies of water approach each other 
 quite closely. It is nearly twelve feet deep where the ground is most elevated and, as 
 only about four feet of this space is occupied by the water, the remainder forms perpen- 
 dicular banks. There is but little soil in this portion of Florida, the underlying strata being 
 coquena, a substance which is composed of fragments of shells cemented together by press- 
 ure. When first dug, this rock, as it is called, is soft and crumbling, but upon being 
 exposed, becomes nearly as hard as any limestone. Thus a crust was formed over the 
 surface which could not be penetrated without the aid of an iron instrument, yet there 
 were a dozen holes made by Kingfishers in the banks of the canal. These must have been 
 excavated years before when the coquena was soft, but, at least, one was occupied during 
 my visit as I frequently saw the birds emerge from it, and they exhibited great solicitude 
 whenever I approached. Although I could not ascertain for a certainty, as it would have 
 required considerable labor to penetrate to the nest, I judged that they had eggs as early 
 as the last week in March. 
 
 The Kingfishers are solitary birds, even after the young arc out they do not accom- 
 pany their parents long. They arc fed for the first few days after leaving the nest but they 
 soon learn to fish for themselves and then they disperse about the country. These birds re- 
 main quite late in Massachusetts, rarely one will be seen in the winter if the season chance 
 to be mild. They are more frequently found then in Pennsylvania, and occur regularly be- 
 low this point, consequently are constantly resident in the South. 
 
 ORDER III, CAPRIMULGI. GOAT-SUCKERS. 
 
 Sternum, with two wide marginal indentations. Bill, short, with a wide and deep gape, 
 and with more or less bristles at the base. The plumage is soft. 
 
 The wings are long and pointed. The tail lias ten feathers, two less than in the pre- 
 ceding order, and is of varying form. The feet are small with the upper face of the tarsus 
 leathered on its basal portion. The anterior toes are webbed at the base and the number 
 of bones are not normal, the inner having three and each of the others, four. The eyes 
 are large as the birds are, more ar less, nocturnal in habit. 
 
198 CHOKL EILES P OPETUE. 
 
 FAMILY I. CAPRIMULGID^J. THE NIGHT-JAES. 
 
 
 
 Nail of middle toe, pectinated on inner side. Prominent white markings on either wings 
 or tail. 
 
 The sternum is stout and short but wide, with a high, well-rounded keel. The cor- 
 acoids are also short and set on at an angle, while the furcula is somewhat stout and forms 
 a wide, well-arched curve, proclaiming that its owner is capable of performing abrupt and 
 varied aerial evolutions. The terminal expansion is slightly developed. The marginal 
 indentations are so wide as to resemble scollops. Costal process, varied in form as given 
 under generic characters. There is no manubrium nor is the sternum produced forward 
 so as to take its place. 
 
 GENUS I. CHORDEILES. THE NIGHT HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Wings, extending beyond the tail when closed, with the first quill longest. Bristles at bate of bill, very small. 
 Tail, forked. Plumage, blended. Costal, process of sternum, approximatinj quite near the coracoids. 
 
 Members of this genus are only partly nocturnal, often flying about during the day but are more active at night, espe- 
 cially at twilight. The larynx is provided with a very largo and thick sterno-trachealis which has its trachcal origin low, 
 quite near the larynx. There is only one other muscle, the posterior division of the bronchc-trachealis. The os transver- 
 sale is represented by a flat bone which does not support any scmilunar membrane, however, but there are short tympani- 
 form membranes. The oesophagus is not dilated in any portion, is lined with a thin layer of mucus, and opens into a some- 
 what wide proventrieulus which is provided with oblong glands that lie obliquely and are arranged in a zonular band. 
 The stomach is rather cubical in form, quite muscular, and lined with a roughly rugous membrane. The short duodenum 
 enbraces the rather large pancreas for its entire length. The spleen is a spherical body, dark in color, and placed on the 
 stomach near the cardiac opening. There are long coeca(measuring 1'30 lapopetue) which are dilated into bottle-shaped 
 bodies at the blind ends. 
 
 CHORDEILES POPETUE. 
 
 Night Hawk. 
 Chordeilespopelue\i^.iiA,., Ois. Am.; 1807, 56. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, with the keel quite high, then rounds downward to meet the 
 furcula which has a slight terminal expansion. The posterior end of the sternum, between the marginal indentations, is 
 produced backward. Tongue, fleshy, very short, flat and broadly arrow-shaped, provided with papillae, which cover the 
 upper surface. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, including wing and tail, dark purplish-brown, with the feathers in a line back of the 
 eye extending around the nape, having white centers. The remainder of the feathers are irregularly spotted with yellowish- 
 white which becomes rufous on the scapularies. There is an accumulation of rufous spots in a line passing through the ear 
 coverts around the nape. The wings have a greenish gloss and the secondaries are tipped with whitish. There is a very 
 broad white band extending obliquely across the middle of the four primaries next the outer, encroaching upon the inner 
 webs of the outer as far as the shaft. The tail and its upper coverts are crossed by transverse bands of irregular spots of 
 whitish, and there is a band of white extending across all the feathers, excepting the outer, near the tips. Beneath, 
 white, crossed by numerous transverse bands of dark-brown. There is a crescent-shaped mark of white on the throat be- 
 neath which Is a dark band that is spotted with triangular marks of rufous. The space above the white mark is al>o brown, 
 having the same shaped spots. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but the markings above are not as clear. The band on the wings is not as extend- 
 ed, and that on the tail is entirely wanting, while the crescent-shaped mark is overwashed with rufous and spotted with 
 brown; the entire under surface is also tinged with it, showing little or no white. 
 
 Young male. Slightly tinged with rufous throughout, the white bands on the wing and tail being much restricted, 
 and the crescent is obscured with rufous. 
 
 Young female. Very strongly tinged with rufous above and below, while the white marking on the wing is often re- 
 stricted to the three upper feathers. 
 
NIGHT HAWK. 199 
 
 Nfsllinys. The only specimen I ever saw was shown to me by Mr. Brewster, who obtained it from Mr. N. C. Brown. 
 This was covered with downy feathers of a dark-brown color, spotted and tipped irregularly with rufous and yellowish. It 
 is quite probable that this species undergoes several changes from birth to the time it assumes the plumage described adove. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary somewhat in markings, especially above, and while those from Florida are generally darker, they show 
 more white above; this is especially noticeable in birds which I obtained at Lake Harney late in May when they were breed- 
 ing; in fact they exhibit some approach in this respect to the bleached Western form, "Henryi." There is, however, no 
 appreciable difference in size between Florida birds and those taken even as far north as Maine. Distributed during the 
 breeding season throughout the entire extent of North America. Winters in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-four specimens from Florida and New England. Length, 9'00; stretch, 22' 17; wing, 
 7'82; tail, 3-05; bill, -25; tarsus, '57. Longest specimen, !)-~5; greatest extent of wing, 22-25; longest wing, 8'90; tail, 4'55; 
 bill, -30; tarsus, '65. Shortest specimen, 8'25: smallest extent of wing, 21-00; shortest wing, 6'75; tail, 3'85; bill, '20; tar- 
 sus, -45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, simply hollows scratched in the ground, or the eggs are frequently deposited on bare rocks and, of late years, 
 also on the flat, concrete-covered roofs of houses in cities like New York and Boston. 
 
 Eyyi, two in number, elliptical in form, dirty white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, slaty and 
 lilac. Dimensions from l'20x '80 to 1-26 x '85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 It is impossible to find a bird which is more generally known whenever it occurs than 
 the Night Hawks. Even the Seminoles of Florida described it to me long before its arriv- 
 al and when I showed Tiger a skin he exclaimed, at once, "Ho-pil-car!" a name by which 
 they designate it, and once more proceeded to give me a good account of its habits, by 
 which I judged that it bred in the vicinity. They were very abundant about the first week 
 in April at Miami yet many of these were probably only migrants, but I found them com- 
 mon and nesting on Merritt's Island, Indian River, and obtained a single egg deposited on 
 a spot destitute of vegetation. Later, about the fifteenth of the month, the same season, 
 I found them, evidently breeding, in the pincy woods but failed to find an egg. The males 
 were sitting on the limbs of high pine trees but the females were not visible during the 
 day, only making their appearance at twilight. I found the fresh eggs in the grain fields 
 of Pennsylvania during the last week of May and obtained the females with eggs ready to 
 be deposited, in Maine, on the fifth of June. When breeding, the females are not at all 
 shy, as they will permit one to walk quite near them without starting. Indeed I have 
 nearly placed my foot upon them as they sat crouched flat against the ground, before they 
 would rise, then would only fly a few yards and settle again. So closely do the colors of the 
 Night Hawks correspond with those of the soil which is destitute of vegetation, that it is 
 almost impossible to detect the birds, especially when the surface is slightly broken or cov- 
 ered with stones. Like many ground nesters which are similarly colored, these birds ap- 
 pear to be aware that this similarity of color to that of surrounding objects is their best 
 protection, consequently they will almost always remain quiet until the intruder approaches 
 very near them. When forced to take wing, they rise very suddenly, flying in an eccen- 
 tric or zigzag course but with a rapid motion. The females merely utter a kind of croak 
 repeated once or twice when first on the wing, then are silent. 
 
200 CHOBDEILES POPETUE. 
 
 I have mentioned under descriptions that the Night Hawks deposited their eggs on 
 the flat roofs of houses in cities. Several species of our native birds have taken advantage 
 of the changes wrought by the settlement of the section in which they live; thus, instead of 
 .being driven away, when their former breeding places were encroached upon and, in many 
 instances, destroyed, they have promptly availed themselves of the opportunities afforded 
 by the many structures erected by man and built their nests in them. This is especially 
 noticeable among the Swallows, for all, but one, of our Eastern species have greatly modi- 
 fied their habits, and the breeding range of all has become extended since the occupation of 
 the country by the whites. The Wrens have generally abandoned holes in rocks and trees 
 and now resort to buildings, at least in the vicinity of settlements. The Chimney Swift 
 may be mentioned as another species whose habits have been utterly changed by the inno- 
 vations of man, and the same is true of the Phoebe, though to a limited extent. But in the 
 cases mentioned and in all others which occur, one or two species excepted, the birds 
 which have taken up their abodes in the immediate presence of ntan, are small, consequent- 
 ly are seldom, if ever, molested, and so, from the first, they readily became familiar with 
 the ways of civilization. With the Night Hawks, however, this is quite different, they 
 were most emphatically a bird of the wilderness and although they resort to newly made 
 clearings and open fields, these are almost always remote from houses, and when disturbed 
 once or twice in any locality, the birds promptly take their departure. Thus, it is almost 
 impossible to find the nest of one of these birds near any of the towns in the immediate 
 vicinity of Boston yet, most unexpectedly, we find them common in the midst of the metrop- 
 olis, itself. 
 
 It is true that the gravel-covered roofs do, in a measure, resemble the barren spots of 
 land of which they are so fond, but if the birds ever chanced to mistake the extended 
 rows of house-tops for the quiet, hill-side fields in which they were wont to nest, one 
 would think that the sights, odors, and, above all, the constant din arising from the midst of a 
 great city would speedily dispel all such illusions. Yet it did not, for some years ago, the 
 first pair of Night Hawks ventured to lay their eggs on a roof in Boston and now they are 
 common there through the summer. Both sexes are found there during the day and in the 
 twilight, the peculiar, sharp, rapidly given cry may be heard above the noise caused by 
 the surrounding multitude, and then they will be seen to plunge downward toward the 
 crowded streets, but their booming note, if heard at all, comes faintly to the ear, being 
 almost, if not quite, lost in the constant waves of louder sounds. Master Outram Bangs 
 who has taken the eggs from roofs, informs me that the females were quite tame when ap- 
 proached, flying only a few feet and showing no solicitude, whatever, when their eggs were 
 removed. 
 
 I have alluded to the notes of the male for, excepting the peculiar croak, the females 
 are silent. The singular cry which consists of but one sharp note repeated at intervals, is 
 usually given while the birds are on the wing, but on several occasions I have heard it 
 when they were perched on the limbs of high trees. This rude attempt at melody is only 
 made through the breeding season and more often in the twilight or during cloudy days, 
 seldom in the bright sunlight. The bird mounts upward with that peculiar, eccentric 
 
NIGHT HAWK. 201 
 
 flight, so characteristic of this species, then, darting suddenly in an oblique direction for 
 a few feet, will emit his discordant squeak; when hs will fly a few yards, only to repeat 
 this performance, the notes being given after intervals of a few seconds. Every move- 
 ments carries him upward, until he has reached quite an altitude, higher in day-light than 
 in the evening, when down lie plunges with half closed wings to within a few yards of the 
 ground and, just as he extends his wings to turn upward again, comes the peculiar boom, 
 so aptly described by authors as similar to the sound produced by blowing into the bung- 
 hole of an empty barrel. 
 
 Just how this sound is produced is not easily explained and has given rise to various 
 theories. Some authors affirm that the air rushing through the loosened quills of the wings 
 causes the noise. It is true that this explanation appears plausible but I am inclined to 
 think that the sound is not produced mechanically, for reasons which I will now give. 
 First, the noise is under the control of the will of the birds for they frequently dive in si- 
 lence. This is one point but is not conclusive, as the quills of the wings might be made 
 to change their position so that the sound would ensue at one time and be withheld at an- 
 other, but a careful examination of the wings does not reveal any essential difference in 
 structure from those presented by other members of the family. Under the microscope, 
 the barbs of the quills are seen to be furnished with very long barbules which are pectina- 
 ted on both sides for their basal two thirds, but this is also observable in the Whippoor- 
 will and other allied species. The long filaments of the barbules causing the fringed wings 
 in Owls and other birds, ensure a silent passage through the air and consequently the 
 flight of a Night Hawk is particularly noiseless as any one who has had one pass close to 
 him, will remember. Thus it will be seen that the facts of the case do not at all support 
 the theory. The idea that the air rushing into the suddenly opened mouth causes the sound 
 is too improbable to notice and therefore I will hasten to explain what I consider the true 
 origin of the booming note of the Night Hawk. I say note, most advisably, for I am cer- 
 tain that this singular cry is vocal. As will be seen upon referring to the generic charac- 
 ters which I have given, there arc but two laryngenl muscles. The broncho-trachealis 
 posticus is not strong in the male and is scarcely developed in the female. I therefore 
 judge that this produces the squeak, but the sterno-trachealis which acts as a relaxor to 
 the tympaniform membrane, is very thick and strong, just as it is in the Whippoorwill and 
 Chuck-will's Widow. In both these species, it is quite probable that the peculiar notes 
 which arc so decidedly in a minor tone, are caused by this muscle acting upon the mem- 
 brane of which I have spoken above. Now I can see no reason why the note of the Night 
 Hawk should not be produced by the action of the same muscle, for it is also in the minor 
 tone and if any of the louder cries of the Whippoorwill or, better, of the Chuck-will's Wid- 
 ow were prolonged, they would not sound very unlike the boom of the species under con- 
 sideration. 
 
 I si-arci-ly think that the Night Hawks are abroad all night, but that they only fly 
 during the dusk of evening, being more active in hunting, however, as it grows dark; in 
 fact the males remain high in the air until long after sunset, when they will descend and 
 fly rapidly along close to the ground. They feed upon insects which they capture during 
 
 l.IKDS OF FLORIDA. 2H 
 
202 WHIPPOORWILL. 
 
 these forrays. The Night Hawks migrate about the first of September, when hundreds 
 may be seen, toward the close of day, flying in detached flocks. They keep at a considera- 
 ble elevation until after sunset, when they descend near the ground to feed as they go. I 
 have never seen this species in Florida during winter or even in November but found them 
 abundant, as already described, after the first of April and they are common through the 
 summer. 
 
 GENUS II. ANTROSTOMUS. THE WIIIPPOORWILLS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Winys, not extending beyond the tail when closed, with the second or third quill longest. Bristles at Dane of 
 bill, very long. Tail, rounded. Plumaye, soft and owl-like. The costal process of sternum does not approach the cora- 
 coids but sends a s/mr upward at right angles with them. 
 
 Members of this genus are entirely nocturnal in habit, never, voluntarily, flying during daylight. The sterno-trache- 
 alis is very large and thick, and has its origin low, as in the preceding genus. There is a very weak broncho-trachealis 
 posticus, and also a singular muscle which passes completely around the trachea, above the origin of the other muscles, and 
 is fastened to the lower extremities of the furcula; other portions of larynx, similar to those given in the preceding genus. 
 The oesophagus is larger near the mouth than elsewhere. The other characters are as described in Chordeiles, excepting 
 the coeca which is proportionately longer, measuring T40 in vociferus. 
 
 AUTKOSTOMUS VOCIPERTJS. 
 
 Whippoorwill. 
 Antrostomus vociferus BON. List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, somewhat robust. Size, not large. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, long, smooth, thin and somewhat 
 fleshy. The hyoid bones curve upward back of the skull. The bristles of the bill are without lateral filaments . 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. General color above, daik-brown, but this is obscured by spots, tippings, and edgings of ashy 
 and rufous. The top of the head is ashy-brown, streaked with dark-brown. There are drop-shaped spots of rufous on the 
 wing coverts, forming a bar. The wings are dark-brown barred on both webs with spots of bright rufous. The tail is also 
 brown, marked with ashy and rufous which appear in small spots and form bars. The thrae outer pairs of feathers are 
 broadly tipped with white which shows a yellowish tinge below. Beneath , dark-brown witli the feathers tipped and spotted 
 with yellowish-rufous which nearly covers the flanks and under tail and wing coverts. There is a band of white on the 
 throat beneath which is an indistinct one of rufous. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male, but lacks the white markings on the outer tail feathers; the entire tail is, 
 however, excepting the central pair of feathers, tipped with yellowish, and the white band on the throat is replaced by one 
 of yellowish. 
 
 Young. The colors above and below are much more rufous, showing but little of the ashy of the adult. In the male, 
 the white of the tail is as in the adult, but the dark-brown of the outer webs of the outer feathers encroaches upon it, and 
 all the foathers are tipped with a buffy-yellow. 
 
 Nestlings. Judging from two specimens which I now have, and one that was kindly loaned to me by Mr. August 
 Koch, which are assuming the second plumage, the nestlingsare covered with a dark down tipped with yellowish, butit is 
 quite probable that this species, like the preceding, undergoes several changes between birth and the plumage of the speci- 
 mens which I have. Bill, black and feet, brown in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 These birds are extremely variable in markings, some being much darker than others. The spots on the wing coverts 
 are not always present, and in many specimens the scapularies are marked with a rich dark-brown, while there is consider- 
 able difference in the markings below, yet there will be no difficulty in recognizing the species by the colors as described. 
 It will be well to to keep in mind that the Whippoorwill has no white spots on the wings and that the tail is conspicuously 
 marked with white; just the reverse of the markings on those parts in the Night Hawk. Known from the following bird 
 as described under the head of observations in the succeeding pages. Distributed during summer throughout the Eastern 
 section of North America from the Carolinas to Canada. Winters in Florida and the West Indies. 
 
AXTROSTOMUS VOCIFERUS. 203 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eiglit specimens from Pennsylvania nnd Florida. Langth, 9'75; stretch, 18'75; wing,5'75; 
 (nil, 4'55; Kill, '17; tarsus, '65. Longest specimen, 10'30; greatest extent of wing, 19'4t>; longest wing, 6'70; tail, 5' 10; bill, 
 55; tarsus, -00. Shortest specimen, n- 15.: smallest extent of wing, 19 - 00; shortest wing, 5'75; tail, 4'10; bill, '40; tarsus, 
 f)0. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 AS-, mere hollows scratched in the ground among the leaves, no material being used. A secluded locality is always 
 I, usually among thickets. 
 
 I, two in number, perfectly elliptical in form, very delicate creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly 
 with lilac, pale lilac and pale brown. Dimensions from l'20x '75 to 1'25 x '80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have mentioned elsewhere that the steep sides of the Alleghany Mountains are cov- 
 ered with a thick growth of trees which, on account of the scarcity of the soil, are, even 
 at the base of the elevations, quite low and as we ascend, we find them more dwarfed, 
 until on the summit, they are little better than shrubs. The abrupt inclines are strewed 
 with fragments of rocks of varying size but some of them are quite large and as they are 
 well shaded in summer, they form admirable resting places for the Whippoorwills.- In fact, 
 I never before saw so many in any one locality, as every glen or nook appeared to be in- 
 habited by them. The twilight comes on somewhat prematurely in those deep valleys and 
 while the highest mountain tops are gleaming in the rays of the setting sun, the lower slopes 
 are enshrouded with rapidly gathering darkness. The lays of the diurnal songsters have 
 ceased and naught is heard save the occasional chirp of a belated Robin as he hastens to 
 his roost in the alder thicket by the brook side; then all is still. After the noise and bus- 
 tle with which the numerous feathered tribes always end the day, the first hush of evening 
 seems most profound. Then it is that the opening notes of the Whippoorwills float out up- 
 on the air. The first which utters his cry strikes out boldly and renders his lay distinctly 
 and well but the echo of his effort has not died away before it is answered by another, then 
 another begins, and soon the entire mountain sides are ringing with their melody. So 
 abundant arc the birds that it is impossible at times to catch a single note, all being blend- 
 ed, for when the Whippoorwills become excited, the song which, at first, is given with 
 snllirient deliberation to enable one to distinguish the separate utterances, is poured forth 
 with such rapidity as to sound like an uninterrupted stream of notes, and this continues 
 until the birds cease, apparently exhausted. As there are, at least, a dozen birds engaged 
 in singing at one time and as each tries to outdo the others in rapidity of execution, the 
 noise produced by them is very confusing. 
 
 All these particular outbursts are evidently caused by a feeling of rivalry, for it is 
 only exhibited to the extent of which I speak, during the time when the males are courting 
 their mates. The silent females are doubtlessly expected to be guided in their choice by 
 the celerity with which the song is given; in short, in select Whippoorwillian circles, he 
 who utters the greatest number of notes in the shortest space of time is considered the fin- 
 est singer. 
 
 If any one who had never before heard the song of the Whippoorwills, should chance 
 to hear them at such a time as I have described, he would be greatly disappointed in their 
 
204 WHIPPOORW1LL. 
 
 reputed fine powers of song. Yet the notes of these birds are certainly very fine when 
 heard to advantage. I well remember when this unique song first greeted my ear. I was 
 floating leisurely in my boat along a New England river on a clear, calm night in early 
 June, lazily watching the play of the moonlight upon the water, not caring to break the 
 delightful hush which reigned, by even dropping an oar, when, from the shadowing forest, 
 came the low, plaintive song of the Whippoorwill. Distance truly lends enchantment to 
 this lay, for when I heard it then and as I have heard it many times since, coming from 
 the far away woodlands, it did not seem as if the peculiar cadence could be produced by 
 a bird; it is so mournful but withal so singularly sweet that it appears more like an exha- 
 lation from the purple mist which hangs over the valleys, harmonizing as perfectly with 
 the surroundings as does the gentle sighing of the perfumed air through the tree-tops of 
 the forests. 
 
 When heard near at hand, however, even after the breeding season, when the notes 
 are given quite distinctly, all these illusions vanish for then there is a harsher tone per- 
 ceptible which is not very agreeable. The delivery of the song is always hurried and, 
 although fhere are three notes, distinctly pronounced, yet their resemblance to the sylla- 
 bles whip-poor-will is more or less fanciful and might be equally well illustrated by oth- 
 er sounds. For example, Cooper, in an introduction to one of his novels, says that the birds 
 distinctly articulate wish-ton-wish, but the best rendering of it that I ever heard was from 
 the Seminoles who call it wac-co-lar, with the accent on the last syllable just as the birds 
 repeat it. The females never sing and only utter a chuck when alarmed. This same note 
 is also given by the males and often precedes the song. 
 
 The Whippoorwills are abundant in Florida throughout the winter and I even found 
 them common in the thickets at Key West, but they are silent until about the middle of 
 March, after which they soon migrate northward. They continue to sing in their summer 
 resorts throughout the season and I once heard one utter the full song several times at 
 Watsontown, Pennsylvania, on the night of the thirtieth of August. These birds remain 
 concealed in the thick woods during the day, resting on the ground or on a rock or branch 
 near it. They are strictly nocturnal, never flying voluntarily during day -light, but when 
 disturbed, they will rise and make their way swiftly through the tangled undergrowth, a- 
 voiding the intervening obstacles as skillfully as in the evening, settling down again in 
 some secluded place. They are quite shy birds and will never admit of a near approach, 
 but are tamer in the night than in the day, for they will then frequently emerge from the 
 woods to rest upon house-tops and sound their cries. They will select particular points on 
 which to light and will visit them repeatedly. Unlike the Night Hawks, they do not, usu- 
 ally hunt about the field in search of their prey, but will sit in some moderately elevated 
 situation, like a post-top, and launch out at the passing insects, much after the manner 
 practiced by the Flycatchers. They are very fond of dusting themselves in roads or paths 
 and will frequently resort to them for this purpose. They will also settle on newly ploughed 
 fields and walk in the freshly upturned earth, a habit which I have also observed in the 
 Night Hawks. 
 
 The Whippoorwills deposit their eggs in the woods without any nest, about the last 
 
ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINF.NSIS. 205 
 
 4 
 
 week in May, the young are fully fledged by the last week in July, and as they are found 
 ahrnc in the woods at that early age, must learn soon to hunt for themselves. These birds 
 arc r;ither solitary in habit and, although quite a number occasionally collect in favorable 
 localities, they are not gregarious, even while migrating. The southward passage occurs 
 in September and as these birds arc never seen flying during the day-time, it must be per- 
 formed wholly at night. 
 
 ANTROSTOMUS CAEOLINENSIS. 
 
 Chuck-will's Widow. 
 Antrostomus Carolincnsis GOULD, Icones Aviuin; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, long, narrow, thin and somewhat fleshy. The hyoid 
 Km;-; rune upward back of the skull. The bristles of the bill arc provided with lateral filaments. 
 
 ( '< ii-on. Adult male. General color above, dark-brown, obscured by spots, tippings, and edgings of rufous. The top 
 <:f head i< rufiiu-i with three longitudinal streaks of black, extending from the base of the bill to the nape and there it a 
 : -':-ruf Hi-; line over the eye. There arc drop-shaped spots of rufous on the wing coverts, forming a bar. The wings 
 nrc dark-brown barred on both webs with spots of yellowish-rufous which are sprinkled with brown. The scapularics and 
 upper win:; n. \erts are marked with black end edged with ashy. The tail is brown, marked with ashy and rufous which 
 iippmr in small spots firming bars The three outer pairs of feathers are broadly tipped with white which becomes bufly-yel- 
 I i\v below, and all the feathers arc tipped with buff which is sprinkled with brown above. Beneath, dark-brown, with the 
 i' at!, ITS tipped and spotted with yellowish-rufous. There is a narrow band of whitish on the throat but it is not very dis- 
 tinct. 
 
 Ad'i't female. Quite similar to the male, but lacks the white markings on the tail which are replaced by brownish, and 
 : r.y t ippings of the feathers are without dots, but there is a distinct, subterminal bar of block, and there is no wlxitc 
 u the throat. Bill and feat, brown in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary considerably in markings, much as in the preceding species to which the general colors bear considcra- 
 : i<'\ may lie known at once by the larger size and buffy color on the under side of the white of the tail. 
 Distributed during summer throughout the Exstcra section of the United States, north to the Carolines, and in the interior 
 into Southern Illinois. Winters in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of six specimens from Florida. Length, 12-87; stretch, 25-00; wing, 8-55; toil, 5'95; bill, '42; 
 tarsus, '07. Longest specimen, 13'25; greatest extent of wing,s25 - 50; longest wing, 8'UO; tail, C'50; bill, '45; tarsus, '75. 
 Shortest specimen, 12'50; smallest extent of wing, 24'60; shortest wing, 8'30; tail, 5'40; bill, -30; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, mere hollows scratched in the ground among the leaves, no material being used. A secluded locality is always 
 selected, usually in thick hummocks. 
 
 Eyi/s, two in number, perfectly elliptical in firm, pale-salmon in color, spotted ond blotched irregularly with lilac, pale- 
 lilac and brown. Dimensions from 1*40 x '95 to l'55x 1'07. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Shortly after the first notes of the Whippoorwill are heard in Florida, a more volumi- 
 nous song comes through the still evening air; it is similar in tone to that of the above 
 mentioned species, but louder and more prolonged, for it consists of at least one more 
 syllabic, and although the lay pronounced by the birds bears but little resemblance to their 
 name, anj one who is familiar with ornithology would at once exclaim, 'that is the Chuck- 
 will's Widow!' The notes are so different from those of the birds last described, that even 
 the settlers in Florida notice it and call them Spanish Whippoorwills. The song of the 
 
206 CHUCK-WILL'S WIDOW. 
 
 Chuck-will's Widow is certainly peculiar, being, by far, the most noticeable of all the bird 
 notes heard in the South, excepting, perhaps, those of the Great Horned and Barred Owls. 
 As I have said, the cadence does not especially resemble the syllables of the name and in 
 order to illustrate the song, I shall once more call my friends, the Seminoles, upon the stage 
 for the birds appear to them to articulate chic-co-bil-lar, and this certainly is a very good 
 rendering of the notes. The cry is given with startling energy when heard quite near at 
 hand; the first syllable is pronounced very distinctly, with emphasis, then follows the sec- 
 ond somewhat prolonged and less forcibly uttered, while the remaining two are very quickly 
 given with a decided accent upon the last. The whole is poured forth in the hurried man- 
 ner so characteristic of the Whippoorwill and in about the same tone. 
 
 When the short twilight of the South is fading into night, the Chuckwill's Widows 
 emerge from the secluded retreat, afforded by some thick hummock, in which they have 
 passed the day and, alighting upon some favorite perch, will begin to sing. As before re- 
 marked, this lay is given with an abruptness which is even startling, especially when the 
 bird is but a few yards away. No preliminary sound gives notice of his presence, for he 
 flits to his perch in utter silence; then, from out of the gloom, comes the cadence, so sud- 
 denly and so loud that, although one may have been perfectly familiar with the song for 
 years, he will always, for a moment, be taken completely by surprise. When an ornithol- 
 ogist hears this peculiar lay for the first time, in such close proximity, he is very apt to 
 grasp his gun and start in pursuit, certain of adding a Chuckwill's Widow to his collection. 
 He approaches the spot where the bird appears to be located, carefully avoiding all the in- 
 tervening obstacles which is no easy task in a Florida hummock, even in broad daylight. 
 Guided by the song, he reaches a point where the increased volume of sound informs him 
 that he is near enough for a shot if he could only discern the bird, when a sudden silence 
 ensues the bird has flown and the spirits of the would-be captor fall to zero; but instant- 
 ly rise again, for the song breaks out anew a few yards away. The hunter follows only to 
 be foiled again, for once more the wary bird has perceived him and has flitted onward, 
 but, as before, only a short distance, so that the excited pursuer once more plunges on in- 
 to the thickets now being rapidly enshrouded in darkness, but all in vain, for the Chuck- 
 will's Widow is a perfect will-o'-the-wisp of a bird alluring the incautious follower deeper 
 and deeper into the gloomy hummock and causing him to take so many turns that unless 
 he be well skilled in wood-craft, he will become utterly lost and may be forced to spend 
 the night in the forest with the wild cats for company. 
 
 My first experience with these birds was similar to that which I have described, ex- 
 cepting that I did manage to extricate myself from the labyrinth into which they led me, 
 but I afterward learned that there were two ways in which to procure these wary birds. 
 The most simple is to search a hummock in which one is certain they are concealing them- 
 selves. I have found that they rest either on the ground or near it and when aroused, will 
 generally give one an opportunity to shoot, or if the branches prove too thick, one has only 
 to note the direction in which they fly when, by following, they may be started again. 
 The other method which I have employed was to listen carefully to the song from two or 
 throe points, thus getting the appi'oximate position of the bird. Then by examining the 
 
ANTROSTOMUS CAROLINENS1S. 207 
 
 locality in daylight, some prominent object may be found like a stump, log, or a branch 
 destitute of foliage upon which one may be reasonably certain the birds alight; then by 
 hiding early in the ensuing evening in a place where the birds can be seen when they 
 come, a shot can be obtained at them, for I have observed that when they once select any 
 particular point as a resting place, they will return to it repeatedly to sing. This habit 
 once proved quite annoying to me as one selected the ornamental top of my tent-pole where 
 he would sound his loud notes continuously. He took care, however, not to settle there 
 until we were all asleep but the sound would always awaken me, when upon my making 
 the slightest noise, off he would go, only to return when I had once more begun to doze, 
 lie favored us more with his visits on moonlight nights than at other times, and proved a 
 great nuisance until I finally managed to shoot him. 
 
 When mellowed by distance, the lay of the Chuck-will's Widow has a soft, dreamy 
 cadence which has an extremely soothing effect, for then only two of the notes are audi- 
 ble, the third and fourth, the more emphatic and harsher chuck remaining unheard. Be- 
 sides the notes of which I have spoken, these birds utter a croaking sound when alarmed 
 or when in pursuit of their mates. When excited by a feeling of rivalry or by the sight 
 of the female, the song, like that of the Whippoorwill, is given with such rapidity that it 
 becomes a series of notes which end abruptly as the female comes sailing by, for then the 
 male starts in pursuit of her. When aroused from the ground, the birds will frequently 
 alight on a branch crosswise; in fact, they appear to have more grasping power in their 
 toes than is possessed by the Whippoorwills for, although I have seen this latter named 
 species alight as described, yet they more often rest longitudinally on the object upon which 
 they are sitting, like the Night Hawks. 
 
 I have had quite a number of the eggs of the Chuck-will's Widow in my possession, 
 yet I have found but one nest. I was walking through a hummock when one of those 
 black, half-wild hogs so common in Florida, jumped up from a thicket in which he had 
 been resting and made off among the palmettos. I looked after him mechanically when I 
 observed a Chuck-will's Widow start from the ground directly in front of him. As this 
 was the first of May and as I had shot a female only a day or two before which was about 
 to lay, I at once conjectured that the bird had a nest there. Keeping my eyes carefully 
 on the spot, I hastened forward and, guided by the tracks of the hog, soon found the eggs. 
 There were two of them and they were lying upon the fragments of palmetto leaves with- 
 out any other attempt at a nest than a slight hollow scratched in the debris. The bird 
 must have remained on them until the nose of the intruding animal was actually over her, 
 for she appeared to start from beneath his feet and she must have moved quickly as he 
 was trotting quite briskly. Unfortunately, one of the animal's hoofs grazed an egg, break- 
 ing a hole in the side, disclosing the fact that they contained embryos quite far advanced 
 which may partly account for the parent sitting so closely. 
 
 The Chuck-will's Widows make their appearance in Florida shortly after the middle 
 of March and the eggs are deposited about the last week in April. Of the nestling and 
 subsequent changes in plumage before acquiring the adult stage, I know nothing, as the 
 birds had always departed in early autumn, before my arrival in Florida. 
 
208 CHJETURA PELASG1A. 
 
 ORDER IV. CYPSELI. SWIFTS. 
 
 Sternum, with no marginal indentations. Keel, very high. Bill, short, with a wide and 
 deep gape, but there are no bristles at the base. The plumage is not soft. 
 
 The wings are exceedingly long and pointed, while the feet are moderately large and 
 provided with long, sharp claws admirably adapted to the purpose for which they are in- 
 tended; that of clinging to perpendicular walls. The eyes are quite large and many of the 
 species are semi-nocturnal in habit. 
 
 FAMILY I. CILETUKID^E. THE AMERICAN SWIFTS. 
 
 Joints of toes, normal in number. Coracoids, exceedingly short and set at a rather wide 
 angle. Furcula, short and arched. 
 
 The body is extremely short and compact, consequently the legs and wings have their 
 origin quite near together, the knees when bent, coming on a level with the heart. The 
 tibae are long but the tarsi are short. The short furcula is well arched and is provided 
 with a very small terminal expansion. The humerus is very short, not more than one 
 half the length of the fore-arm which is normal in length, while the carpus and metacar- 
 pus are considerably elongated; the result of this modification is a very long, saber-shaped 
 wing. The skull is not large but the neck is quite long. The high keel supports very 
 large and firm pectoral muscles, thus the birds are exceedingly strong on the wing, having 
 apparently untiring powers of flight. 
 
 GENUS I. CILETURA. THE CHIMNEY SWIFTS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Tail, short, with Ike shafts stiffened and extending beyond the webs in thorn-like spines. The mouth is provid- 
 ed with two peculiar (/lands, situated beneath the tongue. 
 
 Members of this genus are noticeably characterised by the termination of the tail. The tarsi are naked and the tibse 
 are only partly feathered. The peculiar glands beneath the tongue are somewhat triangular in form and, during the nesting 
 season, secrete a viscid saliva which Ls exuded though a number of ducts that open along the inner edges, consequently, 
 directly under the tongue. The larynx is provided with a strong sterno-trachealis and also with a slight broncho-trachealis. 
 The tympaniform membrane is present and although there is an as transversale, yet it does not support a semilunar mem- 
 brane. The oesophagus is without dilatation. The proventriculus is small, with simple oval glands which are arranged in 
 a zonular band. The stomach is flat, rather round, the walls are thin and lined with a smooth membrane. The hoop of 
 the duodenum is short, encircling a rather long pancreas which extends along the intestine. The spleen is an oblong body, 
 situated directly over the cardiac opening of the stomach. The coeca are quite large. 
 
 CH-SJTURA PELASGIA. 
 
 Chimney Swift. 
 Chtftura pelasgia STEPH., Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds, XIII; 1825, 76. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Sternum, stout. Tongue, short, thin, flatand horny, especially at the 
 tip but is not bifid nor provided with terminal cilia. When viewed laterally, this organ has a somewhat peculiar appear- 
 ance, as the first bone, the glosso-hyal, is placed higher than the remaining portions, the uro-hyal being bent downward; 
 thus the tracheal opening which approximates quite closely to the tongue, is considerably beneath its level. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Dark sooty-brown, throughout, darkest on the head, back, and wings wjiere there is a greenish gloss. 
 The wings and tail arc not dark and the throat is quite pale but gradually becomes darker on the breast. 
 
 Young. This stage of plumage is scarcely different from the above, the general colors are, perhaps, darker, and the 
 primaries and scapularies are slightly edged with whitish. 
 
 
PL ATI XV /. 
 
 27 
 
CHIMNEY SWJFT. 209 
 
 Nestlings. Quite similar to the above. The rump and upper tail coverts are quite pnle and the line of demarkation be- 
 tween the former nnd the back, is quite distinct, and all the feathers of these parts show lighter edgings as do those of the 
 top ..f the head. Hill, dark-brown, feet, light-brown, and sexes, similar, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It i-s remarkable that the nestlings pass directly into the next plumage without moulting. They are, I think, born 
 
 naked but quickly acquire the feathers without any intermediate downy stage. There is so little variaton in plumage, 
 
 even in s|,,-ri inrns of different ages, that it requires the closest study to determine which are birds of the year after they have 
 
 fully grown. The plumage of this species is always smooth and shows but little wear, even just before moulting 
 
 which jroes on very gradually, especially on the wings, but two feathers, one on either side, being shed at the same time. 
 
 The new plumage is considerably darker than the old. There is a single white feather in the top of the head of o specimen 
 
 bafore me showing a slight inclination to albinism which condition of plumage Is certainly very rare among these birds, 
 
 the only instance that has come under my notice being a pure white specimen in the collection of Mr. Jesse Warren. It is 
 
 i 1 ' ile that the keel is pierced with holes near the sternum, these being larger in the young birds. Distributed during 
 
 summer throughout Eastern North America, south to the Carolimis. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A\era;;e measurements of ten specimens from New England. Length, 5'32; stretch, 12-34; wing, 5'05; tail, T65; bill, 
 22; tarsus, -Hi. Longest specimen, 5 - 50; greatest extent of wing, 12'<>2; longest wing, 5'21; tail, 1'78; bill, '25; tarsus, '55. 
 Shortest specimen, 5'15; smallest extent of wing, 12' 10; shortest wing, 4'9l); tail, l'6l; bill, -20; tarsus, -41. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in the unused flues of chimneys, composed of sticks, cemented together with the viscid saliva which is 
 exuded from the suhlingual glands. They are semicircular in form. Dimensions, longest diameter, 4'00, shortest, 8'00. 
 External depth, 1'75, internal, '75. 
 
 EI/IJS, four in number, long oval in form, light-creamy in color, not highly polished, and unspotted. Dimensions from 
 76 x -45 to "85 x -50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first week in May or but a few days later, the Chimney Swifts suddenly make 
 their appearance in New England. I say suddenly, for, unlike the Swallows who send 
 out a few skirmishers in advance in order to ascertain if the great enemy of their race, 
 Winter, has entirely withdrawn his forces, the Swifts come in a body. The day before, 
 not a bird of this species is in sight but on the ensuing morning the air is filled with them. 
 Their long northward flight from tropical climes is evidently performed without a pause 
 for I have seen them crossing over Florida about the first of May in large numbers and in 
 a few days they are in their summer homes. There are probably few, if any, birds which 
 possess such untiring powers of flight as the Swifts and after their arrival from their south- 
 ern journey, they appear very lively, darting about through the air as rapidly, and display- 
 ing as much freshness and vigor, as upon following days, just as though a continuous aerial 
 voyage of a few thousand miles over land and sea did not weary them any more than an 
 hour's sail over the meadows. 
 
 This Swift is popularly known as the Chimney Swallow and it is true that in being 
 constantly on the wing it does resemble the family of birds from which it derives this name, 
 but here the similarity ceases, for neither in form, habit, nor color does it bear any sem- 
 blance to them. Even the flight is quite different, the wings being used with a quick 
 fluttering motion and all the other movements of the birds are performed with an abrupt- 
 ness quite at variance with the elegant evolutions of the Swallows. I do not mean to im- 
 ply that the Chimney Swifts are not graceful in some of their changing modes of flight; 
 
 UIKDS OF FLOKIDA. 27 
 
210 CHJETURA PELAKG1A. 
 
 for example, when sailing in a direct line or moving in large circles, they glide through 
 the air so easily and so smoothly that no one would accuse them of awkwardness; in short, 
 they fly so well that a certain heaviness which is only perceptible upon comparison with 
 the light, almost ethereal, movements of the Swallows, is quite over-looked and one is 
 never tired of watching the characteristic and unwearied flight displayed by the Chimney 
 Swifts. When the birds are sailing, flying in a direct line, or wheeling in immense cir- 
 cles, the tail is closed but when a sudden turn is made, then it is expanded and is also 
 opened when the birds wish to check their flight. Unlike the Swallows, they do not move 
 in particular strata of atmosphere in different days but, while soaring high in air, will often 
 come plunging downward and fly along within a few feet of the ground. They have a 
 habit of darting close to any one and will repeatedly persist in so doing. I have known 
 of quantities being killed by boys who stood on a bridge and struck them down with sticks 
 as they passed. I have been informed by good authority that these birds will sometimes 
 mount in air, then form a circle by closely following one another and continue to fly in this 
 manner for some time. 
 
 I never saw the Chimney Swifts alight and do not think that they ever settle outside 
 the chimneys. Even when gathering material with which to construct their nests, they 
 do not rest on the trees but will fly through the dead branches and break off the small twigs 
 as they pass, grasping them with their beaks. These Swifts are among the birds, the 
 breeding habits of which have become decidedly modified by the innovations of man. They 
 doubtlessly nested in hollow trees before the advent of the whites but now they always 
 breed in unused flues of chimneys. As soon as they arrive, they occupy their usual quar- 
 ters at night and soon begin to build. At this season, the glands of which I give a figure 
 in plate XIII, are enlarged and secrete a viscid substance which, for convenience, we may 
 call saliva yet it bears but little resemblance to this secretion as it is usually found. This 
 saliva is poured forth abundantly during the time of nesting and is used to cement the 
 twigs together. As seen by the figure of the tongue in the plate, this organ is of a some- 
 what peculiar shape and is doubtlessly used as a kind of trowel which it resembles in form, 
 to spread the cement upon the twigs. This viscid substance is milky white in color when 
 first exuded, but becomes yellowish and nearly transparent when dry. It is of the con- 
 sistency of bird-lime when first applied and must harden quite rapidly. The birds evidently 
 are obliged to exercise care while at work in order to prevent their feathers from being en- 
 tangled, but this occasionally occurs and it is not unfrequent to find feathers fastened to 
 the nest. Both sexes are provided with these glands which rapidly shrink after the breed- 
 ing season and are scarcely discernible by the time the young are hatched, the space that 
 they occupied being used as a kind of pouch in which insects are packed when they are cap- 
 tured. I have seen the birds when this cavity was completely filled with minute insects 
 that were intended for the young. 
 
 I think that these glands are peculiar to the Swifts as I never observed them in any 
 other species, not a trace of anything of the kind being found in any of our Swallows 
 that I have examined. As the cement secreted by the glands of the Swifts is soluble in 
 water, the nests frequently become detatched during storms and fall to the bottom of the 
 
CHIMNEY SWIFT. 211 
 
 chimney. If they contain young partly grown the little fellows manage to clamber up the 
 sides and cling to the bricks, remaining in this position until able to fly. They appear to 
 suffer no more inconvenience than if in the nest as they are regularly cared for by the par- 
 cuts. When the Swifts enter a narrow flue, they proceed in a singular manner; balanc- 
 ing themselves for a moment over the opening and elevating their wings to the utmost, 
 they will settle downward but a too vapid descent is avoided by oscillating the body from side 
 to side. When ascending, the wings are vibrated rapidly, causing a noise which resem- 
 bles distant thunder. They are very devoted to their offspring and I once observed a 
 touching display of this. A house in the chimney of which a pair of these birds had a 
 home, was on fire, the roof had fallen in, thus the flames were leaping upward with fury 
 and the intense heat caused all in the immediate vicinity to withdraw, when I observed a 
 Chimney Swift circling high over the burning pile; it paused above the chimney which con- 
 tained its ^oung, balanced itself for a moment, and, to my astonishment, dropped quickly 
 with the usual rocking motion, into a flue which was surrounded by bricks that were fairly 
 glowing with heat. This extreme devotion to its young must have caused its death as 
 it did not appear again; in fact, it could not have lived a moment in the furnace which it 
 entered. 
 
 Swifts are very tenacious of life and this is not only true of our species but, as I once 
 learned to my cost, is also noticeable in at least one other. I was passing through afield 
 near my place in Newtonville in the summer of 1877, when I observed a singular appear- 
 ing bird clinging to a pole which was lying on top of a wall. It was nearly the size of a 
 Night Hawk but its manner of clinging to the wood was so different that I saw at once that 
 it was not this species. I approached it cautiously but when I was within twenty yards, 
 it turned its head to look at rue and then I saw that it was a huge Swift of some species. 
 I instantly raised my gun and shot at it, knocking it off its perch but on the opposite side 
 of the wall from that on which I was standing. Thus I lost sight of it for a moment, only 
 to see it again mounting in air some fifty yards away, too far to get a second shot with 
 tlie light charge with which my remaining barrel was loaded. It was evidently wound- 
 ed badly for it flew laboriously but with the characteristic flight of the Swifts. I watched 
 it anxiously as if, continued to mount upward, expecting every moment to see it fall but 
 was disappointed for it disappeared in the distance and I never saw it again. What it was 
 is, of course, only a matter of pure conjecture. 
 
 The only notes that the adult Chimney Swifts utter is a kind of rattle which is given 
 quite slowly when the birds are moving moderately but as the speed is increased, the notes 
 are poured forth more rapidly and end in a perfect chatter. The young make a hissing 
 noise when the parents appear which sounds quite loud in the chimney. The eggs of the 
 Swifts are deposited the last week in May but the young do not leave the chimneys until 
 the last of August at which time they are nearly fledged and resemble the adults so close- 
 ly in flight that it is almost impossible to detect the difference. The Swifts do not remain 
 late in autumn but migrate, at least, by the first of October, departing as they arrive, in a 
 body. I do not think that they linger on their autumnal migration but leave at once for 
 the 
 
212 TROCH1LUS COLUBRIS. 
 
 ORDER V. TROCHILI. HUMMING BIRDS. 
 
 Sternum, with no marginal indentations but with the posterior border much rounded. Keel, 
 very high. Bill, very long, with a wide and deep gape, but there are no bristles at the base. 
 The plumage is compact. 
 
 One of the most remarkable characters in this group is the exceedingly long tongue 
 which is thin, bifid and the edges are curved so as to form a tube, while the hyoid bones 
 curve back of the skull as in the Woodpeckers. The bill is awl-shaped, sometimes straight, 
 at others, curved or even recurved; it also varies greatly in length and is rarely shorter 
 than the head but is often elongated. All the members of this family are small, yet there 
 is much variation in this respect, some of the species being so minute that they are exceed- 
 ed by many insects in size. In variety of plumage, they are not excelled by any other 
 class of birds, while in hue, they also rival all others, being the gems among the feathered 
 tribe. They are restricted in distribution to the Continent of America and adjacent islands 
 but although several occur west of the Central Plain, only one species comes into the range 
 of which I write. It will be observed that I have placed these birds in a separate order 
 from the Swifts which they resemble somewhat but it appears to me that, as they differ in 
 many respects, they should consistently take rank as an Order. 
 
 FAMILY I. TROCHILID^l. THE FORK-TAILED HUMMING BIRDS. 
 
 Tip of mandibles, without any distinct serrations. Throat, with iridescent, scale-likt 
 feathers. 
 
 The form of the tail is different in the female and young male from that of the adult 
 male, being rounded in the two former, and the throat is not as brilliant. 
 
 GENUS I. TROCHILUS. THE GREEN-BACKED HUMMERS. 
 
 GEN. On. Sternum, very narrow anteriorly, with exceedingly short coracoids. The heart is remarkably large, being 
 equal to one half the length of the sternum. 
 
 The colors are green above and white below and the male has a gorget of metallic-like feathers on the throat. Both 
 the heart and liver are remarkably large, the latter extending over the whole abdomen, completely covering the intestines. 
 The trachea is peculiar as the inferior larynx is placed high, consequently the bronchial tubes are very long. The only 
 laryngeal muscle that I ever detected is a large one that completely encloses the larynx. There is no tympaniform mem- 
 brane. The stomach is not muscular. The wing bones are as given in the Swifts and the pectoral muscles are exceedingly 
 well developed, and as in that group, the legs are placed high. 
 
 THOCHILUS COLUBKIS. 
 
 Buby-throated Humming Bird. 
 
 Trochilus colubris LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 191. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Sternum, stout. Tongue, bifid for its terminal third, and very thin at 
 the tip but there is no cilia. Bill, a little longer than the head. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Uniform metallic-like green above. Beneath, white, with the throat ruby-red with a metallic 
 luster; the sides and flanks are greenish. The wings are brown glossed with violet. The tail is greenish at the base, 
 excepting outer feathers, the remainder is like the wings. There is an indistinct white spot back of the eye. 
 
RUBY-THROATED HUMMING BIRD. 213 
 
 Adult female. Lacks the red throat of the male. The tail is tipped with white nnd Is rounded. The sides are not as 
 greenish i>nil slmw traces of rufous otherwise, similar. 
 
 Y'ouny male. Quite bronzy above, with the feathers of the thront showing darker centers and occasionally a ruby 
 leather with the metallic luster. The sides show some greenish hut this is underlined and overwashed with rufous. The 
 mil leathers are tipped with white as in the female but they are narrower, yet the tail is not forked as in the adult. 
 
 Young female. Similar to the young male but the feathers of the throat show grayish centers; the white is not as 
 cleiir, especially on the breast where it is quite grayish, and the sides are also grayish overwashed with rufous. The feath- 
 ers of ihe top of the head are overwashed with rufous. 
 
 Nestlings. Are born naked and pass directly into the next plumage without a moult or any intermediate downy stage. 
 Hill and feet, Mack in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is but little variation in plumage in specimens of the same age and sex yet the bill varies considerably in length 
 and breadth. The males of the first year undergo a partial moult in the spring and gradually assume the forked toil and 
 rtihy jii'rjret of the mature stage; thus those that I obtained at Key West exhibit all the transitional stages between the 
 two plumages. Distributed during summer throughout Eastern North America, south to Florida. Winters at Key West 
 and in South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of nineteen specimens from New England and Florida. Length, 3'SO; stretch, 4'37; wing, 1'75; 
 tail. 1-00; bill, -76; tarsus, '17. Longest specimen, 3'95; greatest extentof wing, 4'75; longest wing, T'JO; tail, 1-09; bill, 
 83; tarsus "20. Shortest specimen, 3'07; smallest extent of wing, 4'00; shortest wing, 1-50; tail, '90; bill, -50; tarsus, -15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, composed of the moss from ferns' neatly and smoothly covered with lichens whjch are 
 kept in position by cobwebs. Dimensions, external diameter, T50, internal, TOO. External depth, TS5, internal, '75. 
 
 Eyys, two in number, elliptical in form, pure white in color, unpolished and unspotted. Dimensions from '45 x '35 to 
 50x-35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I do not think that there are any birds which have received so much attention from 
 authors ;is the Ruby-throated Hummers, for they were among the first of the family to be 
 brought into notice and were observed by every one who was in the least inclined to regard 
 natural objects. This is not surprising for no one can well avoid admiring these graceful, 
 little birds, and the matter which has been written upon their habits, both by scientific 
 and popular authors, would fill volumes. I shall, therefore, be spared the trouble of say- 
 ing much which has not only already been said, but which has been reiterated until it is 
 perfectly familiar to every one; thus I shall only present the salient points of their history 
 as I have observed them. 
 
 Just as soon as the cherry trees of New England begin to show their snowy blossoms, 
 the buzz of the Humming Birds may be heard and the gleam of their ruby throats may be 
 seen glancing through the foliage. At first, only the more brilliant males appear but they 
 are soon followed by their duller colored but no less lively mates, and then we hear the 
 low twittering which, though given in different keys, is the only note which these pygmies 
 can utter. I say that the key can be varied, by this I mean that when the Ruby-throats 
 are enraged, and this is easily accomplished for it will be difficult to find more irascible 
 birds, they will emit their squeak louder, more rapidly, and in a sharper tone. This is 
 especially noticeable when a rival male presents himself and endeavors to feed on a tree 
 that is occupied by another. The instant they catch sight of each other, without any pre- 
 liminary skirmishing, they dash together and a furious conflict ensues, not only of blows 
 
214 TROCH1LUS COLUBRIS. 
 
 but of voices, each scolding the other loudly, while the fray only ends in one being driven 
 from the field. In spite of this propensity to quarrel, these Humming Birds become re- 
 markably tame and gentle when kept in confinement. I once obtained a few alive and 
 holding them in my hand, dipped their beaks into a cup of sweetened water when they 
 began to drink eagerly. Then they forgot all fear, would perch on my head, shoulder, or 
 hand, and would always come to me at once when I appeared with the cup in my hand. 
 This sweetened water did not appear to satisfy them entirely for those which I liberated 
 instantly began to catch insects. But one that I kept for several weeks readily ate small 
 bits of meat. It appeared perfectly healthy and doubtlessly would have lived for a long 
 time in captivity had not its career been brought to a close by a young Least Bittern which 
 was kept in the same room with it, and which managed to kill it, afterward devouring 
 the body. I think that honey or the sweet juices of flowers is taken only as a kind of side 
 dish, insects forming the greater portion of their diet, for the stomachs of those which I 
 have opened contained nothing but minute insects. The tongue, however, as seen in the 
 figure and as described, is fitted for taking liquid food and the birds are evidently very 
 fond of it. My friend, Mr. W. B. Dowse, has given me some very interesting notes on 
 this subject which are, I think, quite new and certainly novel. I hereby give the account 
 as he has kindly written it for me. 
 
 "I was collecting in Somerset County, Maine, during the first two weeks in August 
 of the year 1878 and while there, the Ruby-throated Humming Birds were gathering, 
 preparatory to their southern migration. There is a small island in Pleasant Ridge Pond 
 the trees upon which, with the exception of perhaps a dozen, were blown down during 
 some storm and subsequently burnt; among the fallen timber, the fire weed was growing 
 most luxuriantly and in full bloom. This made the place a favorite feeding ground for the 
 Ruby-throats and for three days there were too many on the island to be safely calculated, 
 but by the tenth, they were all gone. They seemed to be females and young birds for I 
 saw only one mature male. Of course the surrounding woods had its quota of these little, 
 restless beings and I was much interested in watching their actions when they discovered 
 the Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers which were exceedingly common, at work. The ham- 
 mering of these latter named birds would be but commenced when a Ruby-throat, sometimes 
 two, would put in an appearance and dart, with great scolding, at the worker who would 
 immediately dodge to one side, when the valiant robber would insert his bill into the new- 
 ly made hole. This was, I think, in order to obtain the sap for, when I held up several 
 which I had shot and which had been so engaged, two or three clear drops of liquid ran 
 from the bill of each and upon dissecting, I found nothing but minute spiders and more 
 liquid. These little scenes almost invariably occurred in a live tree, for though the Wood- 
 peckers often worked upon dead limbs, they were then seldom molested by the Humming 
 Birds." 
 
 I found the Ruby-throats very abundant at Key West during winter and they frequent- 
 ed the oleanders which grow so luxuriantly in that mild climate that they attain a consid- 
 erable height; in fact, they become small trees and bloom through the month of December. 
 I occasionally observed these birds feeding about other flowering shrubs but the oleanders 
 
RUBY-THROATED HUMMING BIRD. 215 
 
 were the favorites. They arrive at Miami about the second week in June and occur at 
 Jacksonville in March. They appear in Pennsylvania the first of May but do not arrive 
 in New Hi inland until the middle of that month and they begin to build in the latter named 
 section nbout the first of June, the eggs being deposited a few days later. The situation 
 selected for the nest is variable, a willow by the brook side often being a chosen resort but 
 T have seen the nest on the limb of an apple tree and they sometimes build in the woodbine 
 which climbs over the cottage door. I have also taken the nest from the lofty branch of 
 a maple which stood in the depth of a forest. When the domicile is placed on a limb of a 
 tree, it so nearly resembles one of those mossy excrescences that are so common, that it 
 is not easv to detect the difference and it is only by watching the birds, that the nest can 
 be discovered. They have the habit of hovering around their home, and of suspending 
 themselves in air near it and they are also very solicitous when the locality in which their 
 domicile is placed, is invaded. The male is especially watchful and when an intruder ap- 
 proaches his place of abode, he will dart downward at him and pause with rapidly vibrating 
 wings within a few feet of his head as if surveying him, then giving an angry twitter, he 
 will disappear only to return again from some new quarter and will not rest unf.il the dis- 
 turber of his peace has departed. The young leave the nest in July but do not seem to 
 accompany their parents long as they soon learn to forage for themselves and they may be 
 seen singly, feeding upon flowers. There is a general migration about the last of Au- 
 gust or first of Saptember but some linger as late as October. 
 
 ORDER VI. CUCULT. CUCKOOS. 
 
 Sternum, with four marginal indentations. Keel, moderately high. Furcula, quite long. 
 Manubrium, present. Joints of toes, normal in number but the outer anterior is projected 
 backward. 
 
 This is a clearly defined order as given above. The outer toe is turned backward so 
 that in grasping there are two toes in front and two behind. The tail is lengthened and the 
 wings are usually quite long. The bill is of varying form. The sternum somewhat resem- 
 bles that of the Passerine birds but there are four marginal indentations and the width is 
 greater. Although some species occur in the temperate zone, the majority of the families 
 inhabit the tropics. 
 
 FAMILY I. COCCYGID^E. THE WHITE-BREASTED CUCKOOS. 
 
 Upper mandible, not high at base, Icn.jer than the head. Keel, higher than one half 
 the width of the sternum. 
 
 The sternum is very wide near the posterior border and the four marginal indenta- 
 lions arc very narrow. The manubrium is quite well developed and the costal processes 
 are long and straight on their anterior border. The coracoids are about equal in length to 
 the bottom of the keel but the top of the keel is produced into a point over the terminal 
 expansion of the furcula, which is quite broad and approximates very closely to the keel. 
 
216 COCCYGUS ERYTHROPTHALMUS. 
 
 The bill is curved while the gape is wide and deep. The stomach is not muscular and 
 there are moderately long coaca. The tail is quite long but not greatly exceeding the wings 
 in length. The tail is considerably graduated. 
 
 GENUS I. COCCYGUS. THE AMERICAN CUCKOOS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. General colors are brown above and white below. No bands or conspicuous spots anywhere on the body. 
 Tail, more or less broadly tipped with white. 
 
 The sternum is as given under Family characters, as is also the bill. The larynx is provided with a rather stout sterno- 
 trachealis and a broncho-trachealis posticus both of which have their tracheal origin at the same height; the lower ex- 
 tremity of the latter is attached to the bony half rings of the larynx. The tympaniform membrane is present and the 09 
 transversale supports a slight semilunar membrane. The oesophagus is without dilatation and opens into a large, rather 
 globular, proventriculus which has quite thick walls composed of long oval glands which are arranged in a zonular band 
 and measure in erylhroplhalmus '10 in length. The stomach is a rather spherical sack with very thin walls and is lined 
 with a soft membrane which is, at least in our two northern species, covered with hairs that, under the microscope, resem- 
 ble those from caterpillars. The duodenum is very short and incloses a compact pancreas which, although short, is quite 
 wide at the upper extremity. The cocca are long with the blind ends somewhat dilated. The spleen is an oval body situa- 
 ted nearly over the cardiac opening of the stomach and is quite granular in structure. The tibze are covered with long 
 feathers but the tarsi are only slightly feathered on the extreme upper anterior surface. 
 
 COCCYGUS ERYTHROPTHALMUS. 
 Black-billed Cuckoo. 
 
 Cocq/gus erythropthalmus BON., Obs. Wils.; 1825, 48. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not very robust. Size, medium. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, long, thin, wide at the base, and 
 quite horny, especially near the tip which is bifid, and about one third of the terminal portion of the sids is provided with 
 coarse cilia. Space around eye, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings and tail, reddish-brown with a decidedly greenish glass everywhere except- 
 ing on top of the head where there is an under tint of plumbeous. Beneath, white, with the throat, upper breast, abdomen, 
 and under wing and tail coverts, overwashed with yellowish-rufous. Two thirds of the basal portion of the inner webs of 
 the wing feathers are also yellowish-rufous. Central pair of tail feathers slightly, and all the others more broadly, tipped 
 with white which on all, but the two former, is preceded by a band of dusky. Sides of head , plumbeous. Naked space a- 
 round eye, including eyelid, scarlet. Bill, black, blue on basal two thirds of lower mandible. Feet, bluish. 
 
 Youny. Very similar to the above but the tail is only slightly tipped with white and the dusky subterminal band is 
 not as clear. There is less yellowish-rufous below, while the lower mandible is not as blue. 
 
 Nestlings. Are not unlike the above, but their appearance is changed considerably by the feathers of the upper parts 
 being narrowly edged with white. The colors, are purer, there being only a trace of the yellowish overwashing,.but all 
 the feathers show dusky centers. Bill, as in the young stage of plumage but the feet are brown. Sexes, similar in all 
 stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary greatly in size but, although some are much larger than others, yet the increase is well proportioned. 
 The nestlings are able to fly some time before they assume the full Umgth of tail or attain the size of the adult. One now 
 before me and which had left the nest, presents a singular feature for it yet retains the egg tooth on the tip of the upper 
 mandible that almost all birds lose in a few days after birth. Readily known from the two remaining species of this genus 
 which occur within our limits by the narrow white tipping to the tail and also by the bluish tint on the under mandible. 
 Distributed during summer throughout Eastern United States from the latitude of Georgia to that of the White Mountains. 
 Winters in South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirteen specimens from New England. Length, 1T85; stretch, IH'25; wing, 5'70; tail, 5'55; 
 bill, '90; tarsus, -92. Longest specimen, 12'70; greatest extent of wing, 17'00; longest wing, 6-00; tail, G'Ol; bill,' 95; tar- 
 sus, TOO. Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 15-50; shortest wing, 5'40; tail, 4'50; bill, -85; tarsus, -85. 
 
 
^LACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 217 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, flat in fnnn ami loosely constructed, composed of sticks among which are placed leaves, 
 pine needles, nnil weeds, lined with leaves, catkins of the willow, etc. Dimensions, external diameter, S'OO, internal, 
 J-50. External depth, 2'00, internal, '75. 
 
 /.//.</., four in number, rather elliptical in form, quite dark -bluish-green in color, occasionally spotted with a darker 
 ihade of the same. Dimensions from 1 '00 x '70 to l'25x'75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 During the last days of May, when the trees and shrubs of New England have so far 
 assumed their delicate green foliage as to form shadowy retreats for those birds that are 
 fond di' concealment, an abruptly given note may be heard coming from some dense thick- 
 et. Perhaps I ought not to call the note abrupt for, although it begins without any pre- 
 liminary warning, it is so rich in tone and is uttered so smoothly, with a constantly falling 
 cadence, that one quite forgets that the musician neglected to give an opening prelude and 
 listens eagerly for a repetition of the lay. But the hidden vocalist is fickle, often refusing 
 to repeat its song and, as it persistently remains invisible, the listener, especially if he be 
 not well skilled in bird lore, is inclined to look upon the author of the peculiar, though 
 pleasing, melody as a mysterious being, a kind of dryad, who takes this method of inform- 
 ing the powers of the air that they have quite overlooked the fact that the shrubbery in 
 its favorite copes is suffering for want of rain. 
 
 There are few birds which are so large and withal so common which are so little known 
 among those who are not ornithologists, as the Black-billed Cuckoos. I have had many of 
 the uninitiated ask me the name of the author of the mystical notes and almost all were sur- 
 prised when I told them that it was a Cuckoo, for there is nothing in the cow-cow-cow of 
 this species that would suggest the name. As I have intimated, these notes are oftener 
 given just before a fall of rain than at any other time for this Cuckoo appears to be exceed- 
 ingly sensitive to any atmospheric change, and I have even heard them utter their notes 
 during the darkness of summer nights when wet weather was impending. 
 
 The Black-billed Cuckoos begin to breed about the first of June, choosing some retired 
 spot in a tangled thicket in which to place the nest. The eggs are deposited at long inter- 
 vals so that it is not unfrequent to find both young and eggs in the same nest. This habit 
 is, doubtlessly, the result of an occasional quickening of an ancestral trait, usually latent, 
 for we find that other species of Cuckoos, noticeably the common European, are parasitical 
 in tlioir breeding habits and, consequently, more or less irregular in time of depositing 
 their eggs. Nor does this peculiarity end here in our species for two or three instances 
 have come under my notice where either the Black-billed has deposited its eggs in the nest 
 of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo or vice versa, and furthermore, although I have never seen an 
 instance, I have been informed by such good authority that I see no reason for doubting 
 the statement, that occasionally the eggs of the Black-billed are to be found in the nests 
 of other birds and were once taken from that of a Chipping Sparrow. It is, of course, 
 possible that this habit, instead of being only an occasional outbreaking of one that is near- 
 ly always latent, is progressive or, again, that under favorable circumstances, it may be- 
 come more general; in fact, as fully established as that of the Cow Bunting, but this is a 
 matter for ornithologists of future generations to prove. 
 
 BIKDS OF FLORIDA. 28 
 
218 COCCYGUS AMER1CANUS. 
 
 These birds are extremely solicitous for the safety of their young and care for them 
 long after they have left the nests. It is difficult to tell exactly when the Cuckoos take 
 their departure as in autumn they are much more retiring in habit than in spring and as the 
 note is seldom given then, they must be seen in order to ascertain their presence. I have 
 found them as late as the last of September in Pennsylvania and the Bangs Brothers ob- 
 tained one in Waltham, Massachusetts, as late as the middle of October but this is excep- 
 tional for it is probable that the majority depart in early September. 
 
 COCCYGUS AMERICANUS. 
 Yellow -billed Cuckoo. 
 
 Coccygus Americanus BON., Obs. Wils.; 1825, 47. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Sternum, rather stout. Tongue, long, thin, wide at the base, and 
 quite horny, especially near the tip which is bifid, and about one third of the terminal portion of the sides is provided with 
 coarse cilia. Space around eye, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings and central tail, plumbeous-brown with a greenish gloss everywhere except- 
 ing on top of the bead. Beneath, white, with the under wing coverts overwashed with yellowish. Three fourths of the 
 basal portion of the inner webs of the wing feathers are dark-cinnamon which encroaches upon the outer webs. Central 
 pair of tail feathers slightly tipped with black, remaining feathers nearly black, excepting basal portion of the more central, 
 tipped with white which extends along the outer webs of outer feathers. Spot in front of eye, ring around it, and trian- 
 gular area back of it, dusky. Naked space around eye, yellowish. Bill, black, yellow on basal three fourths of lower man- 
 dible and on edges of corresponding portion of upper. Feet, bluish. 
 
 Young. Very similar to the above but the tail is not as dark and there is less yellow on the lower mnndible and none 
 on the edges of the upper. 
 
 Nestlings. Are not unlike the above. There is a more decided greenish gloss. The top of the head Is lighter. Feath- 
 ers of the upper parts, narrowly edged with white. Bill, wholly black, excepting a small spot of yellow on the center of 
 lower mandible. Sexes, similar in ail stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary greatly in size as in the preceding species. Judging from a nestling which yet retains a trace of the egg 
 tooth, this organ is not shed as is usual but is worn away, (see observations on page 21(>) . Readily known from the Black- 
 billed Cuckoo by the yellow bill, cinnamon on the wings, and broader white tipping to the tail. Differs from the Man- 
 grove Cuckoo as given under that head. Distributed during summer throughout Eastern United States from the latitude 
 of Georgia to that of the White Mountains. Winters in South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of thirteen specimens from New England. Length, 1T85; stretch, 19-25; wing, 5-75; tail, 5'50; 
 bill, -72; tarsus, -92. Longest specimen, 12-70; greatest extent of wing, 20-00; longest wing, 6'00; tail, G'OO; bill,- 80; tar- 
 BUS, -95. Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 18-50; shortest wing, 5'50; tail, 4-10; bill, -75; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees and bushes, flat in form and very loosely constructed of sticks, pine needles, leaves, and weeds, 
 lined with leaves, catkins of the willow, etc. Dimensions, external diameter, 9'00, internal, 4'50. External depth, 2'00, 
 internal, -75. 
 
 Eggs, four in number, elliptical in form, light greenish blue in color, unspotted, but sometimes overwashed with whit- 
 ish. Dimensions from l'lOx'75 to l'28x '80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is found regularly in Pennsylvania and is always 
 as abundant as the Black-billed, yet it is quite irregular in Ihis respect in New England. 
 Some seasons it will be very common and at others it is extremely difficult to find a spec- 
 
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 219 
 
 imcn. I do not know of any reason for this peculiarity unless it be caused by the temper- 
 ature of particular seasons. These Cuckoos arrive about the same time as the other species 
 and occasionally associate with them. They have much the same habits and notes but I 
 have fancied that I could distinguish the song of the present species as it appeared harsher. 
 As a rule, the notes of the Yellow-billed are more broken, thus they appear to utter cow- 
 co-cow-co, giving the four syllables together, as it were, and therefore, they do not glide 
 forth as smoothly as those produced by the Black-billed. There are, however, some sounds 
 which arc made by both which are so nearly alike that I have never been able to detect 
 any difference. 
 
 This species in company with the former are the terror of other small birds during the 
 nesting season for they will constantly rob their nests. I have frequently seen a Cuckoo 
 enter a thicket in which a Robin or Cat Bird had built a home and in a moment the air 
 would resound with the shrill cries of distress given by the parents, causing all the small 
 birds in the immediate vicinity to rush to the spot and as each joins in the outcry, the 
 noise produced is apparently enough to frighten away a bolder bird than a Cuckoo. But 
 iti spite of all this din, the glossy thief nearly always succeeds in accomplishing his pur- 
 pose and emerges from the thicket, carrying an egg impaled on his beak. He does not 
 always escape unscathed, however, for he is pursued by a motley crowd consisting of Rob- 
 ins, Cat Birds, Thrushes, Warblers, etc. that follow him closely, harassing him on all sides, 
 atul some of the more courageous will even assault him with blows from their beaks so that 
 he frequently leaves some of his feathers floating in the wind behind him. As the long 
 and broad tail of the Cuckoo is a prominent object and as it is also a portion of the bird 
 which its enemies can seize with comparative safety to themselves, this member often suf- 
 fers in these forays, insomuch, that by the middle of summer, it is quite difficult to find a 
 Cuckoo of either species which has a full complement of tail feathers. 
 
 In spite of this propensity to rob the nests of other birds, the Cuckoos are quite use- 
 ful as they destroy quantities of insects. I have mentioned under generic characters that 
 the lining of the stomachs of our northern species were thickly covered with hairs that 
 resembled those from caterpillars. This internal membrane or stomach lining is soft and 
 the hairs which under the microscope are seen to be furnished with barbs, are fastened 
 into it just as they grow on the larva) of insects. The hairs which I have examined ap- 
 pear to come from one species, viz: the tent caterpillar. I have noticed that the Cuckoos 
 are very fond of these destructive insects and apparently do much toward checking their 
 ravages. During the passed summer, I had an opportunity of observing how beneficial the 
 Cuckoos were in this respect for a pair of Black-bills which had a nest near, would visit a 
 small apple tree on which these caterpillars had established a colony, several times every 
 day and thus devoured so many of the destructive pests that their ravages were so com- 
 pletely checked that the foliage of the tree which would have been entirely eaten had the 
 inserts remained unmolested, showed but few traces of their devastation; in fact, I do not 
 think that one out of the large number of caterpillars that were hatched jn the spring, ever 
 came to maturity. This good was accomplished, be it noticed, through the exertions of a 
 single pair of birds which, without doubt, also ate quantities of other insects. 
 
220 COCCYGUS MINOR. 
 
 In breeding habits, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo does not differ essentially from the 
 Black-billed. The eggs are deposited about the same time and the young leave the nest 
 early and, although they have not acquired the full plumage, fly very well. I obtained 
 some in this stage at Watsontown, Pennsylvania, during the first week in September, 
 which were, in company with their parents, feeding in the tops of lofty trees. In the au- 
 tumn, the Cuckoos grow very fat and one which I obtained at Watsontown, on the twenty- 
 eighth of September, was so corpulent that it was scarcely able to fly but sat apparently 
 stupefied, not attempting to move when I walked within a few feet of it. They remain in 
 the north until about the first week in October, then all take their departure for tropical 
 climes. 
 
 COCCYGUS MINOR. 
 
 Mangrove Cuckoo. 
 Coccygus minor CAB., Jour, fur Orn.; 1825, 47. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. OH. Form, robust. Size, not large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, long, thin, wide at the base, and quite horny, 
 especially near the tip which is bifid, and about one third of the terminal portion of the sides is provided with coarse cilia. 
 Space around eye, feathered. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings and central tail, plumbeous-brown with a slight greenish gloss everywhere 
 excepting on top of the head. Beneath, white overwashed with a strong tinge of yellowish-rufous which is darkest un the 
 abdomen and under tail coverts. Three fourths of the basal portion of the inner webs of the wing feathers are yellowish- 
 rufous. Central pair of tail feathers slightly tipped with white, remaining feathers nearly black, excepting basal portion of 
 the more central, tipped with white which extends along the outer webs of outer feathers, at first, widely, then rapidly 
 narrowing to a mere line which extends to the base of the feathers. Spot in front of eye, ring around it, and triangular 
 area back of it, black. Bill, black, yellow on basal three fourths of lower mandible. Feet, bluish. 
 
 Youny. Very similar to the above but the tail is not as dark and there is less yellow on the lower mandible and they 
 are not as strongly overwashed below. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from the Yellow-billed Cuckoo which it closely resembles, by the yellowish-rufous overwashing below 
 and by the absence of the cinnamon on the wings. Distributed during summer throughout the Florida Keys. Winters in 
 South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 12'00; stretch, 15'OG; wing, 5'95; tail, fi'50; bill, '90: tar- 
 sus, -92. Longest specimen, 12'25; greatest extent of wing, 16-00; longest wing, 5'10; tail, 6-15; bill, TOO; tarsus no. 
 Shortest specimen, 11'75; smallest extent of wing, 15'OG; shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 4'75; bill, '85; tarsus, '85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in bushes, they are flat in form and very loosely constructed of quite small sticks, and weeds, lined with 
 leaves. Dimensions, external diameter, 9'00, internal, 4'50. External depth, 2'00, internal, '75. 
 
 Eygs, four in number, elliptical in form, light greenish blue in color, unspotted, but sometimes overwashed with whit- 
 ish. Dimensions from l'lOx'75 to l'30x'85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One of the most remarkable trees in North America is the mangrove which grows so 
 abundantly along the Gulf of Mexico, extending up the east coast of Florida as fur as Mos- 
 quito Inlet. It is a tree of the tropics and cannot endure the slightest frost; thus those 
 which occur north of Cape Cannaveral are of stunted growth as they are occasionally froz- 
 en for, during exceptionally cold winters, the biting influence of the Frost King is felt 
 
MANGROVE CUCKOO. 221 
 
 even in this usually genial clime but south of the headland above mentioned, perpetual 
 Summer holds undisputed sway and here the mangrove flourishes. But to see it growing 
 tn |>erf'eetion, one must visit the Keys where this singular tree may be found in all stages 
 of development. Although I have previously alluded to the mangrove, I think it best to 
 describe it in detail as I shall frequently have occasion to speak of it in the forth-coming 
 pages of this work. 
 
 The mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle) as implied above, invariably grows in soil which 
 is either constantly covered with salt water or is overflowed by the tide twice a day. The 
 peculiar constituents of sea water appear to be necessary for its support as when it grows 
 on the banks of rivers, it is only found along their margins as far as the tide-water extends; 
 in fact, it appears to thrive best in those shallow bays or lagoons on the extreme southern 
 coast of Florida where, by constant evaporation, the water becomes so impregnated with 
 salt and lime as to be fairly bitter to the taste while it is greenish- white in color. Al- 
 though usually but a shrub or, at best, a small tree some fifteen feet high, under the favor- 
 able circumstances of which I have spoken, it often attains the height of fifty, or even 
 seventy-five, feet with trunks which measure nearly a foot in diameter. The leaves are 
 oval in form, quite thick in structure, with a polished upper surface, and of such a dark 
 olive-green as to appear quite brown in the distance. The bell-shaped blossoms, though 
 .small, arc quite numerous and are divided into four petals which are yellow in color. They 
 bloom in winter; at Key West, as early as December but a little later further north. Then 
 the fruit which is long and cylindrical in form, slightly curved, slowly comes to maturity, 
 ripening in the autumn when it falls into the sea where it floats in an upright position. 
 The water of the Gulf of Mexico and among the Keys is always of quite a high tempera- 
 ture, rarely, if ever, falling below seventy degrees; thus the embryo mangroves are placed 
 under very favorable conditions for development and I have frequently seen them in the 
 open ocean with a small tuft of leaves growing upward at one extremity while the rootlets 
 would be starting downward at the other. Perhaps there are few plants in the world 
 which form such important agents in land making as the mangroves for they not only exist 
 in the earlier stages of their lives, under circumstances in which many plants would perish, 
 being constantly submerged in the saltest of sea water, but will take root on anything that 
 offers them a foot-hold. Thus when the floating, cigar-shaped embryos come in contact 
 with the top of a coral reef which has boon brought within a short distance of the surface, 
 they will almost invariably become fixed to it and as the roots grasp the rock firmly, in- 
 sinuating themselves into every crack or crevice, when once attached it is almost impos- 
 sible for the waves, even if they are impelled by the force of a hurricane, to tear them away 
 for, as the huge billows come sweeping along, the willowy plant merely bows before them and 
 they pass harmlessly over it. The young tree grows rapidly upward, and after it has attained 
 the height of several feet, develops a wonderful character, for it now sends out root-stalks 
 which drop downward, resembling long, slender rods as they are almost exactly the same 
 size at the bottom as at the top. They are extremely elastic and sway with every breeze, 
 but when they touch the earth, they drop roots, thus become fixed, then rapidly increasing 
 in size, soon acquire the firmness of the parent stem. 
 
222 COCCYGUS MINOR. 
 
 The floating debris becomes entangled in this labyrinth of trunks and, decaying, forms 
 soil which accumulating with incredible rapidity, soon becomes dry land. When the wa- 
 ter no longer flows about them, the mangroves die, only to be replaced by other trees a- 
 inong the most noticeable of which are the button wood. Thus island after island is be- 
 ing formed along the entire extent of the Florida Keef and so quickly do they spring up 
 that spongers who lived at Key West, pointed out to me keys of considerable size which 
 occupy spots that when they were boys, were nothing but the water-covered tops of coral 
 reefs. 
 
 Such, in brief, is the history of the mangrove, a tree which is so intimately connected 
 with the name, and in fact with the lives, of the Cuckoos which we have under considera- 
 tion, for it is in the foliage of these trees or in the thickets near them that they pass their 
 existence. The first and only living specimen that I ever saw of this species was on Bam- 
 boo Key which I have described on page 176. This was during the first week in May, 
 1871. I was standing near a thicket when I observed a Cuckoo very near me which at 
 first sight I thought was a Yellow-bill, but something in its appearance, what, I cannot 
 now tell, caused me to look at it more closely when it at once flashed across my mind that 
 it was a bird for which I had hitherto been looking in vain, and that a specimen of the 
 Mangrove Cuckoo was before me. I had left my gun leaning against the wrecker's shan- 
 ty, only a few steps away, but although I traversed that space twice in much quicker time 
 than it takes to write these lines and stood with my thumb on the hammer of my gun in the 
 exact spot that I had occupied a moment before, I could not find the bird nor did I ever 
 see it again, although I searched carefully every square rod of the Key. Three years later, 
 the members of one of my expeditions obtained one at Key West on the twenty-first of 
 May but did not find another although they searched diligently for them. According to 
 their description, the bird which they obtained was very wary, being shot on the wing as it 
 darted out of a mangrove thicket and, as the one which I saw was far from being unsus- 
 picious, I judge that these Cuckoos are quite shy, probably keeping well hidden in the 
 dense thickets. I do not think that they are particularly common or I should have seen 
 more of them but, without doubt, they are of regular occurrence among the Keys and I have 
 reasons for believing that they are occasionally found along the East Coast of Florida, at 
 least, as far north as Cape Cannarveral. They breed on the Keys but migrate early as I 
 saw none in the autumn. 
 
 ORDER VII. PICI. WOODPECKERS. 
 
 Sternum, wide, with four marginal indentations. Keel, very low. Outer anterior toe, 
 projected backward. 
 
 The joints of the toes are usually normal in number. The bill is strong and wedge- 
 shaped. There are ten primaries and twelve tail feathers. This Order contains three nat- 
 ural groups which certainly constitute families; the Yungida which are exclusively Old 
 World, the Picumnida which are found only in South America, and the Picida, which have 
 a general distribution throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. 
 
SPHYRAPICUS VAR1US. 223 
 
 FAMILY I. PICID.E. THE TRUE WOODPECKERS. 
 
 Posterior extremity of the sternum, emarginate. Scapula bones, truncate. Tail feath- 
 ers, stiffened and acuminate. 
 
 Although I have included all of our Woodpeckers under one Family, yet I am far from 
 being satisfied with this arrangement as certain strong characters, especially internal, ex- 
 hibited by many of the species, indicate that some of the genera may be grouped into nat- 
 ural families or sections but with the present material which I have at my command, I can 
 do no better than to simply attempt to make what appears to me, a natural arrangement of 
 the genera. Although the sternums are tolerably uniform in proportion, yet they exhibit 
 some peculiarities. They all agree in having long, tolerably well arched furculas without 
 any terminal expansion. The manubrium varies slightly in size but the main differences 
 lie in the comparative width of the sternum and depth of the marginal indentations. The 
 tongue varies greatly as does also the digestive apparatus, especially the form of the pro- 
 vi'iitriculus and its accompanying gastric zone, all of which will be given under head of 
 generic characters. 
 
 I;KN T USI. SPHYRAPICUS. THE YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 (EX. Cn. Sternum, narrow, not twice ax wide as the height of the keel. Marginal indentations, deep, the inner being 
 equal in dr/ith to the heiyht of the keel and the outer considerably exceeding it. Manubrium, quite large. Terminal hook of 
 scapula, any/' i/ on the upper and lower sides. Tonyue, without extensible sheath, and the cerato-hyati are not greatly clon- 
 yaii-d, <>n/i/ rrtmdiny to the middle of the occiput. Proventriculus, not especially enlarged. Salivary glands, small or ab- 
 sent. Upper mam/ilt/c, but sliyhtly curved. 
 
 Members of tliis genus are transversely banded above and marked on the head with scarlet. The tail feathers arc quite 
 acuminate. The hind toe is barely half the length of the outer which is projected backward. There is but one species 
 within our limits. 
 
 SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS. 
 
 Yellow -bellied Woodpecker. 
 
 Sphyrapicus varius BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 103. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, not robust. Size, medium. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, long, thin and horny throughout its entire 
 lonirth, \<T<I\ Mfd with fine cilia which fringe the rounded tip and extend along the sides for three fourths of the terminal 
 portion. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, including wings and tail, lustrous-black with the feathers of the back, rump, and scapu- 
 laries, crossed by bands of white and edged with the same, especially on the rump where the inner webs of the feathers are 
 wholly white. Tips of all the wins; feathers and spots on outer and inner webs, markings on inner webs of central tail 
 feathers, tip-' if four outer, and line extending along outer web of extreme outer, longitudinal patch in middle of wing form- 
 ed by tippings, and edges of wing coverts, also white. Top of head and patch on throat, scarlet. Sides of head, occiput, 
 and breast, black, with line passing from back of eye around occiput and one extending from base of bill along sides, white. 
 lining under parts, including under wing and tail coverts, white, tinged with sulphury-yellow, especially an the nbdo- 
 men and middle of the lower breast. Feathers of the sides and flanks, marked with arrow-shaped spots of black. Bill, 
 black. Feet, greenish-brown. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male but lacks the scarlet patch on the throat which is replaced by one of dirty white. 
 There is also a brownish tinge to the feathers of the sides. 
 
 Yovny male. With the general markings of the adult but the white above is tinged with brownish-yellow and the 
 breast has hut few traces of the black patch hut it is replaced by white narrowly banded with dusky. The scarlet feathers 
 above and below are more or less mixed with brownish, and sometimes with black. Entire under parts strongly tinged with 
 sulphury-yellow. Bill, brown. Feet, greenish. 
 
224 YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 
 
 Young female. Similar to the male in the same stage, the white of the throat being obscured by brownish but the 
 breast is not as distinctly banded with dusky. 
 
 Nestlings. A pattern of the markings of the more mature stages is retained to a considerable extent but there is a 
 slaty-brown washing obscuring the colors of the back, head, and lower surface whers it is barred with dusky. The males 
 occasionally show some red on the head and throat but out of a large series of females now before me, I do not find one 
 which exhibits the slightest trace of this. Bill and feet, similar to the preceding. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens in the adult stage vary in amount of white markings, especially on the tail, as some have the central feath- 
 ers barred with it. This is also true of the young and even of the nestlings. Occasionally a hand of scarlet replaces the 
 white on the occiput; this constitutes the variety, nuchalis, which was at first supposed to occur only in the West but 
 which may be frequently found in all sections East where the species occurs. The nestlings vary considerably iu amount of 
 sulphury-yellow, usually there are but slight traces of it below but one now before me is slightly tinged with it, even on the 
 top of the head. Readily known from all of our Woodpeckers by the markings as described. Distributed during summer 
 throughout Eastern North America, north of latitude 44, and along the mountain ranges, further south. Winters in 
 Eastern United States, south of the latitude of Pennsylvania. In preparing this article, I am indebted to Messrs. F. H. 
 Brackett and W. B. Dowse and the Bangs Brothers for the use of specimens. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eighteen specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8'25; stretch, 14'82; wing, 4'86; 
 tail, 2'55; bill, '80; tarsus, '85. Longest specimen, 8 - 75; greatest extent of wing, 15*44; longest wing, 5*00; tail, 3'10; bill, 
 95; tarsus, TOO. Shortest specimen, 7*75; smallest extent of wing, 14*31; shortest wing, 4*6*2; tail, 2*00; bill, -85; tarsus, 
 70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in gourd-shaped holes, usually excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 1*50, 
 greatest internal, 5'(K). Internal depth, 14*00. 
 
 Eyys, four to seven in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 
 60x-75 to -75x-85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers find their summer homes in those vast evergreen 
 forests which still cover a large portion of Northern New England. It is true that these 
 shadowy woodlands are also the chosen resort of several other species of this family but 
 the beautiful birds of which I am speaking, outnumber them all; in fact, one can scarce- 
 ly enter a patch of wood after the first of May without being greeted by their querulous 
 cries. Although found everywhere in the shelter of trees, yet they are most abundant in 
 the vicinity of water for they prefer to build their nests in dead trees that stand in the bor- 
 ders of lakes or ponds. I well remember my first experience in searching for the eggs of 
 the Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers and although, as the sequel will show, it can scarcely be 
 considered as a red-letter day as far as collecting was concerned, yet it was a day full of 
 pleasant reminiscences, one^of which is the little episode which I am about to relate. 
 
 I was at Upton, Maine, in the early summer of 1871 and one day during the second 
 week of June, in company with two friends, who are both well known to the ornithological 
 world, was floating in a small boat on the placid waters of Lake Umbagog. We were 
 rowing along the shore among the dead stubs which were very numerous. The ground 
 on which they stood had evidently been submerged for some time, as the whitened trunks 
 were nearly branchless and, in many cases, were full of holes, many of which had been 
 made for years but nearly all were occupied, the smaller by the White-bellied Swallows and 
 the larger by the Crow Blackbirds. The bleached appearance of the wood around the en- 
 
13 
 
 V 
 
 \\ 
 
 ., *u< .uiiiwii j.i,. 1H 19 
 
 =^BiU. 
 
 EG 
 
 
 
SPHYRAPICUS VARWS. 225 
 
 trances was always a certain indication of the age of the cavity and as the Woodpeckers 
 almost invariably drill a nesv hole every year, we passed those which did not look fresh. 
 Soon, however, we discovered a stub in which was a newly made orifice and we glided 
 toward it, when our suspicions were confirmed for, at the sound of our voices, a fine male 
 alighted on the top of the dead tree and began bowing his head, dodging around the trunk, 
 peering at us from behind it, and at the same time uttering his discordant cry of alarm. 
 In a moment more, we were beside the stub but, as it was badly decayed about the base 
 and as the entrance to the nest was some thirty feet high, no one cared to risk a fall, even 
 for the chance of procuring the eggs of the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. We were all de- 
 sirous of ascertaining what the nest contained, so finally, decided to cut down the tree, 
 hoping that, as it must fall in some three or four feet of water, the eggs might remain un- 
 injured. We were provided with an ax and now came the difficult task of using it while 
 standing in a rocking boat, but one of us essayed to perform this part while the others held 
 the little craft as firmly as possible by planting the oars in the mud. At the first blow of 
 the ax, out darted the female and flew upon a neighboring stub. This proved quite an 
 incentive to pursue our labor for we were now very sure that the much coveted eggs were 
 above us, so we redoubled our efforts and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the tree sway 
 preparatory to falling. Then it suddenly occurred to us that it might be precipitated a- 
 cross the boat or, even if inclined the other way as was apparent, it might strike the tops 
 of some adjacent stubs and thus shoot backward against us. As in either case if we escap- 
 ed injury, the boat would be swamped, we paused a moment to consider as to the best 
 course to pursue. As the wind was blowing in puffs, we concluded that by making every- 
 thing ready to shoot our light craft away instantly, we could give a few strokes with the 
 ax, then retreat and allow the wind to finish the task. A few well-directed blows were 
 accordingly struck, causing the tree to sway very perceptibly, then we glided away a few 
 yards and watched the result. At this moment, a strong breeze came rippling along the 
 water and, as the old stub felt the pressure, it inclined more and more until, as last over- 
 balaneing, came down with a loud splash that produced the effect of a miniature earthquake 
 and for a moment, we were rocking upon waves which are seldom encountered in those 
 placid waters. All this commotion lasted but a few seconds, everything being quiet again 
 by the time we were along-side the floating stub which we rolled over to find the hole from 
 which the Woodpecker had emerged. This was soon accomplished and with a few blows 
 of the ax, the opening was enlarged sufficiently for us to see into the interior but, to our 
 disappointment, not a single egg remained whole, for all were broken into minute frag- 
 ments. 
 
 Like the other species of Woodpeckers, the Yellow-bellies are quite playful and may 
 frequently be seen chasing one another about the tree trunks. At such times, they utter 
 notes which have the peculiar intonation noticeable in all our species when so engaged. 
 They also have other cries, all harsh, however, and will occasionally call by rattling upon 
 a resounding limb. The note of alarm is not unlike that given by the Blue Jays, being 
 delivered in about the same tone but is more querulous and thus may be recognized with- 
 out difficulty. 
 
 BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 29 
 
226 CENTURUS CAROL1NUS. 
 
 The Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers reach their summer homes about the first of May, 
 deposit their eggs, as shown above, about the second week in June, the young make their 
 appearance in August, and accompany their parents for some time. They all leave for the 
 south by the first of November, migrating quite leisurely. These Woodpeckers are ex- 
 tremely abundant in the cypress and other swamps which border the rivers of Florida but 
 are occasionally found in the piney woods. They keep well up in the tops of the tall trees 
 but their peculiar notes always betray their presence as they are seldom quiet, constantly 
 calling to one another for they appear to be fond of company and it is not usual to find one 
 unaccompanied by either some of its own species or by other members of the family; thus 
 flocks of Woodpeckers are not uncommon in this section. 
 
 As we might naturally expect from the peculiar structure of their tongues, the food 
 of these Woodpeckers differs considerably from that of those species, the lingual organs of 
 which are provided with barbs. The Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers being unable to readily 
 extract the larvae of the boring beetles from the holes in which they lurk, eat largely of 
 other insects and are, in fact, quite expert flycatchers, taking their food on the wing very 
 easily. They are also fond of small fruits and I have even taken dried barberries from their 
 stomachs. Of all the small Woodpeckers which are called Sap-suckers, these are the most 
 deserving of the name for they will not only drink the juices of trees but will also eat the 
 inner bark; in short, in the autumn it is exceedingly difficult to find one which has not been 
 indulging in this practice. They drill small holes in the forest, as well as the fruit, trees 
 in order to obtain their favorite food but as these orifices are very small, I do not see that 
 they are especially injurious to the trees and, even if this were the case, the slight dam- 
 age which these birds occasion is more than counterbalanced by the good which they do 
 in destroying multitudes of pernicious insects and therefore, we may safely consider the 
 Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers as useful birds. 
 
 GENUS I. CENTURUS. THE RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Sternum, narrow, not as wide as the height of the keel. Marginal indentations, deep, all being equal in depth 
 to the height of the keel. Manubrium, not very large. Terminal hook of scapula, any led on the upper and lower sides. 
 Tongue, provided with extensible sheath, and the cerato-hyals arc elongated, extending around the back of the skull as far, at 
 least, as the orbit of the eye. Proventriculus , not enlarged. Salivary glands , quite well developed. Upper mandible, slight- 
 ly curved. 
 
 Members of this genus are marked on the top of the head with scarlet and transversely banded above. The tail feath- 
 ers arc quite acuminate. The hind toe is not half the length of the outer which is projected backward. There is but one 
 species within our limits. 
 
 CENTURUS CAROLINUS. 
 Red-bellied Woodpecker. 
 
 Centurus Carolinus BON, List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, long, narrow, not very thin and horny at 
 the tip which is pointed and provided with barbs for three fourths of the terminal portion. The extensible sheath occupies 
 about one half the length of the tongue. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, including the wings and tail, lustrous-black with the feathers of the back, wings, and 
 rump crossed by bands of white, excepting terminal third of the primaries which are tipped with the same color. Upper tail 
 
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 227 
 
 coverts, white streaked with black. Outer web of outer, tips, terminal portion of next pair, and inner webs of central pair, 
 also burred with white and all, but the central pair, are tipped with yellowish-white. Top of head, occiput, and nape, 
 scarlet-vermilion, lighter on the forehead, und extending down on the sides of the lower neck, while the feathers of the 
 upper back arc sometimes tinged with it. Sides of head and under parts, including under tail coverts, light-slaty over- 
 w:ished with yellowish and tinged on the sides of the bead, chin,- along the lower breast, and on the abdomen with scarlet 
 which H brightest on the latter named portions. The foathers of the under tail coverts have a central stripe of black. 
 Under wing coverts, white, barred with dusky. Bill, black. Feet, greenish-brown. 
 
 Adult female. Very similar to the male, but the top of the head is slaty like the under parts, while the occiput and 
 nape are scarlet-vermilion and the forehead is tinged with it. Usually the red tinging below Ls not as conspicuous and 
 there is rather more white on the tail. The flanks are marked with arrow-shaped spots of dusky. 
 
 Yuttny iiialr. Similar to the adult but quite brown on the wings and lower back. There is very little, or no, white 
 tinging below but the yellowish overwashing is quite strong and the tipping of the tail is nearly orange. The flanks are 
 considerably sjxitted. 
 
 Young female. Not strikingly unlike the adult, but brown above as in the young male and shows but little tinging 
 below, and even the yellowish overwashing is scarcely perceptible. 
 
 Nestlings. Birds in this plumage retain the pattern of the marking of the next stage, but they are quite yellow below 
 and streaked in a band across the back with dusky. The scarlet of the top of the head is not as bright. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary considerably in amount of red below; the highest plumaged male that I have selected out of a large 
 series, is tinged with this color over the entire under parts, excepting on the throat. The primaries are usually edged with 
 white, especially in the younger stages. Readily known from all others by the description as given. 
 
 Besides t ho<c i^iven, the following specific characters may be added: there are no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno- 
 traehealis which is stout. The tympaniform membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet it does not 
 support a semiluimr membrane. The oesophagus is without dilatation and opens into a small proventriculus which meas- 
 ures about "25 in external diameter. The gastric glands are simple and placed in a zonular band which measures '40 in 
 width. The stomach is rather globular in form with thin walls that measure '18 in thickness, and the lining membrane is 
 soft. The fold of the duodenum is not long and incloses a wide, though short, pancreas which has only one lobe but this is 
 dh ided by several incisions which are of varying depth. The spleen Is a spherical body lying partly on the proventriculus. 
 The left lobe of the liver Ls only about one half as large as the right. A noticeable character may be seen in the peculiar, 
 lateral extension of the greater pectoral muscles which protrude very much beyond the costal border of the sternum, (see 
 plate XVII). 
 
 This species is distributed throughout the Eastern Section of the United States, from Key West to Connecticut, but is 
 not common north of Pennsylvania. They are constantly resident in the Carolinas and south of them, but are migratory 
 further north. 
 
 DDIENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eighteen specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 9'67; stretch, lfi'12; wing, 4'65; 
 ,.il, 3'37; bill, I'lO: tarsus, '87. Longest specimen, 10'BO; greatest extent of wing, 17'25; longest wing, 5'30; tail, 3-75; bill, 
 20; tarsus, 1-00. Shortest specimen, 8'75; smallest extent of wing, 15'00; shortest wing, 4'00; tail,3'00; bill, I'OO; tarsus, 
 
 TK 
 
 tail 
 124 
 75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in gourd-shaped holes, usually excavated in living trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 2'00, 
 greatest internal, 5*4)0. Internal depth, 14'00. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 
 1-04 x '80 to "J5x-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first time that I ever met with a living specimen of this fine Woodpecker, was at 
 Jacksonville on the thirty-first of December, 1868, the same morning that I had the ex- 
 perience with the Bridge Pewee which I have related; in fact, the next shot that I fired 
 after killing one of those Flycatchers, brought down a male of the birds which we have 
 undi.-r consideration. Thus in examining the lovely plumage of the Woodpecker, I speed- 
 ily forgot the slight disappointment which I had felt for, as I have intimated, it was the 
 
228 CENTURUS CAROL1NUS. 
 
 m 
 
 first time that I had ever held a Red-bellied Woodpecker in my hand and, as I admired 
 its brilliant coloring, I thought that it was the most beautiful bird that I had ever shot. 
 Like most ornithologists, however, I have since changed my opinion in regard to this very 
 often and I presume that I shall again many times behold in some rara avis what, for ti 
 season, will be the loveliest yet seen. I believe that all species, no matter how perfect, 
 loose their charms to the collector after he has shot a dozen or so; this, at least, has been 
 my experience and I do not think that I am any more fickle in this respect than others. 
 Yet after all, I cannot help considering the Red-bellied Woodpeckers, fine birds, even if 
 they have had their day with me and, having got beyond the inclination to kill every one 
 that I see, am never tired of watching their movements. 
 
 I found the Red-bellied Woodpeckers quite abundant in winter in the piney woods 
 which border the plantations on the Sea Islands of the Carolinas but as I proceeded south, 
 their numbers increased and in Florida, they fairly swarmed, actually occurring in flocks. 
 They accompany the Cockaded Woodpeckers in the piny woods and also associate with the 
 Yellow-bellies in the swamps and hummocks; in fact, it is difficult to remain long in any 
 portion of Florida where there are trees, without hearing the discordant croak of these 
 Woodpeckers and I even found them on the Keys. At the time of my visit, Key West 
 had been nearly denuded of woods for, although there was an abundance of shrubbery, there 
 was not a tree over twenty feet high growing on the uncultivated section of the island. 
 The key was nearly divided into two parts by salt ponds and north of these, the country 
 was particularly barren as there was but a scanty allowance of soil. In fact, the under- 
 lining strata of limestone was exposed in many places, yet a slight depfch of alluvium had 
 been deposited in certain hollows and in them, a few stunted palmetto trees had managed 
 to take root. Passing these one day, I heard a familiar note and glancing in the direction 
 from which it came, saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker clinging to the trunk of one of the 
 dwarfed palms and not far away, I found his mate. Curious to ascertain whether they 
 were local inhabitants or only visitors to this desolate spot, I searched among the low trees 
 for signs of a nest and soon discovered some holes drilled in the fibrous trunks of the pal- 
 mettos one of which was evidently the nest of the pair that I had just transferred to my 
 collecting basket. As this was in November, they were not, of course, breeding but only 
 keeping watch over their domicile, least it should be occupied by others. 
 
 Further north, on the heavily wooded keys, I found that these Woodpeckers occurred 
 but were not common until I arrived at Miami. Hear they inhabited the piney woods 
 almost exclusively and built their nests about the first of April, excavating the cavities for 
 them in living pine trees. As the breeding season approached, they were, like the Yel- 
 low bellies, quite playful, sporting about the trunks or high limbs of the pine trees, then 
 launching outward, would pursue one another rapidly through the air, for like many other 
 members of this family, these Woodpeckers, although they move in a heavy, undulating 
 manner while on the wing, fly very swiftly. The notes, throughout the breeding season, 
 are not especially different from these given during the winter. Although not unlike those 
 uttered by the Yellow-bellies, they differ enough to be readily distinguished, being louder 
 and perhaps harsher. 
 
MELANERPES ERYTHKOCEPHALUS. 229 
 
 I have found the Red-bellied Woodpeckers but once in Pennsylvania, that was on 
 the second of October, 1875, at Watsontown. They occur in" Southern New England and, 
 as rare stragglers, in Western Massachusetts. I think those that pass the summer north 
 of the Carolinas must arrive late in the season and depart early. 
 
 
 
 GENUS III. MELANKKPES. THE RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 <JKX. Oil. Sternum, twiceas wide as the heiyht of the keel. Marginal indentations, deep, allbcing equal in depth to the 
 heiyht of Ihf keel. Posterior border of sternum, cmaryinate. Manulirium, very small. Terminal hook of scapula, any led 
 on the it/i/ii'r and lower sides. Tonyue, provided with extensible sheath, and the cerato-hyals are elongated, extending around 
 Ih' hack of the skull as far, at least, as the orbit of the eye. Proventriculus, small. Stomach, somewhat muscular. Salivary 
 ylandi, nuite well dweloped. Upper mandible, sliyhtly curved. 
 
 MeinlxTs of this genus are marked on the head with scarlet hut nre not transversely banded above or below. The tail 
 feathers are quite acuminate. The hind toe exceeds one half the length of the outer which is projected backward. There 
 is but one species within our limits. 
 
 MELANERPES ERYTHROCEPHALUS. 
 
 Red-headed Woodpecker. 
 Melanerpes erythrocephalus SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am., II; 1831, 31tt. 
 
 DESCRIPTION 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, long, narrow, not very thin, and horny at the 
 tip which is pointed and provided with barbs for three fourths of the terminal portion. The extensible sheath occupies 
 about fine half the length of the tongue. The salivary gland which is a hollow cylinder, lies along the maxillary bone and 
 tongue; it measures about '10 in diameter by -85 in length. There are no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno-trachealis 
 which i< stout. The tympaniform membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet it does not support a 
 semilunar membrane. The oesophagus is without dilatation and opens into a very small proventriculus which measures 
 about '20 in external diameter. The gastric glands are simple, very small and placed in a zonular band which measures 
 about '50 in width. The stomach is rather globular in form with very muscular walls that measure "30 in thickness, and 
 the lining membrane is rugose. The fold of the duodenum is quite long and incloses a small, narrow pancreas. The spleen 
 is an elliptical hotly lying almost entirely on the proventriculus. The left lobe of the liver is only about one half as large aw 
 the right. 
 
 (.'< ii.ott. Adult. Head all around, including nape, chin, throat, and upper breast, scarlet; the latter, narrowly banded 
 with black. IJasal half of wings, whole of primaries, and tail, black, with bluish reflections. Terminal half of secondaries, 
 rump, upper tail coverts, tips of all, but central pair of tail feathers, outer web of outer pair, and under parts, including 
 under wing and tail coverts, white, with the abdomen tinged with yellowish. Bill, bluish, black at tip. Feet, greenish- 
 brown. 
 
 Young. There is no scarlet on the head or breast, excepting occasionally a few stray feathers; this color being replaced 
 by dusky, overwashed a!x>ve by yellowish-rufous and grayish, and streaked below by the same. The black feathers of the 
 back and wings, including the primaries, are edged with grayish and the white Is barred with rather wide bands of black. 
 The tail is similar to that of the adult but the white markings are not as wide. The white beneath is overwashed with 
 yellowish-rufous, and streaked on the sides and flanks with dusky. UilL wholly black. 
 
 Nesl/inyx. Similar to the young, but there is more yellowish-rufous above and it even extends over the back, and the 
 dusky stripes below are more numerous. Sexes, similar in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little, or no, variation in plumage in the adult, but one now before me has the scarlet of the head tinged with 
 yellow, and one, a fully adult male procured at Williamsport in spring, presents a remarkable character for the feathers 
 directly beneath the eye are grayish in color and greatly elongated, measuring about '60 in length. The young vary con- 
 sidcrably nmrr than the adult, the main difference being in a greater or less amount of black above and below. Readily 
 known from all others by the description as given. Distributed in summer throughout the Eastern Section of the United 
 States, rare in Northern New England. Winters in the Middle and Southern Portions, some remaining as far north OH 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
230 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of eighteen specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8-87; stretch, 17'00; wing, 5-30; 
 tail, 3-45; bill, I'Ol; tarsus, -90. Longest specimen, 9-75; greatest extent of wing, 17-50; longest wing, 5-60; tail, 3'80; bill, 
 1'12; tarsus, -95. Shortest specimen, 8'00; smallest extent of wing, 16*50; shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 3'10; bill, '90; tarsus 
 85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, usually excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 2'00, 
 greatest internal, 5-00. Internal depth, 18'00. 
 
 Eygs, four or five in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 
 75x-90 to -80x1-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although I have met with the Red-headed Woodpeckers at intervals from Massachu- 
 setts to Florida, I have nowhere found them more abundant than in Pennsylvania; indeed 
 this latter named section appears to be head-quarters for them in the more eastern portions 
 of the section of which I write and they exceed in number any other species of Woodpeck- 
 ers, not excepting even the Golden-winged. I have said that the two last species described 
 were noisy birds but the Red-heads by far exceed them in this respect and their loud and 
 repeatedly given cries may be heard in all directions. This is especially noticeable in the 
 open country for these Woodpeckers frequent the orchards or small groves which border 
 streams, in preference to the woodlands. Although not as gregarious as some other spe- 
 cies of the family, yet they are fond of the company of their own kind and it is not unu- 
 sual to see four or five sporting together. The sycamore or button wood grows to a large 
 size in the fertile valleys of the creeks which empty into the Susquehanna River and as the 
 top branches of this tree frequently die, they form convenient roosts for these Woodpeckers 
 as the withered limbs protrude above the foliage and thus the birds have an uninterrupted 
 view of the surrounding country. Particular birds appear to choose certain trees on which 
 to rest and, in autumn, will spend some hours every day upon them. This habit is observ- 
 able during the fine days of autumn and an entire brood, consisting of the two parents and 
 their dull-colored progeny, may be frequently seen upon one tree. 
 
 In spring, however, the Red-headed Woodpeckers are too busy to spend much time 
 in idleness for they soon begin the duties of nest building, usually excavating the hole in 
 an old apple-tree or in some stub that stands in the open, seldom building in the woods. 
 At this season, they are very unsuspicious and will construct their domiciles in any tree 
 that strikes their fancy, no matter how near a dwelling it may stand. Thus I once knew 
 of a pair that chose an old stub, in which to place their home, which not only stood within 
 a dozen yards of a railroad, but was also not fifty feet from a dwelling, while a foot path 
 that was traversed daily, passed directly beneath its withered branches. Another pair had 
 selected a dead limb in a buttonwood that grew by the side of an elevated tram- way, only 
 a short distance from a saw-mill and the hole in which the nest was placed could almost be 
 reached with the hand as one stood upon the wooden railway over which workmen were 
 constantly pushing cars laden with lumber. In both cases, the birds appeared to be per- 
 fectly accustomed to all the bustle and din attendant upon localities which were in such 
 close proximity to the busy haunts of man. I have frequently passed within a few feet of 
 
COLAPTES A VRA TVS. 231 
 
 the birds as they sat near the nests, without their paying the slightest attention to me. 
 In the first instance, the nest was quite low, not over ten feet from the ground but I have 
 taken the eggs from the lofty limb of a buttonwood, sixty- feet high. 
 
 The Red-headed Woodpeckers begin to drill the holes for their nests in early May but 
 the full complement of eggs is not deposited until June. The young leave the nest about 
 the first dl' August and, as related, accompany their parents for some time. At this sea- 
 son, they resort to the gum trees in great numbers in order to feed upon the acid berries 
 which grow in profusion but they also eat large quantities of insects and, like the Yellow- 
 bellies, are quite expert flycatchers. Most of the Red-headed Woodpeckers leave Penn- 
 sylvania about the last of October but a few remain all winter. 
 
 GENUS IV. COLAPTES. THE SPOTTED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 <!I:N. Cn. Sternum, not Iwiceca wide as the height of the keel. Marginal indentations, deep, allbeing equal in depth to 
 the In i'jlit lift In' ki : < 1. Posterior border of sternum, emarginate. Manubrium, quite large. Terminal hook of scapula, round- 
 ed on the ujijirr and lower sides. Tongue, provided with a long, extensible sheath, and the cerato-hycls are greatly elongated 
 and, intending around the back of the skull and over the top of it, enter the right nostril. Proventriculus, large. Stomach, 
 muscular. Salivary glands, well developed. Both mandibles, curved. 
 
 Members of fliis genus are usually marked on the occiput with scarlet and are transversely banded above and spotted 
 bcluw. The tail feathers arc quite acuminate. The hind toe exceeds one half the length of the outer which is projected 
 backward. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 COLAPTES AURATUS. 
 Golden-winged Woodpecker. 
 
 Colaptes auratus SWAINSON, Zool. Jour.. Ill; 1827, 353. 
 
 Colaplcs AfczicanujSwAixsoN, Syn. Mex. birrls in Philos. Mag., [; 1827, 440. 
 
 Colaptes hybridus BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 122. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si>. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, long, not very thin, and horny at the tip which is 
 provided with barbs for one third of the terminal portion. The extensible sheath occupies about one half the length of the 
 tongue. The salivary glands are large, flat, somewhat triangular in form, and measure about 2'40 in length by '30 in width 
 at the base; the ducts are at the terminal extremity and open under the tongue. Thereare no laryngeal muscles, excepting 
 the sterno-trachealis which is stout. The tympanifonn membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet 
 it does not support a semilunar membrane. The cesophagus is without dilatation and opens into a very large, globular pro- 
 ventrk'tilus which measures about '70 in external diameter. The gastric glands are rather numerous, not simple, being o- 
 val in form with four small protuberances emerging nt equal intervals from the central circumference. They only occupy the 
 lower portion of the proventriculus and are packed on a surface which is triangular in form, with the base which measures 
 about "80 in width, toward the oesophagus and the apex which is -75 from the base, toward the stomach. Thus the upper 
 portion of the proventriculus is destitute of glands but is provided with a mucus membrane. The stomach Ls rather flat in 
 form with very muscular walls that measure '30 in thickness. The lining membrane is soft, similar to that which covers 
 the proventriculus. The fold of the duodenum is quite long and rather twisted, inclosing a pancreas which is wide and of 
 irregular form. The spleen is an elliptical body lying partly on the proventriculus und partly over the pyloric opening of 
 the stomach. The left lobe of the liver is more than one half as large as the right. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Head and nape, slaty-ash. Back and wings, excepting primaries, yellowish-ash, transversely 
 barred with dark-brown. Primaries and tail, dark-brown; the former, slightly barred on the outer and inner webs, the lat- 
 ter on the outer webs of extreme outer, and the inner webs of central pair, with yellowish-ash. Shaft of wing feathers and 
 upper tail coverts, under wing coverts and axillaries, under sides of wings and tail, excepting tip, bright golden-yellow. 
 Sides of head and entire under parts, including under tail coverts, reddish-ash, lightest anteriorly. Patch on check, broad 
 crescent on breast, round spots on under side of body back of breast and on under tail coverts, black. There is a band of 
 
232 GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 
 
 scarlet around occiput. Rump and upper tail coverts, white, while the feathers of the latter are marked in lines, edgings, 
 spots, and bars of black. Bill, brown. Feet, bluish. Iris, reddish. 
 
 Adult female. Colored almost exactly like the adult male, excepting that there is no black patch on the cheek and the 
 colors below are perhaps a trifle lighter. 
 
 Adult in autumn. Quite similar to the spring dress but darker, especially above, while there are strong traces of ashy 
 on the throat. 
 
 Nestling male. Retains, to a great extent, the pattern of marking seen in the adult. The black bandings above are 
 much broader. The tail is not barred but is edged on the outer webs with yellowish-white. The under parts are lighter 
 and the spots are not as dark nor is the crescent as long but the cheek patches are large. The top of the head is sprinkled 
 with red and the scarlet crescent is very wide. 
 
 Nestling female. Quite similar to the above described for, strangely enough, the black cheek patches are almost al- 
 ways present. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is considerable variation in amount of color and especially in the size of the spots which are larger in some than 
 in others. In regard to the highly colored Red-shafted Flicker, I am convinced that it is identical witli our species for, as 
 we proceed Westward, we find that the two forms grade insensibly into each other. Even in the East, notably in Penn- 
 sylvania, it is not unusual to find specimens showing. red feathers in the black of the cheek patches. Specimens taken in 
 Florida are not only smaller in size but are darker in color than those from New England. Distributed in summer throughout 
 the Eastern Section of the United States. Winters in the Middle and Southern Portions, some remaining as far north as 
 New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of nineteen specimens from New England. Length, 12-50; stretch, 19'25; wing, 5'93; tail, 
 4-35; bill, 1'25; tarsus, 1-05. Longest specimen, 13-00; greatest extent of wing, 80-00; longest wing, 6'27: tail, 4'70; bill, 
 1-40; tarsus, I'OO. Shortest specimen, 12-00: smallest extent of wing, 18-50; shortest wing, 5'60; tail, 4'05; bill, I'OO: tar- 
 sus, I'OO. 
 
 Average measurements of twenty-four specimens from Florida. Length, 12-37; stretch, 18-75; wing, 5-30; tail, 4*40; 
 bill, T25; tarsus, -97. Longest specimen, 12'75; greatest extent of wing, 19'50; longest wing, fi'OO; tail, 4'85; hill, 1'45; 
 tarsus, 1'15. Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 18-00; shortest wing, 4'60; tail, 3-95; bill, 1'05; tarsus, 
 80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, usu-ally excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 2'50, 
 greatest internal, 5'00. Internal depth, 18'00. 
 
 Eggs, six to eight in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 
 75x'90 to -80x I'OO. A specimen from Florida, collected by Mr. Fred A. Ober, measures '90x T15. The number of eggs 
 deposited in Florida is from four to five. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Golden- winged Woodpeckers have a wide distribution and their well-known notes 
 are to be heard among the palms which border the wide-spread savannas of the extreme 
 southern main-land of Florida, in the trackless piney woods which occupy so much of the 
 country along the Atlantic sea-board, in the fertile valleys of Pennsylvania, and among 
 the pleasant hill-side farms of New England. As they are not only showy birds and con- 
 sequently attract attention, but also make themselves conspicuous by their loud cries, they 
 are noticed by nearly every one and, therefore, receive a quantity of appellations many of 
 which are to be found in the table of local names given at the end of the present volume. 
 
 During the mild days of early spring in Massachusetts, while the snow still lingers in 
 the shadow of woods and on northern exposures, the rapidly given call notes of this spe- 
 cies may be heard coming from the apple orchards. A little later, when the season has 
 become so far advanced as to preclude all possibility of a return of cold weather, these 
 Woodpeckers may be seen together in small companies and then the cry which is probably 
 
 
COLAPTES AURATUS. 233 
 
 a substitute for a song, i* given. This rude lay which consists of a series of notes uttered 
 with increasing rapidity, terminating: abruptly, is so harsh as to be somewhat disagreeable 
 when heard near at hand but, mellowed by distance and mingled with the carol of the Song 
 Sparrow, the warble of the Blue Bird, the piping of the hylas in the meadows, and other 
 .-muds so characteristic of the opening spring-time, it is far from unpleasant. A little later 
 in the season, the notes, sounding like the syllables, yu-ca, uttered in a peculiar manner, 
 announces that the breeding season is approaching. 
 
 Small companies may lie seen, pursuing one another about the trunks of trees or a- 
 mong the branches, dodging about, now under, now over, the limbs, or dashing through 
 the air, onlv to alight on the next tree, where they will resume their sportive antics. These 
 evolutions are performed with ease, for the Golden-wings glide along the branches smooth- 
 ly, usually without the jerking motion of the head, observable in many other members of 
 the family; and withal, they are exceedingly agile, all their movements being performed 
 with marvelous rapidity. 
 
 About the first of May, the Golden-winged Woodpeckers begin to excavate the holes 
 for their nests. They almost always select a dead trunk or limb for this purpose but will 
 occasionally choose a living tree. The labor of drilling is performed quite expeditiously, 
 both sexes being employed. The bits of wood removed are conveyed to a distance or scat- 
 tered over the ground near the base of the tree which contains the nest; but it is noticeable 
 that when the hole is b"ing made in wood which is quite solid, the chips are carried to a 
 greater distance than when the task is performed upon a partly decayed tree. Thus I found 
 a newly finished nest, only a few days ago, which was built in an old apple-tree, the wood 
 of which was so punky that it crumbled in my hand, and the ground about the base of the 
 trunk was fairly whitened with the chips. 
 
 It is wonderful to observe with what ease these Woodpeckers penetrate hard, dry 
 wood. I once kept a Golden-winged Woodpecker in a cage which was only wired on one 
 side. After remaining quietly in confinement for a day or two, the bird began, one morn- 
 ing, to drill in the board which formed the side of his prison and, in an incredible short 
 space of time, had formed a hole of sufficient size to enable him to escape into the room. 
 I closed the hole by nailing a piece of wood over it and then replaced the bird,but he 
 promptly commenced operations in the same place, quickly emerging again on the outer 
 side. I noticed that the wood upon which he was working was saturated with moisture 
 thai u-as evidently saliva secreted by glands which lie along the sides of the lower mandi- 
 ble. I do not understand why the bird wet the wood for it must tend to toughten it, es- 
 pecially if it were pine or spruce; yet it might have a different effect upon the dead limbs 
 of trees. 
 
 The bird of which I have been speaking, became quite tame, after a short time and, 
 although I allowed him the liberty of the room, he would always go into the box to eat or 
 roost. The door of his cage generally stood open, yet he would almost always avail him- 
 self of the hole which he had made as a place of entrance and exit. It is observable that 
 when these birds wish to enter a barn, which they do quite frequently, especially in win- 
 ter, they will always do so by a hole of their own excavating and, when surprised in their 
 
 30 
 
234 HYLATOMUS P1LEATUS. 
 
 retreat, will always dart out of this particular hole, even if the sides be full of orifices 
 through which they might readily escape into the open air. 
 
 As remarked, barns are the favorite resorts of these Woodpeckers in some sections 
 during winter, yet I never knew of their nesting in them but they do use ice-houses for this 
 purpose at Ilyannis, Massachusetts, depositing their eggs in cavities made in the sawdust 
 which is used as a packing between the double walls. The eggs are laid in New England 
 about the first week in May, a little later in Pennsylvania, but I found them in Florida 
 early in April. 
 
 The bears of the latter named section, especially in the vicinity of Indian River, have 
 the singular habit of ascending the palmettos and tearing out the tender last growth in 
 order to eat it, thereby killing the trees; thus there are many of the leafless trunks along 
 the margin of the hummocks. These form excellent breeding places for the Golden- winged 
 Woodpeckers and they almost invariably select them for this purpose. This species is 
 fond of insects but feeds largely on ants and many that I have dissected, both North and 
 South, had their stomachs crammed with them. These birds are quite expert at taking in- 
 sects on the wing and may frequently be seen in autumn engaged in this occupation. They 
 are also very fond of pears and apples but will seldom attempt to eat them unless they be 
 overripe. They are partial to corn when it is in the milk and the one which I had in 
 confinement fed almost entirely upon meal. The Golden-winged Woodpeckers remain in 
 New England until late in autumn but with the first snow the majority disappear, a few 
 remaining all winter. 
 
 GENUS V. IIYLATOMUS. THE BLACK WOODPECKERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Sternum, nearly twice as wide as the height of the keel. Marginal indentations, not equal in depth to the 
 heigth of the keel; outer, more shallow than inner. Manubrium, moderate. Terminal hoolt of scapula, rounded on upper 
 and lower sides. Tongue , provided with a long , extensible sheath, while the cerato-hyals are greatly elongated and extend a- 
 round the lack of the skull. Proventriculus, very large. Stomach, not very muscular. Salivary glands, quite well devel- 
 oped. Both mandibles, straight. Head, crested. 
 
 Members of this genus are marked on the top of the head with scarlet but the prevailing color on the body is black, 
 relieved by markings of white. The tail feathers are quite acuminate. The hind toe exceeds one half the length of the 
 outer which is projected backward. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 HYLATOMUS PILEATTJS. 
 Pileated "Woodpecker. 
 
 Hylatomus pileatus BAIRD, Birds N. A .; 1858, 107. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which is provided 
 ~with barbs for two thirds of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of the tongue. 
 The salivary glands are moderate in size. There are no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno-trachealis which is stout. The 
 tympaniform membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet it does not support a semilunar membrane. 
 The oesophagus is without dilatation and opsns into a very large, somewhat cylindrical, proventriculus which measures about 
 1 '05 in external diameter by T75 inlength. The gastric glands are rather numerous, simple, and occupy a wide zonular band. 
 The stomach is rather flat in form and quite small, measuring '65 in external width. The walls are not very muscular, and 
 the lining membrane is finely rugose. The fold of the duodenum is quite long, inclosing a wide pancreas which is of a very 
 irregular form. The spleen is an elliptical body lying over the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liver are about equal in 
 size. 
 
P1LEATED WOODPECKER. 235 
 
 COLOR. Ar/u/t mala. General color throushout, sooty-black with the throat, line extendingfrom nostril, down the sides 
 of neck, to the side of upper breast, line hack of eye, extreme tips of primaries, basal half of primaries, excepting outer 
 webs of outer two, basal half of secondaries, and narrow tippings to feathers of sides, white. Top of head, including occi- 
 put, crest, and maxillury patches, scarlet. 
 
 Ailultf'inalr. Similar to tlie male, but lacks the scarlet maxillary patch which is replaced by black, and the anterior 
 portion of the head is sooty-brown with the feathers tipped with yellowish. 
 
 Yauntf. Differs from the adult in having more white edging to the feathers below while a sulphury tinge pervades the 
 broad white markings ,,(' the head and is especially noticeable beneath the wing, but there are few, or no, white tippings to 
 the primaries. Iris, yellow, bill, black, bluish at base of lower mandible, and feet, greenish-brown, in all .stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This Woodpecker is readily distinguished from all others, excepting the Ivory-billed, by its superior size, and from this 
 latter named species by the almost uniform color above as well as by the black hill. Specimens vary but little; occasionally 
 n female will have scarlet feathers dotting the darker patch of the anterior portion of the head and the amount of white 
 
 cially the tippings of the wings, is not always the same. Specimens, from Florida are much smaller than those from 
 Maine but are only slightly darker in shade. Distributed asaconstant resident, throughout North America but are found 
 only in the heavily wooded districts. 
 
 DDIENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens from the North. Length, 18-25; stretch, 28-50; wing, 9'00; tail, 6-75; bill, 
 2-35; tar-us. 1-30. Longest specimen, 18-75; greatest extentofwing, 2!)-(K; longest wing,9'50; tail,7'00; bill, 2'50; tarsus, 
 I'ifi- S -,i;vim MI, 17-.">:>; smallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 8-50; tail, 6-50; bill, 2-25: tarsus, 1-20. 
 
 A\erage measurements of sixteen specimens from Florida. Length, 16-3-2; stretch, 2(i-50; wing, 8-50; tail, G'02; bill, 
 1-75: Ursus, !:$;). L >ng.-st sj.ee.imen, 17'50; greatest extent of wing, 23-00; longest wing, 'J'OO: tail, 6-75; bill, 2-10; tar- 
 sus. 1-50. Shortest specimen, 15-15; smallest extent of wing, 25-00; shortest wing, 8'00; tail, 5-30; bill, 140; tarsus, T10. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .V.S-/5, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 3-00. greatest internal, (i'OO. Internal depth, 20'00. 
 
 Eyys, four to six in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions from -90x 1-05 to 
 95x1-10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 No one who has studied the habits of birds, Will hesitate to say that Woodpeckers, as 
 well as carpenters, may be known by their chips. When we see small bits of wood lying 
 about the base of a tree, we are sure that some of the smaller species have been at work; 
 larger pieces indicate that the labor has been performed by the Golden-wing, but when we 
 meet with a tree trunk denuded throughout its entire extent and the bark lying in piles 
 at its roots, often ih blocks six inches square, it becomes obvious that such a task could 
 have been accomplished by no other than the Great Pileatcd Woodpecker. The sound of 
 his hammer and chisel is also remarkable, for none among the Woodpeckers, save the Ivory- 
 bill, can strike such resounding blows, each of which produces a marked effect. All this 
 labor is performed for the sake of finding insects, for the Pileated is the most indefatigable 
 of all the family in hunting this kind of prey. They are also very fond of ants and I have 
 frequently found them, both in Pennsylvania and further south, at work on prostrate trees 
 which were inhabited by these insects. They will oat fruit and are partial to the berries 
 of the palmetto, feeding, in Florida, upon little else when these arc in season. 
 
 In general habits, this large Woodpecker does not differ especially from the Golden- 
 wing. The notes are not strickingly unlike, those of the Pileated being, of course, louder 
 and they end more abruptly. Both have the same, energetic way of throwing the head 
 back when at work, in order to glance quickly around, and the flight of both is similar; 
 
236 HYLATOMUS P1LEATVS. 
 
 while, in the wilds of Florida, whore neither are shot, one is as unsuspicious' as the other, 
 for I have often walked within twenty yards of the Pileated, even when there was nothing 
 to conceal me from the bird. 
 
 The Pileated Woodpeckers inhabit the huge forests of Northern New England, never 
 occurring in small growths of timber; hence are now seldom, if ever, found in Eastern 
 Massachusetts although they are occasionally taken in the western portion of the state. 
 They are not uncommon in the mountain valleys of Pennsylvania but I found them much 
 more common as I proceeded south and in the uninhabited sections of Florida, they arc very 
 abundant. 
 
 The Pileated Woodpeckers are found in this latter named section, both in the hum- 
 mocks and in the piney woods. It is probable that they breed in both kinds of woodland 
 but the only nest that I ever saw was built in a dead stub which stood on the edge of a 
 clearing at Miami. I had noticed a pair of these Woodpeckers, flying about the place, 
 early in March and, although I conjectured that they were either drilling their hole or about 
 to do so, it was not. until the twenty-eighth of the month, that I chanced to discover their 
 home. 
 
 It was placed in a fire-blackened stub which was about three feet in diameter and the 
 opening to the nest was, at least, thirty feet from the ground. I did not attempt to as- 
 cend to it that day as I was unprovided with any instruments with which to enlarge the 
 hole. The next day, I returned with a small ax which I had borrowed of a cracker woman 
 who lived near, and with great difficulty, managed to scramble up the trunk. This labor 
 was not only arduous, but decidedly unpleasant, for the surface of the wood was reduced 
 to charcoal which crumbled into a fine, black dust beneath my grasp. At length, how- 
 ever, I reached a projecting limb beneath the nest and, fortunately, near enough forme to 
 reach it conveniently. At this stage of my proceedings, the female bird darted out of the 
 hole and, now certain of obtaining the eggs, I at once began to cut the tree. As I was 
 obliged to hold on with one hand and wield the ax with the other, I could not make over 
 half a dozen strokes without stopping to rest. The tree was old, having evidently been 
 dead for years and the wood was as hard as ivory; thus, although I labored diligently, only 
 pausing to wipe away the perspiration that streamed down my cheeks or to clear my eyes 
 of the dust, it was two hours before I had opened a hole of sufficient size to enable me to 
 reach the bottom of the orifice. I eagerly thrust in my hand and found nothing but chips. 
 I do not believe that there was a more disappointed man than myself in the whole state 
 of Florida. I slid down the tree in no enviable state of mind and, going to the cracker's 
 shanty to return the fix, was greeted with a look of surprise from the woman who owned 
 the place, which quickly gave way to one of amusement followed by loud laughter. In- 
 dignant at such treatment after my ill success, I was about to turn away without a word, 
 when she held up a small looking-glass before me and a glance showed me the cause of 
 her merriment. The charcoal dust combined with the moisture had so completely covered 
 my face that I was as black as the blackest darky that ever boasted of African origin. A 
 vigorous washing with soap and water soon set this to rights and I then took my way camp- 
 ward, fully determined not to trust to outward appearances again when I found a Pileated 
 
r i i n i . , 
 
CAMPEP HILL'S PRINC IPAL1S. 237 
 
 Woodpecker's nest. Upon returning to the same tree, a short time after, I started the 
 female ('nun her dilapidated nest; in a day or two after this, however, I sent a negro lad 
 up into the same tree in order to secure the eggs of a Sparrow Hawk which were placed 
 in a natural cavity HI a limb, at least sixty feet in air, and when passing the nest of the 
 Woodpecker, he looked in but neither of the birds were present nor did I see them in the 
 neighborhood, so concluded that they had deserted their home. I have little doubt, how- 
 ever, but that the birds would have deposited their eggs in that nest, had I taken more 
 care in opening the cavity. 
 
 The Pileatcd Woodpeckers are not at all migratory, being constantly resident, even in 
 Northern Maine, although it is highly probable that they wander in the North during win- 
 ter. In Florida, however, wheh a pair become attached to any particular locality, they 
 seldom, if ever, leave it but spend their entire lives in a limited area. 
 
 GENUS VI. CAMPKl'IIILUS. THE SCARLET-CRESTED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 Gi:\. CM. Sternum, not twice as wide as the hciyht of the keel. Marginal indentations, equal in depth to about one half 
 tlf hfii/th ,if thi I,' 1 1: outer, more shallow than inner. Manubrium, very small. Terminal hook ofscapu/a, nearly straight 
 on tlic UJI/H r. am/ rounded nn the litwer, side. Tonyuc, provided with a tony, extensible sheath, while the ceraio-hyats are 
 yr> nt 1 :: ' loni/iiti il ami extend around the back of the skull. Proncntriculus , quite larye. Stomach, not very muscular. Sal- 
 irary ylanils, quite toell developed. Both mandililet, straight. Head, crested. 
 
 In nic:ii!irrs <>f thi- genus, the males are marked on the occiput with scarlet. The prevailing color on the liody is Mack, 
 relieved by conspicuous marking of 'white, especially on the wings. The tail feathers arequite acuminate. The hind toe is 
 about one half the length of the outer which is projected backward. As in tl>e preceding genus, the head is large and the 
 neck lung and thin. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 
 CAMPEPHILUS PRINCIPALIS. 
 
 Ivory-billed Woodpecker. 
 Campephilus printipalis GRAY, List of Genera; 1840. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which is provided 
 with barbs for two thirds of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of the tongue. 
 The salivary glands are moderate in size. There are no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno-trnchealis which is very stout. 
 
 tympanifonn membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet it does not support a semilunar mem- 
 brane. 
 
 < 'OI.OR. Adult male. Uniform glossy black having greenish reflections, with a line from below the cur coverts, running 
 down the neck, broadening on the shoulders, and extending along the back, short line at base of bill, not reaching the eye, 
 expo-ed portion of primaries and basal portion of two or three inner primaries, and under wing coverts, white. Occiput, 
 and portion extending forward nearly to the eye, forming a point, and back of upper neck, scarlet. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the scarlet on the head which is replaced by black. Iris, yellow, bill, 
 ivory-white, feet, greenish, in all stages. K 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Thi- species may be at once distinguished from all the others which occur within our limits, by the large size, white 
 bill and secondaries. They are constantly resident in Florida and are found rarely in the other Gulf Suites as well as in the 
 
 Carolines and along the Mississippi Valley to Southern Illinois. 
 
 t 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements. Length, 20-35; stretch, 31-00, wing, 9-30; tail, 6'35; bill, 2'75; tarsus, 1-80. Longest speci- 
 men, 21-00; greatest extent of wing, 32-00; longest wing.U'GO; tail, (i'5(); bill, 2'80; tarsus, 2-00. Shortest specimen, 19-75; 
 smallest extent of wing, 30'00; shortest wing, 9'00; tail, 6'25; bill, 2"5; tarsus, 1'60. 
 
238 IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in living trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 4-00, greatest internal, 7'00. Internal depth, SO'OO. 
 
 Ei/ffs, four to six in number, elliptical in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions (approximate) from 
 95x1-10 to l-OOxl-15. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Ivory-bill, prince among Woodpeckers, once abundant throughout the Southern 
 States, north to the Carolinas on the east and up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois on the 
 west, is now quite rare, being restricted to very limited areas. Even in Florida, that last 
 strong hold for many species of birds which are in danger of being exterminated, it is com- 
 mon in but one section. This is the Gulf Hummock, an extensive track of heavily wood- 
 ed land, uninhabited, save by camps of cedar hunters, which extends from the Suwannee 
 River, eastward, nearly to the Oclawaha. Here they are quite numerous for they are sel- 
 dom, if ever, disturbed. They also occur regularly, but rarely, in a belt of country be- 
 tween the Gulf Hummock and the lagoons which extend along the Atlantic coast. Although 
 they were not unfrequent in the latter named section some ten years ago, at the present 
 time, they are quite rare for they have not only been persistently hunted by collectors, but 
 many have met their fate at the hands of tourists who appear to consider all birds in Florida 
 larger than a Sparrow as legitimate prey. 
 
 The Ivory-billed Woodpeckers inhabit the thick hummocks and swamps, seldom ap- 
 pearing in the piney woods, but one who is skilled in interpreting bird notes, will have no 
 difficulty in detecting their. presence for their loud cries which differ considerably from 
 those uttered by the Pileated, are constantly given when the birds are feeding. When 
 once heard, they may be approached quite readily as they are not generally very shy. I 
 have been informed by the cedar hunters that this species always nests in living trees, gen- 
 erally huge live-oaks, beginning to build during the latter part of February. 
 
 These large and handsome Woodpeckers generally go in pairs throughout the year 
 and, as they do not wander much, even in winter, certain birds may always be found in 
 particular sections of a hummock or swamp. When flying, they are silent, moving with a 
 heavy, rather undulating, flight, similar to that of the Pileated Woodpecker but the Ivory- 
 bills may always be distinguished, even when at a distance, by the snowy whiteness of 
 their secondaries. Like many species of this family, they appear to have a predilection 
 for the vicinity of water and I have frequently observed them crossing the St. John's River 
 in advance of the steamer on which I was proceeding up the stream. 
 
 This occurred some years ago but I doubt if, at the present time, many of these noble 
 Woodpeckers are to be found in the vicinity of the St. John's, for it is a lamentable fact, 
 that they are rapidly becoming exterminated in all sections of Florida which are visited by 
 tourists. 
 
 As related, the last strong hold of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is in the Gulf Hum- 
 mock but how long they will remain unmolested in this fastness, is a problem which the 
 settlement of that portion of the country will solve before many years have passed. Then, 
 unless they be protected by stringent laws, they will disappear from the surface of the 
 
PICUS V1LLOSUS. 239 
 
 globe. Tlir probable extinction of any species of bird appears to me worthy tbe attention 
 of the National Government, for such a calamity is to be deplored by the entire Scientific 
 World. Some elWts have been made by the Florida legislature to protect birds which 
 occur in that state from wanton destruction but I understand that these laws have been 
 repealed. If this be a fact, such a proceeding cannot be too severely censured for, unless 
 such attractive birds as the Herons, Spoonbills, Parakeets, Anhingas, Ivory-billed Wood- 
 peckers, etc., etc., be protected by urgent laws, it will not be many years before Florida, 
 once so famous for the varied hues of her feathered tribe which added so much to the pict- 
 uresque beauty of her winding streams and wooded shores; Florida! the land of flowers and 
 of birds, will have lost one of her greatest charms the birds: and, if it were possible for 
 the hand of vandalism to destroy them, I doubt if it would even leave her the flowers. 
 Should not we, then, who love to contemplate the unmplested beauties of Nature, make an 
 effort to preserve them for the enjoyment of the coming generations? I, for one, think so 
 and let us keep in mind that, if this is to be done at all, it must be done quickly, certainly 
 as regards such birds as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. 
 
 < i KM .S VII. PICUS. THE BLACK AND WHITE WOODPECKERS. 
 
 <!K\. Cii. Sternum, not twice as wide as the heiyht of (he keel. Marginal indentations, nearly equal in depth to the 
 tuiyth of thekee}; outer, more shallow than inner. Mamtbrium, moderate. Terminal hook of scapula, variable. Tonyue, 
 }>rm-i,li il iri/>i n /<>;/, extensible sheath, while the ceralo-hyals are (/really elonyated and extend around the back of the skull. 
 Pr.i- ntriru'w, s:mll. Stomach, not very muscular. Salivary glands, notvery well developed. Both mandible*, straight. 
 Head, not crested. .1 
 
 In members of this genus, the prevailing color above is black, relieved hy white markings and the moles are marked, to 
 a greater or lest extent, on the occiput with scarlet. The tail feathers are very acuminate. The hind toe is less than one 
 half the length of the outer which is projected backward. Theheadisnotstrickingly large nor is the neck very thin. The 
 bill is about equal to the head in length. There are no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno-trachealis which is very 
 stout. The tympanifonn membrane is present and although there is an os transversale, yet it does not support a semilunar 
 membrane. The o>-< iphagus is without dilatation and opens into a small proventriculus which measures about 15 in exter- 
 nal diameter by 'SOinlength in bo real is. The gastric glands are rather numerous, simple, and occupy a zonular band. The 
 stomach is rather globular in form and quite large, while the walls are not very thick, and the lining membrane is finely ru- 
 
 . The fold of the duodenum is not very long, inclosing a wide pancreas. The spleen is an elliptical body lying over 
 the cardiac opening of the stomach. Both lobes of the liver are about equal in size. There are three species within oar 
 limits. 
 
 PICUS VILLOSUS, 
 
 Hairy Woodpecker. 
 
 Piau vithsus LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 175. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which is provided 
 with barbs for one third of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of the tongue. 
 Terminal hook of scapula, angled above and below. 
 
 in. Adult male. Glossy black above, including sides of head and line extending down on to the the sides, with 
 the bristly feather- at ba-e of bill, line extending from just in front of eye, inclosing it, and reaching occiput, line from the 
 base of bill, running d >wn sMes of neck, broad line along middle of back, spots on outer websof wing feathers, all but ba- 
 sal portion of three outer tail feathers, and tips of next pair, white. Patches on sides of occiput, scarlet. Under portion, 
 including under wing coverts, white, with the latter spotted with black on the center of the second row of feather-. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the scarlet on the head which is replaced by black, and the white on the 
 tail is not as extended. 
 
240 HAIRY WOODPECKER. 
 
 Young. There is a sulphury tinge to the white markings and the inner white tail feather is tipped with black, in 
 both sexes and, in the male, the scarlet patch on the occiput is more restricted; otherwise similar to the adult. Iris, red- 
 dish-brown, bill, black, bluish at base of lower mandible, and foot, bluish, in all tli3 preceding stages. 
 
 Nettling male. Very much tinged on the white with sulphury, the forehead is spotted with white, and the top of the 
 head is spotted with scarlet; otherwise as in the young fomaie. 
 
 Nestling female. A specimen before me, belonging to the Tangs Brothers, taken from the nest in Lincoln, Mas>aoliu- 
 setts, on the eighteenth of June, 1877, and which was only Imlf^rown, has the forehead spotted with white and is slightly 
 tinged with sulphury on the white; otherwise similar to the young female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens from the South, although smaller in size, do not differ strickingly in color. They may, however, be a trifle 
 darker as an average but there is considerable variation in this respect in birds from all sections; thus, a skin taken at 
 Smithvillc, North Carolina, shows as much, or more, white as nny from Pennsylvania or from further north. A- tl.cn- is u 
 most perfect gradation in size, from the large northern variety to the small southern one, I do not see the feasibility of ap- 
 plying a name to either extreme as it is not possible to draw a line between them, and the same remarks might be applica- 
 ble to almost any geographical race, unless it be separated from its allies by some natural division which prevents any two 
 forms from intergrading. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout North America 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of seven specimens from New England. Length, 9 85; stretch, 14'70; wing, 4'83; tail, 3'55; 
 bill, 1'23; tarsus, '92. Longest specimen, 10'50; greatest extent of wing, 10-50; longest wing, 5'07: tail, 4-00; bill, l'3fl; 
 tarsus, 1-00. Shortest specimen, 9'20; smallest extent of wing, 13'(K); shortest wing, 4'60; tail, 3'10; bill, 1 10: tarsus, -85. 
 
 Average measurements of live specimens from Florida. Length, 8'70; stretch, 14'00, wing, 4'65; tail, 2"J7; bill, 1'OsJ; 
 tarsus, '67. Longest specimen, 8'9i); greatest extent of wing, lj'00; 1. ingest wing,4'75: tail, 3'20; bill, 1'05; tarsus, '75. 
 Shortest specimen, 8'50; smallest extent of wing, IS'OO; shortest wing, 4'50; tail, 2'75; bill, I'OO; tarsus, '60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 2-00, greatest internal, 2-50. Internal depth, 15-00. 
 
 Eygs, four or five in number, elliptical in foim, ]:uie, pcl'sl cd rearlj-yhitc in cclor. Dimensions from 65x 70- to 
 75 x -80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Hairy Woodpeckers have, like the Golden-wing, a wide distribution, being found 
 in nearly all localities from Maine to Florida but, in some sections, they are much more 
 common than in others. Thus, I have found them exceedingly abundant in the vast for- 
 ests of Northern Maine in autumn but, in Massachusetts, they are not of very frequent 
 occurrence, even in fall or winter, and are rare in summer. They occur in all the wooded 
 sections of Pennsylvania as a moderately common resident, are not unusual south of this 
 point, especially in the Carolinas, and in Florida, I have taken them quite frequently, al- 
 though, when compared with many other of the smaller Woodpeckers, as regards numbers, 
 in a section where representatives of the families are so abundant, they appear quite un- 
 common, for I did not find one Hairy where I found a hundred of the Cockaded or Red 
 and Yellow-bellied. 
 
 Although these Woodpeckers are found in such a vast extent of country, their habits 
 do not differ noticeably, neither do those which live in the piney woods of Florida, utter 
 any different notes from those which inhabit the forests of Maine. It is observable, how- 
 ever, that in the South, the harsh, abruptly given cry is not repeated as frequently as in 
 the North, neither is the rattling call produced by striking the bill on a dead limb, made 
 as often; in fact, the Woodpeckers of Florida, of all species, appear to \)G affected by the 
 enervating climate and are thus much more indolent than birds of the same species which 
 
HAIRY WOODPECKER. 241 
 
 are hutched in more bored climes. I do not mean to say that Florida Woodpeckers have 
 absolutely no energy, for energy is as much one of the characteristics of a Woodpecker as 
 is his wedge-shaped bill or acuminate tail, but only, that they do not exhibit this quality 
 to such an extensive degree as do their northern brethren. This lack of enterprise in 
 Southern Ilairys is also shown in a peculiar way for, although all members of the family 
 arc far from being neat, regarding their plumage, yet this is not always as observable as 
 in specimens from Florida. The piney woods, in this section, are very often burned; con- 
 sequently, the tree trunks are more or less blackened and, as the Woodpeckers run up and 
 down mi them, the white feathers of the under parts become tinged with it; therefore, as 
 the birds neglect to clean themselves, in course of time, they become nearly, or quite, as 
 dusky below as above. Birds of this species from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are 
 generally quite clean but those from Maine and further north, have their tails stained by 
 the tannic acid from the hemlock bark. Thus, aside from size, it is quite easy to tell in 
 what section on the coast any particular specimen was taken by observing these extrane- 
 ous marks. Thus I have noted that the Hairy Woodpeckers which occur in Massachu- 
 setts in winter, seldom have buff-stained tails; consequently, judge that they do not come 
 from far north, yet the species is partly migratory for, during some extreme cold seasons, 
 we do occasionally have a flight of northern Hairy Woodpeckers. 
 
 I have never seen the nest of Hairy Woodpeckers but judge that they breed early. I 
 found a hole, however, containing young, during the first week in June at Williamsport, 
 Pennsylvania. I ascended to the nest which was built in a small dead poplar at an eleva- 
 tion of about twenty feet. As I was unable to reach the young, I could not ascertain how 
 old they were but, judging by the loud, continuous, hissing noise which they made, they 
 must have been quite well advanced. The nest of this species is seldom found in Eastern 
 Massachusetts and I know of but two instances of its having been taken here; one, as re- 
 lated under description, in Lincoln on the eighteenth of June, 1877, by the Bangs Broth- 
 ers, which contained young about half grown, and a second, by Mr. II. A. Purdie, in 
 Concord on the thirtieth of May last past (1879). This one contained eggs nearly ready 
 to hatch. Thus we may judge that the eggs are deposited about the tenth of may in Mass- 
 achusetts, a little later in Maine, a week or so earlier in Pennsylvania, and considerably 
 in advance of this time as we proceed southward. 
 
 The Hairy Woodpeckers, as far as I have observed, feed entirely upon insects, largely 
 upon the lame of the boring beetle. They have been accused of eating the inner bark 
 of trees and, although this charge can scarcely be proved against our Eastern birds, it ap- 
 pears that the same species West is not above suspicion in this respect. This bark-eating 
 propensity must be indulged in to a limited extent and few, if any, who have given the 
 matter close attention, will venture to assert that the Hairy Woodpeckers are not very use- 
 ful birds. 
 
 The Hairy Woodpeckers occur as far south as Middle Florida but I never saw a spec- 
 imen at Miami or among the Keys although it is probable that they occur rarely in all 
 sections of the main-land but I do not think that they breed south of Cape Cannaveral on 
 the East, yet they are found a little futher south on the West. 
 
 31 
 
242 PICUS PUBESCENS. 
 
 PICTJS PUBESCENS. 
 
 Downy Woodpecker. 
 Pious pubescent LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not robust. Size, small. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which 
 is provided with barbs for one third of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of 
 the tongue. Terminal hook of scapula, angled above and below. 
 
 COLOU. Adult male. Glossy black above, including sides of head and the line extending down on to the sides, with 
 the bristly feathers at base of bill, line extending from just in front of eye, inclosing it, and reaching occiput, line from the 
 base of bill, running downsides of neck, broad line along middleof back, spots on outer webs of wing feathers, all hut ba- 
 sal portion of three outer tail feathers, and tips of next pair, white; but the white of the tail is more or less barred with 
 black. Crescent-shaped mark on the occiput, scarlet. Under portion, including under wing and tail coverts, yellowish- 
 white. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the scarlet on the head which is replaced by white, and the whi te on the 
 tail is not as extended. 
 
 Young. There is a decidedly sulphury tinge to the white markings, and the inner white tail feathers are almost en- 
 tirely black, in both sexes and, in the male, the scarlet patch on the occiput is more restricted; otherwise similar to the 
 adult. 
 
 Next/ing male. Very much tinged on the white with sulphury, the forehead is black, occasionally spotted with white, 
 and the top of the head is covered with scarlet, but there is a white line. crossing the occiput. 
 
 Nestling female. Similar to the male, but usually has the forehead spjtted with white and the top of the bead is 
 black. A specimen before me, an undoubted female of my own dissecting, has the feathers on the top of the head slightly 
 tipped with scarlet. Iris, reddish-brown, bill, blaak, bluish at base of lower mandible, and feet, bulsh, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As in the preceding species, specimens from the South, although smaller in size, do not differ strickingly in color, for 
 there is considerable variation in this respect in birds from all sections. The nestling plumage is worn but a short time, es- 
 peciall}' the scarlet on the head which is soon replaced by the normal color. The Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers may be 
 distinguished from all others which occur within our limits by the broad white line down the back. The Downy may be 
 known from the Hairy, not only by the smaller size, but also by the banded white on the tail. Distributed, as a constant 
 resident, throughout North America, 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fourteen specimens from New England. Length, 6'90; stretch, 1T68; wing, 3'70; tail,2'45; 
 bill, '67; tarsus, '80. Longest specimen, 7'15; greatest extent of wing, 12'25; longest wing, 3'90; tail, 2'85; bill, '70; tar- 
 sus, '90. Shortest specimen, 6'25; smallest extent of wing, 10'92; shortest wing, 3'50; tail, 2'10; bill, '55; tarsus, -70. 
 
 Average measurements of five specimens from Florida. Length, 6'30; stretch, 11*40. wing, 3*60; tail, 2 1 17; bill, '67; 
 tarsus, '65. Longest specimen, 6'50; greatest extent of wing, 1T80; longest wing, 3'80; tail, 2'30; bill, '70; tarsus, '70. 
 Shortest specimen, 6 '10;* smallest extent of wing, ll'OO; shortest wing, 3'40; tail, 2'05; bill, '65; tarsus, '55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in dead trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 1-50, greatest internal, 2'50. Internal depth, lO'OO. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, elliptical inform, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions from "SOx'GS to 
 55x-70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have said, or rather intimated, elsewhere that the Woodpeckers, as a cla?s, were 
 endowed with a superabundance of energy but there are none among them all which dis- 
 play such an amount of nervous activity as the little Downy. Always busy; now climb- 
 spirally up the huge bole of some old elm, pausing a second to give a quick tap on the 
 bark; then, as the peculiar sound informs them that the wood is solid, they will utter their 
 
 
DOWNY WOODPECKER. 243 
 
 sharp cry, jerk back their heads in order to give a hasty glance around, and move upward. 
 Almost as quickly as if upon the wing, they will gain an elevated limb, eighty feet or 
 more in air; then the resounding blows fall thick and fast, for the nice ears of our little 
 friends have informed them that an insect lurks within. This mallet and chisel applied 
 with such persistence, causes the bits of wood to fly in all directions, and it is in vain, 
 that the plump lame which has been fattening upon the sap of the tree, retreats further 
 into its tunnel; its fate is sealed, for the next second, it is impaled upon the spear-like 
 tongue of the Woodpecker, jerked from its hiding place, and quickly transferred to a safe 
 receptacle. 
 
 Thus the Downy Woodpeckers labor on, hour after hour, day in and day out, through-, 
 out the year, destroying millions on millions of insects which, had they been unmolested, 
 would have done an incalculable injury to the husbandman. Forest, road-side, and or- 
 chard, are visited in turn by these Woodpeckers, thus there are few birds which are better 
 known, than our little spotted friends. They are called Sapsuckers by many for, in com- 
 mon with the Hairy, they are accused of eating the inner bark of trees but I do not think 
 that this is a general habit with them, at least in the section of which I write. It is true 
 that they often drill holes in the outer bark of trees, a quarter of an inch, or a little more, 
 in depth but I never saw one of these that penetrated to the fresh bark within. I do not 
 think that this is in the least injurious to the trees or that they are drilled by the birds 
 with the intention of eating bark but that they are simply following the promptings of what 
 we may call inherited instinct. We find that the California Wodpeckers store acorns, for 
 winter use, in holes drilled in the bark for this purpose but, although the Downys do not 
 actually pack away insects in the small orifices which they make, yet they serve as kind of 
 store-houses for the birds, as insects enter them for convenient hiding places and are thus 
 readily found by the sagacious Woodpeckers. 
 
 The Downy Woodpeckers breed in all sections, from Maine to Southern Florida, much 
 more commonly, even in Eastern Massachusetts, than is generally supposed. They are 
 fond of nesting by road-sides, often drilling their holes in the dead limb of some high tree; 
 thus it is not readily seen and, as the birds are not as conspicuous when the tree is covered 
 with foliage as in winter, they pass almost unnoticed, even by the collector. 
 
 The eggs are deposited during the second week of May in New England but much 
 earlier as we proceed southward, for they breed in March in Southern Florida. The young 
 leave the nest, in the more northern section, in July, about the fifteenth of the month and 
 are fed by their parents for some time; at this point of their lives, their bills are soft, 
 therefore, they are incapable of procuring suitable food for themselves. 
 
 Like the Ilairys, the Downys are constantly resident, seldom migrating, excepting 
 during severe winters, but in the cold season they wander considerably, visiting the streets 
 of the towns and villages or even venturing into the parks of.the great cities. Although 
 the Downys are everywhere in the North, yet, in Florida, they seldom, if ever, occur in 
 the hummocks, having a decided predilection for the piney woods. They are rather soli- 
 ary birds in habit, being found oftener alone or in pairs, than with other members of the 
 family. 
 
244 PICUS BOREALIS. 
 
 PICUS BOREALIS. 
 
 Cockaded Woodpecker. 
 
 Picus borealis VIEILL., Oss. Am. Sept., II; 1807, 66. 
 
 * 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, not robust. Size, small. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which 
 is provided with barbs for one third of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of 
 the tongue. Terminal hook of scapula, angled above and below. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Glossy black above, including sides of head, the line extending down on to the sides, and spots 
 on sides and flanks, with the bristly feathers at base of bill, line extending "from just in front of eye, inclosing it, broadening 
 out over ear coverts and reaching occiput, transverse bars on back and wings, all but basal portion of two outer tail feath- 
 ers, and tips of next pair, white; but the white of the tail is more or less barred with black. Concealed patches on the 
 sides of occiput, scarlet. Under portion, including under tail and wing coverts, white, with the s-econd row of the latter 
 spotted with black. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the scarlet on the head which is replaced by black, and the white on the 
 tail is not as extended. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is more black spotting below in some specimens than in others but they are generally quite uniform in color. 
 Readily known f.-om other Wojdpeckers by the absence of any conspicuous red on the head, combined with the transverse 
 bandings above. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the Southern Atlantic States, as far north as Pennsylva- 
 nia, but are not common above the Carolinas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of fifty specimens from Florida. Length, 8-25; stretch, 14'37; wing, 4'20; tail, 3*35; bill, '80; 
 tarsus, -80. Longest specimen, 8'75; greatest extsnt of wing, 15'OG; longest wing, 5'00; tail, 3'75; bill, '90; tarsus, '90- 
 Shortest specimen, 7'75; smallest extent of wing, 13'75; shortest wing, 3'40; tail, 2'90; bill, '75; tarsus, '70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped boles, generally excavated in living trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 1'75, greatest internal, 3'00. Internal depth, lO'OO. 
 
 Euys, four or five in number, elliptical inform, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions from '55 x '70 to 
 65x-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Wilson called the Cockaded Woodpeckers, Picus querulus, and this seems, at first 
 glance, to be a most appropriate name, for, of all the family, these are not only the most 
 noisy, but their notes are given in a decidedly fretful tone as if the birds were constantly 
 in an irritable state of mind. It must have been upon the impulse of the moment, how- 
 ever, that the Pioneer Ornithologist gave them the name of Querulus Woodpeckers, for a 
 close study of their habits gives a very different impression of them. They are, in fact, 
 a most jovial class of birds, being almost constantly engaged in sporting about the top? of 
 the tall pines or chasing one another from tree to tree, uttering their peevish sounding 
 notes very frequently when in the best humor. The noise is more noticeable because they 
 congregate in flocks, and it is quite rare to find even a pair without other companions. They 
 are also fond of the company of other members of the family and will even associate with 
 the Jays, Blue Birds, or Warblers. This gregarious instinct does not forsake them during 
 the breeding season, for they build in detached communities. The nests are almost always 
 placed in living pines, often thirty' or forty feet from the ground; thus, as the trunks 
 of these trees are covered with a smooth bark, it is quite difficult to climb them and, when 
 
PICOIDES ARCTJCUS. 245 
 
 the nosts arc reached, it is not easy to cut the hard wood, especially as the straight trunks 
 ailoni no foot-hold. 
 
 In flight, the Oockaded Woodpeckers resemble the Downy but when they alight, they 
 strike the object upon which they wish to rest very hard. Like the preceding species, 
 they are also exceedingly agile, moving spirally up the tall tree trunks with great celerity. 
 Although they will occasionally alight near the ground, yet they spend the greater part 
 of their time in the tops of the lofty pines; in fact, they pass a large portion of their lives 
 there, for they are seldom, if ever, found elsewhere than in the piney woods and they in- 
 habit this kind of woodlan'd even to the extreme southern portion of the main-land of 
 Florida. 
 
 These Woodpeckers must be of great benefit to the trees of the sections in which they 
 occur, for they are indefatigable insect hunters. Out of some thirty specimens which I 
 have dissected in order to examine the contents of their stomachs, I found that only three 
 or four had eaten bark; all the rest being filled with cither the boring beetles or their 
 larvae. The Cockaded Woodpeckers breed about the first week in April in Southern Flor- 
 ida and a little later further north. 
 
 GESUS VIII. PICOIDES. THE THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS. 
 
 (IEN. CH. Sternum, not twice as wide as the height of the keel. Marginal indentations, nearly equal in depth to the 
 hciylh of tin -k'-fl; outer, more shallow than inner. Manubrium, modi.rate. Terminal hook of scapula, variable. Tongue, 
 firnriiliil with a /any, extensible sheath, while the ceralo-hyals are greatly elongated and extend around the back of the skull. 
 I'rui-i'ntricu/us, small. Stomach, rather muscular. Salivary y lands , not very well developed . Both mandibles, straight. 
 II: ml . not i-riftrd. Toes, three in number. 
 
 In members (if this genus, the prevailing color above is black, relieved by white markings and the males are marked, to 
 a greater or lev ex tout, on the top of the head with yellow. The tail feathers are very acuminate. The hind toe is want- 
 ing. The head isnotstrickingly large nor Li the neck very thin. The bill is about equal to the head in length. There are 
 no laryngeal muscles, excepting the sterno-trachealis which is very stout. The tyinpaniform membrane is present and al- 
 t In nigh there is an os transversale, yet it does not support a semilunar membrane! The oesophagus is without dilatation and 
 opens into a small proventriculus. The gastric glands arc rather numerous, simple, and occupy a zonular band. The stom- 
 ach i-; rather globular in form and quite large, the walls are quite thick, and the lining membrane is finely rugose. The 
 fold of the duodenum is not very long, inclosing a wide pancreas. The spleen is an elliptical body lying over the cardiac 
 opening of the stomach. Both lobes of the liver are about equal in size. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 P 
 
 PICOIDES ARCTICTJS. 
 Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker. 
 
 Picoides arcticus BAIRD., Birds N. A.; 1858, 98. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, not robust. Size, large. Sternum , not very stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which 
 is provided witli barbs for one third of the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of 
 the tongue. Terminal hook of scapula, angled above and below. 
 
 iii. Adult male. Glossy black above, including sides of head, maxillary line and bands on the sides and flanks, 
 with line extending from ba*e of bill, do\<li the sides of neck, spots on the primaries and on a few of the secondaries, all but 
 ha*al portion of two outer tail feathers, and tips of next pair, white. Square patch on the top of the head, saffron-yellow. 
 Under portion, including under tail and wingooverts, white, while the feathers of the latter are banded with black and the 
 breast H faintly tinged with yellowish. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the yellow on the head which is replaced by black, and the white on the 
 tail is not as extended. 
 
246 BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. 
 
 Nestling male. Similar to the adult but with the yellow on the head more restricted and the black on the back is dull- 
 er, while a few feathers in the interscapular region are spotted with white. 
 
 Nestling female. Similar to the adult but, singularly, the top of the head is spotted with yellow. Descriptions of the 
 last two plumages are from specimens in the collection of Mr Brewster. Iris, brown, bill, black, bluish at base of lower 
 mandible, and feet, bluish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is more black spotting below in some specimens than in others hut they are generally quite uniform in color. 
 Readily known from other Woodpeckers by the absence of any red on the head which is replaced by yellow. Known from the 
 succeeding species, by the absence of the transverse white bandings above. Distributed, as a constant resident, through- 
 out North America from the latitude of Maine to the Arctic Circle. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the North. Length, 9-50; stretch. 15 50; wing, 5-00; tail, 3-70; bill, 1'25; 
 tarsus, '70. Longest specimen, lO'OO; greatest extent of wing, IG'OO; longest wing, .V50: tail, 3-82; bill, 1'30; tarsus, -75. 
 Shortest specimen, 9'00; smallest extent of wing, 15'OD; shortest wing, 4'50; tail, 3'75; bill, T20; tarsus, '65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in living trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 1-50, greatest internal, 3-00. Internal depth, 15'00. 
 
 Eggs, four to six in number, rather ovate in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions from '60x '75 to 
 65x-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The mere mention of the Three-toed Woodpeckers recalls to my mind the snow-clad 
 mountains and dark evergreen forests of Northern New England, for it was among them, 
 that I first became acquainted with these singular birds. The Black-backed Three-toed 
 Woodpeckers appear to be quite uncommon, even in winter, in these boreal climes, where 
 the sharp cries of the Downy and Hairy are quite frequently heard and, occasionally, the 
 louder notes of the Pileated greets the ear, but one may travel for days, over snow-covered 
 ground, beneath the frozen branches of the pines and spruces, without hearing the discor- 
 dant sounds produced by this rare Woodpecker. 
 
 These Woodpeckers, like many other members of the family, are only migratory to a 
 limited extent; thus, during unusually severe winters, they may occasionally reach Mass- 
 achusetts in their southward flight, but they are exceedingly rare and I know of but two 
 or three instances on record of their having been taken here. These Woodpeckers agree 
 in general habits quite closely with the members of the preceding genus; their flight is 
 similar and in climbing, they are as expert as any of the other Woodpeckers; three toes on 
 each foot appearing to answer as well for clinging to the bark as four. It is difficult to ac- 
 count for the absence' of the hind toe as this apparent mutilation does not impede the move- 
 ments of the birds in the least, yet it is, perhaps, singular that we do not find more species 
 without it, for, as a rule, any superfluity in nature, not ornamental, is almost invariably 
 discarded. 
 
 The nesting habits of this rare specis of Woodpecker are not well known but they 
 are said to build in living trees, probably about the same time as the Hairy or Downy. 
 They are a little more northern in distribution during the breeding season than the suc- 
 ceeding species. 
 
PICOIDES H1RSUTUS. 247 
 
 PICOIDES HIBSUTUS. 
 
 Banded Three-toed Woodpecker. 
 
 Picoides hirsutus BAIRD, Birds N. A..; 1858, 98. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Oil. Ponn, not robust. Size, large. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, rather thin and horny at the tip which 
 is provided with h:irl>s for one thirtlof the terminal length. The extensible sheath occupies about one half of the length of 
 
 tin 1 tongue. Terminal hook of scapula, angled above and below. 
 
 r.'i.int. Atlu/l male. ( 1 lossy block above, including sides ofhead, maxillary line and bands on the sides and flanks, 
 with line exf-nding fVom base of !iill. down the sMes of neck, short, narrow lino back of eye, spots on the primaries and on 
 the secondaries, bands on buck to rump, allbut basal portion of two outer tail feathers, and the tips of next pair, white, 
 Forehead, spotted with white. Square patch on the top of the head, saffron-yellow. Under portion, including under tail 
 nnd under wing I-OMTIS, white, while the feathers of the latter are banded with black and the breast is faintly tinged with 
 yellowish. 
 
 Adult frmale. Similar to the male, hut lacks the yellow on the head which is replaced by black spotted with white, 
 ami the white on the tail is not as extended. Iris, brown, bill, black, bluish at base of lower mandible, and feet, bluish, 
 in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Like t!ie preceding, there is more black spotting lielow in some specimens than in others, but they are generally quite 
 uniform in color. Readily known from other Woodpeckers by the absence of any red on the head which is replaced by yel- 
 low. Kn.iwn from the preceding species, by the presence of the transverse white bandings above. There is also a line 
 back of the eye in arclicus but it is much narrower than in the present bird. Distributed, as a constant resident, through- 
 out North America from the latitude of Maine to the Arctic Circle. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the North. Length, 9-25; stretch, 15 25; wing, 4'75; tail, 3'60; bill, 1'15; 
 tarsus, -GO. Longest specimen, 9'75; greatest extent of wing, IG'OO; longest wing, 5"25; tail, 3'80; bill, 1'25; tarsus, '75. 
 Shortest specimen, 8 - 50; smallest extent of wing, 14 - 00; shortest wing, 4'00; tail, 3'50; bill, TOO; tarsus, '60. ' 
 
 DESCRIPTION OP NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in cylinder-shaped holes, generally excavated in living trees. Dimensions, diameter of external orifice, 
 1'50. greatest internal, 3'00. Internal depth, IS'OO. 
 
 Ejjgs, four to six in number, rather ovate in form, pure, polished pearly-white in color. Dimensions from '65x '90 to 
 70 x -95. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first time that I ever met with the Banded Three-toed Woodpeckers, was at Errol, 
 New Hampshire, some years ago, late in autumn; so late in fact, that the ground was 
 covered with snow to the depth of several inches. I was walking along the margin of a 
 heavily wooded tract, looking after Pine Grosbeaks which were particularly abundant 
 there, when my attention was attracted by hearing the harsh cry of a Woodpecker which 
 was new to me. It instantly occurred to me that it was a Three-toed and, upon going 
 quickly in the direction of the sound, my suspicions were confirmed by seeing the bird on 
 the trunk of a tree. The Banded Woodpecker, for such it proved to be, was quite unsus- 
 picious as it paid no apparent attention to me; therefore, I walked as near as I chose, 
 watched its movements for a few moments, and then shot it. But unfortunately, although 
 killed at once, it did not fall to the ground but clung, lifeless, to a tuft of moss on the side 
 of the tree, some forty feet above the ground. Thus I was obliged to climb the straight 
 trunk in order to secure my prize which proved to be a fine male. 
 
248 CONURUS CAROL1NENS1S. 
 
 Although the Banded, Three-toed as well as the Black-backed, resembles members of 
 the genus, Picus, in many respects, yet they differ in one particular from the Hairy and' 
 Downy Woodpeckers for they are seldom found outside of the woods. They are not com- 
 mon anywhere, even in Northern New England in winter, and visit Massachusetts only as 
 rare stragglers. They are, perhaps, a little more southern in distribution in summer than 
 the Black-backed as they occur rarely about Lake Umbagog and have been found nesting, 
 by Dr. C. Hart Merriam, in Northern New York. 
 
 ; ORDER VIII. PSITTACI. PARROTS. 
 
 Sternum, with two inclosed marginal indentations. Keel, very high. Outer anterior toe, 
 projected backward. 
 
 Members of this large Order are familiar to nearly every one; so familiar, in fact, as 
 scarcely to need more than a passing notice, at least as regards external characters. The 
 marginal indentations of the sternum are two in number, as stated, and are inclosed on the 
 posterior border in the adult but may be open in the young. The feet are admirably fit- 
 ted for climbing, there being two toes in front and two behind. The bill is of varying 
 form but is always strong and has the upper mandible well curved. 
 
 FAMILY I. PSITTACID^l. THE LONG-TAILED PARROTS. 
 
 Posterior border of sternum, rounded. Scapular bones, pointed. Tail, long. Cheeks, 
 feathered. , 
 
 The tail is long and pointed. Although the cheeks are feathered, yet there is occasion- 
 ally a naked ring around the eye. The cere is feathered to the bill. This Family is largely 
 represented in Tropical America but we have only one species and one genus within our 
 limits 
 
 GENUS I. CONURUS. THE AMERICAN PAROKEETS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, short and very strong, with theupper mandible notched. Tail , very long . Stomach, muscular. Height 
 of keel, nearly equal to the width of the sternum. 
 
 Members of this genus are prominently marked with green. There is, as stated, but one species within our limits, al- 
 though several occur as far north as Mexico. 
 
 CONURUS CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 Carolina Parokeet. 
 Conurus Carolinensis KUIIL, Nova Acta, K. L. C.; 1830. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, with the keel high and well rounded at the tip. Manubrium, 
 small. Furcula, very short, slender and without any terminal expansion; it is, however, moderately well arched. Costal 
 process very short, pointed, and curved backward. Tongue, short, thick, and terminating in a rounded knob. It is black 
 in color. The bill is strongly curved, notched, and the upper mandible is pointed. There is a naked space around the eye, 
 The tarsi are short and the feet, large. Tail, long and pointed. 
 
.0 
 
 -. ,*,! . 
 
CAROLINA PAROKEET. 249 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Hend nnd neck nllarouml, bright. yellow, with (lie forehead above eyeand sides of head, yellowish-red. 
 Body, green generally, lighter beneath. Outer welw of primaries, bluish-green, yellow at the base. Wing coverts, blu- 
 ish-green, yellow nt base. Kdge of wing, yellow tinged with red. Twomiilcile tail feathers, and outer webs of remainder, 
 preen, but the inner webs are reddish. Tibia, yellow. Bill, white. Iris, dark-brown. Naked ring around eye, white. 
 Feet, pinkish-white. 
 
 Youay. Quite similar to the adult in general appearance but with the yellow on the head spotted with more or less 
 green. 
 
 Youny of the year. Head and neck, wholly green, and the tail is short. The red and yellow of the head are not acquired 
 until niter the second moult and the full dres is not assumed until the third year. 
 
 Nesl/inys. One of my rollertors, who found the young in the nest, informs me that they are covered with a grayish 
 down. Sexes, similar in all stages. . 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 lleadily known from other species, by the colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout Middle 
 Florida and rarely, at intervals, along the Mississippi River to Southern Illinois. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimen" from Florida. Length, 13-25; stretch, 22 30; wing, 7-25; tail, 6'30; bill, I'OO; 
 tarsus -TO. I. ni-,-t -j.eeimen, 14'00; greatest extent of wing, 2-2-50; longest wing, 7'75; tail, 6'50; bill, 1-10; tarsus, -75*. 
 Shortest specimen, 12-50; smallest extent of wing, 21-00; shortest wing, 6-50; tail, 5'90; bill, '90; tarsus, -65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST'S AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, generally some natural cavity of a large size. A number of pairs breed together in the 
 same Imle. 
 
 F.'iijs, are, as I have lieen informed by those who have seen them, greenish-white in color and of about the same size 
 as those of the Turtle Dove. There are, I believe, no authentic specimens in collections. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There were no birds for which I looked with greater interest than the Parokeets but, 
 although I searched diligently for them throughout the winter of my first visit to Florida, 
 I did not meet with them in the state of nature until April, 1869. I was walking across 
 some fields on a plantation near the Mantanzas River, some twenty-five miles south" of St. 
 Augustine, when I observed a large flock of Parokeets moving along the ground. I ap- 
 proached within a few yards of the birds and watched them for some time but they did not 
 appear to pay the slightest attention to me; thus I had an excellent opportunity of noting 
 their actions. At first, I could not make out what they were doing but soon found that 
 they were busily engaged in eating cockspurs, the seeds of a species of grass which grows 
 very abundantly in old fields. They walked quite well for birds having such short legs 
 and, in pressing forward, moved side by side in a long rank, looking exactly like minia- 
 ture soldiers. After a few moments, something started them and they rose, wheeled about, 
 darting rapidly up and down, precisely like pigeons, at the same time, uttering loud cries; 
 then settled quietly down again and resumed their meal, as composedly as if nothing had 
 occurred to interrupt. 
 
 This is the only time that I ever chanced to see the Parokeets feeding on the ground 
 but I have been informed by the inhabitants of Florida, that they are very fond of the 
 cockspurs and will frequently alight in the fields in order to eat them. Early in winter, 
 they visit the swamps, where they feed upon the cypress balls. Then it is very difficult 
 to find them as they often remain for weeks in the impenetrable fastnesses of the vast wood- 
 ed tracks which, at this season, are submerged in water. Later, about the first of Febru- 
 
 32 
 
250 CONURUS CAROLMENS1S. 
 
 ary, the Parokeets emerge from the swamps in small flocks and enter the open woods to 
 search for the seeds of the pine cones which are then ripe. At this time, they may be 
 taet with quite frequently but the best opportunity to procure specimens occurs about the 
 middle of February, when they may be found in large companies, feeding upon the green 
 seeds of the maples and elms which grow along the rivers. 
 
 Thus it will be seen that these birds are somewhat migratory in habit, the time of 
 their visiting certain localities being governed by the supply of food; add to this the fact 
 that they are quite local in their distribution and it may readily be perceived how one may 
 travel for an entire season in Florida without seeing a single living Parokeet. In winter, 
 they are restricted to a belt of country, about fifty miles in width, which stretches across 
 the entire state of Florida, from Cedar Keys to New Smyrna. In this tract, they are most 
 abundant in the large cypress swamp which lies to the westward of the St. John's River, 
 near Blue Springs. I was encamped at the lalter place for some time and, although I 
 could frequently hear the birds as they flew about in the swamp opposite, they only oc- 
 casionally showed themselves and did not emerge from their retreat until the ripening seeds 
 of the pine induced them them to come out, as mentioned. 
 
 I have remarked that the Parokeets scream very loudly when flying; so loudly, in fact, 
 that their shrill cries can be heard for miles. They come dashing along, moving in a most 
 eccentric manner; now near the ground, then high over the tree tops, seeming about to 
 alight a dozen times but still without settling, each in the company endeavoring to excel 
 the other in producing the most discordant yells, when they will all pitch, at once, into 
 some tree and a sudden silence ensues. So great had been the din but a second before 
 that the comparative stillness is quite bewildering, then too, the large flock of highly col- 
 ored birds, lately so conspicuous, have disappeared completely. I well remember my first 
 experience of this nature; I stood, gun in hand, watching the evolutions of a large com- 
 pany as it wheeled about, awaiting an opportunity to shoot, when, of a sudden, they all 
 alighted in a huge live-oak which stood a few rods away. I cautiously approached the 
 tree, ready to slaughter half the flock at a single discharge, if possible, when, what was my 
 surprise upon going within a suitable distance, not to perceive a bird. Neither could I 
 see so much as a feather of the desired game although I walked around the tree several 
 times and even went beneath its branches to peer up between them. After spending 
 some time in these fruitless elforts, my patience became quite exhausted and I threw a large 
 oyster shell up into the tree. This certainly produced an effect, not just what I intended, 
 however, for, in an instant, out darted the entire body of screaming birds but on the oppo- 
 site side of the thick tree; thus I could only stand and watch them as they disappeared in 
 the neighboring swamp. 
 
 It seems incredible that such large birds as Parokeets can conceal themselves so ef- 
 fectually but, although I have had considerable experience in detecting birds among foli- 
 age, I have often been foiled by this sagacious species. When flying, they are conspicuous 
 enough but, among the thick green leaves, especially of a live-oak, they are completely 
 invisible. Even Avhen they are screaming, it is very difficult to find them but it is not 
 usual, however, for them to utter any loud sounds when sitting, yet occasionally one will 
 
CAROLINA PAKOKEET. 251 
 
 stray from a flock and will then call from a tree top until it obtains an answer, when it 
 will at once join its friends. 
 
 While feeding, the Parokeets are not absolutely noisy but will keep up a low, contin- 
 uous chattering among themselves, as if conversing in a social manner. These notes are 
 continued while the birds are assuming all kinds of positions, now clinging to the under 
 side of a limb while they search for the seeds of a pine cone, now reaching for some tempt- 
 ing morsel while they hang head downward, or climbing with great agility from twig to 
 twig. All of these feats are done without interrupting the flow of gossip and are perform- 
 ed with the greatest ease, for the Parokeets are accomplished acrobats; not only using 
 their feet with great address but also, like most Parrots, cling readily to a branch with 
 their bill alone. 
 
 As may be readily inferred by the foregoing remarks, the Carolina Parokeets are of a 
 most social disposition. This is not a mere liking for company, as they are actually fond 
 of one another, for, if one out of a flock be wounded, the survivors attracted by its screams, 
 will return to hover over it and, even if constantly shot at, will not leave as long as their 
 distressed friend calls for assistance; in fact, I have seen every individual in a flock killed 
 one after the other, and the last bird betrayed as much anxiety for the fate of its prostrate 
 friends which were strewed upon the ground, as it did when the first fell. Although not nat- 
 urally wary birds, continual persecution has caused them to be shy; thus, now they are far 
 from being unsuspicious, yet, in spite of this acquired propensity, they appear to lose all 
 timidity when they see a companion in distress. I once brought several wounded speci- 
 mens into camp and they soon became quite tame but would call when they heard the 
 cries of any of their species in the adjacent woods. If their friends chanced to hear them 
 they would circle around, dart close to the ground, without paying the slightest attention, 
 to us and, on one occasion, when the captive birds were perched on the outside of a tent, the 
 wild ones alighted with them, while a few endeavored to settle on the head of one of the 
 party on whose shoulder a tame" Parokeet was sitting. 
 
 In captivity, the Parokeets soon become accustomed to human beings but they must 
 be traeted well or they will acquire an ill natured disposition. Some, however, will never 
 be good natured, even should they receive the best attention; for example, I had five or 
 six at the time of which I have been speaking, and among them were birds of all sorts of 
 temperaments; some were cross, not allowing any one to touch them, some were indifferent 
 to my caresses, while one or two displayed considerable affection for me. Age appears to 
 have nothing whatever to do with these traits but it seems to be purely a matter of indi- 
 vidual variation, just such as we see exhibited by many of the higher animals man, for 
 instance. 
 
 In spite of this variability of temper, it is difficult to find more peaceful birds as far as 
 absolutely quarreling with their own kind or with other species is concerned. When kept 
 in confinement in any numbers, they spend the greater part of their time in clinging close- 
 ly together on the side of the cage and, if one crowds the others too much, they will mere- 
 ly remonstrate by scolding slightly but will not, very often, attempt to bite. When kept 
 singly, they appear to miss their companions sadly and one that I had recently, would try 
 
252 CONURUS CAROL1NENS1S. 
 
 to fraternize with a pet Owl which did not at all fancy the noisy Parokeet and, when- 
 ever it approached, would fly to another part of the room, followed by his pretentious friend 
 which thus moved when he did, keeping so persistently by the side of the poor Owl as to 
 cause him considerable annoyance. This same Parokeet, before I owned it, contracted a 
 strong friendship for a large White Cockatoo. These birds were kept in the same cage 
 and, as the liking, in this case, was mutual, they would sit as closely together as possi- 
 ble, the bright green Parokeet being half buried among the snowy feathers of its huge 
 companion. My Parokeet exhibited an attachment for all kinds of birds, even taking a 
 fancy to a Red-winged Blackbird which often proved a source of trouble to it, however, 
 for it would enter the Parokeet's cage, the door of which frequently stood open, in order 
 to eat the seeds which were scattered on the bottom. When Polly remonstrated at thus 
 having her food stolen, the Blackbird would fly at her fiercely and drive her out of her 
 cage which he would then occupy as long as he chose, much to the discomfiture of the 
 Parokeet. 
 
 After witnessing such a strong predilection for companionship as is exhibited by the 
 Parokeets, the ornithologist will not be surprised to find that these birds breed in commu- 
 nities but it is certainly somewhat unexpected to learn that a number of pairs nest in one 
 hole, for this habit is without precedent, at least among our native species. Audubon made 
 the statement, that a number of females built in the same hole, many years ago but I do 
 not think that this fact has, up to the present time, ever been confirmed. While in Flor- 
 ida, I frequently asked hunters and others about the breeding habits of the Parokeets but 
 got nothing more definite than that they nested in the cypress swamps. At length, how- 
 ever, one of my guides told me that he knew of a cedar hunter who had seen them during 
 June, in the depths of a certain swamp, entering a hole in a huge cypress where they were 
 evidently breeding. As it was impossible for me to remain in Florida as late in the sea- 
 son as the time designated, I offered him a good sum for each egg which he should get. 
 Accompanied by the cedar hunter, he entered the cypress swamp about the middle of June 
 carefully following the old blazes (notches cut on the trees to mark the way) made by the 
 hunter some seasons before and, after traveling fo'r a day and a half through the gloomy 
 forests, came to the Iree which contained the nest. My informant states that there were 
 a large number of Parokeets about the tree and therefore they were certain of a good prize 
 but, judge of their disappointment, upon opening the hole, to find that it contained nothing 
 but young not an egg was to be discovered; thus they were obliged to retrace their steps, 
 bootiless, after having been three days in the swamp. I trust, however, that the next time 
 this journey is attempted, I may form one of the participants. 
 
 The Carolina Parokeets once had a wide distribution, being found as far north in the 
 West as Lake Erie and in the East, as Pennsylvania. Even in Audubon's time, their range 
 was much restricted, for he states that their numbers were much diminished within his rec- 
 ollection and they have been steadily decreasing in numbers ever since, occupying less 
 and less territory year after year, until now, they are to be found in an exceedingly limited 
 area. Thus, within the last century, birds which could be counted by millions and which 
 roamed over vast sections of country, may now be numbered by thousands and occupy but 
 
STRIG1. O WLS. 253 
 
 a few square miles in two or three isolated localities. The ranks of the few survivors are 
 being rapidly thinned, for, in Florida, their enemies are legion; bird catchers trap them by 
 hundreds for the northern market, sportsmen shoot them for food, planters kill them be- 
 cause they eat their fruit, and tourists slaughter them simply because they present a fa- 
 vorable mark. Thus a species, the history of which is still incomplete, for we know noth- 
 ing definite of the breeding habits of the Parokeet or of its younger stages, is being surely 
 exterminated, yet ornithologists and others who would prevent this calamity, can but look 
 upon the work of destruction, powerless, under the present state of affairs, to stay the ruth- 
 less hand of the destroyer. 
 
 OBDER IX. STRIGI. OWLS. 
 
 Sternum, usually with four marginal indentations. Keel, very low. Manubrium, want- 
 ing. Head, quite large. 
 
 The eyes are usually large, directed forward, and, in a great number of the species, 
 constructed for seeing in the twilight or even at night. The bill is strong and curved but 
 is partly concealed in bristly feathers. There is a more or less perfect disk of radiating 
 feathers surrounding the face. The cavity of the ear is large. The tarsus is usually short 
 and is nearly always feathered to the toes. The wings are long and well formed. The 
 plumage is soft and lax, each feather, even of the wings, being tipped with downy fila- 
 ments which insures noiseless flight, enabling the birds to take their prey with great cer- 
 tainty. The sternum is quite strong, usually with four marginal indentations, the two 
 inner, shallower than the outer. The keel is low, not exceeding one half the width of the 
 straight sternum in height. The coracoids are short, strong, and of medium length, and 
 are often set on at a wide angle but the furcula is weak, not arched, and is provided with 
 a terminal expansion. This sternal structure indicates that, although the birds may be 
 able to fly quite well in a straight line, they are incapable of making any sudden turn or 
 performing any rapid aerial evolutions.- The oesophagus is wide but without any dilatation 
 or crop. The proventriculus is well developed. The stomach is large but not muscular. 
 Although the fold of the duodenum is long, yet the pancreas is generally small. There 
 are two coeca of quite a large size with the blind ends dilated. The females are larger 
 than the males. 
 
 FAMILY I. STRIGID^E. THE DISKED OWLS. 
 
 Marginal indentations, two, wide but not deep. Tarsus, long. Eyes, small. Facial 
 disk, perfect. 
 
 The marginal indentations are simple, shallow scallops. The size is not very large. 
 The bill is rather long. The tarsi are comparatively long and the feet large. The plum- 
 age is rather light in color and of a peculiar, soft, downy structure, not as observable 
 in other families. 
 
254 STRIX FLAMMEA. 
 
 GENUS I. STRIX. THE BARN OWLS. 
 
 GEN. On. The sternum is shott and well arclied, with the coracoids set on at an angle. Furcula, quite well developed. 
 Tail, rather short. There are no ear tufts. 
 
 Members of this genus have the plumage very soft and lax. The small eyes are dark in color. The sterno-trachealis 
 is stout but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The oesophagus is straight, wide, and opens into a medium sized pro- 
 ventriculus with simple glands arranged in a zonular band. The stomach is large, globular in form, with rather thin walls. 
 The coeca a"re long. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 STRIX FLAMMEA. 
 
 Barn Owl. V 
 
 Strix flammea LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 131. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Sternum, stout, very broad, with the keel well arched, thick, and short, 
 for it does not reach the posterior border. The marginal indentations are wide scallops, quite shallow, measuring in the 
 specimen before me about '20 in depth. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including rump and upper tail and wing coverts, brownish-yellow, and nearly all the feathers 
 haveacentral spot of deep-brown preceded terminally by a smaller one of white. Wings and tail, brownish-yellow, trans- 
 versely banded witli brown. Under parts, pale yellowish-white, with each feather tipped with a small, dark-brown spot. 
 Under wing and tail coverts, white 'spotted with black. The face is white tinged with red near the angle of the eye. The 
 edge of the facial disk is pale reddish -brown. 
 
 Young. Birds in this stage appear to be considerably yellower than the adult and are, perhaps, darker above; other- 
 wise, similar. 
 
 Nestlings. Are covered with a yellowish down. Iris, dark-brown, bill, horn color, claws, brown, in all stages. Sex- 
 es, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The plumage described, gives the average but specimens vary in being much lighter above and below, while others 
 are considerably darker on both surfaces. The feathers above are finely marked everywhere with brown which color oft- 
 en predominates on the middle of the back. The tibia and tarsus are often spotted, while the spots below vary greatly in 
 size. The colored ring around the facial disk is always quite conspicuous and occasionally the eyes are entirely surround- 
 ed by chocolate-brown. Readily known from other species, by the colors as described and by the peculiar character of the 
 plumage which is particularly soft and downy. 
 
 Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the Southern portions of North America; not common in the Middle or 
 Northern States and Is quite rare in New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens. Length, 17'00; stretch, 45-00; wing, 13-00; tail, 5'25; bill, 1-79; tarsus, 
 2-75. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 46'50; longest wing, 14-00: tail, 5'40; bill, 1'78; tarsus, 3'00. 
 Shortest specimen, 16-00; smallest extent of wing, 44'00; shortest wing, 12-50; tail, 5' 10; bill, 1-60: tarsus, 2'55. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, 16'00; stretch, 44'25; wing, 12'00; tail,5'00; bill, 1-70; tarsus, 
 2-05. Longest specimen, IT'OO; greatest extent of wing, 45'00; longest wing, 13-00; tail, 5-20; bill, 1'74; tarsus, 2'80. 
 Shortest specimen, 15'00; smallest extent of wing, 43'25; shortest wing, 11-50; tail, 4'85; bill, 1-55; tarsus, 2'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in natural cavities of trees, on the ground, or in deserted buildings, composed of ascanty supply of sticks, 
 straws, etc. 
 
 Eggs, four or five in number, rather elliptical in form, yellowish-white in color, surface, not very smooth. Dimensions 
 from 1-65x1-25 to l'69x 1'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Barn Owls of the Old World almost invariably inhabit ruins and, although, with 
 us, they often make use of deserted buildings in which to construct their nests, they do not 
 always breed in such places; for example I knew of a pair which built year after year in 
 
BARN OWL. 255 
 
 an old hollow stub which stood near a cracker's shanty just south of Haulover Canal. It 
 is true, that there were only two houses for twenty-five miles, on that side of Indian River 
 and, as these were both occupied, the birds could not well find a suitable building in which 
 to place their nests, even if they had been so inclined, but I think that breeding in cavities 
 of trees or rocks must have been the original manner of nesting many years ago, while Au- 
 dubon even found their eggs on the ground on some islands off Texas. The author just 
 mentioned also states that they inhabited the old fort at St. Augustine, which is, without 
 doubt, an established breeding ground with them for I found them inhabiting the place 
 during my first visit to the Ancient City, in 1869, and Mr. L. L. Thaxter obtained a young 
 bird, about the first of April, the same year, which, although fully fledged, was scarcely 
 able to fly. 
 
 It will be remembered that this fort of which I speak, is very old for it was erected 
 by the order of the Spanish Governor, Menendez, about the year 1565; therefore, it is one 
 of the most time-honored structures of the kind in the United States. The walls are quite 
 thick and a few years before my visit, a secret cell was discovered in them which, not only 
 contained instruments of torture, but also the remains of a human skeleton; suggestive rel- 
 ics of the dark days of Spanish tyranny. Adjoining this gloomy inner prison, is a larger 
 apartment, celebrated as being the cell in which the Seminole Chief, Wild Cat, was con- 
 fined and from which he escaped by forcing his way through 'a window, so small, that, 
 previous to his attempt, no one supposed that it was possible for a human being to gain an 
 exit by it. This orifice forms a place of ingress and egress for the Barn Owls. How long 
 these birds have used this opening as a passage to their homes is impossible to conjecture 
 but, beyond a doubt, the ancestors of the present occupsmts heard the groans of the French 
 Huguenots, who were confined in the dungeon by Menendez some three hundred gears ago. 
 These Owls, through a succession of generations, must have become accustomed to the 
 sounds of war for the old fort has been besieged no less than seven times during the three 
 centuries of its existence but has been taken only once, when the stars and stripes replaced 
 the stars and bars during the last war. Another breeding place of these Owls is the Old 
 Lookout, a deserted ruin which stands on a small island in the Mantanzas River, near the 
 inlet, and which was erected about the same year that the fort was built. 
 
 The Barn Owls, though not noisy birds, are capable of producing cries so loud and 
 shrill that they may be termed shreaks; sounds well calculated to awaken the fears of the 
 ignorant. In fact, the uneducated class of Florida look upon the White Owls, as they call 
 this species, with suspicious awe and will seldom disturb their nests or eggs. This spe- 
 cies appears to see well by day and probably the same remark may be applied to all Owls; 
 but this subject will be discussed to a greater length in the succeeding pages. I once start- 
 ed one from a bunch of live-oaks in Smithville, North Carolina. It rose some distance 
 from me, too far, in fact, to shoot, then, as if it wished to obtain a nearer view, turned to 
 fly back again, when a friend who was accompaning me, fired, but, as the bird was then 
 too far away for the shot to have any effect, it merely circled, and flew rapidly away, mov- 
 ing as steadily as does the Snowy or Great Horned in the daylight, for both of these birds 
 can then fly remarkably well. 
 
256 &YRN1UM NEBULOSUM. 
 
 The Barn Owls are constantly resident wherever they occur but do not appear to be 
 very common anywhere in the section which wo have under consideration, yet, as they 
 are of a retiring dispoistion, they may escape notice. They are southern birds, being rare 
 north of Virginia and are found in Massachusetts and the other New England States only 
 as occasional stragglers. One specimen was taken at Lynn and one or two in the vicin- 
 ity of Springfiold, sorns years ago. 
 
 The breeding habits of the Barn Owls are not very well known; Audubon states that 
 they lay at irregular times throughout the year but my correspondent, Mr. Chas. Nauman, 
 who has spent many years in Florida, says that they nest in March, April, and May. The 
 pair of which I have spoken on the preceding page, .which had a home in the hollow stub, 
 brought out their young in the spring, depositing their eggs about the first of March, while 
 the birds at the old fort appeared to breed in the spring. Thus we may judge that the 
 majority begin their household duties about that time, bringing out, at least, two broods 
 in a season. 
 
 FAMILY II. BUBONIDJL THE HOOTING OWLS. 
 
 Marginal indentations, four, quite wide but deep. Tarsus, short. Eyes, rather large. 
 Facial disk, nearly perfett. 
 
 The marginal indentations are wide and deep but the two inner, are shallower than 
 the outer. The size is usually quite largo. The bill is not very long but is strong. The 
 tarsi are comparatively short and the feet strong. The plumage is rather dark in color 
 and, although soft and lax, is not of that peculiar, downy structure observable in the pre- 
 ceding family. 
 
 GENUS II. SYRNIUM. THE GRAY OWLS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. The sternum is short and well arched, with the coracoids set on at an angle. Furcula, not very well devel- 
 oped. Tail, rather long. There are no ear luffs. 
 
 Members of this genus have the plumage very long and full. The eyes are rather large and dark in color. The sterno- 
 trachealis is stout but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The oesophagus is nearly straight, but is a little wider in the 
 middle, and opens into a medium sized proventriculus with simple glands arranged in a zonular band. The stomach is 
 large, globular in form, with rather thin walls. The coeca are quite long. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. 
 There are two species within our limits. 
 
 SYENIUM NEBULOSUM. 
 Barred Owl. 
 
 Syrnium nebulosum FOSTER, Trans. Philos. Soc. London, LXII; 1772, 386, 424. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Sternum, stout, rather broad, with the keel well arched, thick, and short, but 
 it reaches the posterior border which is emarginate. The marginal indentations are quite deep. Tongue, thick and 
 fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including rump and upper tail and wing coverts, dusky-brown and all the feathers are trans- 
 versely banded with white. Wings and tail, dusky-brown, transversely banded with brown. Under parts, white, trans- 
 
BARRED OWL. 257 
 
 imnded alxive the upper hrrast, and longitudinally striped below this, with dusky-brown. Under wing and tail cov- 
 en-, flunks, tihia. nnd tarsus. roddMi-yelluw, the under (nil coverts being striped with dusky and the tarsus mixed with it. 
 The t'.nv is uTiiyish-vvhite haired with dusky and the edge of the facial disk is dark-brown. 
 
 YHUHI/. P.inls in this stage are tinged with reddi-ih-brown above, particularly on the white markings, while the same 
 color pervades heloW. 
 
 ,\ <r/ini/s. Are covered with a yi-llow down. Iris, dark-brown, bill, yellow, cere, greenish, claws, horn color, in all 
 > -xcs, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 K i lily known from the preceding by the smaller size and yellowish tinging to the feathers, and from other species by 
 the -crihed. The wings and tail are, perhaps, more frequently barred with yellowish than with brown. Spec- 
 
 imen- from Florida are darker than those f rom the Northern States and are strongly tinged with reddish above and below, 
 wliil. of southern birds are quite destitute of feathers. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout Eastern 
 
 North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A\ entire measurements of male specimens. Length, 19'00; stretch , 44-00; wing, 13'00; tail, 8'00; bill, 1-35; tarsus, 
 2-00. Longest specimen, SO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 45'00; longest wing, H'OO: tail, 8'50; bill, 1'45; tarsus, 2'25. 
 Shortest specimen, IT'OO; smallest extent of wing, 43'00; shortest wing, 12'50; tail, 7'00; bill, T25; tarsus, 1'90. 
 
 Avcraire measurements of fciiKile specimens. Length, 20'00; stretch, 45'25; wing, 14'00; tail,8'50; bill, 1'45; tarsus, 
 2-2"'. Linn.'st sp;vi:m-n, 21-00; greatest extent of wing, 4'00; longest wing, 14'50; tail, 9-00; bill, 1-50; tarsus, 2'05. 
 Shortest specimen, 19-00; smallest extent of wing, 44'00; shortest wing, 13'25; tail, 7-50; bill, 1'35; tarsus, 2 00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in natural cavities of trees or on the branches. They are either remodeled on the old nests of other birds 
 or compose.! , ('-ticks and twi.ns, lined with ascanty supply of leaves, etc. 
 
 K'/i/.t, three or lour in number, rather oval in form, white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions from 
 H)0x9-00 to l-75x-2-20. 
 
 I1AKITS. 
 
 I have placed the birds now under consideration, among the Hooting Owls and they 
 ( rrtainly proclaim their right to the title, most emphatically, for it would be difficult to 
 find more noisy Owls. They are not only noisy, uttering their notes very frequently, but 
 their cries are loud and are given with startling distinctness. A single prolonged hoot 
 which is a preliminary to a series of lower sounds, is particularly noticeable, especially 
 when heard near at hand, being uttered with such a peculiar intonation as to suggest su- 
 pernatural origin; then, the notes which succeed the first outbreak, are so weird that they 
 are not calculated to dispel the illusion, neither is a sight of the dark gray birds flying 
 swiftly through the foliage on noiseless wings, at all reassuring for, in the dim twilight, 
 nothing could well appear more ghostly to one who is inclined to believe in visitations 
 from the unknown world. How different are the facts in this case from what a morbid fan- 
 cy pictures them. The outcry is but the call of an awakening Barred Owl to its mate for 
 whom he is seeking and for whose benefit he is singing his quaint love song as he goes. 
 To me the notes, although given in a minor tone, are not even disagreeable, but then I 
 have a particular liking for Owls and have at different times, kept almost all of our native 
 species as pets. A pair of Barred Owls which I once had were particular favorites as they 
 were very tame and notably gentle, never attempting to bite when I caressed them. They 
 would take food from my hand and would frequently fly to meet me when I entered the 
 the room in which they were confined. The male was finally killed by a Great Horned 
 Owl after which I gave the female her liberty, a favor which she doubtless appreciated 
 
 33 
 
258 SYRN1UM C1NEREUM. 
 
 more than the people in the neighborhood, for she remained in the vicinity for some time, 
 committing considerable havoc by entering chicken coops and killing the occupants. 
 
 The Barred Owls are very common in all sections where they can find woods of suffi- 
 cient extent to offer them shelter. They are numerous in all the Southern States but are 
 particularly abundant in Florida, .where they fairly swarm and I have started a dozen in a 
 morning's walk through a swamp. Although they seldom enter holes, they are fond of 
 dark, secluded localities from which they emerge only by night, seldom, if ever, volunta- 
 rily flying by day. They are quite unsuspicious in sections where they arc not disturbed 
 and I have often walked within a few yards of them; in fact, in Florida, during the even- 
 ing, they would often alight on the trees over our camp fire. 
 
 The Barred Owls breed early in February in Florida but do not generally lay in Xr\v 
 England until the latter part of March. In the former named locality, the e^gs aro, I 
 think, placed in the cavity of some hollow stub in cypress swamps but in New England, 
 they either remodel old nests of Crows or Hawks or construct a domicile for themselves. 
 The Barred Owls are not generally migratory, as the term is usually applied, but in the 
 Nor{,h, are inclined to wander somewhat during winter. 
 
 SYRNIUM CINERETJM. 
 Great Gray Owl. 
 
 Syrnium cinereum GH., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 291. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. . 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, robust. Size, very large. Sternum, stout. The marginal indentations are quite deep. Tongue, thick 
 and fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including rump and upper tail coverts, sooty-brown, mottled and transversely banded with 
 ashy-white. Wings and tail, dusky-brown, transversely banded with ashy-white. Under parts, including under wing and 
 tail coverts, ashy-white, longitudinally streaked with sooty-brown, the streakings being more numerous on the breast, 
 with transverse bands of the same color on the abdomen and under tail coverts. The face is grayish barred with dusky 
 and the eyes are nearly surrounded by a ring of the same dark color. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but show inoreorless traces of reddish-brown above. Iris, yellow, bill, pale-yellow, cere, 
 greenish, claws, horn color, in all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species may readily be distinguished from all others by its superior size, it being the largest Owl within our lim- 
 its, and by the color as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout North America, north of the latitude of 
 Canada, migrating into New England in winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male and female specimens. Length, 22-50; stretch, 54'00; wing, 18'CO; tail, 13'50; bill, T50; 
 tarsus, 2'50. Longest specimen, SO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 56'00; longest wing, 19'00; tail, 15'CO; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 
 3-00. Shortest specimen, 25-00; smallest extent of wing, 52-00; shortest wing, 17 00; tail, 12'00; bill, 1'25; tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, generally placed in high trees, composed of sticks, twigs, etc., and lined with feathers. They are usually bulky 
 structures. 
 
 Kyys, three or four in number, rather oval in form, pure white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions 
 from 1-75x2-00 to 1-78x2-85. 
 
GREAT GRAY OWL. 259 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One has but to glance at the long, downy plumage of the Great Gray Owls to under- 
 stand that they are inhabitants of a boreal clime, and they do dwell in the Arctic regions, 
 not (inly in summer but also remain there all winter, being protected from the ravages of 
 the intense cold by the thick coat of soft plumage with which they are provided. They 
 must find an abundance of food in those bleak and inhospitable sections for they seldom 
 leave them, being quite uncommon even in the more northern of the New England States, 
 while they are very rare in Massachusetts; so rare, in fact, that I never had the good for- 
 tune to meet with one living although I have searched diligently for them for many years. 
 There are but a few instances on record of the capture of these desirable Owls in the state 
 and the greater part of these occurred in the neighborhood of the sea shore, mainly at Lynn 
 and Salem or in the vicinity. I do not think that they wander south of this point as a 
 rule, but a single specimen was taken in Connecticut many years ago. 
 
 According to published descriptions, the Great Gray Owls resemble the Barred in 
 habits, frequenting the densely wooded sections, hiding by day and flying about the coun- 
 try by night. This brings me to a point which I have mentioned before the sight of Owls. 
 Almost every one believes that these birds cannot see well during daylight, even ornithol- 
 ogists appear to have this opinion regarding certain species. Now, I have kept all but 
 three of our native species in confinement and can thus affirm from actual observation that 
 all of them are capable of discerning objects, far or near, in the brightest sunlight, as clear- 
 ly as by night. Thus a Mottled Owl which I now have, watches the moA'ements of insects 
 a> they fly about the room or crawl on the floor and, on several occasions, has alighted on 
 them, striking them with his talons with as much adroitness as in the evening, even if the 
 sunlight were shining on them. He also perceives objects at a distance; for example, he 
 has a decided antipathy to cattle; thus when he sees one, he will utter a peculiar croak, 
 indicative of alarm and I frequently hear him give this note as he sits on the sash of an 
 open window, when there appears to be no cause for it, yet upon going to the window in 
 order to observe the direction of his gaze, I often find that he is looking at a cow in a dis- 
 tant field, so far away as to be scarcely noticeable. 
 
 It is true that Owls see well by night but this is a faculty which is possessed, to a 
 greater or less degree, by almost all birds although it is certainly brought to the greatest 
 perfection in Owls as a class, yet the same power is possessed by nearly all the water birds, 
 especially the swimmers. Thus, Ducks see well by night, as do also Cormorants, and a 
 White Pelican which I once kept for four years, could see during the hours of darkness as 
 well as any Owl. 
 
 The breeding habits of the Great Gray Owls are not very well known but authors 
 state that they construct nests of their own that are thickly lined with feathers which is 
 quite an unusual feature with Owls although both the Barred and Great Horned occasion 
 ally deposit some of their own plumage in their domiciles. The Great Gray Owls are not 
 strictly migratory but, like the Barred, they wander somewhat during winter, especially 
 during severe seasons. 
 
260 BUBO VIRGINIAN US. 
 
 GENUS III. BUBO. THE HORNED OWLS. 
 
 GEN. CH. The sternum is not very short and not strongly arched, but with the coracoids set on at an anyle. Furcula, 
 quite well developed. Tail, long. There are prominent ear tufts. 
 
 Although members of this genus have the plumage long and full yet it is not as lax and downy as in the preccdini; 
 group. The eyes are rather large and are usually yellow in color. The sterno-trachealis is not stout, and there is a slen- 
 der bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. The oesophagus is nearly straight, but is a little wider in the middle, 
 and opens into a small proventriculus with simple glands arranged in a narrow, zonular band. The stomach i- quite 
 large, globular in form, with moderately thin walls. The coeca are quite long with the blind ends dilated. The fold ,f the 
 duodenum is long, inclosing a small pancreas. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. There is but one species 
 within our limits. 
 
 BUBO VIRGINIANUS. 
 Great Horned Owl. 
 
 Bubo Viryinianus GM., Syst, Nat., I: 1788, 287. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, very large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, homy at the tip which 
 is rounded and slightly bifid. The bill and claws are strong and well curved. The ear tufts are always present and u<u- 
 ally quite prominent. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings and tail, dark-brown, with the feathers mottled, spotted, and barred with 
 white and rufous, the bars being more distinct on the wings and tail. The base of the feathers are more or less rufous. 
 There is a patch of white on the lower neck and upper breast but the remainder of the feathers, including under wing and 
 tail coverts, is barred, mottled, and spotted, with black, white, and yellowish-rufous. The tibia and tarsus are rufous bar- 
 red with dusky. The face is rufous, black, and white, mixed, hut inclined to white on the feathers in advance of the eye. 
 Ear tufts, dark-brown, edged on the inner margin with rufous and white. 
 
 Young. Similar- to the adult but show much more rufous below and on the middle of the back, while the same color 
 predominates on the wings and tail. 
 
 Nestlings. Are at first covered with a yellow down which, in time, becomes barred with dusky-brown. Chin and 
 throat, white, also the ring entirely surrounding the bill, but the bristles at its base are black, terminally. The facial disk 
 is edged with black. The ear tufts are at first wanting but soon appear as the birds gradually assume the second plumage. 
 Iris, yellow, bill and claws, dark-brown, in all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is extremely difficult to give an idea of the variable plumage of this species. Usually specimens from the far North 
 are very light, often being creamy or even nearly white throughout; those from the Middle Region show a preponderance 
 of rufous, while Owls from the South are decidedly darker. This is, prehaps, the rule, but there are many exceptions to it; 
 for example, of two skins before me. one from Labrador and one from Florida, the northern skin is the darker. Keeping 
 in mind, then, the fact, that either of the three colors, white, black, or rufous, may predominate nearly to the exclusion of 
 the other two, or be mixed in all proportions, it will not be difficult to recognize this species by the form al<me and especial- 
 ly by the prominent ear tufts combined with the large size. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the entire ex- 
 tent of North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens. Length, 21 '00; stretch , 40 00; wing, 14-00; tail, 8-00; bill, 1'60; tarsus, 
 1.-25. Longest specimen, 23'00; greatest extent of wing, 45'00; longest wing, 15'00; tail, 9-00; bill, 1-60; tarsus, 1'30. 
 Shortest specimen, 18-00; smallest extent of wing, 35-00; shortest wing, 13-00; tail, 7'00; bill; 1'40; tarsus, 1'20. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, 23'00; stretch, 51-00; wing, 15-60; tail,9'00; bill, 1'70; tarsus, 
 1-50. Longest specimen, 24-00; greatest extent of wing, 55'00; longest wing, 16-30: tail, 9'60; bill, 1-80; tarsus, 1-60. 
 Shortest specimen, 22'00; smallest extent of wing, 53'00; shortest wing, IS'OO; tail, 8'70; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 1'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in natural cavities of trees or on the branches. They are either remodeled on the old nests of other birds 
 or composed of sticks and twigs, lined with a scanty supply of leaves, etc. 
 
 E<iys, three or four in number, quite spherical in form, white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions from 
 1-80x2-00 to 2-00x2-30. 
 
PLAT | 
 
 
GREAT HORNED OWL. 261 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have described the Great Horned Owls as possessing certain, strongly marked feat- 
 
 by which they may be at once distinguished from all other members of the family. 
 This is not only true regarding form, plumage, etc., but they also exhibit many character- 
 istic habits, not observable in any other species of our native Owls. They are the wildest 
 of the group and it is only by exercising the greatest caution that one can approach within 
 gun .shot of them. Even in the wilds of Florida, they are very shy, notably so during 
 daylight, at which time they are extremely restless, especially during the breeding season, 
 and about the first of January, I have frequently heard them hoot at intervals from morn- 
 ing until night. It is not unusual to meet them flying about the swamps at any hour at 
 this time and I have even seen them in the piney woods at a considerable distance from a 
 hummock. When thus wandering, if they perceive an intruder, they will at once start, 
 flying as steadily as any of the diurnal birds of prey. They differ, however, from this class 
 for they will make frequent pauses in order to look at the object of their dislike. This 
 fear of man appears to be inherited for even the young, when scarcely able to fly, are very 
 wild and I once spent an hour among the Alleghany Mountains endeavoring to obtain a 
 shut at a Great Horned Owl which led me a chase of some miles and when I, at length, 
 succeeded in obtaining it, I was surprised to find that the bird was only in the nestling 
 plumage. 
 
 Unlike any other Owls which I have kept, the Great Homed are very difficult to tame; 
 in fact, it will not be easy to find fiercer birds, for they will seldom permit one to caress 
 them and scarcely appear to recognize their best friend. The only exception to this rule 
 that ever came under my notice, is a fine specimen now in the possession of the Bangs 
 Brothers which, although far from being good-tempered, does acknowledge his masters* 
 and will permit them to handle him on some occasions but will instantly attack all other 
 intruders. 
 
 As already noted, the Great Horned Owls are not only variable in plumage but also 
 in regard to their notes, yet no one would be apt to mistake an Owl of this species for any 
 other when he saw it, no matter how singular the color; neither would any one fail to rec- 
 ognize the peculiar notes, even though there is considerable difference in the songs, if so 
 we may call them, of different individuals. My extended experience in the woods of Flor- 
 ida has brought me in contact with very many of this species and I have spent many hours 
 in listening to them. The usual cry consists of four notes which may be expressed as fol- 
 lows: wha-ho-ho-whoo, the first two being given quite rapidly, then a pause of a second or 
 two ensues and the third syllable comes out distinctly with emphasis, quickly followed by 
 the last which is dwelt upon, often with a rising inflection just as though the birds were ask- 
 ing a question. Some Owls add another note and one which came about our camp at 
 Blue Springs during the winter of 1872, gave eight distinct sounds. Besides this hoot, 
 they emit other sounds and when the males are pursuing the females during the nesting 
 season, they utter a series of guttural notes, sounding like wack-wack-ho-ho-wa-who, all 
 delivered rapidly but dwelling on the last with the same rising inflection as when hooting. 
 
262 BRACI1YOTUS PALUSTRJS. 
 
 As remarked, the full hoot is often given by day during the breeding season and on one or 
 two occasions, I have heard it in winter in Maine, where the country people say that when 
 the Owls hoot before sunset, it foretells a storm, 
 
 The Great Horned Owls are, with prehaps the exception of the Eagles, the very first 
 in the season among our native birds to breed, depositing their eggs in Florida as soon as 
 the first of January, but not laying in New England until the middle of February. The 
 young grow slowly and do not leave the nest for, at least, three months. These Owls, like 
 the Barred, almost invariably breed in hollow stubs in the South but further north, they 
 frequently construct nests for themselves or remodel those of Hawks or Crows but they oc- 
 casionally resort to holes in this section for I once found some eggs, all of which, excepting 
 one, were broken, in a cavity of a prostrate log at Upton, Maine. The stub which con- 
 tained the nest, must have been thrown down shortly after the eggs were deposited, for 
 the whole one, although addled, showed no signs of incubation. The Great Horned Owls, 
 like other species, wander considerably when not breeding, especially in the North during 
 winter, but they are not strictly migratory. 
 
 FAMILY III. OTUNID^. THE EARED OWLS. 
 
 Sternum, emarginate. Marginal indentations , four , not wide nor deep. Tarsus, very 
 short. Feet, small. Eyes, rather small. Facial disk, nearly perfect. Ear tufts, always 
 present. 
 
 The sternum is short ami well arched, with the top of the keel considerably rounded. 
 The outer marginal indentations are deeper than the inner. The size is medium with the 
 form slender. The bill is strong but not very long. The plumage is long, full, and quite 
 downy. The wings and tail are long, and although the ear tufts are always present, they 
 are of varying length. 
 
 GENUS I. BRACHYOTUS. THE EARED OWLS. 
 
 GEN. On. The sternum is considerably arched, with a well rounded keel which emals in heiyhf one half the width of the 
 sternum. Outer marginal indentations, but little deeper than the inner. Coracoids, rather short, not equal in lenylh to the 
 top of the keel and not set on at a very imde anyle. 'Furcula, quite well developed. Tail and wingf, long. There are very 
 short ear tufts. 
 
 Members of this genus have the ear tufts present hut they are not particularly prominent. The plumage, although 
 downy, is not strikingly long. The eyes are not large and are usually yellow in color. The sterno-trachealis w quite 
 stout, and there is a slender bronehialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. The ojsophagus is nearly straight, and opens 
 into a small proventriculus with simple glands arranged in a narrow, zonulnr band. The stomach Is not large, globular 
 inform, with very thin walls. The coeca are quite long with the blind ends dilated. The fold of the duodenum is long, in- 
 closing a small, but wide, pancreas. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. There is but one species within our 
 limits. 
 
 BRACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS. 
 
 Short-eared Owl. 
 Brachyotvs palustris GOULD., Pro. Zool. Soc., London; 1837, 10. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Sternum, stout. The marginal indentations are not deep. Tongae, rather 
 thick and fleshy, homy at the tip which is rounded and slighty bifid. Ear tufts, short. 
 
SHOUT-EARED OWL. 263 
 
 Cii.oR. Adult. Ahove, dark-brown, with tlic feather- edged, mottled, spotted, and barred with yellowi-'h-rufou". 
 Bump, wholly yellowish-rufous, bancd with ilu-ky. \Yir.gs, dark-brown, barred with yellowish-ruf.ius, which becomes 
 lighter on the inner TOba and naKri; white, li.-l >w. Tail, also dark-brown, barred with yellowish-rufous which becomes 
 lighter mi tin- outer Outliers an;i nearly whin- on thr lower side;. Beneath, including under wins; and tail coverts, tibia, 
 an 1 tarsu-, yellowish-white, streaked with dark-brown on tlie b.i.ly. There is a prominent spot of dark-brown on the un- 
 der \\ -ing c.ncrts near the outer edge. The face is white, mixed with dusky and a. ring of dark-brown entirely surrounds 
 the eye. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but show much more rufous on the upper surface while the same color predominates on 
 the lower |xirtions. 
 
 Nettings. Are at first covered with a yellow down and, in time, gradually assume the second plumage. Iris, yellow, 
 cere, greenish, bill and claws, dark-brown, in all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 injens of the same age and sex are usually quite uniform in color, for Owls, but some skins obtained by Mr. Win. 
 Brewster and myself, in Summer at Muskeget, a sandy inland off the South Shore of Massachusetts are so much bleached 
 a- m appear nearly white in the distance. This is, however, merely the result of exposure to the sun in an unsheltered 
 situation, where they were constantly resident. Readily known from the succeeding species by the short ear tufts and 
 light tints, and from all others by the long wings, combined with the colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resi- 
 dent, throughout the entire extent of North America, also found in the Old World. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A \eragc measurements of male specimens. Langth, 14*25; stretch, 39'50;" wing, 12*70; tail, fi*20; bill, '85; tarsus, 
 1-60. Longest specimen, 15*00; greatest extent of wing, 41*00; longest wing, 13*00; tail, H*40; bill, TOO; tarsus, ]-75. 
 Sl'orfst specimen, 14*50; smallest extent of wing, 3S*00: shortest wing, 12*30; tail, 5*90; bill, *70; tarsus, 1*50. 
 
 .\\eraire measurements <*( female specimens. Length, 14*50; stretch, 4(1*00; wing, 13*00; tail, 6*30; bill, *90; tarsus, 
 1'80. Lmg-st -p.vimen, 15*50; greatest extent of wing, 4i*00; longest wing, 13*50; tail, 6-60; bill, 1*10; tarsus, 1*90. 
 Shortest specimen, 15*00; smallest extent of wing, 3!)'09; shortest wing, 12*50; tail, 6*00; bill, '80; tarsus, 1'70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nesti, are often bulky structures placed either on the ground or in low bushes. They are composed of sticks, twigs, 
 gras-. etc., lined with grass and leaves. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, quite elliptical in form, white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions from 
 I -20x1*50 to 1*25x1*56. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 As a rule, Owls prefer wooded sections or, if they do not, as is the case of the Barn 
 Owl, they will hide in holes of rocks or in deserted buildings but the species of which I am 
 now writing, has a decided predilection for the open country, usually choosing marshes or 
 barren sections near the sea shore; in fact, they are quite uncommon elsewhere and, al- 
 though I have seen scores of Short-eared Owls, I have met with only one in the interior. 
 They are fond of resorting to hill-sides, grown up to low bushes among which they hide, 
 emerging by night to feed on mice or small birds which they procure by hawking over the 
 marshes, flying at a considerable height, but when they perceive the object for which they 
 are hunting, they will suspend themselves in air for a moment, after the manner of King- 
 fishers, then will drop perpendicularly upon their victims, seldom missing their aim, after 
 which they will remain on the ground to eat them. 
 
 I had an excellent opportunity of studying the habits of these Owls when camping, 
 in company with Mr. Brewster and another friend who has since passed away, on the is- 
 land of Muskoget during the early part of July, 1870. This little islet which is situated 
 between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, is low, sandy and, in places, quite destitute of 
 vegetation, while a scant out-cropping of beach grass may be seen on the sides and tops of 
 
264 OTUS. 
 
 the low hillocks of which a, greater part of the surface is composed. The miniature val- 
 leys in which there is a slight accumulation of soil, support a somewhat luxuriant growth 
 of poison ivy among which are scattered clumps of wild beach plums that, although, judg- 
 ing from their moss-covered stems and gnarled branches, they have withstood the storms 
 of many winters, have only attained the height of three or four feet. During the first few 
 hours of our visit, we discovered two or three huge nests placed in the tops of this dwarfed 
 shrubbery but could not, at first, make out to what birds they belonged. The island was 
 swarming with three species of Terns and, after a time, we saw a cloud of these birds gath- 
 ering around some object which was suspended in air but the Terns were so numerous that 
 we could not see what it was that engaged their attention, until it moved onward, when 
 we saw that it was a Short-eared Owl. We afterwards found that there was quite a col- 
 ony of them on the place; in fact, we secured four or five specimens. 
 
 A peculiar, bleached variety of the field mouse was very abundant on the island of 
 Muskeget, living mainly on the surface, for they could not well burrow, and they furnished 
 a never-failing supply of food for the Owls which were evidently constant residents. These 
 birds, much to my surprise, would hunt almost constantly by day and, while so doing, 
 were always surrounded by thousands of Terns all of which were screaming so loudly that 
 it was quite impossible to hear any other sound, yet the Owls never appeared to pay the 
 slightest attention to them but would fly about quietly and seemed to be as successful in 
 capturing their prey as if alone. The reason for the antipathy displayed by the Terns was 
 obvious when we came to dissect some of the Owls and found feathers of Terns in their 
 stomachs, mingled with bones of mice. Well-cleaned skeletons of Terns were also numer- 
 ous near the old nests which, we now knew, were built by the Owls, thus proving most 
 conclusively that these birds occasionally varied their diet. 
 
 An examination of the nests of these Owls on Muskeget Island, showed that they 
 were composed mainly of sticks but, as they were bulky structures, it was quite evident 
 that they had been used year after year by the Owls. The eggs must be deposited here in 
 April but further north, on Grand Menan, for example, they are laid a month later. The 
 Short-eared Owls are migratory to a certain degree during the winter, passing, at least, 
 south of Massachusetts. At this season, they are inclined to be gregarious, for they asso- 
 ciate in small companies in their favorite resorts. 
 
 GENUS II. OTUS. THE LONG-EARED OWLS. 
 
 GEN. CH. The sternum is considerably arched, with a moderately rounded keel which does not quite e'iual in height one 
 half the width of the sternum. Outer marginal indentations, twice as deep a* the inner. Coracoids, not very short, bting 
 equal in length to the top of the Iceel and are set on at a rather wide angle. Furcula, quite well developed. Tail and wings, 
 long. There are very long ear tufts. 
 
 All members of this genus have the ear tufts present and they are particularly prominent. The plumage, although 
 downy, is not strikingly long. The eyes are not large and are usually yellow in color. The sterno-trachealis is quite 
 stout, and there is a slender bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. The oesophagus is nearly straight, and opens 
 into a small proventriculus with simple glands arranged in a very narrow, zonular band. The stomach is large, globular 
 in form, with very thin walls. The co3ca are quite long with the blind ends dilated. The fold of the duodenum is long, in- 
 closing a small, but wide, pancreas. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. There is but one species within our 
 limits. 
 
OTUS VULGARIS. 265 
 
 OTUS VULGARIS. 
 
 Long-eared Owl. 
 Olus vu/yaris Fuon., liritish Animals; 1828, 60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp.Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Sternum, not stout. The marginal'indentations are quite deep. Tongue, 
 rather thick and tlcshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slijrhty bifid. Ear tufts, long. 
 
 lit. Adult. Above, very dark-brown, with the feathers edged, mottled, spotted, and barred with yellowish- 
 rut Hi-, and as) ly- white. Rump, wholly yellowish-rufous barred with dusky. Wings, dark-brown, burred with yellowish- 
 nit' >u-. which become!) lighter on the inner webs and nearly white, below. Tail, also very dark-brown, widely barred with 
 
 wi-h-rtif >us w!ii.-h becomes nearly white on the lower side. lieneath, including under wing and tail coverts, tibia, 
 and tur-n-. yellowish-white, broadly streaked with dark-brown on the body. There is a prominent spot of dark-brown on 
 
 under wing coverts near the outer edge. The lace is, white mixed with dusky, and a ring of dark-brown entirely sur- 
 rouild- llie eye. 
 
 Y'lun;/. Similar to the adult but show much more rufous on the upper surface while the .same color predominates on 
 the lower portions 
 
 Ni'itt/inr/x. Are at first covered with a yellow down and, in time, gradually assume the second plumage. Iris, yellow, 
 erre. greenish, bill and claws, dark-brown, in all stages. Sexes, similar in Color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age and sex are usually quite uniform in color, for Owls, 'f his handsome Owl is readily known 
 from the preceding species by the long ear tufts an 1 dark tints, anil from all others by the long wings, combined witli the 
 i icd. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the entire extent of North America, and Ls also found 
 in the Old World. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avenue measurements of male specimens. Length, 14-50; stretch, 39'50; wing, 12'70; tail, 6*00; bill, '85; tarsus, 
 1-00. Longest -pecimen, 15-00; greatest extent of wing, 4TOO; longest wing, IS'OO; tail, (V20; bill, 1-00; tarsus, 1-75. 
 -t spei -i;iien, 14-00; smallest extent of wing, 37-00; shortest wing, 11-80; tail, 5-80; bill, '70; tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 Average 'iiea-uremcnts of female specimens. Length, 14*75; stretch, 40-00; wing, IS'OO; tail, 6'30; bill, "90; tarsus, 
 I-NI. L mg-'st r.-.V); greatest extent of wing, 40-00; long.-st wing, I.T50: tail, 6-60; bill, 1-10; tarsus, 1'90. 
 
 Shortest specimen, 14-25; smallest extent of wing, 3!)-<K>: shortest wing, 12'50; tail, 6-00; bill, '80; tarsus, T70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nes/s, not very bulky structures, placed either on the ground, in low bushes, or in trees. They are composed of sticks, 
 twig-. grass, etc., lined with grass and leaves, or occasionally remodeled on the nests of other birds. 
 
 F-ij'jt, fi'ur or live in number, quite elliptical in form, white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions from 
 i-4(i to 1-40x1-66. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although closely allied to the Short-eared Owls in many respects, the birds now in 
 hand, dilfer widely from them in habits. As already shown in the preceding page, the 
 Short-cared prefer the open country but the Long-eared Owls are almost exclusively in- 
 habitants of the woods, seldom being found elsewhere; in fact, they rather choose the 
 darkest swamps in which to roost by day but it is probable that they emerge from these 
 hided retreats by night in order to hunt mice and small birds which form the greater 
 portion of their food. When surprised in these gloomy retreats, they will seldom start but 
 will merely sit perfectly quiet and gaze at the intruder with half-closed eyes, erect ear 
 tufts, and with the feathers drawn closely to the body, which gives them a most grotesque 
 appearance. When captured, they are very gentle, seldom attempting to bite but will 
 rulfle their feathers, expand their wings, and snap their bills fiercely, after the manner of 
 all Owls when annoyed. 
 
 34 
 
266 NYCTE1N1DJE. 
 
 The Long-eared Owls are more strictly nocturnal than the preceding species, flying 
 almost entirely by night when they move with a steady, though swift, flight, not far above 
 the ground, pausing occasionally to pounce upon some unfortunate mouse which, careless 
 of its safety, is taking a moonlight ramble. When hunting, these Owls are silent and I 
 cannot definitely recall an instance when I have heard either the Long or Short-eared Owls 
 utter a note but am under the impression that I have heard the former give a single cry 
 during the breeding season. It is highly probable, however, that both species have a 
 characteristic call as well as a love song, for the larynx is similar to that of other Owls but 
 none of the order have these muscles so highly developed as to produce any great variety 
 of modulated sounds. 
 
 According to authors, the Long-eared Owls occasionally place their nests in low bush- 
 es or even on the ground but instances of this kind are doubtless not common for, judging 
 from the cases which have come to my knowledge, their domiciles are constructed in trees, 
 often in dense swamps. Wilson mentions finding the nests of this species in a swampy 
 thicket which was occupied as a breeding place by Night Herons. They appear to have a 
 fondness for similar places and I know of four or five nests which have been taken from a 
 heronry near West Newton during different years. The time of laying in Massachusetts 
 is during the last week in April or first week in May, earlier in the South and later further 
 north for I find in my note-book a record of a nest taken at Grand Menan on the twenty- 
 second of May. 
 
 The Long-eared Owls are not apparently as common as the preceding species but this 
 may be due to the fact that they are more retiring in habits, thus escaping observation and 
 it is highly probable that many more inhabit a given section than one would suppose, judg- 
 ing from the few specimens actually seen or taken. I have met with them much less fre- 
 quently of late years than formerly but this may be the result of accident or they may be 
 driven away by the thinning of the forests; yet I scarcely think this can be a fact, for the 
 Mottled Owl which would be affected by the same cause, is as abundant as ever. The 
 Long-eared Owls are not apparently migratory being found with us throughout the entire 
 year. 
 
 FAMILY IV. NYCTEINLDJ3. THE ARCTIC OWLS. 
 
 Sternum, quite emarginate. Marginal indentations, four, not wide but the outer is very 
 deep. Tarsus, very short. Feet, large. Eyes, large. Facial disk, not perfect. Ear tufts, 
 wanting. 
 
 The sternum is short and well arched, with the top of the keel well rounded. The 
 outer marginal indentations are more than twice as deep as the inner. The feet are large 
 and densely feathered to the toes. The head is not large but rounded. The size is large 
 with a robust form. The bill is strong and quite long. The plumage is full, downy, and 
 long. The wings and tail are quite long but well proportioned. The predominating col- 
 or is white. 
 
NYCTEA N1VEA. 267 
 
 GENUS I. NYCTEA. THE WHITE OWLS. 
 
 (li \. Cii. The sternum is insi<l>-rnlili/ arrheil, irith a modcrnle/y rounded keel which does not e>[ual in hei</ht one half 
 tfn width of the Ittnmm. Outer mari/inal intlmlations, mure than twice the depth of the inner. Coracoids, short, not be- 
 in</ rifuiil in Icnyth to the top of the keel and are set on at a rather wide anyle. Furcula, ijuile well developed. Tail and. winys, 
 
 Member* nf this jrenus are particularly noticeable on account of the prominent white markings to the plumage which 
 i< -trikin^ly \<>KZ and downy. Tlie eye-; arc large and yellow in color. The sterno-traehealis is quite stout, and there is 
 slender bruncliialis, hut no other laryngeal muscles. The oesophagus is nearly straight, being a little wider in the mid- 
 dle, and opens into a small proventrirulu-i with simple, oval glands arranged in a narrow, zonular band which measures 
 nbout I'OO in width. Thestomaeh is small, flat in form, with somewhat irregular outlines, and with very thin walls! The 
 ernes arc ijuite loci;, small near the intestine, measuring '10 in diameter, with the blind ends dilated into long, oval sacs, 
 d": in ili;imctiT by 1-50 in length. The fold of the duodenum is long, inclosing a small, narrow pancreas. The spleen is an 
 elliptical body lying directly on the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in size. There is butone spe- 
 cies within our limits. 
 
 NYCTEA NIVEA. 
 
 Snowy Owl. 
 Nyctea nivea STBPH., Cont. of Shaw's Zool., XIIT; 1820, 62. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, very large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, horny at the tip which 
 is rounded but not bifid. The bill and claws are very strong and well curved, long, but are nearly concealed by long, brist- 
 ly feathers. 
 
 ('num. Adult male. Pure snowy-white, more or less mottled, spotted, and barred, especially above, with a very dark- 
 brown, but the white predominates, 
 
 Adult fi-male. White, as in the male, but with the dark markings much more prominent, frequently extending over 
 both surfaces including wings and tail. The face, chin, throat, under wing coverts, tibia, and tarsus are always perfectly 
 immaculate. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but much more widely barred with dark-brown, and also show a tinging of yellowish- 
 rufous on the back. Iris, yellow, cere, greenish, bill and claws, greenish-brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is considerable variation in amount of dark-brown markings hut this is evidently the result of age and sex, other- 
 wise specimen* are quite uniform in color. Very old birds become nearly, or wholly white. Distributed, as a constant res- 
 ident, throughout the more northern portions of both Continents, migrating southward in winter, in North America, reg- 
 ularly, at least, to New Jersey and rarely as far as South Carolina. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens. Length, 22-50; stretch, 59-00; wing, 16-75; tail, 8-55; bill, 1'30; tarsus, 
 1-95. Longest specimen, 23-00; greatest extent of wing, 60-00; longest wing, 17-35: tail, 8-85; bill, 1-35; tarsus, 2-00. 
 Shortest specimen, 2-J'OO; smallest extent of wing, 58'00; shortest wing, IB'OO; tail, 8'27; bill, 1-25; tarsus, 1'90. 
 
 Average mea-urements of female specimens. Length, 23'70; stretch, 60-54; wing, 17'25; tail, 9'35; bill,' 1*45; tarsus, 
 S'25. Longest specimen, 25'00; greatest extent of wing, 6-2"25; longest wing, 17-50; tail, 9'85; bill, T50; tarsus, 2'50. 
 Shortest specimen, 22-50; smallest extent of wing, 58-83; shortest wing, 16-90; tail, 8-85; bill, 1'40; tarsus, 2'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OP NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground, composed of sticks, twigs, grass, etc., lined with grass and weeds. They are bulky 
 structures. 
 
 Eyys, three or four in number, oblong-oval in form, white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions from 
 I'85x2-50 to 1-90x2-55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Fortunate for admirers of the Snowy Owls, these beautiful birds are migratory, for if 
 they did not choose to come to us we should seldom be gratified by a sight of their mag- 
 
268 SNOWY OWL. 
 
 nificent feathers and lovely plumage as they pass the greater portion of their lives in re- 
 gions so remote and inaccessible that they can be visited only with great difficulty and 
 there are few ornithologists even who have seen the Snowy Owls on their northern breeding 
 grounds. 
 
 Although some of these Owls visit us regularly every winter, they are much more 
 frequently met with during some seasons than others, yet they are not usually very com- 
 mon but, on some occasions, are really abundant. They were remarkably numerous dur- 
 ing the winter of 1877, when hundreds were taken in Eastern Massachusetts alone, and 
 many more seen. These Owls have a decided predilection for barren reaches of sea-board 
 and the place where I was always sure to find them was on the sand hills of Ipswich beach. 
 When the wind was blowing so fiercely and cold that it was almost impossible to make 
 one's way over the sand dunes, I would go in search of the Snowy Owls. I well remem- 
 ber the first specimen that I ever secured, although many years have past since then. I 
 had started out early in the morning of one of those blustering days of which I have spo- 
 ken, to look for birds and, about noon, had caught sight of an Owl sitting under the lee of 
 a sand hill, but almost as soon as I saw him, he noticed me and apparently the recognition 
 was mutual for, as I sunk down behind a hillock to creep nearer in order to obtain a shot, 
 he rose and flew to a neighboring dune, where I followed him but could not get within 
 range. Thus the wary bird led me on, up and down the beach, throughout the remainder 
 of the day until sunset, when upon starting him from the beach near the water, he flew 
 boldly out to sea while I watched him, sadly thinking that the chances of adding that .spec- 
 imen to my collection were exceedingly small; but after going about a mile, he turned, 
 came directly back, and alighted on a high sand hill, not far from where I was standing. 
 As I now had a favorable opportunity of creeping unseen within shot of him, I promptly 
 availed myself of it and just as the sun was sinking in the west, the report of my gun 
 broke the stillness and I had the satisfaction of seeing the bird roll down the declivity up- 
 on which he had been sitting. 
 
 While with us, as intimated, the Snowy Owls are very shy, hiding among the beach 
 grass from which they keep a sharp lookout for intruders and, when once started, will take 
 good care to keep a sufficient distance between themselves and their pursuers. Neither 
 are they apparently much tamer in their northern homes for one that I met with on the 
 Magdalen Islands, behaved in a similar manner. We had landed on the upper end of 
 Grindstone, as this small islet is called, on a barren beach, in order to look for Tern's eggs, 
 when I perceived a fine male Snowy Owl about a hundred yards away, perched on the top 
 of a small building which had been formerly used for drying fish but now deserted. I at 
 once stepped into the boat for my rifle when the bird started and flew some distance, alight- 
 ing on the top of a sand hill where we pursued him but all our efforts to get near him were 
 fruitless and he soon managed to elude us, escaping to a neighboring island. The wildness 
 of this particular specimen may be partly accounted for by the fact that we had shot two 
 Red-throated Divers just before landing and the Owl was probably alarmed by the report 
 of our guns. 
 
 In spite of this propensity to avoid the presence of man while they are in a state of 
 
NYCTAL1N1D.E. 269 
 
 nature, the Snowy Owls become very tame and gentle when in confinement and make most 
 interesting pets. One that I had for some time, became so familiar that he would allow 
 me to handle him, even playfully taking my finger in his large beak without attempting 
 to injure it. lie was also found of grasping my fingers in his powerful claws, allowing me 
 to shake hands with him but he never attempted to harm me, excepting on one occasion, 
 when lie behaved in a singular manner. I was accustomed to enter the room in which he 
 was kept and, upon doing so one morning, was surprised to see the Owl fly to meet me for 
 he usually sat on his perch until I fed him. Although this procedure was unexpected, 
 the next movement which he made, was much more astonishing and, to me, somewhat per- 
 plexing, for he alighted on my back, buried his talons in my clothing, of which .1 fortunate- 
 ly had on a good thickness, yet, as it was, I felt his claws scrape my skin, then extending 
 his wings, he flapped them violently, evidently endeavoring to raise me from the ground, 
 and it was (inly after making considerable effort, that I at length coa-xed him to loosen his 
 hold, when he returned to his perch. This bird emitted a whistling cry whenever I ap- 
 proached him, similar to that produced by the Sparrow Hawk, which was much higher than 
 I ever heard any other Owl give, but this was the only note that I ever heard him utter. 
 The food of these Owls appears to consist largely of small rodents which diet is occasion- 
 ally varied by the addition of a few birds. The Snowy Owls make their appearance in 
 Massachusetts, late in November, remaining all winter but departing with the snow in the 
 spring. 
 
 FAMILY V. NYCTALINID^. THE BIRD OWLS. 
 
 Sternum, quite emarginate. Marginal indentations, four, narrow, with the outer very 
 deep. Keel, low, not exceeding one half the width of the sternum. Tarsus, variable but never 
 long. Feet, small. Eyes, medium in size. Facial disk, not perfect. Ear tufts, present or 
 wanting. 
 
 In this family, I have included three groups of Owls which may appear, at first sight, 
 somewhat incongruous but they seem, to me, to be closely related and I have been induced 
 to place them under one head on account of the peculiar form of the sternum which is some- 
 what flat, rather slight in struture, with a keel which is low in comparison with the width 
 of the sternum, while the posterior margin is deeply emarginate, with the indentations 
 deep, especially the outer. The furcula is never well developed and, in some of the gen- 
 era, is not ossified for the entire length. The color is variable as is also the comparative 
 length of the wings and tail. 
 
 GENUS I. SCOPS. THE SMALL EARED OWLS. 
 
 Cn. Thf stern-am is somewhat archnl. with a modrralely straight tee! which does not quite equal in height one 
 half I In- width of the sternum. Outer marginal indentations, wider than the Inner. Coraroids, short, not being quite equal 
 in I, nijth to tl<' lop of tin: lifcl and are set on at a rather wide angle. Furcula, quite well developed, being ossified for its entire 
 length. Ear tufts, present and well developed. Tail, short, less than one half the length of the wings which are considerably 
 elongated. 
 
270 SCOPS ASIO. 
 
 Members of this genus are not large but the plumage is long and downy. Theeyesarequite large and yellow in color. 
 The sterno-trachealis is stout, and there is a slender bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. As in other Owls, the 
 tympaniform membrane is present and although there is a thin os transversale it does not support a semilunar mernln-aoe. 
 The oesophagus is nearly straight, being a little wider in the middle, and opens into a quite large proventriculus with thin 
 wills and simple, oval glands arranged in a wide zonular band which measures '70, in asto, from which this and the fol- 
 lowing dimensions are taken; it is, however, encroached upon on the lower side by a scallop, '15 in depth. The stomach is 
 of medium size, flat in form, with somewhat irregular outlines, and with thick, hut soft, walls. The fold of the duodenum 
 is not long, inclosing a narrow, irregularly formed, pancreas which extends its entire length. The coeca are quite loc, 2-'J5 
 in length, small near the intestine, measuring '07 in diameter, with the blind ends dilated into balloon-shaped sacs, '15 in 
 diameter. The spleen is an elliptical body lying directly on the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liver are nearly equal in 
 size. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 SCOPS ASIO. 
 
 Mottled Owl. 
 
 Scops asia BON., Geog. and Comp. List; 1838, 6. 
 Scops McCal/ii CASSIN, Birds of Cal. and Texas, I; 1854, 180. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, short and compact. Size, medium. Sternum, not stout. The marginal indentations are quite deep. 
 Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. Ear tufts, long. Bill and claws, not 
 very long. 
 
 RED STAGE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult, Above, including upper wing and tail coverts, uniform yellowish-red, with a narrow central line of 
 dark-brown on every feather. One half of the outer feathers of the scnpularies and wing coverts are white, forming lines. 
 Wings, yellowish-red, with the central portion of the feathers dusky, but becoming lighter on the outer edge, and barred 
 with dusky which is tinged with reddish on the outer webs. Tail, yellowish-red, barred with dusky. Face, yellowish and 
 white, mixed, with the former color predominating around the eye and the latter on the sides of the bill and in a line to the 
 ear tufts, which are red. Line on sides of face, dark-brown. Beneath, white, with each feather, excepting on the chin, 
 throat and abdomen, barred with yellowish-red and centrally lined with dark-brown, but much more widely on the breast. 
 Under wing coverts, sulphury-yellow. Under tail coverts, white, with a central stripe of reddish-brown. Tibia and tar- 
 sus, yellowish, often mottled with a darker shade of the same color. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but the red is not as clear and the dark markings are much more prominent, especially 
 below. 
 
 Nestlings. Are at first covered with a grayish down, showing traces of red. This gradually becomes reddish-brown 
 above, when it is barred with dusky; and it is also barred below with dusky which shows traces of red. There are none of 
 the characteristic markings of the adult about the face, where the feathers are barred and mixed with reddish-white and 
 dusky. The first growth of wing and tail feathers are retained for a year. 
 
 GRAY STAOE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, mottled, spotted, and mixed with pale-yellowish, white, and dark-brown but the feathers: are 
 centrally striped with the latter color. Wings and tail, of mixed colors like the back. White markings above as in the red 
 stage. Face, white, mixed with dusky. Ear tufts marked like the back and edged with lighter. Beneath, whi'e, mot- 
 tled, spotted, and barred, excepting on abdomep, with dark-brown and yellowish-rufous, every feather having a central 
 stripe of the latter color. Tail, tibia, and tarsus, white, mottled with yellowish. Other markings below and on the head 
 as in the red stage. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but are not as decidedly gray being somewhat reddish, especially above and the markings 
 are broader. 
 
 Neillings. At first are covered with a whitish down which shows no traces of red but which becomes barred with 
 dusky. The first quills of wings and tail are decidedly gray. Iris, yellow, cere, greenish, bill and claws, greenis-h -yellow, 
 in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have described the extremes of the two plumages assumed by these Owls, which are the ones most frequently found but 
 I have seen every gradation between the two. These variations appear tobegoyerned by no particular condition of climate, 
 
MOTTLED OWL. 271 
 
 a-; both plumages arc found equally coiunion ln>tli North and South. Parents of the same color will produce young which 
 are in both -ta^cs of plumage and, if one parent chances to be gray and the other red, or vice versa, the young may he all 
 red or all gray, or part oTthe number red and the remainder gray, or individuals among them may assume the intermediate 
 stage; in short, there appears to tie absolutely no rule by which these changes can be determined. No one, however, will 
 mistake this well-k;nnvn Owl fir any other species, for the small size, compact form, and prominent ear tufts, together 
 with the colors as described will serve to distinguish it. There is a rather small Florida form of this species but they do 
 iiu t differ much from more Northern Owls, excepting in being a little darker, for I have found all the stages described, as 
 common there as they are in Massachusetts. Distribute 1, as a constant resident, throughout North America to the Arctic 
 Circle. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Dimensions of specimens from Massachusetts and Florida. Average measurements of males. Length, 8'50; stretch, 
 20-00; wing, (MO; tail, 3"25: hill, -7.1; tarsus, 1'25. Longest specimen, !>'KO; greatest extent of wing, 21-00; longest wing, 
 7'00; tail, 3 50; bill, '80; tarsus, I'M. Shortest specimen, 8'00; smallest extent of wing, 18-00; shortest wing, 5'4)5; tail, 
 2!M>; bill, ->->; tarsus 1'05. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, 9'OH; stretch, 23*50; wing, 6'25; tail, 3-00; bill, '85; tarsus, T40. 
 Longc-t s] imen, 9'50; greatest extentof wing, 23'85; longest wing, 7'30; tail, 3'55; bill, '90; tarsas, I- 50. Shortest spec- 
 imen, 8-50; smallest extent of wing, 21-50; shortest wing, 5-00; tail, 2'55; bill, '80; tarsus, 1-30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, place! in holes of trees, not elaborately constructed, composed of grass, leaves, etc.; or the eggs are often placed 
 on any material which chances to be at the bottom of the hole. 
 
 Eyys, from New Knglnml, four to six in number, rather spherical in form, pure white in color, with the surface very 
 smooth. Dimensions from 1-20x1-45 to 1*40 x l"60. The number of eggs deposited in Florida is seldom, if ever, more 
 than three. They are of a similar form to those from further North but are considerably smaller, measuring 1'lOx I- 30 to 
 1 15x1-40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Mottled Owls are among the most abundant of the order in North America, yet 
 their habits are scarcely known to the majority of the people among which they dwell; in- 
 deed, ornithologists are, as a rule, not familiar with these birds, judging from the state- 
 ments which they have made concerning them and, until quite recently, even the various 
 stages of plumages assumed by them, were not well understood. Now I do not mean to 
 intimate that I possess any more sagacity than my colaborers when I make the above as- 
 sertions, for I have doubtless made more or less mistakes, though unwittingly, in reference 
 to what I have said about some birds, but in regard to the species now under consideration, 
 I feel as if I had the subject well in hand as there has scarcely been a time for the past 
 ten or twelve years, when I did not have a Mottled Owl as a pet and, as I write, a fine 
 male is sitting on his accustomed roost near, gazing wisely at me out of a pair of bright 
 yellow eyes. 
 
 I have begun my article by saying that the Mottled Owls were very abundant and 
 they are much more numerous than any one would suppose who has not searched for them. 
 They are very retiring in habit, living in holes throughout the day almost exclusively; in 
 fact, it is rare to find one sitting on a tree and, with all my experience with the species, 
 I do not think that I have seen a dozen specimens in such an exposed situation. They 
 are quite timid and Scopsie, my pet Owl, when frightened, will fly to his box and dart in- 
 to it; thus the habit of seeking protection in holes appears to be instinctive. When the 
 Mottled Owls are surprised outside their domiciles during daylight, they will half close 
 their eyes, raise their ear tufts, draw their feathers close to their body, appearing exactly 
 
 
272 SCOPS ASIO. 
 
 as if completely dazed, but really they are only badly frightened, then instead of flying, 
 trust to their motionless attitudes for concealment and, in nine cases out of ten, this ruse 
 is probably successful. 
 
 The fact that these Owls sit with half-closed eyes, has quite likely given rise to the 
 idea that they cannot see in the day-time but, as I have already stated, they do see remarka- 
 bly well. It was only yesterday that I saw another stricking proof of this given by Scopsio; 
 he had tlown on the sash of an open window near which I was standing and the instant he 
 alighted, he gave the peculiar croak of alarm of which I have spoken in the preceding' pag- 
 es. I instantly stepped to the window to see what attracted his attention but, although 
 I readily noted the direction of his gaze, could not make out the cause of his alann until 
 a Crow flew from a tree so faraway that it appeared very small and, had I not been looking 
 in that exact spot, I should not have observed it. But still the Owl saw it and, when it 
 started, croaked loudly, following it with his eyes until it went quite out of sight. I have 
 elsewhere noted the fact that this Owl can discern insects when they are upon the floor; 
 he is also fond of watching small birds among the foliage and will follow the flight of Swal- 
 lows, both far and near; in short, Scopsie exhibits every indication of being able to see 
 perfectly in daylight. The experiment, to which allusion isjso often made by writers up- 
 on Owls, that of almost touching the eyeball with the finger or any other object in order 
 to make the bird wink, judging, if it does not, that it is incapable of seeing, is far from 
 being a decisive test as Hawks and other birds have the same habit. 
 
 The notes of the Mottled Owls are very interesting and they have a greater variety 
 than one would suppose who has not kept them in confinement. The alarm note is, as re- 
 lated, a kind of croak but is quite melodious and is given high or low, depending upon the 
 proximity of the object which frightens the bird. Thus, for example, let Scopsie see a 
 cow in a distant field and he will sound his note of alarm very low but, when a cat or dog 
 enters the room where he is, he will stand erect and give the cry very loudly; then, when 
 frantic with terror, as he has been on one or two occasions, he will dash around the apart- 
 ment, fairly screaming with fright. Another change in this note is made when, although 
 frightened, he concludes to stand up for his rights; then he will advance slowly toward the 
 animal which he dislikes, half spreading his wings and ruffling his feathers, until he ap- 
 pears nearly twice his usual size; when quite near, he will bow his head, at the same time 
 uttering a croak that is not only loud, but considerably prolonged. This has such a pecu- 
 liar intonation and is so unlike any sound which is ordinarily heard that it seems to have 
 the required effect and I have seen a cat terrified beyond description upon hearing it. 
 
 Another of Scopsie's notes, or rather a series of them, indicates anger or dislike, for 
 when a stranger approaches his box, especially if he be "sitting outside of it, he will raise 
 his ear tufts, wink his eyes slowly, at the same time uttering a rattling, guttural sound. 
 This is merely indicative of antipathy, for when handled by any one whom he does not 
 fancy, he will give the same sound, much louder and in a higher key, frequently ending 
 in a kind of scream. These demonstrations of hostility are accompanied by a violent snap- 
 ping of the bill, especially when he is attacking another Owl, for I am sorry to say that 
 Scopsie is not of a very friendly disposition regarding his own species, and will not hesitate 
 
 
MOTTLED OWL. 273 
 
 to assail any living Mottled Owl that is brought into the room, evidently looking upon 
 it as an invader. 
 
 The sounds, given by my Owl, which I have mentioned, are only uttered when he is 
 frightened or irritated; now I will describe some other notes which he produces when in 
 far more agreeable moods. Like all Owls, he has a call which consists of a series of rather 
 low notes, uttered rapidly and quite melodiously. This is given as an answer when he is 
 railed, when he a lights on my hand, or when approached so suddenly as to be slightly 
 startled; then, after a quick glance informs him that it is a friend who is near, he gives the 
 sound quite low as a sign of reassurance or recognition. This same sound is made quite 
 loud as a challenge to some other Owl or as a preliminary to an attack. It is also, when 
 given very clearly, the love song to the mate but is then followed by a kind of squeal, 
 emitted with the wings partly expanded. But this brings me to what we may consider the 
 acme of Scnpsie's vocal performances, what I look upon as the true song. This is always 
 given when he is in his box which is quite dark, having only small orifices which serve as 
 windows, and an open door. The bird is seldom confined but usually prefers to sit in his 
 house or on top of it. At one time, he would scarcely enter his abode without singing. 
 The performance would commence with a series of singular, chucking notes, given quite 
 slowly, then becoming more rapid; when suddenly the time would change, then the pitch 
 would be raised or lowered, or two or three notes would be thrown together, or a series of 
 lower, steadily given sounds would be followed by others which were high and uttered very 
 rapidly; in short, although there was but a chucking sound, it was so varied that it be- 
 came quite harmonious. Scopsie's song was often, continued for many minutes, especially 
 if the room were quiet and strict attention were paid to him; in fact, when he was encour- 
 d by an imitation of the note, he would continue to sing for half an hour. Scopsie is 
 the only Owl that I ever heard give these continuous notes and even he seldom indulges 
 in it now, excepting occasionally, when he first sees me in the morning, then a few chucks, 
 only, arc given as a greeting. Scopsie often answers when spoken to with a chuckle, often 
 given so very low as to be nearly inaudible, especially if he chances to feel drowsy, besides 
 this, he has a loud call consisting of a series of rapidly given notes, which is uttered when 
 he is alone. Nor are these varied sounds all that Scopsie is capable of emitting; in addi- 
 tion, he has a prolonged, whining note, when begging for food or water, and also the loud, 
 shivering cry of his species, so often heard in the woods on still nights and which is so famil- 
 iar to nearly every one. 
 
 There appeare to be very little difference in the time of breeding in Mottled Owls 
 found in Florida and those in New England, as I have taken the fresh eggs from Wood- 
 perkers' holes in the piney woods and from palmettos in the hummocks or along their bor- 
 ders, the first week in April, while they breed in the apple orchards and woods of the north 
 about the same time. 
 
 The food of the Mottled Owls consists largely of insects but they also eat quantities 
 of birds and mice, occasionally varying this diet by taking frogs or even fish. Nor are 
 they content with this kind of food but will frequently enter pigeon coops to kill the occu- 
 pants and, on one or two occasions, I have even known of them eating their own species. 
 
 35 
 
274 NYCTALE ACAD1CA. 
 
 
 
 The Mottled Owls are not migratory, for their thick plumage forms an ample protec- 
 tion against the severe cold of even the Northern winters and, unlike the other Owls, they 
 do not wander much, each pair spending their lives in a particular locality. 
 
 GENUS IT. NYCTALE. THE SMALL OWLS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. The sternum is only sliyhlly arched, with a nearly straight keel which does not e'/ual in heiyht one half the 
 width of the sternum. Outer marginal indentations, narrower than the inner. Coracoids, not very long, biiny quid, rqual 
 in length to the top of Ihn keel, but are not set on at a wide anyle. Furcula, not well developed, for it is not ossified its entire 
 lenyth. Ear tufts, present but not well developed. Tail, short, but little longer than one half the length of the wmys which 
 are considerably elongated. 
 
 Members of this genus are quite small but the plumage is long and downy. The eyes are not large and are yellow in 
 color. The sterno-t'rachealis is thin, and there *is a slender bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. As in other 
 Owls, the tympaniform membrane is present and although there is a thin os tranversale it does not support a semiluniir 
 membrane. The oesophagus is nearly straight, being a little wider in the middle, and opens into a qurte large provrntric- 
 ulus with simple, oval glands arranged in a wide zonular band which measure* '50, in Acadica, from which this and the fol- 
 lowing dimensions are taken. The stomach is of medium size, somewhat cuboid in form, with thin, but soft, walls. The 
 fold of the duodenum is long, inclosing a wide pancreas which, however, only extends half its length. The coeca are not vn-y 
 long, 1-28 in length, small near the intestine, measuring '05 in diameter, with the blind ends dilated into balloon-shaped 
 sacs, -15 in diameter. The spleen is an elliptical body lying directly on the proventriculus. The left lobe of the liyer is a 
 little larger than the right. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 NYCTALE ACADICA. 
 Acadian Owl. 
 
 Nyclale Acadica GM., Syst. Nat.. I; 1788, 296. 
 Nyctale albifron's SHAWS, Nat. Misc. V.; 1794. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, short and compact. Size, small. Sternum, not stout. The marginal indentations are quite deep. 
 Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. Ear tufts, very short. Bill and 
 claws, not long, the former is stout but the latter are slender. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper wing and tail coverts, uniform reddish-brown with a narrow central line of 
 yellowish-white on the feathers of the top of the head and on sides of face. One half of the outer feathers of the seapula- 
 ries, forming lines, spots on wing coverts and basal portion of feathers back of neck, white. Wings, reddish-brown, spot- 
 ted on the outer and inner webs of primaries and on the outer webs of secondaries with white. Tail, reddish-brown with 
 each feather narrowly tipped with white and marked on both webs with three pairs of white spots. Face, dusky, yellowish 
 and white, mixed, the former color predominating around the eye and the latter on the sides of the bill and in a line to the 
 ear tufts, which are reddish-brown streaked with yellowish. Beneath, white, with each feather, excepting on the chin 
 and abdomen, centrally lined with pale, reddish-brown, but much more widely on the breast. Under wing coverts, pale, red- 
 dish-brown. Under tail coverts, white, with central stripes of reddish-brown. Tibia and tarsus, pale reddish-brown, un- 
 spotted. 
 
 Young. With the face, forehead and disk, very nearly white and color above much redder, otherwise similar to the 
 adult. 
 
 Young of the year. Above of the same color as the young, but with no traces of white, excepting that the scapularies 
 show the peculiar markings which are, however of a pale yellowish. Forehead, throat, neck, and breast, colored like the 
 back. Remainder of under parts, including under tail coverts, pale reddish-brown. Under wing coverts, pale rose color. 
 Wings, tail, tibia, and tarsus, as in the adult. 
 
 Nestlings. Are, at first, covered with a reddish down, but gradually assume the young plumage. Iris and soles of 
 feet, yellow, claws, dark-brown, cere, greenish, in all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age and sex are quite uniform in coloration. The plumage of the young of the year is quite sin- 
 gular and is the albifons of authors, but it can readily be distinguished by the color of the wing and tail which are always 
 similar to those of the adult. Readily known, in the adult stage, from the succeeding species by the reddish-brown color, 
 and in all stages, by the three bars of spots on the tail, and form all others, by the small size, absence of any prominent ear 
 tufts, together with the color as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout North America to the Arctic 
 Circle. 
 
ACADIAN OWL. 276 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 DbnewioM of specimens from Massachusetts nml Maine. Average measurements of males. Length, 7'25; stretch, 
 lit ")(); wiiii. :V-J~>: t ill, 2 3j; hill, '> '); t u-<u<, "!) >. L m-^vHt specimen, 7'50; greatest extent of wing, 20-00; longest wing, 
 5 50; tail. .'*>, bill, '55: tarsus, I'OO. Shortest specimen, 7-00; smallest extent of wing, 1!)'00; shortest wing, S'OO; tail, 
 J'Jj, luii, -|'>: tarsus '!)0. 
 
 AMTIII:,' measurements of female specimens. Length, S"5; stretch, 20-25; wing 5'50; tail, 9*06; bill, '65; tarsus, T05. 
 I.'Hinv-; -jn-eimen, S ~>0: greatest extent (if win;;, 20-50; longest wing, 5'75; tail, 2'75; bill, '60; tarsus, I'lO. Shortest spec- 
 imen, H 00; smallest extent of wing, 20-00; shortest wing, 5 25; tail, 2'35; bill, '50; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nats, placed in holes of trees, not elaborately constructed, composed of grass, leaves, etc.; or the eggs are often placed 
 on any man-rial which chances to be at the bottom of the hole. 
 
 K/!/x, three or four in number, rather spherical in form, pure white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimen- 
 sion from l-OOxl'20 to 1-05 x 1'25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have said that the Mottled Owls were of retiring habits, on account of which they 
 were very seldom seen, and the same is true, but to a greater extent, of the little Acadian 
 ( hvls, for although there can be but little doubt that they occur quite commonly throughout 
 the country, yet they are not often seen; their peculiar, rasping notes are, however, not 
 unfrequontly heard in the woods. These birds appear to be the least shy of all the Owls, 
 allowing unr to approach very near them when surprised outside their holes; in fact, I have 
 known of their being killed with a stick or even taken alive in the hand. When captured, 
 they readily become tame, behaving, while in captivity, in a similar manner to the Mottled 
 Owl. As both of these species enter holes quite readily, they may be easily taken by fast- 
 ening small boxes, provided with a suitable orifice, on limbs of trees in the woods and this 
 artifice is successfully practiced by a friend who takes both species in this way during ^in- 
 ter. He puts up his traps, as he calls them, then visits them regularly, securing a consid- 
 erable number of specimens during the season, for the Owls enter them as readily as they 
 dn cavities in trees. 
 
 I have somewhere seen it stated that Owls do not drink, but all that I ever had, were 
 very fond of water and would not only drink it but would frequently bathe. Scopsie is 
 especially noticeable in this respect, as are all the Mottled Owls and they may often be 
 seen in the water during twilight or early in the morning. I once surprised a Barred Owl 
 on the margin of a river in Florida and a short time ago, an Acadian Owl was brought in 
 which was killed by a gentleman while Woodcock shooting, he having found the bird in a 
 small stream. 
 
 The Acadian Owls breed about the same time as the Mottled Owls, usually choosing 
 a hole in a tree on the margin of a wood or in it but they will sometimes select an old apple 
 tree in an orchard for this purpose. The notes, during the nesting season, are described 
 as being peculiar but I never heard them utter any, excepting the rasping sound which is 
 evidently given as a kind of call and from which the name of Saw- whet Owls, occasionally 
 applied to them, is derived. These little Owls are not migratory but they do wander some- 
 what during winter, at least, they are much more commonly found then than during the 
 summer. 
 
 
276 NYCTALE mCHARDSONl. 
 
 NYCTALE EICHARDSONI. 
 
 Richardson's Owl. 
 Nycta/e Richardsoni Box., Corap. List.; 1838, 7 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Fonn, short and compact. Size, large. Sternum, not stout. The marginal indentations are quite deep. 
 Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. Ear tufts, very short. Bill and 
 claws, not long, the former is stout but the latter are slender. 
 
 COLOR. A'dult. Above, including upper wing and tail coverts, uniform greenish-brown with a narrow central line 
 of white on the feathers of the top of the head and on sides of face. Spots on head, scapularies, and wing coverts, and ba*;il 
 portion of feathers back of neck, white. Wings, greenisli-brown, spotted on the outer and inner webs of primaries and en 
 the outer webs of secondaries with white. Tail, also greenish-brown with each feather marked on both webs with live 
 pairs of white spots. Face, white and dusky, mixed, the former color predominating around the eye, excepting in front of 
 it, and the latter on the sides of the bill and in aline to the ear tufts, which are greenish-brown streaked with white. Be- 
 neath, white, with each feather, excepting on the chin and abdomen, centrally lined with pale, reddish-brown, but much, 
 more widely on the breast. Under wing coverts, white. Under tail coverts, white, with central stripes of reddish-brown. 
 Tibia and tarsus, reddish-white, spotted with brownish. Iris and soles of feet, yellow, claws, dark-brown, cere and bill, 
 greenish, in all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens are quite uniform in coloration. Readily known, in the adult stage, from the preceding species by the green- 
 ish-brown color: in all stages, by the five bars of spots on the tail, and from all others, by the small size, absenceof any prom- 
 inent ear tufts, together with the color as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout North America to 
 the Arctic Circle. Rare in New England during winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from New England. Length, 9'00; stretch, SO'OO, wing, 6'00: tail, 3'02; bill, 
 62: tarsus. -93. Longest specimen, lO'OO; greatest extent of wing, Sl'OO; longest wing, 6'50; tail, 3'52; bill, '72; tarsus, 
 1'03. Shortest specimen, 8'22; smallest extent of wing, 19'00; shortest wing, 5-50; tail, 2'52; bill, -52; tarsus, -83. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from New England. Length, lO'OO; stretch, 21'00: wing, 6'75: tail, 3'52: 
 bill, '7.4: tarsus, 1'02. Longest specimen, ll'OO: greatest extent of wing, 22'00: longest wing, 7'00: tail, 4'00: bill, -84; tar- 
 sus, 1-12. Shortest specimen, 9'00: smallest extent of wing, 20'00; shortest wing, 6'00: tail, 2-98: bill, 64: tarsus, -92. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of gras, leaves, etc., or the eggs are placed on any loose material that chances 
 to be at the bottom of the hole. 
 
 Eyys, four or five in number, rather spherical in form, pure white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions 
 from 1-06x1-28 to riO.xl'32. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Richardson's Owl, although very common in the woods of Canada and northward, is, 
 beyond doubt, one of the rarest of the order in the United States, only visiting the extreme 
 northern portions during winter. They are not very uncommon in Maine and Northern 
 New Hampshire at this season but are very rare in Massachusetts, where only a few spec- 
 imens have ever been taken. A male was, however, obtained in Newton on the twenty- 
 sixth of February of the present year, 1879, by the Bangs Brothers who saw it hanging, 
 dead, to a bush by the road side, near a house, as they were passing. Upon inquiry, they 
 found that it had been shot some time previous by the owner of the place,- who supposed 
 it to be a Hawk and said that it had been killing his hens. South of us, this bird may be 
 regarded as a rare straggler but has been taken once in Connecticut. 
 
 I have never been so fortunate as to meet with this species living, but writers describe 
 its habits as being similar to those of the Acadian Owl and say that it has a peculiar note, 
 
PLATE XXIV. 
 
 
 

SURNIA ULULA. 277 
 
 uttered ;it intervals. Mr. Will Perhaui discovered a nest of this species while collecting 
 on tin 1 Magdalen Islands, on the thirteenth of June, 1878. It was placed in a hole of a 
 dead birch tree not far from the ground and contained four young and one addled egg. 
 As the young wen- well grown at this time, it is probable that the eggs were deposited 
 about the same time as those of the Acadian Owls, very late in April or early in May. 
 Richardson's Owl is not strictly migratory, a few individuals, only, wandering southward 
 in winter. 
 
 HI. SURNIA. THE LONG-TAILED OWLS. 
 
 QKH. CM. T/ie sternum is considerably arched, with a nearly straight Tied which does not quite e<[ual in height one half 
 thi irnltli nf Iki' sternum. Outer marginal indentations, wider than the inner. Coracoids short, not being equal in lemjth to 
 tin t,iji i, i' ih' In rl, but are not set on at a wide angle. Furcula, no! well developed, for if is not ossified its entire length. Ear 
 tuj'/x, mi/ jirixr-nt. Tail, graduated, and nearly equal in length to the wtngs which are considerably elongated. Tarsus and 
 toes, mil tint In-red. 
 
 M embers of this gmiis are quite large nnd the plumage is short and compact but not strikingly downy. The eyes are 
 not large and are yellow in color. The sterno-trachealis is thin, and there is a slender bronchialis, but no other laryn- 
 geal muscles. As in other Owls, the tympaniform membrane is present and although there is a thin os transversale, it 
 dor- not support a scmilunar membrane. The rtj-iophagiis is nearly straight, being a little wider in the middle, nnd opens 
 into a .juke large proventriculus with simple, oval glan Is arranged in a wide, zonular band which measures T08 iau/u/a, 
 from which this and the following dimensions are taken. The stomach is of medium size, somewhat globular in form, with 
 thin but soft walls. The fold of the duodenum is long, inclosing n wide pancreas which, however, only extends half its 
 K'ugth. The eiBca are not very long, 2'<!5 in length, small near the intestine, measuring '08 in diameter, with the blind 
 ends dilated into balloon-shaped sacs, -%5 in diameter. The spleen is an elliptical body lying directly on the proventric- 
 ulus. The left lobe of the liver is larger than the right. There Is but one species within our limits. 
 
 SURNIA ULULA. 
 
 Hawk Owl. 
 Strix uMa LINN, Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 133. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, long and slender Size, large. Sternum, quite stout. The marginal indentations are quite deep. 
 Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, horny at the tip which is rounded and slightly bifid. Bill and claws, not long, the for- 
 mer is stout but the latter are slender. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including upper wing coverts, uniform dark greenish-brown, with a narrow central line of 
 white on the feathers of the top of the head and on sides of face. Spots on scapularies, where they are largeand partly con- 
 ceal.^!, and on wing coverts, and basal portion of feathers back of neck, white. Wings, dark greenish-brown, spotted on 
 tin 1 outer and inner webs of primaries and secondaries with white. Tail, also greenish-brown, narrowly tipped with white 
 and enrh feather is marked on both webs with about eight pain of white bars. Upper tail coverts, reddish-brown, barred 
 with white. The face, is white and dusky, mixed, the former color predominating around the eye, excepting in front of it, 
 anil the latter on the sides of the bill and in aline to the top of head. Beneath, white, with large spots of black on the sides 
 of neck; remainder of under parts, including under wing coverts, transversely barred, excepting on the chin and abdomen, 
 with pule reddish-brown. Under tail coverts, white, barred with reddish-brown. Tibia and tarsus, reddish-white, barred 
 with brownish. 
 
 Yniiiig. Ouite similar to the adult but there is a dark band across the breast, and the feathers below show traces of 
 rufous, especially on the flanks. 
 
 X/.il/in>/s. Are at first covered with a reddish down and, in time, gradually assume the plumage last described. Iris 
 and sol.-s of f.-ct, yell >\v, bill, also yellow, darker at base and on lower mandible, cere greenish, and claws, dark-brown, in 
 all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens are quite uniform in coloration. Readily known, in the adult stage, from the preceding species by the very 
 dark greenish-brown color; in all stages, by the bars on the long tail, as well as on the lower parts; and from all others, by 
 
278 ATHENIDJE. 
 
 the peculiar form, together with the color as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout Northern North 
 America to the Arctic Circle. Rare in New England during winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Dimensions of specimens from Massachusetts and Maine. Average measurements of males. Length, 1V25; stretch, 
 31-00; wing, 7'50; tail, 6-75; bill, -95; tarsus, -95. Longest specimen, 15'75; greatest extentof wing, 32'00; longest wing, 
 8'OD; taH, 7'00; bill, TOO; tarsus, TOO. Shortest specimen, 14-75; smallest extent of wing, 30-00; shortesj wing, 7'00; tail, 
 6-50; bill, '85; tarsus "90. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, 17'Ofl; stretch, 32'00; wing. 8'00; tail, 7'00; bill, I'OO; tarsus, 
 1-05. Longest specimen, 17'50; greatest extent of wing, 33-00; longest wing, 8-50; tail, 7'25; bill, I'lO; tarsus, 1-15. 
 Shortest specimen, 16-75; smallest extent of wing, 31-00; shortest wing, 7 50; tail, 6'50; bill, -90; tarsus, -95. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed either in holes of trees or on the branches, composed of sticks, twigs, etc., lined with grass, leaves, and 
 feathers. 
 
 Egy$, six or seven in number, rather spherical in form, pure white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimen- 
 sions from 1-SOx 1-50 to l'30x 1'63. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Hawk Owl is common in Canada and northward but is very rare south of this 
 point, consequently, is very seldom seen even in Massachusetts, where I have met with 
 it but twice; once I secured a male in beautiful plumage in the Boston Market, some vears 
 ago, which had been killed in the vicinity, and a short time after this, I saw a fine adult 
 cross the road just in advance of me. This specimen was flying in broad daylight, about 
 noon, but it was one of those dark, lowering days in December which precedes a long win- 
 ter storm. The bird moved as steadily as a Hawk but had the unmistakable motions of 
 the wings so characteristic of the Owls. Although the Hawk Owl has been likened to 
 the Falcons, yet the structure of the scapular arch, especially of the furcula, would prevent 
 its making any sudden aerial evolution; therefore, it cannot capture its prey when upon 
 the wing but must drop upon it in a similar manner to that practiced by all the members 
 of the order. 
 
 The Hawk Owls breed in the vicinity of Calais, Maine, for Mr. George Boardman has 
 secured one or two nests there, but this may be considered as their southern range during 
 summer and, as they are not strictly migratory, only a few irregular stragglers are ever 
 found below this, even in winter. The time of depositing the eggs does not vary from 
 that of the other small Owls, judging from a young female, now before me, which was 
 taken by the Bangs Brothers at PortLe Preaux, New Brunswick, on the tenth of August, 
 for it has almost wholly assumed the first plumage, being as far advanced as a young Long- 
 eared Owl, killed by the same enthusiastic collectors only a day or two ago, about the 
 twelfth of August, in Wayland, Massachusetts. 
 
 FAMILY VI. ATHENIDJ3. THE GROUND OWLS. 
 
 Sternum, with four marginal indentations. Tarsus, very long. Feet, rather small. 
 Eyes, comparatively small. Facial disk, very imperfect. Ear tufts, wanting. Tail, quite 
 short. 
 
SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA. 279 
 
 This family of Owls which is characterised by the long, nearly naked tarsus and short 
 tail, is evidently closely allied to the preceding group; just how closely, I cannot deter- 
 mine in a manner quite satisfactory to myself as I have never made a dissection of one. 
 Nor have I seen any of the bones; I have, however, ventured to give the number of mar- 
 ginal indentations as four as it does not appear probable that these birds are related to the 
 Disked Owls which have only two. In preparing these articles on the Owls, I am indebted 
 to Messrs. J. W. Knowlton and F. II. Brackett and the Bangs Brothers for the privilege 
 of using specimens from their collections. 
 
 GENUS I. SPEOTYTO. THE LONG-LEGGED OWLS. 
 
 GKX. Cn. Tail, short, not being equalin lenylh to one half the winys which are considerably elongated. Tarsus and tib- 
 ia, very tony. Head, small. 
 
 Members of this ircnus are quite small and the plumage is short and compact but not downy. The eyes are compara- 
 tively small anil are yellow in color. The legs are strikingly long enabling the birds to walk with ease upon the ground. 
 There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA. 
 
 Burrowing Owl. 
 Stria: cuntatlaria MOLINA, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili; 1782. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, slender. Size, not large. Bill and claws, not long, the former is stout but the latter are slender and 
 are nut very sharp. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, including wings, tail, upper wing and tail coverts, uniform yellowish-brown, barred and spot- 
 ted everywhere with yellowish-white. The face, is white and dusky, mixed. Beneath, including under wingnnd tail cov- 
 erts, yellowish-white, transversely barred, on a band across the throat and on the breast, sides, and flanks with light red- 
 dish-brown. 
 
 Youny. Quite similar to the adult but are generally darker. Tibia, reddish-white, barred with brownish and the feath- 
 ers below how traces of rufous. 
 
 Nr.itlinyn. Are at first covered with a reddish down, and in time, gradually assume the plumage last described. Iris 
 and soles of feet, yellow, bill, also yellow, darker at base and on lower mandible, cere, greenish, and claws, dark-brown, in 
 all stages. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be considerable variation in skins, some being darker than others but this may be due to age. Some 
 specimens also have the tarsus feathered more than others, which character, together with variation in size, has been con- 
 sidered, by some authors, of sufficient importance to entitle their possessors to specific rank, or at least to a varietal name. 
 Known from all other species by the long tarsus and short tail, together with the colors as described. Distributed, as a 
 constant rcsii lent, throughout Western United States, Mexico, South America, and in a restricted area in Western Florida. 
 Accidental in Eastern Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Western United States. Length, 9-50; stretch, 22-50; wing, 7-00; tail, 
 3-50: bill, '55: tarsus, 170. LoBgaH fpeoiaiaa, 10*03; graateli extent of win^, '23 -Oft; longest wing, 7-. r >. r >; tail, 4'00; bill, 
 00; tarsus, 1 75. Shortest specimen, 9'00; smallest extent of wing, 22-00; shortest wing, 6'50; tail, 3-00; bill, '50; tarsus, 
 1-65. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens. Length, 10-00; stretch, 22-50; wing, 7'50; tail, 4-00; bill, '60; tarsus, 
 1-75. Longest specimen. 10'50; greatest extent of win;,', 23-50; longest wing, 8'00; tail, 4'50; bill, '65; tarsas, 1'80. Short- 
 est specimen, 9'50; smallest extent of wing, 23-00; shortest wing, 7 00; tail, 3-50; bill, '55; tarsus, 1'75. 
 
BUXROW1NG OWL. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes in the ground which are, however, not excavated by the Owls. The eggs areplacedon any loose 
 material that chances to be at the bottom of the hole. 
 
 E(ir/s, four to seven in nuuiljer, rather spherical in form , pure white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimension) 
 from f'OOx 1'22 to 1'lOx 1-25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 It may appear strange to many of my readers, to find birds so long supposed to be 
 exclusively confined to the western prairies as the Burrowing Owls, given among the birds 
 of Eastern North America and, a few years ago, no ornithologist, even, would have dreamed 
 of adding them to our fauna; yet, as in the affairs of humanity, so it is in bird-life, lor a 
 change has come and, behold, we have the Burrowing Owls on our list. They are appar- 
 ently firmly established there, for, by some chance, to mortals unknown, and at sonic date 
 in the past which no one has recorded, a colony of these Owls came to Western Florida. 
 Here they evidently found dwarf palmettos as congenial to their tastes for shade as prairie 
 grass, and the holes made by the reptilian gophers appear to have suited their wants, as 
 breeding places, as well as those excavated by mammalian gophers, while the. apparent par- 
 adox caused by the local confusion of names, did not puzzle their brains half as much as 
 it has some naturalists, although they had gophers of quite different habits from those to 
 which they had been accustomed, dwelling among them, that had received the decidedly 
 batrachian name of salamander. Truly, names among animals in Florida, have been badly 
 mixed but, as before mentioned, this made but little difference to the Owls and they set- 
 tled in the Land of Flowers, quite near the spot where the valiant De Soto landed, so long 
 ago, on the Bahia Espiritu Santo now known by the less pompous appellation of Tampa 
 Bay. 
 
 I have never seen the Burrowing Owls in Florida but others have been more fortunate, 
 and Mr. Ridgway told the story of their discovery there by Mr. Moor some years ago. 
 He has also decided that the colony which squatted there, claiming the land by preemption, 
 perhaps, unless some Spanish hidalgo presents a prior claim, are entitled to a varietal 
 rank; and this may be true, for such matters depend entirely upon just how one may re- 
 gard species and varieties, for although ornithologists are quite apt to agree in the main, 
 they will differ about some points, and I, for one, have never considered it advisable to 
 adopt the trinominal system for reasons which I have given in the preceding pages. 
 
 The Burrowing Owls also claim a place among our Northern birds, for my friend, Mr. 
 Ruthven Deane, states that a specimen was taken on the marshes at Newburyport, Mass- 
 achusetts, in the spring of 1875; but this was an undoubted straggler, none ever having 
 been seen here before or since. 
 
 As remarked, I have never seen a living specimen of the Burrowing Owl but Mr, 
 Ridgway who has met with them in abundance, informs me that they always breed in de- 
 serted holes made by the prairie dog, or gopher, and that the statements made by travel- 
 ers, that the Owls, gophers, and rattlensakes dwell together in harmony, has no foundation 
 in fact. The Owls choose abandoned burrows which the rattlesnakes only enter, if they 
 do at all, as unwelcorned intruders, perhaps allured there by the prospect of a good meal 
 of young Owls. 
 
FALCON1. HA WXS, ETC. 281 
 
 ORDER X, FALCONI. HAWKS, ETC. 
 
 Sternum, stout and arched. Keel, high. Furcula, very strong and considerably arched. 
 Head, not large. 
 
 Although some of the members of this Order resemble the Owls somewhat in external 
 forms, I hey dill'er widely from them in many internal characters. The eyes in both orders 
 are quite large but among the present birds, they are not directed quite so well forward, 
 neither are they especially adapted for seeing by night. The bill, as in the Owls, is strong 
 and curved but is not often concealed by bristly feather?. Usually there is no disk of 
 feathers surrounding the face but this is occasionally present, notably among the species 
 in Circus, in which genus the cavity of the ear is also large; yet this is not so remarkable 
 in other Hawks. The tarsus is usually rather long and naked but is occasionally feath- 
 ered, even to (he toes. The wings arc long and well formed but the plumage is compact, 
 especially that by which flight is produced. The sternum is always strong, with either an 
 unbroken margin or two or four marginal indentations. These are oftener closed than open 
 but they diller widely in this respect, as will be seen under family and generic characters. 
 The keel is quite high as a rule, although it does not always equal in height one half the 
 width of the sternum and seldom exceeds it. The costal process is much smaller than in 
 the preceding order. The coracoids are stout and of medium length, as in the Owls, and 
 an 1 set on at a. wide angle hut, unlike the latter named order, where the furcula is notice- 
 ably weak and without a terminal expansion, in these birds, it is very strong, well arched, 
 and has a slight terminal expansion. The scapula is similar in form to that of the OwJs 
 but is mere inclined backward toward the sternum than in the latter named order, where 
 it is set on at nearly a right angle with the coracoid. The manubrium is usually present 
 but small. All this sternal structure indicates that its possessors are not only endowed 
 with powerful flight but that they are capable of making very rapid and abrupt aerial 
 evolutions. 
 
 As in the Owls, the oesophagus is wide but in these birds, it is dilated into a crop of 
 considerable size. The proventriculus is very well developed. The stomach is large but 
 not muscular. Although the fold of the duodenum is quite long, the pancreas is not very 
 largo. There are two coeca but they are not very well developed, often, in fact, being 
 rudimentary. The females are larger than the males. 
 
 
 
 FAMILY i. MILVIDA:. THE KITES. 
 
 The sternum, about equals in width the length of the coracoids and the scapular process of 
 the latter does not meet the furcula. Marginal indentations, two, inclosed. 
 
 In this family, I have included a number of genera which, although they vary greatly 
 in external form, agree in sternal characters as given above. The manubrium is moder- 
 ately well developed but is not forked. The farcula is stout, flattened by lateral expansion, 
 wide and thick near the base which is abruptly truncated, not being produced into a point. 
 The terminal expansion is small and the furcula near it is contracted, furrowed above, 
 
 36 
 
282 CIRCUS CYANEUS. 
 
 and bent downward to a point at about one half the height of the keel. The marginal in- 
 dentations are large in the young stages, but are always inclosed, becoming smaller in the 
 more adult birds. 
 
 GENUS I. CIRCUS. THE HARRIERS. 
 
 GEN-. CH. Bill, not tony, well curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible slightly lobed. Tarsus, long and nearly 
 naked. Tail, long, but is not equal in length to thewmgs which are considerably elongated. Lower portion of face, sur- 
 rounded by a ruff. 
 
 Members of this genus not only resemble the owls in having a ruff, or facial disk, but the ear cavities nre large and the 
 plumage is somewhat downy. The leg'is strikingly long and the tarsus is naked to the heel behind, but is slightly feath- 
 ered in front. Four outer quills are incised on the inner webs. The trachea is flattened throughout. The sterno-trarhe- 
 alis is short, having its origin about '25 from the larynx, and there is a slender bronchial is extending overall the half rings, 
 but no other laryngeal muscles. The tympaniform membrane is present and although there is a thin os tran<ve,'sale, it 
 does notsupport a semilunar membrane. The walls of the oesophagus are thin; this is at first nearly strniyjit, then is dilated 
 into an oblong crop near the middle, after which it is again straight until it opens into a rather small proventrieulus with 
 simple, oval glands arranged in a zonular band which measures TOO in cyancus, from which this and the following dimen- 
 sions were taken. The stomach is of medium size, somewhat globular in form, with thin but soft walls and is lined with n 
 soft inemhrane. The fold of the duodenum is long, measuring 3'50, inclosing a narrow pancreas which extends it-son 
 tire length. The coeca are merely represented by slight swellings on either side of the intestine. The spleen is an ellipti- 
 cal body lying directly on the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liver are equal in size and are short and thick. The heart 
 is large, bent slightly to the right and not very pointed. Sexes, not similar in color. There is but one species within oui 
 limits. 
 
 CIRCUS CYANEUS. 
 
 Marsh Hawk. 
 Circus cyaneus BOIE, Isis; 1822, 549. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, long and slender. Size, medium. Sternum, rather stout, with themarginal indentations varyingwith 
 age. Tongue, short, not very fleshy, and about the same width for nearly its entire length, then abruptly rounded but not 
 bifid. Bill and claws, not long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, including upper wing coverts, side* of head, and breast, pale bluish-ash, becomingruf.ms 
 on the back of the head and upper neck. Upper tail coverts, white. Wings, brown, edged on the outer webs with ashy 
 and barred with darker. Two middle tail feathers and outer webs of remainder, bluish-ash, and inner webs, ruf m-;, li:-.rred 
 across the feathers with dark-brown. Under portion of tail, silky white. Beneath, including under wiagnnU tailcutrrts 
 and'tibia, white, spotted with pale reddish. Iris, pale yellow. 
 
 Adult female. Above, brown, with the feathers more or less ashy, edged on the head and neck and spotted on the re- 
 maining portion with rufous. Beneath, including under wing and tail coverts, reddish-white, darkest on thetibca, with 
 every feather having a central spot of reddish-brown, broadest and darkest on the breast, narrower on the neck, smaller, 
 rounder and more decidedly rufous on the posterior portions and tibea: otherwise as in the male. 
 
 Young male. Similar to the adult female but decidedly darker above, where there is no trace of ashy but there is more 
 rufms on the spottings and edgings. Beneath, very dark rufous, not much spotted, often being wholly immaculate on the 
 posterior portion and tibea. Iris, brown. 
 
 Young female. Quite similar to the young male but somewhat lighter throughout, especially below, where the dark- 
 ening of the rufous is only seen on the tibia. 
 
 Nestlings. Are at first covered with a reddish down, then gradually assume the plumages last described. Iris, brown. 
 Bill, bluish-black, cere, greenish, feet, yellow, and claws, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be considerable variation in specimens, some being darker than others and more heavily spotted, but 
 this may be due to age and sex. Known from all other species by the peculiar ruff about the face combined with the white 
 of the upper tail coverts, which i-i noticeable in all stages. Distributed, as a summer resident, throughout North America. 
 Constantly resident in the more southern portions. 
 
MARSH HAWK. 283 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 specimen-* fr.nn Eastern Unitr'l States. Length, 19'00; stretch, 40'00; wing, 13'50; tail, 
 7-50: Sill. !>!); 'ur-a-i. sJ'HO. Lonir.-st s|"'iin;'u. 'J,t IU: greatest extent <>( wing. l-'-lKI; lonui-st wins, IS'OO; mil. !HX); bill, 
 1 00: tarsus, 3 00. Shortest specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wins, 41 '(Hi; .-honest wing, 14'90; tail, 8-00; bill, '80; tar- 
 
 suv, J-NI. 
 
 Au'nigr mrasurrmi-nts offriiiiile specimens. Length, 23'00; stretch, 45-50; wing, 13'00;tail, 8'5(); bill, TOO; tarsus, 3 
 25. LoiigiM -prelim i), 21'00; greatest extent of wing, 48 00; longest wing. l;V50: tail, lo-OO; bill, MO; tarsus, 3'50. Short- 
 mi 'u, -J-J (H); smallest extent of wing, 43-50, ihortert wing, 14-50; tail, !)'00; bill, '90; tarsus, 3'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or near it. They are not very bulky structures and are composed of sticks, twigs, weeds, 
 etc., linrcl with gra^s ainl Icaxcs. 
 
 Eyys. f'ur to six in nu'iibcr. rntlier oval in form, greenish-white in color, either immaculate or faintly spotted with pale 
 brown or lilac. Dimensions from 1'4'Jx 1'80 to r45sl'88. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Hawks, now under consideration, have been rightly named as far as the appella- 
 tion by which they are commonly known, is concerned, for it will be difficult to find a 
 m.-trsli, either salt or fresh, of any extent, which is not more or less hunted over by these 
 birds. It makes but little difference as to the situation of these low-lying tracts of coun- 
 try so Itin;^ as they form the homes of mice, small birds, frogs, or even snakes, for the pres- 
 ence of any of these animals is sufficient to induce the Marsh Hawks to visit the sections 
 in which they occur, in order to prey upon them. Thus they may be seen hovering over 
 the cold, heath-covered bogs in the far north, searching for mice or small birds; they are 
 common along the fresh water meadows of New England, are abundant in the middle dis- 
 tricts, and 1 airly swarm among the rice fields and along the rivers of the Carolinas and 
 (jeoruia, extending their range even to the vast savannas of Southern Florida, in all of 
 which places the abundant mammalian, avian, and reptilian life offers them an ample and 
 varied diet. 
 
 Thus it will be seen that all sections are alike to the Marsh Hawks and scarcely any 
 thin.u- that has life, comes amiss to them by the way of food. Perhaps I ought to have 
 said, however, any thing that lives or has lived, for these Hawks will not only eat mice, 
 small birds, frogs, snakes, or insects, which they catch and kill, but will also eat dead ani- 
 mals. On several occasions, I have known of them eating Ducks which have been killed 
 by gunners, or some animal, and either lost or abandoned. The Marsh Hawks are, as a 
 rule, not very bold but I unce knew an exception to this and, while in Florida, some years 
 ago, repeatedly saw one nf -hese birds rob a Peregrine Falcon of Ducks which it had cap- 
 tured. This appears almost incredible but I was once quite near when the Marsh Hawk 
 took possession of the booty of the Falcon that was sitting on the ground, and I distinctly 
 saw the latter givi up his prey, almost without a struggle, to the venturesome Hawk which 
 coolly he-ail to eat it, utterly disregarding the screams of the Falcon that was darting about 
 a few yards above him. Nor would he quit his meal until I had approached quite near, 
 when he Hew reluctantly away. On the two occasions when I took the trouble to exam- 
 ine tlie half-eaten Duck, I found that it was a Scaup, a species which was to heavy for 
 eithej- the Falcon or Hawk to carry away with ease; therefore they were obliged to leav- 
 it when attacked and .vhcn surprised. 
 
284 RCSTEHAMUS SOC1AB1L1S. 
 
 The Marsh Hawks hunt by flying a short distance above the ground, when, upon per- 
 ceiving their prey, will poise for a moment in air upon vibrating wings, then drop suddenly 
 downward; but they are not quick enough to be sure of their victim every time they try 
 to catch it and will often make several attempts before they succeed. 
 
 These Hawks are very methodical in their habits and will hunt over certain portions 
 of a marsh or meadow every day, passing a particular point about the same time. This 
 is especially noticeable in summer when they are securing food for their young. 
 
 The Marsh Hawks breed about the first week in May in the North, usually placing 
 the nest on the ground in some secluded bit of meadow. When the female is sitting, the 
 male is very watchful, guarding the immediate locality with great assiduity, and when- 
 ever he perceives an intruder, he gives notice to the female by uttering short, shrill screams, 
 when she stealthily leaves her eggs. Thus the nest is not easy to find but by watching 
 the male when he is flying about, one may judge of the approximate position of it; for he 
 will frequently pause a moment, when he thinks he is unobserved, to hover over the spot 
 or will swoop down toward it, evidently to assure the female of his presence. The young 
 are cared for by the parents until they have left the nest, after which they soon begin to 
 forage for themselves and by the middle of October, both young and old migrate south- 
 ward. 
 
 GENUS II. ROSTRHAMUS. THE CURVE-BILLED HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, lony, well curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible not lobed. Tarsus, not lony and nearly nak- 
 ed. Tail, slightly emaryinale, about equal in lenyth to one half the len/jlh of the wmys which are considerably elon/jated. 
 There is no ruff on the face. 
 
 Members of this genus have no ruff, or facial disk, nor are the ear cavities strikingly large. The leg is short and the 
 tarsus is naked to the heel behind, but is slightly feathered in front. The claws are very long and pointed. Four outer 
 quills are incised on the inner webs. Sexes, not similar in color. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 EOSTKHAMUS SOCIABILIS. 
 
 Everglade Kite. 
 Rostrhamus sociabilis BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 32. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Sternum, rather stout, with the marginal indentations varying with 
 age. Tongue, short, not very fleshy, and about the same width for nearly its entire length, then abruptly rounded but not 
 bifid. Bill and claws, long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, including upper wing coverts, sides of head, and upper throat, dull hlack, tinged with 
 pale bluish-ash, which is brightest on the back of the head and upper neck. Upper wing coverts, shoulders, and scapula- 
 ries, overwashed with reddish-brown. Upper and under tail coverts, white. Wings, black, edged on the outer webs of 
 secondaries and tertiaries with rufous. Tail, black, with the basal portion of one half the four outer, and two thirds of the 
 remaining, feathers, white, and all the feathers are broadly tipped with reddish-brown, while a band of the same color pre- 
 cedes the basal white above.. Under portion of wings and tail, whitish. Beneath, including under wing coverts and tibia, 
 dark-brown, becoming reddish on the latter. Cere, naked space before eye, commissure, base of lower mandible, and feet, 
 bright-orange, Claws and remainder of bill, black. 
 
 Adult female. Above, dark-brown, more or less tinged with ashy, with the feathers of the back and wing coverts edged 
 with rufous. Beneath, including under wing coverts and tibia, dark-brown, streaked and spotted with rufous. Narrow 
 band on the forehead, upper portion of throat, and under tail coverts, yellowish-white, with the shafts of the feathers of 
 the two former, black. Cere, etc., yellow. Otherwise as in the male. 
 
EVERGLADE KITE. 285 
 
 Young male. Similar to the adult female hut with the throat whiter and the stripe* on under surface lighter nnd a 
 littli' IT. iiider. Superciliary line, extending from base of bill to occiput, and spacemen sides of neck, aUo white. Cere, 
 dr., pair orange. Iris, ruhy-red in all sta: 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be but little variation in specimen^ of the same age and sex. Known from all other species which oc- 
 cur within our limit* by the long, curved bill and claws and by tin 1 colors as described. A skin of an adult female, from 
 tin 1 Smithsonian Collection (No, 53,081), taken in 1'ucnos Ay res, and kindly loaned by Prof. Haird, does not differ essen- 
 tially Irom Florida birds, excepting in Ix-in;;, prehaps, a little darker. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the 
 marshy sections of Middle and Southern Florida and in some portions of South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 AYemge measurement* of nude specimens from Southern Florida. Length, 17'00; stretch, 44*75; wing, 13-75: tail, 6-85; 
 bill, 1-00; tar-us, 1*85. 1. imen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 45-00; longest wing, 14'00; tail, 7*00, hill, 1'04; 
 
 tarsus '-''00. Shortest specimen, 10*00; smallest extent of wing, 44*25; shortest wing, 13*50; tail, 6'75; bill, '95; tarsus, 
 l-7r>. 
 
 AM- M," measurements of female specimens from S mthern Florida. Longth, 17*05; stretch, 45*30; wing, 14*25; tail, 
 7*80; bill, *93; tarsus, 1*65. L, in^e-tt spvi-n-M, 17-10; greatest extent of wing, 45*93; longest wing, 14'50; tail, 7*50; bill, 
 TIKI; tarsus, 1'SO. Shortest specimen, 17'0ll; smallest extent of wing, 41*75; shortest wing, 14*50; tail, 7*50; bill, *95; tar- 
 sus I '-13. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 Nests, placed in bashes. They are nut very bulky structures and are composed of sticks, twigs, weeds, etc., lined with 
 
 pMB. 
 
 I, one or two in nu-nber, rather oval infirm, bluish-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown 
 and urubcr <( varying shades. Dimensions from l*40x 1*55 to l*55x 1*76. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Everglades! Nearly every intelligent individual looks with interest on these 
 words, but to him who loves to study the works of Nature, they express volumes of untold 
 wonders; il)i- King has this section of Florida been an unknown land to the naturalist. Ow- 
 ing to (heir remote situation, but a few white men ever enter their limits; indeed, I will 
 venture to state that it would be difficult to find a hundred individuals who have stood 
 within their borders and few among this number would possess any great degree of intel- 
 ligence, while perhaps none would be students of Nature. I had long desired to see this 
 far- lamed spot and was, therefore, much pleased to find myself on the banks of the Miami 
 River and learn that this beautiful stream was one of the numerous thoroughfares used by 
 tin 1 Seminolcs in passing to and from their homes in Pi-i-o-kee, the Indian name for the 
 Everglades. 
 
 .Not long after our arrival, four of us entered a small dingey with the intention of 
 visiting these cxtcnsiA'e marshes. This attempt, however, proved unsuccessful, for we 
 were unable to stem the bwift current with the boat so heavily laden. 
 
 But a few days later, on the eigthteenth of February, accompanied only by a single 
 individual, I again made the attempt. We started early in the morning and rowed up 
 the winding river, the margins of which were bordered for some distance with mangroves. 
 Leaving these, we came into a more open country and caught sight of the pine barrens. 
 Still we pushed onward, passed the only houses, or rather shanties, that disgrace the bank, 
 and entered the unbroken wilderness beyond. The river's edges were now overhung by a 
 dense growth of flowering shrubs from which rose an occasional palmetto that hung its 
 
286 ROSTRHAMUS SOCJAB1L1S. 
 
 graceful fronds high in air, while here and there a dead live-oak stretched its whitened 
 arms over the stream, and these leafless branches were chosen by the Anhingas as perches. 
 Here they sat in silence, moving their long, outstretched necks with graceful gesture, un- 
 til we approached almost within gun-shot, when they rose and flew quickly up-stream. 
 Large water oaks also overhung the river with their evergreen foliage thickened with nu- 
 merous parasitic plants and creepers which grew upon the huge brandies or twined in 
 graceful festoons over them. These secluded places were the chosen retreats of the Yellow- 
 crowned Night Herons which, as we drew near, rose in flocks, with discordant screams, 
 and followed in the wake of the Anhingas. Small companies of White Ibis flew swiftly 
 over, and high above us, on motionless wings, circled an Osprey, ever drawing nearer the 
 head of the river. Several Kingfishers dashed past, rattling merrily as they flew to their 
 fishing grounds above. 
 
 The stream, however, grew narrower and the current very rapid, but everything 
 seemed to invite us onward and, by redoubling our efforts, we were enabled to proceed 
 slowly. After a row of six miles, we reached the foot of some rapids. This declivity was 
 quite abrupt, with steep, rocky sides, and the water rushed down in a furious manner. 
 Stimulated by the thought that the unexplored region was beyond, we concluded to attempt 
 the difficult passage and landed on the rocky bank which was destitute of vegetation for 
 some feet from the water and, by means of the painter, I drew the boat slowly up the 
 foaming river, while my companion kept it off the rocks with an oar. In this laborious 
 msinner, we advanced for several hundred yards, passing a few tributary torrents, and at 
 last reached the top and launched our boat on the quiet waters of the Everglades. 
 
 Our earliest recollections of this famous locality were taken from engravings by artists 
 whose pencils were prompted solely by the imagination. These pictures represented a 
 gloomy swamp overhung with dark-leaved cypress, the roots of which were submerged in 
 black and slimy Avater. In these sombre retreats, amid rank and noxious weeds, crawled 
 great alligators and clammy serpents, fit inhabitants of this dismal region, the silence of 
 which was described as being unbroken save by the harsh cry of the Heron or the hoot of 
 an Owl. 
 
 But a far different scene met our gaze as we emerged from the canon and glided 
 smoothly over the bright and sunlit waters. Directly in front lay an immense plain of saw- 
 grass, which the fresh breeze caused to rise and fall in huge emerald billows. This sea 
 of verdure was bounded on the west by some distant islands, while on either hand appeared 
 rich and fertile hummocks covered with a very thick growth of lovely trees and shrubs. 
 Our ears were greeted with the familiar song of the Red-winged Blackbird, a Blue Heron 
 sprang chattering briskly from the margin of the stream, and flocks of snowy-plumaged 
 Ibis rose from the grass, Aahingas and Cormorants darted through the clear air, while the 
 marshes resounded with the musical pipings of thousands of frogs. 
 
 We pushed onward through this picturesque scene for nearly a mile, over waters 
 teeming with fishes of varied hues; then the stream narrowed and we paused for a time be- 
 fore turning back. While here, our attention was attracted by a bird that resembled a 
 Marsh Hawk, sailing low down over the grass and, as it approached us, we perceived that 
 
EVERGLADE KITE. 287 
 
 it hold :i round object in its talons. It drew nearer and finally settled on a magnolia bush 
 a few rods away, when I saw that it was a bird that was new to me :md I instantly shot 
 at it, but without effect. It rose and flew away and I anxiously watched it as it hawked 
 about the marsh after the manner of our common Harrier. Then it dropped upon some- 
 thing and returned to its former perch with its prey which was a round object, similar to 
 the first, when I once more fired, but only succeeded in loosening a few feathers, for the 
 bird got up leisurely and went in search of more game, apparently unharmed. It soon 
 returned again but was shy of the bush and would not settle; thus I was obliged to shoot 
 at it on (lie wing but unaccountably missed it a third time. Thinking, no doubt that we 
 were in earnest, it then flow away and did not return, although we waited a long time for 
 it. We then turned homeward, somewhat disappointed, darted down the rapids with the 
 speed of an arrow, and readied the bottom without accident. As I had seen but a single 
 Kite, 1 concluded that some accident had brought it to the Everglades at that time and 
 that I should sec no more of it. This hypothesis was, in a measure confirmed by my vis- 
 iting the locality afterward without seeing it. 
 
 On the first of March, I entered the Everglades accompanied by Mr. Ilenshaw; then 
 we were in search of Anhingas and, as they were very shy and difficult to procure, I con- 
 cluded to use stratogem to obtain a shot at them. Therefore my companion landed me in 
 a small cypress island to the right of the main stream, where I concealed myself beneath 
 a tree that was thickly hung with long streamers of Spanish moss. JVIy companion then 
 rowed up the river for the purpose of driving the Snake Birds down, and as they were ac- 
 customed to alight on the trees on the island they would be within range of my gun. Af- 
 ter a time, several came down as expected, and I had killed one, when I heard the report 
 of my friend's gun. I was wondering what he had killed, when he appeared with a beam- 
 ing countenance. 
 
 He pushed the prow of the skiff into the reeds that grew at my feet, and in reply 
 to my question, "What have yen got'/" held up a Kite that I recognized at once as the 
 same species that I had vainly endeavored to obtain upon a former visit to this place. It 
 was an adult male and Mr. Ilenshaw stated that he had seen another. Upon hearing this, 
 the Anhingas were forgotten and leaping into the boat, we pushed olf. As we approached 
 the spot where I had seen the bird before we perceived one sitting on a bush. By care- 
 fully pushing along the marshy banks of (he tortuous stream under cover of the high grass, 
 we came within gun-shot, and a second Kite was giving its death struggle in the top of 
 the bush. Just at this moment we saw another coming, and its attention being attracted 
 by the motions of the one already shot, it hovered over it a moment, then as it received a 
 charge of shot, sailed gracefully downward and fell in the dense grass only a short distance 
 from us. 
 
 I immediately left the boat, entered the grass, sinking to my knees in water and thus 
 easily secured the first Kite that proved to be another adult male. The second required a 
 longer search, and I experienced considerable difficulty in making my way through the 
 deii-e M-rowth of grass upon such an insecure footing, for the bottom was not only submerged 
 but also quite spongy. After a time, however, I found the Kite, and was turniii" to 
 
288 ROSTRHAMUS SOCIAB1L1S. 
 
 go back, when I discovered a partly completed nest a short distance from me, that was 
 without doubt owned by one of the birds just killed. It was small, flat in form, composed 
 of sticks somewhat carelessly arranged, and was placed on the top of the grass which sup- 
 ported it and which grew so luxuriantly at this point that it bore me up as I was endeavor- 
 ing to reach the nest. Although disappointed at not obtaining eggs, we were much pleased 
 at having procured three birds, the last of which proved to be a young male. 
 
 The twenty fourth of March found Mr. Henshaw and myself once more in the Ever- 
 glades, searching for Kites. We had killed two males and a female, when upon picking up 
 the latter, I found that she was incubating. Before shooting her she had behaved strange- 
 ly, and I was certain that she had eggs near, therefore I commenced a long, systematic 
 search, during which time I was obliged to exercise great caution to avoid treading upon 
 water moccasins, for they were very abundant, but at last I discovered the nest in a mag- 
 nolia bush. It was placed about four feet from the water, was quite flat, about a foot in 
 diameter, was composed of sticks quite carelessly arranged, lined with a few dry heads of 
 saw-grass, and contained one egg. Upon dissecting the female we found an egg just ready 
 to be laid, but unspotted, being blue in color throughout. 
 
 Previous to this time we had become acquainted with the Seminolcs. The knowl- 
 edge which these people possess of Natural History is surprising, inasmuch as they prob- 
 ably never saw a naturalist, and if they had would not have learned much from him, for 
 they speak but little English. Among those particularly noticeable was Tiger Tail, the 
 son of a renowned chief of the same name who so bravely withstood the whites during the 
 last Seminole wars. Tiger, as we familiarly called him, was a stalwart, finely formed man, 
 about thirty years of age, with a handsome, expressive countenance, and bright, intelli- 
 gent looking eyes. Besides being a man of influence in his tribe he was a fine hunter, and 
 his wigwam never lacked venison. He not only knew the different mammals of the coun- 
 try, but also readily distinguished and named the various species of birds that we showed 
 him. Every one, excepting a few of the smaller Warblers that only winter in Florida, 
 had its Seminole name. Even insects were known by particular appellations, and Tiger 
 has frequently showed me the chrysalis of some butterfly or moth and afterwards pointed 
 out, in my collection, the species that came from it. 
 
 The Everglade Kite was at once recognized as So-for-fun-i-car, and its place of res- 
 idence said to be Pi-i-o-kee. We explained to Tiger that we were anxious to procure 
 So-for-fun-i-car sos-ta-kar (Kites' eggs) and he promised to look out for them. The oth- 
 er Indians, who visited us and exhibited much interest in our pursuits were also made to 
 understand that we wanted eggs. 
 
 After discovering the nest, as narrated, we were slowly returning homewards, when 
 we perceived a Black-necked Stilt standing on the margin of the river, near the rapids. 
 We shot at it and as the report of our guns rang out we heard the friendly whoop of an In- 
 dian. We were accustomed to this cry and immediately answered it, then turning in the 
 direction from whence the sound came we saw a canoe containing the lithe form of a Sem- 
 inole glide out from a neighboring cypress swamp and as he came rapidly toward us we 
 recognized Billy, a son-in-law of the old chief Ellick. When he came near enough for us 
 
EVERGLADE KITE. 289 
 
 to discern his face, we saw that he h:id something to tell. He pushed up and we exchanged 
 the usual salutations. After this, I showed him our precious nest and egg and explained 
 where we had found them; then asked if he could procure any like them. lie listened 
 gravely until I had finished and then said simply, "Me got urn." "What!" we both ex- 
 claimed. "So-for-fmi-i-kar sos-ta-kar," he quietly answered. "Where?" we asked. Bil- 
 ly saiil nothing hut led the way to the how of his canoe and pointed to an old tin dipper. 
 We looked into it and saw two Everglade Kites' eggs lying on the bottom. It may be as- 
 sumed that I was not long in transferring them to a much safer place, while my companion 
 gave vent to his delight in some whoops and a dance which caused the Indian to gaze at 
 him in speechless admiration. Billy said that he found the eggs in a nest built in a. bush. 
 The next day, Tiger also brought me two eggs from a nest which was built in a similar 
 situation. 
 
 I think two eggs are the usual number laid by this bird, for in three instances, no 
 more were found and, in the last eggs, the embryos were considerably advanced; I also 
 questioned the Indians concerning it and they said that two were all that the bird ever 
 laid. The Everglade Kites appear to be very irregular in the time of depositing their eggs, 
 as may be seen by the preceding account. This species is, unlike most other Kites and 
 Hawks, very sociable in its habits and I have frequently seen six or eight specimens, at 
 one time, (lying over the marshes in company or sitting together on the bushes. In flight, 
 they resemble the common Marsh Hawk and, as they arc unsuspicious, they may be ap- 
 proached quite readily. 
 
 1 have remarked that the first Ever-lade Kite I saw, was carrying a round object in 
 its talons, and afterwards, I frequently saw others doing the same thing. What these ob- 
 jects were was explained upon dissecting the specimens taken, for all their stomachs con- 
 tained the animal of a species of fresh-water shell. This shell (Pomus dcpressa of Say) 
 which was, only a few years ago, considered quite rare, appears to be restricted to the 
 fresh waters of Florida, where it abounds. It is round in form, about two inches in diam- 
 eter, and dark, glossy green in color. I observed empty shells floating on the waters of 
 the Everglades, long before I had the slightest idea that they were cleaned by the Kites, 
 but after I dissected the birds, T searched around the bushes where they roosted and found 
 the shells scattered about quite abundantly. The Indians call it Shal-ly-bung-kar. Short- 
 ly after our first visit to the Everglades, bunches of eggs, about the size of those of the 
 Humming Bird, bean to appear on the stalks of the saw-grass. They increased in num- 
 ber rapidly until there were millions of them. I could not imagine what they were until 
 Tiger informed me that they were Shal-ly-bung-kar sos-ta-kar (Pomus dcpressa eggs.) 
 
 Although the Kites subsisted entirely upon the animals contained in these shells and 
 appeared to find them readily, I never saw a single living specimen. I have, however, 
 found them on the Indian Hunting Grounds, when freshly killed by a fire which spread 
 over a drier portion of the (Hades. The talons of the Everglade Kite are curved just 
 enough to grasp the shell readily and its long, abruptly curved upper mandible is peculiarly 
 fitted lor removing the animal and it is not uncommon to find specimens of the shell with 
 a hole punched in the side by this hook. I have never met with this bird, except on the 
 
 37 
 
290 NA UCLERUS FORFJCATUS. 
 
 marshes of the Everglades, where it resides throughout the year, but it also occurs in all 
 the fresh water marshes of Middle and Southern Florida. 
 
 GENUS III. NAUCLERUS. THE FORK-TAILED KITES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, short, well curved, with the cuttiny edye of upper mandible not lobed. Tarsus, not long and nearly nak- 
 ed. Tail, very deeply emaryinate, exceeding in length one half the length of the wings which, are considerably elonyated. 
 There is no ruff on the face. 
 
 Members of this genus have no ruff, or facial disk, nor are the ear cavities strikingly large. The leg is short and the 
 tarsus is nailed to the heel behind, but is slightly feathered in front. The claws are quite short but pointed. Only one 
 outer quill is noticeably incised on the inner webs. 
 
 The trachea is flattened throughout. The sterno-trachealis is short, having its origin about '25 from the larynx, and 
 there is aslender bronchialis extending overallthe halfrings, but there are no other laryngaal muscles. The tympaniform 
 membrane is present and although there is a thin os transversale, it does not support a semilunar membrane. The walls 
 of the oesophagus are thin; this is at first nearly straight, but is not dilated into a crop, thus forming a striking exception to 
 the rule among bird* of this order. It opens into a rather small proventriculus with simple, oval glands arranged in a zon- 
 ular band which measures I'OO vaforficatus, from which this and the following dimensions were taken. The stomach is 
 of a large size, somewhat globular in form, with thin hut soft walls, and is lined with a soft membrane. The fold c.f the 
 duodenum is long, measuring 3'00, inclosing a narrow pancreas which extends its entire length. There are no traces 
 whatever of any cooca on either side of the intestine. The spleen is an elliptical body lying directly on the proventriculus. 
 Both lobes of the liver are short and thick, hut the left is larger than the right. The heart is large and not very pointed. 
 Sexes, similar in color. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 NAUCLERUS FORFICATUS. 
 
 Swallow -tailed Kite. 
 NauderusforficMus RIDCW., B. B. R., N. A. Birds, IH; 1874, 192. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Sternum, rather stont, with the marginal indentations varying with 
 age. Tongue, short, not very fleshy, and about the same width for nearly its entire length, then gradually rounded and bi- 
 fid. Bill, rather short. Feet, comparatively weak, with short claws. Tail, very deeply forked, the outer being nearly 
 twice the length of the middle. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Head and neck all around, under portions, including under wing coverts, under tail covert?, and tib- 
 ia, middle of back, basal portion of a large part of tertiaries and of a small part of secondaries, white, with the shafts of the 
 feathers on the head, neck, and breast, black. Remainder of upper portions, including wings, upper tail coverts, and tail, 
 black, glossed with green. 
 
 Young, Similar to the adult but somewhat less green on the black above which is also a little duller, and the tail is 
 not as long. 
 
 Nestlings. Are at first covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill, black, 
 cere, green, eyes, dark-brown, feet, light-blue, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be but little variation in specimens of the same age. Known from all other species which occur with- 
 in our limits by the long, very deeply forked tail and by the colors as described. Distributed, as a summer resident, 
 throughout the Southern States, north to Virginia. Rare in the Middle States and accidental in Western Massachusetts. 
 Winters in Central and South America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimen^ from Southern United States. Length, 22-00; stretch, 46'00; wing, 15'00; tail, 
 12-50: bill, 1-00; tarsus, 1-10. Longest specimen, '23-00; greatest extent of wing, 47-00; longest wing, IC'OO; tail, 13 00; 
 bill, l''J5; tarsus, 1-20. Shortest specimen, 21'00; smallest extent of wing, 45-00; shortest wing, 14'00; tail, 12'00; bill, MO; 
 tarsus, 1-15. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Southern United States. Length, 24'50; stretch, 51-00; wing, IG'OO; 
 tail, 13-00; bill, TOO; tarsus, Mo. Longest specimen, 25'50; greatest extentof wing, 5T50; longest wing, 17-00; tail, 1-VOO; 
 bill, 1-25; tarsus, 1'35. Shortest specimen, 23-53; smallest extent of wing, SO'OO; shortest wing, 15'00; tail, 12'00; bill, MO; 
 tarsus, 1-20. 
 
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 291 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NEST'S AND EGGS. 
 
 Nesti, placed in high trees. They are m.t UTY bulky strurturrs and are composed of sticks, twigs, and Spanish moss, 
 lined with wi-oiN. 2i-.i<. etc. 
 
 t, ('our to six in number, rather oval in form, white or crivnMi-white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly 
 witli brown and uuiber of varying shades. Dimension-; from l'48x T87 to l'50x I'DO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 About the first week in April, in the more southern portions of Florida, and a little 
 later in the more northern sections, quantities of Swallow-tailed Kites may be seen cours- 
 ing through the air. They come like the Swallows; first a solitary individual appears, then 
 a few mure, until, at length, they arc to be seen in all directions, often in companies of a 
 dozen or more. It is, perhaps, difficult to find more graceful birds on the wing than these 
 Kites and their elegant aerial gyrations do not fail to attract the attention of even the cas- 
 ual observer. Not only in migrating do they resemble the Swallows but, as their name 
 implies, in form, and also in flight; for they circle high over head, at such a giddy height 
 that they appear like mere specks against the blue sky, when their long, broadly expanded 
 tail is scarcely visible; then something below attracts their attention, so down they come, 
 only to glide smoothly and swiftly over the tree tops. Their flight, when near the surface 
 of the ground, is particularly noticeable, for although they move in a sinuous course and 
 frequently double upon their tracks, all these evolutions are performed with a graceful ease 
 which is seldom excelled by other birds. They have' an object in thus traversing about, 
 over the tops of the shrubbery, for they maybe observed to swoop suddenly downward, 
 pause a moment, almost on the ground, then mount quickly upward, bearing a writhing 
 snake in their talons. This they eat as they fly, bending the head downward to secure 
 each mouthful; thus devouring the entire reptile quite leisurely while sailing quietly about 
 in ever broadening circles, until the meal is finished. 
 
 The Swallow-tailed Kites appear to spend the greater portion of their time upon the 
 wing and even when gathering material for the nest, they do not alight but fly through 
 the trees ami pluck off twigs or pick up bunches of Spanish moss. They present a sin- 
 gular appearance when carrying this latter named material which, in Florida, is largely 
 used in the composition of the nest, and I once saw one with such along piece that it trailed, 
 for at least two yards, behind the Kite as she flew swiftly through the air. 
 
 Nest building, with these beautiful Kites, begins, in Florida, about the first week in 
 May and the domiciles are placed in the tops of high pines or oaks which grow in situations 
 remote from settlements; thus the eggs are quite rare in collections. The young make 
 their appearance in due course, arc carefully reared by their parents, and in early autumn, 
 they all depart for the South, passing quite out of the country to spend the winter in the 
 Tropics. 
 
 GENTS IV. KTIMA. THE PRAIRIE KITES. 
 
 GKN. Cu. BUI, short, broad, well curved, with the citttiny cily nfvjiprr manili/ile, lobcd. Tarsus, not Ion// and nearly 
 nakfd. Tail, sjuare and s/iyhtly emaryinate, not exceeding in lenyth one half the lenyth of the winys which arc considerably 
 thnyated. There is no ruff on the face. 
 
292 1CT1NIA M1SSISSIPP1ENSIS. 
 
 Members of this genus have no vuff, or f:\eial disk, nor are tlie car cavities strikingly large. The leg is sliort and the 
 tarsus is naked to the heel behind, but is sligV.ly f vitlierod ia f.-ont. Tiis claws are quite short but pointed. Only two 
 outer quills arc noticeably incised on the inner wo'/-;. 
 
 Tho trachea is much flattened throughout. The sterno-trachealis is short, having its origin about '25 from the larynx, 
 and them is a slender hroncltialis extending over all the half rings, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. . The tympan- 
 iform membrane is present and although there is a thin os transversal. 1 , it dues not support a semilunar m;-mhi--.ui<'. The 
 walls of the oesophagus are thin; this is at first nearly straight, and is diluted into a crop, then is again straight ;in I 
 into a rather small proventriculus with simple, oval jrlands arranged in :i zonular band which measures 1-50 in Mississippi- 
 ensis, from which this and the following dimensions were taken. The stomach is of a medium si/c. somewhat globular 
 in form, with thin but soft walls, and is lined with a soft membrane. The fold of the duodenum is l;>ng, measuring 3 00, 
 inclosing a narrow pancreas which extends its entire length. The coeca are present but are small. The spleen is an ellip- 
 tical body lying directly on the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liver are .short and thick. The heart is large and not 
 very pointed. Sexes, similar in color. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ICTINTA MISSISSIPPIEWSIS. 
 
 Mississippi Kite. 
 Ictinia Mississippiensis Wilson, Am. Orn., Ill; 1811, 80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Sternum, rather stout, with the marginal indentations varying with 
 age. Tongue, short, not very fleshy, and about the same width for nearly its entire length, then gradually rounded and bi- 
 fid. Tail, square and slightly emarginate. Wings, very long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Head and neck all around, under portions, including under wing coverts, under tail coverts, and tib- 
 ia, dark bluish-ash. Remainder -of upper portions, including wings, upper tail coverts, and tail, black, glossed with green. 
 There is a longitudinal stripe extending over the middle portion of each primary, occupying the whole of the inner web and 
 part of the outer, of bright chestnut. The tips of the secondaries are ashy-white. Lores and the narrow ring aroui 
 black. 
 
 Youny. Mixed with dull rufous and white above. Hoad and under parts, yellowish-white, with longitudinal stripes 
 of reddish-brown, which are darker and.more numerous on the head, and brighter and broader on the abdomen. 
 
 Nestlings. Are at first covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill and 
 cere, bluish, iris, ruby-red, fe.et, orange, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be but little variation in specimens of the same age. Known from all other species which occur with- 
 in our limits by the square tail, taken in connection with the peculiar, bright chestnut markings on the primaries, and the 
 other colors as describad. Distribute 1, as a comnim summer resident, u.> the Mississippi Valley as far as Southern Illi- 
 nois. Rare in Florida and other Eastern Southern States, north as far as South Carolina. Winters in Central and South 
 America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Southern United States. Length, 14-00; stretch, 36-00; wing, H'OO; tail, 
 0-00; bill, -05; tarsus, 1'75. Longest spaeimen, 14-50; greatest extent of wing, 35-50; longest wing, 11-50; tail, li-50; bill, 
 100; tarsus, 1 80. Shortest specimen, 13'CO; smallest extent of wing, 35'00; shortest wing, 10-50; tail, 5 50; bill, '85; tar- 
 sus, 1-fiO. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Southern United States. Length, 15-00; stretch, 35'00; wing, 11-50; 
 tail, 6'50; bill, TOO; tarsus, 1'85. Longest specimen, 15 50; greatest extent of wing, 36'75; longest wing, 11-60; tail, 7'0<); 
 bill, 1-10; tarsus, 1'95. Shortest specimen, 14'50; smallest extent of wing, 35'50; shortest wing, 11'40; tail, 6'00; bill, '95; 
 tarsus, T80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. They are composed of sticks, carelessly arranged, intermingled with bunches of Spanish moss 
 and lined with strips of bark and leaves. 
 
 //</', two or thres in number, rather spherical in form, greenish-white in color, thickly spotted and blotched with deep 
 chocolate-brown and black. Dimensions from 1-30 x 1'50 to 1-32x1-52. 
 
PL ATE XXV. 
 
 
ELANVS LEUCURUS. 293 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Mississippi Kites arc, with the exception of one other species, the only members 
 of the present order, which I have not seen living. This is, perhaps, partly due to acci- 
 dent but is probably attributable to the fact that the birds are quite rare and only inhabit 
 a limited urea of the section over which I have collected. Which ever way it is, however, 
 J have never seen, as before stated, a living specimen and therefore, the remarks which I 
 now make upon their habits, must be brief. 
 
 Mr. Ridgway informs me that he found these Kites not uncommon on the prairies of 
 Southern Illinois; indeed, this bird appears to be restricted to the more open sections of 
 the country, avoiding the heavily wooded districts. As intimated, the Mississippi Kites 
 are rare east of the valley from which they take their name but Mr. Charles Nauman writes 
 me that he lias seen the species once in Florida, while Audubon and more recent authors 
 state that they occur in the Carolinas. According to Audubon, these birds make their ap- 
 pearance in Louisiana about the middle of April, breed early in May, the young leave the 
 nest in July, and, accompanied by their parents, depart for the Tropics by the fifteenth of 
 A.ugust. 
 
 GENUS V. ELANDS. THE WHITE-TAILED KITES. 
 
 (I;.v. Cn. Bill, short, writ curved, with the cutting edye of the upper mandibli sliyhlly lobed. Tail, rounded and sHylit- 
 Jy rniri;inate, not exceeding in knyth one half the Itnyth of the winys which are quite lony. There is no ruff whatever on 
 tin J 
 
 Members of this genus usually have the colors very light with the tail white. The tarsus is short and naked to the 
 ad, 1'iit N feathered in front for half its length. The toes arc short and thick but the claws are well curved and 
 pointed. Only two outer quills are incised on the inner webs. Sexes similar in color. There is but one species within 
 our limits. 
 
 ELANUS LETTCTJRUS. 
 
 Black-shouldered Kite. 
 
 Elanus leucurus VIKILL., Nouv. Diet., XX; 1818, 563. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Bill, short. Feet, comparatively stout, with short claws. Tail, not 
 very i 
 
 :it. Adult. Head and neck all around, under portions, including under wing coverts, under tail covert", nnd tib- 
 ia, v. Tul, white, with the two central feathers ashy-gray. Remainder i f 
 
 n4, inclu ling wings an 1 upper tail e >verts, ashy-gray. 
 Youny. Simil rwas!ied with brownish above. The wing coverts are tipped with white and the 
 
 .-iderably duller. 
 
 inys. Are at lir-t roverul with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill, blue!;, 
 cere and feet, yellow, iris bright ruby, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There appears to be but little variation in specimen* of the same age. Known from all other species which occur with- 
 in our limit* by the white tail, black shoulders, and general light tints. Distributed, as a summer resident, up the Miss- 
 >i Valley as iUr ns Southern Illinois. A rare resident in Florida and other Eastern Southern States, north as iUr in 
 Carolina. 
 
294 BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of mnle specimens from Southern United States. Length, I5'50; stretch, 39-50; wing, 1-2-50: tail, 
 7-50; hill, '95; tarsus, 1-25. Longest specimen, 16-00; greatest extent of wing, 40'00; longest wing, 13-00; tail, 7 75, bill, 
 1 CO; tarsus, 1'30. Shortest specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wing, 39'00; shortest wing, ld'00; tail, 7'00, bill, '90; tar- 
 sus, 1-20. 
 
 Average measurements of fsmale specimens from Southern United States. Length, 10-00; stretch, 41'00; wing, 13-00; 
 tail, 7'75; bill, 1-05; tarsus, 1-35. Longest specimen, IG'50; greatest extent of wing, 41'SO; longest wing, 13 50; tail, 8'00; 
 bill, 1 ; 10; tarsus, 1-40. Shortest specimen, 15'50; smallest extent of wing, 30-00; shortest wing, 12-50; tail, 7-50; bill, I'OO; 
 tarsus, 1-30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in low trees. They are not very bulky structures and are composed of sticks and twigs, lined with weeds, 
 grass, etc. 
 
 Eyys, four to six in number, rather spherical in firm, white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown and 
 umber of varying shades. Dimensions from T62x T44 to l'G4x T48. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The White-tailed Kite is probably one cf the rarest of the order in the section of which 
 I write and I never had the goon fortune to meet with one. The first specimen that was 
 ever noticed by ornithologists in North America, was obtained by Mr. Titian Peale, in East 
 Florida, many years ago. Yet few, if any, have been taken there since; indeed, only one 
 instance has come to my knowledge of it having been observed there, and in this instance, 
 a specimen was seen on or near the upper St. John's River by my correspondent, Mr. 
 Charles Nauman. Audubon makes record of it having been occasionally seen in the East- 
 ern portion of South Carolina but no one appears to have found it at all common cast of the 
 Mississippi River, although it is not uncommon in Texas, where it may, perhaps, spend 
 the winter. 
 
 The White-tailed Kites did breed in South Carolina, for Audubon says that some nests 
 were taken early in March, from low trees which grew on the banks cf the Santce River. 
 Very few eggs, however, have been obtained and consequently they are very rare in col- 
 lections. This early time of nesting would indicate that this bird is constantly resident 
 in the more southern sections but is, without doubt, migratory when it occurs much fur- 
 ther north. 
 
 FAMLY II. FALCONID^. THE FALCONS. 
 
 The sternum does not equal in width the length cf the coracoids but the scapular process 
 of the latter meets thefurcula. Marginal indentations, two, inclosed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by a single genus, as I restrict it. The 
 manubrium is moderately well developed but is not forked. The furcula is stout, much 
 flattened by lateral expansion, wide and thick near the base which is rounded but not pro- 
 duced into a point. The terminal expansion is small but the furcula near it is not con- 
 tracted nor furrowed and is only bent downward to a point at about two thirds the height 
 of the keel. The marginal indentations, although varying in size with age, are always 
 inclosed. 
 
FALCO SPAKVERWS. 295 
 
 GENUS I. FALCO. THE TRUE FALCONS. 
 
 CKN. CM. Bill, short, broad, well run--'//, with the ruttiny rtlt/c of upper mandible, distinctly toothed, and the, lower, 
 notshal. Tarsus, not /tint/ tint/ m-arly naktd. Tail, sliyhtly roundrd, not txcecdinyin lenylh one half the lenijlh of the winys 
 v/iiiti fin fon.iiiti raltly elonyalrd and pointed. Nostril, irith central lulu n/r. 
 
 Members c I this genus have tin 1 leg -hort, anil the tarsus is usually naked to the heel behind, but is slightly feathered 
 in front. Tin- ten's are long and the claws are quite short but pointed. Only oneortwo outer quills are noticeably incised 
 on the inner web. 
 
 The traehra is n little flattened throughout. The sterno-traehealis i -.hurt nnd stout, having it*! origin quite near the 
 larynx, and there is a slender bronehialis extending over all the half rings, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The 
 tympaniform membrane i< present anil although there is a thin os transversale, it does not support a scmilunar membrane. 
 The walls () f [he esophagus are thin: this is at first nearly straight, then is dilated into a crop, nnd is again straight and 
 opens into :\ rather large proventrieulus with numerous small, simple, oval glands arranged in azonular band which meas- 
 ures -70 in colvmbarwt, from which this nnd the following dimensions were taken. The stomach is of a rather small size, 
 
 "v!:at globular in form, with thin but soft walls, and is lined with a soft membrane. The fold of the duodenum is long, 
 measuring 3 '00, inclosing an irregularly formed pancreas which only extends about one half its entire length. The coeca, 
 when pre-ent, are very small. The spleen is an elliptieal body lying on or near the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liv- 
 er arc short, thick, and nearly equal in size. The heart is large and not very pointed. There are four species within our 
 limits. 
 
 FALCO SPARVERIUS. 
 
 Sparrow Hawk. 
 Falco sparverius Lix.v., Syst. Nat., I; 176, 128. 
 
 DESC1U1T10N. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Sternum, stout, with the marginal indentations quite large. Tongue, 
 short, not very fleshy, and about the same width for nearly its entire length, then rounded, bifid, and grooved beneath. Tail, 
 considerably rounded. Wings, with two outer quills incised. Tarsus, slightly feathered in front. There are no traces of 
 any diva. 
 
 OR. Adult male. Top of head, upper wing coverts, and secondaries, bluish-ash, with the two latter more or less 
 spotted and barred with black, which usually extends over the middle of the secondaries. Back, rump, upper tail coverts, 
 and basal portion < f tail, excepting outer welts of outer feathers, bright cinnamon. Tip of tail, outer web of outer feather, 
 and sometimes the entire feather, white, with a subterminal band of varying width, extending across the entire tad, and 
 bandings on outer feather, black. Primaries, dark-brown, barred on the inner webs with white. Throat and sides of 
 
 i. white, the latter having two black spots, one in front of the ear coverts, nearly reaching the eye, and the other back 
 
 of them. There is a narrow line of black crossing the occiput, and the back is more or less banded with it. Under wing 
 
 ts, white, barred and spotted with black. Remainder of under parts, including under tail coverts and tibia, white, 
 
 ovenva-hed. to a greater or less extent, with cinnam >n, -j">ned on the sides, and flanks with black. The top of the head 
 
 is marked with a spot of cinnamon. 
 
 At/u/l female. Similar to the male in general coloration but lack the bluish-ash of the upper wing coverts and sec- 
 ond: : are pale einnamon, barred with black, and these markings extend over the back and tail. The tints below 
 are paler, a iked, excepting on the throat, under tail coverts, and tibia, with reddish-brown. 
 
 Youny. Quito similar to the feiualo but are more finely barred above and these markings extend over the rump nnd 
 npper tail coverts. 
 
 Xi-fllinys. Are at first covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill, black, 
 blue at base, cere and feet, orange, iris brown, in all si; 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are, perhaps, few birds which show a greater amount of variation in markings than the present species. This 
 Me in the males. Two specimens, shot in Southern Florida, present the extremes; one being nearly 
 white on t he under portions, and the other, deep-cirnnmi n even en the under fail coverts and tibia. Thedarkonc has but 
 little einnamon on the head yet the whiter specimen lias this color extending overa greater part of the crown. > 
 the bluish-ash of the win:;- is extended on to the back and in a skin from Miami, this tint crops out in patches on the upper 
 tail covens and tail. Notwithstanding these variations, this species may lie at once known by the cinnamon-red and < 
 
 lied. Di-tril'uud, as a ran It nt, throughout North America. A constant resident south ' i'M;>- 
 
 achusftts, w here they are not as large as those from further north. 
 
296 SPARRO W HA WK. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern United States. Length, S'70; stretch, 20-75; wing,tf'75; tail, 
 4-00; bill, -50; tarsus, 1'25. Longest specimen, 10'25; greatest extent of wing, 22'00; longest wing, 7'25; tail. 4 75, bill, 
 fiO; tarsus, 1'30. Shortest specimen, 9' 10; smallest extent of wing, l'J'50; shortest wing, 6'25; tail, 3'25; bill, '40; tarsus, 
 1-15. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens frum Eisturn United States. Length, 10'15; stretch, 2T85; wing, 7'00; 
 tail, 4 50; bill, '50; tarsus, T27. Longest specimen, 11 25; greatest extent of wing, 22'75; Icngest wing, 7'50: tail, 5'00; 
 bill, -60; tarsus, 1'4D. Shortest specimen, 9' 10; smallest extent of wing, 2TOO; shortest wing, 6'50; tail, 4'00; bill, '40; 
 tarsus, I 1 15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, either natural cavities or the deserted holes of Woodpeckers; but little or no material is 
 used in constructing the nest. 
 
 .&/</, four to six in number, rather spherical or broadly oval in form, nshy-white or reddish in color, spotted, dotted, 
 and blotched, with reddish-brown, dark-chocolate, and occasionally with lilac, frequently so thickly as to obscure the 
 ground color. Dimensions from 1'OOx T25 to l'05x T35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the little Sparrow Hawks are quite common almost anywhere in Pennsyl- 
 vania and southward, I never found a locality where they were so abundant as about Mia- 
 mi in Southern Florida. They perfectly swarm here; in fact, it is not uncommon to see 
 twenty pairs in an hour's walk. In the North, they are very shy; indeed it was difficult to 
 procure spacimens at Jacksonville; but at Miami, I was quite surprised to find them as un- 
 suspicious as any of the small birds, for they would permit me to walk directly under them 
 as they sat on the low limb of a pine, not more than twenty feet above my head. This 
 tameness is, probably, largely due to the fact that, previous to my visit, they had never 
 been hunted but I could not help thinking that they were affected the by enervating climate 
 in which they lived. It is true, they had the same abrupt, rattling cry, so characteristic 
 of this species every-where, but this was given with less vim, the birds exhibiting but little 
 excitement when uttering it, as they usually sat on a branch, only occasionally jerking their 
 tails. Even this latter named movement, so noticeable in members of this species, was 
 seldom made; in fact, much of the almost startling energy usually displayed by the Spar- 
 row Hawks in the North, appears to have nearly deserted these inhabitants of the Sunny 
 South. 
 
 After all, the change in the birds is but comparative and the difference is not striok- 
 ing, for everything, in the almost perfect climate about Miami, is in keeping with quie- 
 tude and repose. Then, too, the Sparrow Hawks of Southern Florida, gain a livelihood 
 quite easily, for grasshoppers which form the greater part of their food, are very abundant 
 thoughout the year; so numerous, in short, that a Hawk may live, and live well, all its life 
 in an area of a few square rods, and it is extremely probable that many individuals pass 
 their entire lives within sight of the tree in which they were hatched. 
 
 Thus the history of a particular pair of Sparrow Hawks of Miami, is easily written. 
 When the first rays of the morning sun touches the tops of the huge, weather-beaten pine 
 that has greeted his appearance many thousand times, the happy pair awake, stretch them- 
 selves, give a cry or two, and take their breakfast of grasshoppers; they lunch lightly on 
 the same insects, arrange their feathers at their leisure, then watch the flocks of Warblers, 
 
FALCO COLUMBARWS. 297 
 
 Nuthatches, etc. that go trooping past; not with evil eye, however, for what do they want 
 with feathered bipeds? grasshoppers are more to their liking; so they dine heartily upon 
 thrin. After the noon-time siesta, it' it chances to he in the spring, they take a look at 
 the hole where, they have deposited their eggs for years past; then taking a short flight to 
 some neighboring stub, they sup upon grasshoppers and return to roost in the old tree. 
 This, without variation, is their lives: this, without variation, is their diet: a blue sky over- 
 head; gentle, refreshing bree/.es blowing across the green woodland; nothing to do but to 
 pick uii grasshoppers of which they appear never to tire. It is true that they can find 
 green grasshoppers and brown grasshoppers, grasshoppers with wings and wingless grass- 
 hoppers, bui still, as- far as any distinctive taste is concerned, there must be but little vari- 
 ation; yet to all appearances, the Hawks are satisfied, for I never saw one take any other 
 kind of food. 
 
 With the Sparrow Hawks in the bleak North, all this is quite dilferent; here they are 
 obliged to work for a living and, although insects form a part of their food, they do not, 
 in fact, cannot, subsist on this kind of diet alone; mice and other small mammals, little 
 birds, and even reptiles are obliged to contribute to their larder. Nor are these always 
 easily gained; thus it is not infrequent to see a Sparrow Hawk hovering over a field, sus- 
 pending himself on rapidly vibrating wings, and darting downward many times before his 
 hunger i.s fully appeased. 
 
 The Sparrow Hawks of Florida breed in the natural cavities of trees or in the desert- 
 ed holes of Woodpeckers, often in trees which are inhabited by these latter named birds, 
 and all live together upon good terms. The eggs are deposited by the middle of April, in 
 this section, ami a little later further north. The young leave the nest early in July and 
 ompany their parents for some time, then separate into pairs. These Hawks are rather 
 uncommon in Massachusetts, even in summer, and are quite rare in winter, for the great- 
 er part migrate south of us. 
 
 These little Hawks are quite gentle in confinement, when used well, making pretty as 
 well as interesting pets and several that I had, became so familiar as to perch on my fin- 
 ger in order to take food from my hand. 
 
 TALCO COLUMBARIUS. 
 
 Pigeon Hawk. 
 Falco columtarius LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 128. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 8n.Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. Sternum, stout, with the marginal indentations quite large. Tunnue. 
 short, tl.iek, quite lle-hy, about the same width for nearly its entire length, horny at tip, where it is rounded, bifid, and 
 i. Tail, moderately rounded. Wings, witli two outer quills incised. Tarsus, slightly feathered in front. 
 There HIT usually no traces, of any ceeca. 
 
 \dultmale. Above, including upper wing coverts, secondaries, and upper tail coverts, dark bluish-slate, 
 every feather having a narrow, central, longitudinal line of black. Primaries, black, tipped with ashy-white. Tail, light 
 Mui- i ly white on the inner web-; it is tipped with ashy-white and cro-sed l,y a wide subterininsd hand 
 
 of black, and a '-al other narrower bands ,,( the- i and th'.-oat, w hite. Hemainder of under 
 
 parls, including under wing coverts, under tail coverts, and tibia, pale buff, streaked with dark-brown. 
 
 38 
 
298 PIGEON HA WK. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male in general coloration but overwashed above, to a greater or less extent, with 
 brown, iind the markings below are broader and the tints darker. 
 
 Young. Differs from the adult female in having but little ashy ahove. The wings are barred on the inner webs with 
 reddish-white and there is a line of the same color extending over the eye. The tail is dark-brown, tipped with white, and 
 barred with reddish. 
 
 Youny of the year. Show no traces of ashy above, and the top of the head is overwashed with reddish, especially on 
 the forehead and occiput. The inner webs of the wings are barred with deep red and spotted on the outer with it, while 
 the markings below are a little broader. 
 
 Ncstlinys. Are at first covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill, black, 
 blue at base, cere and feet, yellow, iris brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is some variation in specimens of the same age, especially below, where the brown markings occasionally broad- 
 en out into transverse bands on the sides. The under tail coverts are sometimes itmnaculnte. ' Known from sparverius by 
 the superior size and absence of any cinnamon-red, and from communis by the inferior size, absence of any dark markings 
 on the sides of the head, and in having the two outer quills incised on the inner webs. Distributed, as a summer resident, 
 throughout North America, north of latitude 42, and in winter, south of this point, into South America and the We~t 
 Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern United States. Length, ll'SO; stretch, 23-75; wing, 7-75; tail, 
 5'15: bill, '55; tarsus, T40. Longest specimen, 12-00; greatest extent of wing, 2J-00; longest wing, 800; tail, 5'25; bill, 
 HO; tarsus, 1'50. Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 23-25; shortest wing, 7'50; tail, 5' 10; bill, '50; tarsus, 
 1-30. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Eastern L T nited States. Length, 12-00; stretch, 25'25; wing, 8-25; 
 tail, 5'50; bill, '70; tarsus, 1'45. Longest specimen, 12'50; greatest extent of wing, 26-50; longest wing, 8-50; tail, 5'70; 
 bill, '80; tarsus, T55. Shortest specimen, lt'25; smallest extent of wing, 24-00; shortest wing, 8-00; tail, 5'10; bill, '00; 
 tarsus, 1-35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nesls, placed on rocky cliffs, on the branches, or in holes, of trees. They are composed of sticks and grass, lined with 
 feathers. 
 
 Eggs, four to six in number, rather oval or spherical in form, vary ing from whitish to deep reddish-brown in color, 
 spotted, dotted, and blotched, irregularly, and usually very thickly, with reddish-brown of varying shades. Dimensions 
 from 1-25x1-75 to 1-30x1-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Pigeon Hawks may be met with almost anywhere in New England during the au- 
 tumnal migrations which occur in September and October. Not that they are particularly 
 abundant then but their appearance is not uncommon, and they may often be seen dashing 
 through the woodlands, coursing over the meadows, or hunting along the shore. When on 
 the wing in search of prey, they are full of energy, but Falcon like, when satiated, will 
 sit for hours silent and apathetic, regardless of the multitudinous avian life that is con- 
 stantly sweeping by them within easy reach. What a lesson is here presented to the 
 sportsman who destroys until he is weary, often leaving his victims to decay where they 
 fall! 
 
 As the Pigeon Hawks usually spend the greater portion of their time in sections re- 
 mote from man, or rather, in sections where every urchin is not armed with a cheap breech- 
 loader, they are not very shy when passing us and, in the unsettled portions of the South, 
 they are very tame; thus I found two or three pairs on the northen end of Key West, where 
 there are no houses, that were so unsuspicous that I walked within twenty-five feet of them 
 before they attempted to fly. 
 
FALCO COMMUN1S. 299 
 
 These handsome birds do not usually hover, like the Sparrow Hawk, when hunting but 
 course rapidly along and pounce upon their victim without giving it an instance's warning 
 of their presence; tints they appear to capture their prey with great certainty. Their cry, 
 when moving, is shrill and loud but different from the well-known rattle of the Sparrow 
 Hawk. 
 
 Although these Hawks usually breed considerably north of Massachusetts, I am con- 
 fident that the eggs will yet be taken in the state, for I once had a female which was shot 
 (luring the breeding season, early in June, and which exhibited every mark of incubation, 
 while other instances of a similar nature have come to my knowledge. As remarked, 
 however, the Pigeon Hawks occur with us, more abundantly during the autumnal migra- 
 tion than at. any other season, although they are tolerably common in spring. 
 
 FALCO COMMUNIS. 
 
 Peregrine Falcon. 
 Falco armmunis Gx., Syst. Nat.. I; 1788, 270. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, rather narrow, with the marginal indentations quite large. 
 Tongue Unhurt, thick, quite fleshy, about the same width for nearly its entire length, horny ftt tip, where it is round- 
 ed, bifid, and grooved beneath. Tail, slightly rounded, with the feathers somewhat acuminate. Wings, with only ono 
 uut.-r .j'.iiil inched. Tarsus, slightly feathered in front. Caeca, present hut very small . 
 
 IR, Adult male. Above, including upper wing covert-*, secondaries, ond upper tail coverts, dark bluish-slate, 
 transversely banded with dark-brown which becomes lighter on the rump. .Primaries and tail, dark-brown, the Conner hand- 
 ed on wttoa with >vll.iwish-wliite; the latter tipped and banded with ashy-yellow. Under parts, including ^ides of 
 under wing coverts, under tail covert 8 , nnd tibia, yellowish-white, spotted on the breast and abdomen, nnd tran<- 
 
 nded on the remaining portions with black. There is also a black patch on the cheeks. Forehead, white. 
 Advil f email, t^uite similar to the male in general coloration but darker above, and tinted below with buff. In the 
 adult tui.'es, the feet arc yellow and the cere, green. 
 
 Ynitiii/. Much 1 TO wner above than in the adult female. The under parts are tinged with reddish and longitudinal- 
 
 ikc.l with dark-brown. The cheek patches are broader and the wing feathers are tipped with yellowish-white. 
 lav nr. Show no trace* of ashy above, and the top of the head is overwashcd with yellowish-rufoii 
 
 pccialiy on the forehead and occiput. There is a line of reddish extending over the eye, while every feather above is cdgei 
 i! is tipped with white, barred on inner webs with deep rufous and the same color pervades below. The 
 under tail nerts arc barred. 
 
 Nestlingg. Are at first covered with white down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. In this and the 
 last two ~t:iges, the cere is dark-green and the feet, blue. Bill, black, blue at base, and iris brown, in all stages. . 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 men* of the same age exhibit the usual amount of variation regarding intensity of color, size of spots, width of 
 band-, etc., but the specie* may be known at once by the large size, dark cheek patch, and other colors a* dc-cn'."d. l)i-- 
 tri! in. 1. as a -mum.-!- resident, among the mountains or along rocky sea-boards, throughout Eastern North America, above 
 Winters in the more Southern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avc: irements of male specimens from Eastern United States. Length, 17-50; stretch, 38-50; wing, 1 t'25; 
 
 tail. 7 -J.~>: bill. ?,'; tar-u*, I ?.>. Longe t specimen, IH'OO; greatest extent of wing, 3!'00; longest wing, 1 1-50; tail, 7 5(1; 
 7.'); tar-us 1 75. Shortcut specimen, 17'00; smallest extent of wing, 38-00; shortest wing, IMMJ; tail, 7'00; bill, '70; 
 tarsus, 1-7O. 
 
 iicaMirement* of female specimen-; from Eastern United States. Length, 1!HIO; stretch, 41-00; wing, 15-00; 
 tail, 7 75: bill, -7*; tarsus 1'7S. Longest specimen, 20'00; greatest extent of wing,J:J-(K); longest wing, 15-50; tail, s-Oft; 
 bill, -ist; tav-ii*, 1-80. 'Shorte-t specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wing, 40'00, shortest wing, 14 '50; tail, 7'50; bill , '75 
 tarsu<, 1 'JO- 
 
300 PEREGRINE FAJCON. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on rocky cliffs. Although the eggs are occasionally placed on the naked rock, there is usually a, rudely 
 constructed nest composed of sticks and moss. 
 
 Eyys, two to four in number, rather oval or spherical in form, varying from creamy-white to reddish-brown in color, 
 spottfd, dotted, and blotched, with reddish-brown and chocolate of varying shade*, usually so thickly as to nearly, or even 
 completely, obscure the ground color. Dimensions from I'BOxS'OO to I'85x2'32. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Peregrine Falcons are among the most noted of the order, for they arc the swift- 
 est fliers of them all, not only surpassing all others in speed but also excelling thorn in the 
 ease with which they perform rapid, aerial evolutions. It is a well-attested fact, that Ducks 
 move at the astonishing rate of upward of a hundred miles an hour, yet I have repeatedly 
 seen this fine Falcon pursue and capture them when on the wing. While camping near 
 the Haulover Canal in Eastern Florida, some years ago, my attention was attracted by the 
 movements of a Peregrine Falcon which was accustomed to perch on the top of a dead tree, 
 not far away, in order to watch for Ducks that were constantly flying past this point, on 
 their way in from sea to rest on the quiet waters of Indian River. A flock of Scaups 
 would come booming along before a ntifF, easterly breeze, crossing directly in front of the 
 Falcon and perhaps fifty yards from him, but at a considerable elevation. He would wait 
 until the Ducks were nearly opposite him, then launching into air, would meet them at 
 nearly right angles. When the bird left the branch, lie was plainly visible but in his pas- 
 sage over the intervening space between his perch and the track of his prey, he was abso- 
 lutely invisible, as he moved so quickly that the eye was unable to follow him, and when he 
 struck the Duck at which he aimed, I could fairly hear its bones crack, so great was the 
 shock; while it was apparently killed as instantaneously as if it had been shot. In spite 
 of hi? skill in capturing Ducks, this Falcon would tamely allow a Marsh Hawk to rob him, 
 as I have related in the previous pages. I have also seen the Peregrine Falcon pursue 
 the swiftly flying Shore Birds and capture them when on the wing. 
 
 The Peregrine Falcons breed early in the season, in March in the more southern sec- 
 tions, about the middle of April in Western Massachusetts, and in May on Grand Menan 
 and northward. The nests are, according to my experience, always placed on the rocky 
 shelf of a perpendicular cliff, in a situation nearly or quite inaccessible and often in ex- 
 posed places. There is a pair which nest every year at Grand Menan in a niche on the 
 face of a peculiar precipice, known as the Seven Days' Work, that rises some three hun- 
 dred feet above the water. The eyrie is situated about midway between the top and bot- 
 tom of the steep wall and doubtless many ornithologists have watched the birds, as 1 have 
 done, with longing eyes as they circled quietly about their well-chosen home. Watching, 
 however, is the only feat that ;iny one has yet accomplished, and if the stories regarding 
 the longevity of the Peregrine Falcons be true, collectors of a coming generation will have 
 the same opportunity afforded them, without being able to place their hands on the covet- 
 ed eggs. 
 
 These Hawks are rarely found far from their breeding grounds in summer but, dur- 
 ing the migrations, disperse over the country, at which time they are particularly common 
 
FALCO CAXD1CANS. 301 
 
 near the sea shore. I do not, however, think that they occur much north of New Jersey 
 during winter. 
 
 FALCO CANDICANS. 
 
 Jor Falcon. 
 
 Falco candicans GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 275. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, very large. Sternum, stout, with tlie marginal indentations quite large. Tongue, long, 
 not very fleshy, and about ihc same width for nearly its entire length, then is rounded, slightly bifid, and grooved beneath. 
 Tai-su-. feathered in front for more than half its length. AYings, with two outer quills incised. Cocca, present and com- 
 paratively well developed. Soxes, similar in color. 
 
 LIGHT STAGE. 
 
 Coi.oi;. Adult. "White throughout with regular an. 1 irregular confluent bands and spots of dark-brown above, and 
 spar- I l)elo\v with the same color. Primaries and tail, transversely banded with brownish and the former is tip- 
 
 ped with it. 
 
 Vouny. Quite similar to the adult in general coloration but tinted with bluish above and below. T-he bandings are 
 r and the spots larger. 
 
 Youny of l/i>- i/mr. Are o\erwashnd with brown above, and every feather is spotted and edge! with reddish. The 
 under part* arc ting.-d with \v!L>\vis!i-wliite an 1 longitudinally streaked with dusky. 
 
 _\< .;//</.?. Are at llrst covered with white down, then gradually assume the plumage last described, which they keep 
 for n year. 
 
 DARK STAGE. 
 
 u. Adult. Sooty black, throughout, becoming lighter below, but not conspicuously barred or spotted anywhere. 
 Bill and cere, pale blue, iris, dark-brown, feet, slaty-blue, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species is subject t > van .us change-: of plumage \v!ii<- ! i are merely due to a predominance of the lighter or darker 
 tints. The different plumages have been described by authors under several names, either as species or races; thus thelight 
 
 is, or saccr and the dark types.LoArarfora. To be consistent with my views already 
 i-ider them all one species. Readily known from all other speeies by the large size, prepon- 
 white in the IL'ht -tage and peeuliar Fa leonine form, as well as uniform tints when dark. Distributed as a 
 constant resident, throughout North America, above latitude 50'. Rare in New England during winter. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Kastern North America. Length, 21-75; stretch, 48'50; wing, 15'75; 
 tail. !)-7/>; bill, L'30; towai, 1".)"). Longest specimen, 2-J-50; greatest extent of wing, 4!)'00; longest wing, Ki'OO; tail, 
 1000. bill, 1-30; tarsus, 2-00. Shortest spe.-imen, 21'00; smallest extent of wing, 48'00; shortest wing, lo"50; tail, 950; 
 bill, 1-00; tarsus, TSO. 
 
 ..ts of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 23'50; stretch, 50'00; wing, 10' .10; 
 
 toil, 10-5:); bill, r:;>. tarsus, 2-05. I isoitnen, -'KM; g;eate<t extent of wing, 51-00; longest wing, 17-00; tail, 
 
 11 <>,>; bill, i-M; tarsu-, 'J' 10. Shortest spacimen, 23'00; smallest extent of wing, 4'J'OO, shortest wing, 16-00; tail, lO'OO; 
 bill, 1-10; tarsus, l'-'j.j. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 !, placed on rocky cliffs. Although the eggs are occasionally placed on the naked rock, there is usually a rudely 
 
 of sticks, moss, and sea weeds. 
 
 ur in mi'ii' oval or spherical in form, varying from creamy-white to yellow-brown in color, 
 
 profusely sprinkled with reddNh-brown of varying shades, usually so thickly as to nearly, or even completely, obscure the 
 ground color. Dimensions from l'71x-J 1- to 1 '00x345. 
 
 BABTT8. 
 
 The Jer Falcon are, to my taste, the haudsomcst of the order. Perhaps, however, 
 
 this i'aucy of mine may be due to the fact that, as these birds are very rare in the sections 
 
302 A CC1P1 TRIDjE. HA WKS. 
 
 where I have chanced to have been, I have never shot one; indeed I have seen it but once. 
 On the fourth of November, 1808, I was crossing one of the mountain passes of Northern 
 New Hampshire, in the teeth of a biting wind, for the weather was unusually cold, when 
 glancing upward, I saw one of these noble Falcons, flying high over the mountain tops, 
 steering northward over the unbroken forests which were, even thus early in the season, 
 covered deeply with snow and almost a solitude, being deserted by nearly all the feathered 
 tribes. 
 
 The Jer Falcons breed much like the Peregrine Falcons, on inaccessible cliffs in the 
 far North and they spend the greater portion of their time in these inhospitable regions, 
 even remaining there through the severe winter weather, only occasionally visiting us; so 
 rarely, that their occurence may be regarded as merely accidental. Those in the dark 
 plumage, described by Audubon as the Labrador Falcon but now regarded by nearly every 
 one as only a melanistic stage of the lighter species, appear to favor us with their presence 
 rather more frequently than their lighter colored brethren. The Jer Falcons have been 
 taken as far south as Connecticut but their normal range is north of Canada. 
 
 FAMILY III. ACCIPITRID^. THE SHORT-WINGED HAWKS. 
 
 The sternum does not nearly equal in width the length of the coracoids, nor does the scap- 
 ular process of the latter meet the furcula. Marginal indentations, two, inclosed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by a single genus, as I restrict it. The 
 manubrium is moderately well developed but is not forked and is either pointed or ;ib- 
 ruptly truncated. The furcula is stout, much flattened by lateral expansion, wide and 
 thick near the base which is rounded and not produced into a point. The terminal expan- 
 sion is small and the furcula near it is only slightly contracted and furrowed above, and is 
 toent downward to a point at about two thirds the height of the keel. The marginal inden- 
 tations, although varying in size with age, are always inclosed. 
 
 GENUS I. ACCIPITER. THE TRUE HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. On. Bill, short, broad, well curved, with the cutting edye of upper mandible distinctly lobed, but the lower is not 
 notched. Tarsus, long and nearly naked. Tail, well rounded, considerably exceeding in lenylh one half the length of the 
 wmys which are short and not pointed. Nostril, without central tubercle. 
 
 Members of this genus have the leg long and the tarsus is usually naked to the heel behind, but is slightly feathered 
 in front. The toes are long and the claws are quite long and pointed. Five outer quills are noticeably incised on the in- 
 ner webs. 
 
 The trachea is a little flattened throughout. The sterno-trachealis is short and stout, having its origin quite near the 
 larynx, and there is a slender bronchialis extending over all the half rings, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The 
 tympaniform membrane is present and although there is a thin os transversale, it does not support a semilunar membrane. 
 The walls of the oasophagus are thin; this is at first nearly straight, then is dilated into a crop, and is again straight nnd 
 opens into a medium sized proventriculus with numerous small, simple, oval glands arranged in a zonular band which meas- 
 ures TOO in Cooperi, from which this and the following dimensions were taken. The stomach is of a rather small size, 
 somewhat globular in form, with thin but soft walls, and is lined with a soft membrane. The fold of theduodenum is lung, 
 measuring 3 00, inclosing an irregularly formed pancreas which only extends about one half its entire length. The coeca, 
 when present, are very small. The spleen is an elliptical body lying on or near the proventriculus. Both lobes of the liv- 
 er are short, thick, and nearly equal in size. The heart is large, triangular in form, and not very pointed. There are two 
 species within our limits. 
 
ACCiPlTER FUXCUS. 303 
 
 ACCIPITER FUSCUS. 
 
 Sharp-shinned Hawk. 
 
 Falcofuscus GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 280. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Form, slender. Size, not large. Sternum, not very stout, rather narrow, with the marginal indentations 
 quite large. Tongue, lontr. n:irni\v, unite tleshy, rounded iit tlie tip imd somewhat bifid. Tarsus and toes, long and slen- 
 der, with the middle toe considerably exceeding in length the outer toe and claw. Coei-a, present but very small. 
 
 ( '. MIR. Adult male. Above, including secondaries and upper wing coverts, slaty-blue, darkest on the head, with ter- 
 tiaries sjxitted on both webs, secondaries barred on inner webs, and ba<e nf feathers on occiput, white. Primaries, dark- 
 hrown handed on inner webs with ashy-brown and white. Tail, a*hy-brown, tipped with white and barred with dark- 
 brown. Pieneath, including under wing coverts, tibia, and under tail coverts, white, the former, spotted witli dark-brown 
 and the latter, immaculate, but all the remaining feathers below have a narrow, central line of dark-brown and are trans- 
 versely banded, excepting on throat, with reddish-brown. Sides of head, yellowish-rufous, streaked with dusky. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male in general coloration but lighterabove, where the feathers show central lines 
 of darker, and the tints below are much lighter. 
 
 Yowiy. Browner above than in the adult and there are some traces of rufous on the head. Longitudinally and broad- 
 ly streaked below with pale reddish-brown. 
 
 Youny of the year. Brown above, with every feather edged with reddish. The markings below are also narrower and 
 darker. There is a whitish line over the eye. Otherwise similar to the above. 
 
 Ncstlinys. Are at first covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described which they 
 keep for a year. Bill, dark-brown, bluish at base, cere, greenish, feet, yellow, iris, reddish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same age are quite uniform in pattern of coloration but vary a little in intensity of tintings; thus the 
 white i,f the throat is occasionally overwashed with reddish and the under tail coverts are tinged with it. Known from the 
 v allied Cooperi by the small size, more slender t.vrsus an 1 comparatively long middle toe which considerably exceeds 
 in length the hind toe and claw, and from all others by the long tail, short wings, and colors as described. Distributed as 
 a summer resident, throughout North America. Winters in the portions south of latitude 42. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 .\xera ire measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 11-35; stretch, 21-25; wing, fr75; 
 tail, 5-40; bill, "40; tarsus, 1'70. Longest specimen, 11-75; greatest extent of wing, 21-75, longest wing, 7'00; tail, 5'W); 
 bill. !.">: tarsu*, 1'DO. Shortest specimen, lO'OO; smallest extent of wing, 20'00; shortest wing, 6'50; tail, 5-30; bill, '35; 
 tarsus, 1-80. 
 
 n_'e measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 13-00; stretch, 24'50; wing, 7'50; 
 tail, (i 10; l,ill, -\:>. ttr-u-, -MO. L >:i : nea, 13-53; greatest estaat of wing, 25-00: longest wing, 7-H5; tail ,6'25; 
 
 bill, '5(1; tarsus, -J-^5. Shortest specimen, 12- JO; smallest extent of wing, 24-00, shortest wing, 7'25; tail, O'OO; bill, '40; 
 tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 X'.*t.i, placed in trees. They are not very bulky structures, composed of sticks, lined with strips of bark, leaves, \v 
 and IT 
 
 Eyys, three or four in number, rather spherical in form, bluish-white in color, coarsely spotted and blotched with 
 brown and umber of varying shades. Dimensions from l'17x 1'45 to I'-JOx TOO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The little Sharp-shinned Iliiwks are easily recognized when on the wing, by the pecu- 
 liar flight which differs somewhat from other birds of this order already described, for they 
 fly with a quick, flapping motion of the wings, alternated with short intervals, when they 
 move with extended pinions. In spite of this singular mode of progression, they manage 
 to travel very rapidly and will dart through a thicket or around it with almost the speed 
 of thought, causing a great panic among the little birds for they are well aware of the fact, 
 
304 ACC1PITER COOPERI. 
 
 that these Hawks seldom enter their favorite retreats in this headlong manner without 
 meaning mischief; and they generally accomplish their object. A few quick turns, a tum- 
 ble or two, during which the wings, tail, and long legs of the Hawk appear to be tangled 
 together in an inextricable manner; he knows what he is about, however, for he quickly 
 rights himself, emerges from the thicket, and the next moment, the feathers of the plucked 
 Sparrow are floating in the wind. When we consider that scenes, such as I have described, 
 are being repeated every day many thousand times, throughout the length and breadth of 
 our continent, we can understand how destructive the Sharp-shinned Hawks must be to 
 bird life. 
 
 These small Hawks are very bold and will not hesitate to attack birds which arc larg- 
 er than themselves, and I once saw one strike down a fully grown Night Heron that chanced 
 to be abroad by day. The Heron was flying from one island to another across some marsh- 
 es, when the Hawk darted out of a neighboring wood and pounced upon him. The force 
 of the shock was so great that the slowly moving Heron fell to the ground at once but, for- 
 tunately for him, in falling, he gave vent to one of those discordant squarks which only a 
 bird of this species is capable of uttering, and which so astonished and frightened the 
 Hawk, that it completely forgot to take advantage of its prostrate prey, but darted away; 
 while the Heron regained its feet, shook itself, and mounting in air, flew wildly into the 
 nearest thicket. 
 
 The Hawks 'and Kites of which I have been writing, are about neutral as regards the 
 interests of man but the Sharp-shins are most decidedly a nuisance, not only en account 
 of their propensity to destroy small birds but they are-also extremely fond of young Chicle- 
 ens, Turkeys, etc., and will not hesitate to capture them whenever a suitable opportunity 
 occurs. These destructive qualities are greatly augmented by the fact, that when they have 
 once discovered a brood of Chickens, they will constantly forage upon them until the last 
 one is gone, unless the farmer interferes with his gun. 
 
 The Sharp-shrnned Hawks breed rather late, usually about the first week in May in 
 Massachusetts, placing the nest in the fork of a tree, often not twenty feet from the ground. 
 The parents are not particularly solicitous for the safety of their eggs, merely alighting on 
 some neighboring tree, where they silently watch the collector as he robs their nest. The 
 young appear in due course and, after accompanying their parents a short time, disperse 
 about the country. These Hawks usually migrate southward in winter but I have occa- 
 sionally seen them as far north as Massachusetts during this season. 
 
 ACCIPITER COOPERI. 
 
 Cooper's Hawk. 
 Falco Cooperi BOXN., Am. Orn., II; 1828, 1. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout but rather narrow, with the marginal indentations not large. 
 Tongue, quite fleshy, rounded and bifid at the tip. Tarsus and toes, short and stout, with the middle toe about equal in 
 length to the hind toe and claw. Cocoa, present but very small. 
 
COOPR'S HA WK. 305 
 
 COI.OH. Adult male. Above, including secondaries and upper wing coverts, slaty-blue, darkest on the head, with ter- 
 tiaries spotted on both webs, and primaries an 1 secondaries barred mi inner webs, with white, also the base of feathers on 
 occiput, white. Primaries, brown, and, with the secondaries, a re barred on both webs with dark- brown. Tail, ashy-brown, 
 tipped with white and barred with dark-brown. Beneath, including under wing coverts, tibia, and under tail coverts, 
 w hi tc, the- former, spotted with dark-brown and the latter, immaculate, but all the remaining feathers below have a narrow, 
 central line of d-irk-brown and are trunsversuly banded, excepting on throat, with reddish-brown. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male in genera [coloration but lighterabove, where the feathers show central lines 
 of darker, and the tints below are much lighter. 
 
 Ytnint/. Browner a' ., ,\ a than in the female and there are some traces of yellowish-rufous on the head and neck. Lon- 
 gitudinally streaked below with dark yellowish-brown. 
 
 Youny of the year. Dark-brown above, with every feather edged with reddish. The markings below are also broader 
 and darker. Otherwise similar to the above. 
 
 Nattlinys. Are at first covered with a pale reddish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described which 
 they keep fjr a year. Bill, dark-brown, bluish at base, cere, greenish, feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Although specimens of the same age are quite uniform in pattern of coloration, they vary somewhat in tintings, espe- 
 cially below. Known from the closely allied fuscus, by the larger size, shorter tarsus, and comparatively short middle toe 
 which i r.ly iilmut equals in length the hind toe and claw, and from all others, by the short wings, long tail, and colors as 
 de-rrihed. Distributed as a summer resident, throughout temperate North America. Winters in the portions south of 
 
 latitude I'.' . 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 17-00; stretch, 28'00; wing, 9'50; 
 tail, 8"3'>: bill, *>; tarsus, 2'55. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 29-00, longest wing, 10-00; tail, 8-50; 
 bill, -70; tarsus, 2'60. Shortest specimen, 16-00: smallest extent of wing, 27'00; shortest wing, 9-00; tail, 8 00; bill, -60; 
 tarsus, -J-'iO. 
 
 A\ erage measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 19-00; stretch, SO'OO; wing, 10' 50; 
 tail, M !!.">; bill, "70; tarsus, 2'65. Longest specimen, 20/00; greatest extent of wing, 31-00; longest wing, 11 00; tail, 9'75; 
 bill, -71; tarsus, 2'70. Shortest specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wing, 29-00; shortest wing, lO'OO; tail, 8'10; bill, '68; 
 tarsus, 2-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EOGS. 
 
 Nests, usually placed in high trees. They are somewhat bulky structures, composed of sticks, lined with strips of bark, 
 leave", weeds, and irmss. 
 
 Riys, from two to four in number, rather spherical in form, pale bluish-white in color, usually spotted with pale reddish- 
 brown. Dimensions from l'90x 1'50 to 2- 10 x 1'fiO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Cooper's Hawks are not only similar to the Sharp-shins in color and general form, but 
 also closely resemble them in flight; so closely, in fact, that it is often quite difficult to 
 decide to which species a particular specimen belongs when seen upon the wing at a dis- 
 tance. This similarity, however, is not as noticeable in the habits of the two species; it 
 is true, that both exhibit the same rapidity of movement and both are equally bold in their 
 forays upon the poultry-yard, but in this respect, the species now under consideration, 
 must licar away the palm, for their larger size and comparatively greater strength enable 
 them to not only capture the young fowls and hens but the lord of the seraglio, Chanti- 
 cleer, himself, is not safe from their attacks, for his attempts to punish the bold intruders, 
 are too often met with defeat and his lifeless body is bom away to the nearest thicket to 
 be devoured by the conquering Hawk. 
 
 When hunting for prey, Cooper's Hawks fly, as a rule, rather higher than the Sharp- 
 shins but when they perceive their booty, they dart down upon it with almost incredible 
 speed, generally striking with a certain aim. Thus they scour woodland, plain, and river 
 
 39 
 
306 ASTUR ATRICAPLLLUS. 
 
 valley, and when they are hungry, nothing of a suitable size, which has life, is safe from 
 their attacks. They not only catch Grouse, squirrels, and rabbits but will also capture 
 Ducks upon the water, and I have frequently seen them searching for Snipe along the 
 marshy edges of the rivers in Florida. 
 
 These Hawks, according to my experience, usually place their nests in the tops of 
 high pines, breeding about the middle of May in New England and a little earlier in Penn- 
 sylvania. The parents are quite solicitous for the safety of their young, even after they 
 have left the nest and I once witnessed an instance where this trait was displayed in a 
 somewhat peculiar manner. A young Hawk in endeavoring to cross from a piece of wood- 
 land, where it had evidently spent its short life, to a grove not far distant, had miscalcu- 
 lated its ability to fly so far and its strength giving out, it fell against a building, when it 
 was captured by a boy who, after examining it for a time, concluded to liberate it and 
 carrying it to a neighboring field, set it free. The little fellow rose promptly in air but, 
 exhausted by its struggles when in captivity, was only able to fly a short distance, when 
 it fell toward the ground. Just at this moment, however, the adult female which, without 
 doubt, had watched the whole proceeding, emerged from the adjacent woods, flew rapidly 
 to her offspring, and, as near as I could make out, passed beneath it and supported it up- 
 on her back until she reached the shelter of some pines, where I lost sight of her. 
 
 As these Hawks are partly migratory, they are much more abundant in New England 
 in spring and autumn than at any other season, yet they are far from being uncommon 
 during summer but are quite rare in winter as the majority then pass south of us. 
 
 GENUS II. ASTUR. THE BLUE HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, short, broad, well curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible sliy fitly lobed, but the lower is not 
 notched. Tarsus, moderately long and well feathered in front. Tail, not rounded, considerably exceeding in length one 
 half the length of the wings which are short and not pointed. Nostril, without central tubercle. 
 
 Members of this genus do not have the leg strikingly long and although the tarsus is usually naked to the heel behind 
 it is feathered in front for half its length. The toes are long and the claws are quite long and pointed. Five outer quills 
 are noticeably incised on the inner webs. 
 
 The trachea is a little flattened throughout. The sterno-trachealis is short and stout, having its origin quite near the 
 larynx, and there is a slender bronchialis extending over all the half rings, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The 
 tympanifurm membrane is present and although there is a thin os trnnsversale, it does not support a semilunar membrane. 
 The walls of the oesophagus are thin: this is at first nearly straight, then is dilated into a crop, and is again straight and 
 opens into a large sized proventriculus with numerous small, simple, closely packed, oval glands arranged in a zonular band 
 which measures 1'15 in a/ricapillus , from which this nnd the following dimensions were taken. The stomach is of a small 
 size, somewhat globular in form, with thin but soft walls, and is lined with a soft membrane which lies in longitudinal 
 ridges. The fold of the duodenum is long, measuring 3's!5, inclosing a small, irregularly firmed pancreas which only occu- 
 pies a small portion of its length. The coeca, when present, are very small. The spleen is a spherical body lying on the 
 proventriculus or near it. Both lobes of the liver are short, thick, and nearly equal in size. The heart is large and trian- 
 gular in form. There is but one species within our limits. N. B. In 19th line, page 302, for a single genus read two genera. 
 
 ASTUR ATRICAPILLTJS. 
 Goshawk. 
 
 Astur atricapillus JARD. & SELBY, Illus.; 1825, pi. 121. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout but rather narrow, with the marginal indentations quite large. 
 Tongue, quite horny, rounded but not bifid at tip. Cceca, present but small. Sexes, similar ID color. 
 
GOSHAWK. 307 
 
 Adult. Above, including upper winjr and tail coverts, bluish-ash, with the (outliers lined next the shaft and edged 
 with s<>ty-brown. \Vini:-, very dark sooty-brown, with tlie outer webs (.f the secondaries, bluish-ash, while the outer 
 edg.si.f the cuter vobs , ft he priaiari.s show nun s < f it. The inner webs of primn ries and a portion (f secondaries are 
 iiniadly barred with whitish. The upper tail coverts are bluish-ash, slightly tipped with white. Tail, bluish-ash, burred 
 with spots of dark-brown nnd tipped with white. IVneat'i, everywhere, uniform bluish-white, every feather streaked 
 in the center :tnd barred irrr.nularly with slaty. Top of head and lino on side of it back of eye, black. Lores, bluish and 
 dusky. Superciliary line, white, streaked with black. Nearly concealed patch on occiput, white. Iris, bright reddish- 
 orange. 
 
 Yuuny. Entire upprr surface, dark-brown, becoming reddish on the wings which are barred with dusky and white, 
 ashy "ii the tail which is barred with s.>ty black, and darker on the shoulders, neck, and head, the two latter, streaked 
 witli dark-brown. 
 
 Youny of the year. Quite similar to the above but decidedly rufous on both surfaces. In the last two stages, the cere 
 and feet arc greenish, the iris is yellow, and the bill, dark-brown 
 
 OBSERVATIONS 
 
 There is considerable variation in specimens in the adult plumage, particularly in regard to the width of the markings 
 below, thus i:i sum- they are much hn.adcr and darker than in others, but the species may be at once recognized, in the 
 adult -tan,', by tin- irenenil ashy -blue color, and in younger stages, by the peculiar form, large size, and colors as described. 
 Distributed, as a suiniBer resident, throughout North America, north of Canada, migrating in winter south, at least, to 
 Pennsylvania 
 
 DIMENSIONS 
 
 Average measurements of femalespecimens from Eastern North America. Length, 23'CO; stretch, 45'CO; wing, 13'CO; 
 tail, 10-50; bill, 72; tarsus, 2 90. Longest specimen, 24'00; greatest extent of wing, 4G'00; bugest wing, 1400; toil, ll'OO; 
 bill, -75; tarsus, 3'00. Shortest specimen, 22'00; smallest extent of wing, 44'GO; shortest wing, 13 00; tail, 10 00 bill, -70; tar- 
 sus, 2-80. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 2l"00; stretch, 41'00; wing, 12'50; 
 tail, 9'50; bill, '70; tarsus, 2'75. Longest specimen, 22 00: greatest extent of wing, 43'CO; longest wing, 13-00; tail, 10-00 
 bill, -72; tarsus, 2'80. Shortest specimen, 20'00; smallest extent of wing, 40'00; shortest wing, IS'OO; tail, 9'0<); bill, -68) 
 tarsus, 2 70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, they are very bulky structures composed of sticks, twigs, nnd weeds, lined with strips of bark 
 and jrrass. 
 
 K;/!ls, three or four in number, rather spherical in form, bluish-white in color, cither immaculate or finely mottled 
 with pale reddish-brown. Dimensions from r82x2'30 to 1-92x2 32. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 In flight and general h.abits, the Goshawks are not unlike Cooper's Hawk but I think 
 that they are rather more inclined to hunt in the woods than tlie latter named species, be- 
 ing, in fact, very nearly as arboreal in this respect as the Broad-wing. On account of 
 frequenting wooded districts, the Goshawks become very expert in flying through the trees 
 and I have seen them dashing along at full speed, avoiding the numerous limbs and obsta- 
 cles which hang in their path, with the greatest ease. This facility for passing through 
 the trees, together with the power of turning almost instantly, enables them to capture 
 squirrels, rabbits, etc., and I have even seen them take Ruffed Grouse; in short, in some 
 sections of New England, they hunt this latter named bird so persistently that they are 
 called Partridge Hawks. 
 
 During the summer of 1808, a pair of. these fine Hawks remained throughout the sea- 
 son in the town of Weston, Massachusetts, and I frequently saw them sailing over the 
 meadows but was unable to discover the nest although I searched for it carefully in the 
 adjacent woods. If this pair had a nest in the vicinity, which was quite probable, such 
 
308 BUTEO BOREALIS. 
 
 an event was quite uncommon as these birds usually breed much further north, only visit- 
 ing New England late in autumn and departing early in spring. 
 
 FAMILY IV. BUTEONID^l. THE BUZZARD HAWKS 
 
 The sternum is short, wide, and nearly equal in width to the length cf the coracoids, but 
 the scapular process of the latter does not meet the furcula. Marginal indentations, two, in- 
 closed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by two genera. The manubrium is mod- 
 erately well developed, abruptly truncated, and not forked. The furcula is stout, much 
 flattened by lateral expansion, wide and thick near the base which is rounded and not pro- 
 duced into a point. The terminal expansion is rather small and the furcula near it is only 
 slightly contracted and furrowed above, and is bent downward to a point, closely approxi- 
 mating the top of the manubrium. The marginal indentations, although varying in size 
 with age, are always inclosed. Bill, strong, well-curved, with the cutting edge of upper 
 mandible slightly lobed. The tarsus is short, stout, and naked to the heel behind, but 
 more or less feathered in front. The toes are stout, with strong, well-curved claws. The 
 wings and tail are moderately long, the former are not pointed and the latter is usually 
 slightly rounded. 
 
 
 
 GENUS I. BUTEO. THE NAKED-LEGGED HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Sternum, rather narrow and lony, only bciny about as wide as it is hiyh, including the keel. Tarsus, not 
 feathered to the toes in front. 
 
 There i-s quite a thick sterno-trachealis, a stout bronchialis, but no other laiyngeal muscles. The trachea is a little flat- 
 tened throughout. The oesophagus is dilated near the middle into quite a large crop, and the walls are very thin. The pro- 
 ventriculus is rather large, with quite small, simple, oval glands, arranged in a zonular band which measures from '75 to 
 I'Oli in width. The stomach is somewhat globular in form, with quite thin walls, lined with a soft membrane. The f>ld 
 of the duodenum is long, inclosing a small, irregularly formed pancreas which only occupies a short portion of its entire 
 length. The coeca are very small. Both lobes of the liver are about equal in size, and the heart is large and pointed. The 
 spleen is an oval shaped body situated on the proventriculus. There are six species within our limits. 
 
 BUTEO BOREALIS. 
 
 Red-tailed Havrk. 
 Buteo borealis VIEILL. Nouv. Diet, d' Hist. Nat., IV; 1816, 478. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH; Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, but rather narrow; marginal indentations quite large. Tongue, 
 quite fleshy, rounded at the tip and slightly bifid. Tarsus, feathered in front for more than half its length. Four outer 
 quills are incised on the inner webs. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Sides of head and entire upper surface, excepting tail and outer portion of tail coverts, dark-brown, 
 with the feathers edged with whitish and yellowish-rufous; barred on scapularies with whitish and on the remainder of 
 wings with dusky. Tail, cinnamon-red, white at extreme base and tip, and provided with a subterminal band of black. 
 Outer portion of upper tail coverts, white, barred with cinnamon-red and dusky. Beneath, yellowish-white everywhere, 
 deepest on the tibia, heavily streaked on throat with dusky, across breast with reddish-brown, where the spots frequent- 
 ly become so broad as to form a band; there are also broad streakings of dusky-brown in a band across the middle of the 
 body, and the remainder of under portions, excepting under tail coverts, are finely streaked with reddish-brown. There is 
 a broad line of dusky-brown on the cheek. 
 
 
R ED- TA 1LED HA VVX 309 
 
 Yoiim/. Quite similar to the adult all >ve, but the tail Inoks the cinnamon, being light red, marked with twelve, or 
 c. Kin.!- . f.'ark-l.n wn. ]'--ni-ath. nearly white, witha alight tinge < t'y;-ll wish; nnst-enkingson the throat or briM-t, 
 li..t buii'lc 1 ;is in the udult. The til)!;! is nut streaked bat is baudud in spots WK!I i'.ark-brown. In these two stages, the 
 iris is i!ar!;-hruwii and feet arc jvlluw. 
 
 Y i miii/ 1'/' /In i/'iir. N-.t unlike the young; darker above, especially on the tail, nnd shewing more reddish on the top 
 if the lu-ad. There isul-u a iMinr.l Boffiosion (-1 buil'lK-low, particularly i n the breast. 
 
 A" .///;/.. -\i \>-ri-d with a pule reddish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described which is 
 
 n-tai- ed for a year. In the last two stages, the iris is pale brownish-yellow and the feet are paloyelbw. In all stages, 
 tl.e biil is Mark and the cere, greenish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 AHiou^h this sivi<-< varies greatly in the We-t, often as timing very dark colors, it is quite constant in this respect 
 in our pec i n. Tin; pun- ei:mamnn-red tail is usually charaeturi-tic of t'-e adult plumage but it is frequently barred with 
 Mark i;i >pi '( inii-iis w'/ic'i a.r fully adult. On the other hand, I am informed by Sir. William Perlmm of Tyngsb jrough , 
 who 1 a . 1>. \..::nd doubt 1 andled mure Hawks of fiis species than any one else, that lie has, on several occasions, taken the 
 y r.ti^ Ir.im thi-m-st v, i h ] .eriivtly red tails. Adult birds sometimes have the tibia unspotted. Tliis species may lx> rec- 
 u^iii/ il i.i all stages 1 y th,- 1 ir^c size, li^ht tints boneath, and other colors as described, tnget s er with the half feathered 
 tai -.;-. Dis;ril)jted, during summer, throughout Nurth America; wintering south of latitude 42^. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement: of fomals specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 23'00, stretch, 47 - 00; wing, IG'OO; 
 tail, rt 7">; bill, 'J">; tai-su-, 3 '25. Longest specimen, 24'00; greatest extent of wing, 50'(X); longest wing, IT'OO; tail, 9'50; 
 Mil. r>"; tursus, a 0!). S ! '.ort-.-'-t specimen, 22 '00; smallest extent of wing, 4900; shortest wing, 15'00; tail, 8 00; bill, "90; 
 tar-u-. 3 .".II. 
 
 A\ i-raire measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 20'50; stretch, 47'00; wing, 14'50; 
 tail. T'.Vi; Kill. '0~>. tarsu<, d 95. Longest specimen, 21 00; greatest extent of wing, 48'00; longest wing, 15 00; tail, 8W; 
 bill, l-m; tarsus, 2''J.. Shortest specimen, 19 00; smallest extent of wing, 46 00; shortest wing, 14'00; tail, 7'00; bill, '90; 
 tarsus, 3'05. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees. They are bulky structures, composed of sticks and twigs, lined with leaves, weeds, and strips 
 of bark. 
 
 Eyijs, three or four in number, varying from elliptical to oval ia form, bluis!:-w!iite in color, spotted and blotched with 
 bruvtu and urnber of varying s'.udes. Dimensions, fix-in 1 '65x2' 10 to I'80x2'25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Many years ago, when Florida was a wilderness and but sparsely inhabited by the 
 whites, the Indians were accustomed to bum over large tracts of the piney woods in order 
 to form pasture grounds for the deer. Later, the settlers followed their example and in 
 the wilder portions, this is practiced at the present, time. The fire not only spreads over 
 the woodland but also encroaches upon the drier portions of the savannas and, as the grass 
 in these latter named sections form the refuge of many small mammals as well as reptiles, 
 there is a general stampede when the flames approach. Vultures and Hawks speedily be- 
 come aware of the fact, that their prey is much more easily obtained when the fires are 
 raginir, and consequently flock to the vicinity in numbers. The Red-tailed Hawks are 
 nearly always present upon such occasions; indeed, I do not remember of ever having seen 
 a fire of any extent in Middle and Northern Florida, when there were not one or more pairs 
 of these birds, circling around a short distance above the ground or plunging downward 
 through the smoke lo secure some animal which was endeavoring to save its life by flight. 
 
 The Red-tailed Hawks spend only the winter in Florida for I do not think that any 
 remain to breed but, as spring approaches, they migrate northward, passing through Mass- 
 achusetts about the first week in April. In migrating, the Red-tailed Hawks move in 
 
310 BUTEO HARLANI. 
 
 large, straggling flocks at such an elevation as to be nearly invisible. They appear to fol- 
 low river valleys in their course, avoiding the more elevated districts. Mr. Will Perham, 
 to whom I am indebted for valuable facts relative to the movements of Hawks, captures 
 many of these birds during the spring, often securing in a single season, more Red-tailed 
 Hawks than a casual observer would suppose were to be found in the whole state; thus 
 during two weeks in April, 1878, he took about three hundred of these fine birds and a 
 number of other species. 
 
 About the first week in May, the Red-tailed Hawks having become dispersed through- 
 out the country, begin to breed. The nest is placed on a high pine or other tree, in some 
 secluded locality, often in a thick swamp. The young leave the nest by the first of July 
 and soon after learn to forage for themselves. In hunting, these Hawks keep at a con- 
 siderable height, sailing in circles with broadly extended wings; then, upon perceiving 
 their prey, they will plunge obliquely downward and seize it. They capture rabbits, 
 squirrels, Grouse, Uucks, and other wild game but are particularly fond of domestic fowls, 
 visiting the fanner's poultry-yard with such presistent regularity that they have received 
 the name of Hen Hawk. When pressing onward in a straight line, the flight of the Red- 
 tails is steady, the wings being moved regularly, but rather quickly. They remain north 
 until late in October when they pass southward much as they come, but the flocks are 
 not as large for the birds are more generally distributed and thus occupy a greater extent 
 of country. 
 
 BUTEO HARLANI. 
 
 Harlan's Hawk. 
 Buleo Harlani AUD., Sjn. Birds N. A.; 1839, 6. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tarsus, feathered in front for more than half its length. Four outer quill? are 
 incised on the inner webs. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. General colors throughout, dark sooty-bre, wn , with the wings, excepting tips of primaries, finely, but 
 irregulaily barred with ashy-brown and whitish. Tie tail is mottled with Baby-brown which becomes decidedly rufous 
 next the shaft of the sublerminal portions of the feathers. Bel<.w, the featheis of the flanks and under tail coveit are ob- 
 scurely br.nded with ashy-brown. The basal two thirds of the feathers on head, neck all arcund, acd breast to middle of 
 body, are pure white. 
 
 Young. Much browner than the above described, with the feathers edged with ashy; in fact, the whole bird is occa- 
 sionally spotted with this latter named color. Iris, brown. Cere and feet, greenish. Bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The description of the adult of this rare Hawk, is taken from a fine specimen, now in my possession, which was shot 
 at Watsonr/.wn, Pennsylvania, on the thirtieth <f March, 1875. The young stage is from a skin which I hare seen in the 
 collection of Mr. William Brewster, which came, I think, from Texas. Readily known from all stages of borealis, by the 
 pure white on the bae of the feathers of the anterior portions, and from other Hawks in the melnnistic condition, by the 
 feathering of the tnrsus and incision of the quills. I had long suspecied that the white of the bnsal portion of the feathers 
 of the anterior parts, would, in some specimens, become extended so as to occupy nearly the whole of the feathers; thus I 
 was not surprised when I learned from the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club for January, 1880. page 51, that 
 Mr. Ridgway actually had a specimen in hand where the lower anterior portions were nearly white; but the white tail 
 of this specimen, as described, was certainly unexpected. Distributed throughout Southern United States, north to Penn- 
 sylvania, but is more common in Texas. 
 
JBUTEO L1NEATUS. 311 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 .\\i-rage measurements of f 'i:ul -sji eimcns from Eastern North America. Length, 22'74; stretch, 51'98; wing, 15-26; 
 till,!) !.">; Kill, 1-12; tiuv.is. J-S">. 1, >n^'-t specimen, 23'5'2; greatest extent of wing, 53' 16; longest wing, 15-75; tail, 10'12; 
 I ill, 1-0; firsas, 3 15. Shortest spi'riuimi, ii'00; smallest extent of wing, 51'06; shortest wing, 15'12; tail,8'95; bill, TOO; 
 tarsia, 'J'7'i. 
 
 AveraLV measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 20'55; stretch, 46'15; wing, 14'50; 
 tail, 8 50; bill, T0.5; tarsu<. ->(;"). I, in^.'-t specimen, 21" 12; greatest extent of wing, 48-15; longest wing, 1500; tail, 8'95; 
 bill, 1-15; tar-us, J 75. Shortest specimen, 20'00; smallest extent of wing, 45 00; shortest wing, 14'85; tail, 8'00; bill, '98; 
 tarsas, 2'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Audubon discovered the fine Hawk which we now have under consideration, fifty 
 years ago in Louisiana and named it in honor of his friend, Dr. Richard Harlan of Phila- 
 delphia. Two specimens were secured by the great ornithologist at that time, both of 
 which were presented to the British Museum, but one was subsequently lost. The remain- 
 ing specimen was, for a long time, the only one in existence and the validity of the species 
 was doubted by many of the more recent writers upon ornithology, but was fully re-estab- 
 lished by Mr. Ridgway in North American Birds, in 1874, and I fully endorse this latter 
 named gentleman when- he says that it is "a most excellent species". There is a speci- 
 men in the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, obtained some years ago, if I remember 
 rightly, in Pennsylvania. An adult male was taken in Kansas about 1872 and two have 
 been secured in Texas since that time, one of which is now in the possession of Mr. Will- 
 iam Brewster. I have a fine adult female which was shot by Mr. Walter Van Fleet in 
 Watsontown, Pennsylvania, on the thirtieth of March, 1875. This bird was sitting on the 
 top of a high tree at long gun-shot distance from a road', along which its captor was walk- 
 ing, when he observed it; but, thinking it was a common Red-tail, he fired a careless shot 
 at it, which by good fortune, brought it down. Mr. Van Fleet afterward saw the mate in 
 the vicinity but was unable to secure it. Mr. Greene Smith of Peterborough, New York, 
 also has a fine specimen of the dark type in his collection. This specimen, as seen by the 
 above, makes the seventh which has been captured to my knowledge and one of these, Au- 
 dubon's, has been lost. I have, however, heard of others but will venture to state that, at 
 the present time, January, 1880, there are not a dozen birds of this species in existence 
 in collections. As may readily be inferred, but little is known of the habits of Harlan's 
 Hawk but they doubtless closely resemble the Red-tail in this respect. The nest and eggs 
 are also unknown. 
 
 BUTEO LINEATUS. 
 
 Red-shouldered Hawk. 
 
 Butco lincatus AUD. Syn. Birds, N. A.; 1830, 7. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robu-t. Sine, medium. Sternum, stout, not very narrow, with themnrginal indentations quite small. 
 e, quite fleshy, rounded and slightly bifid at tip. Coeca, present but small. Tarsus, feathered in front for less than 
 half its length. Four outer quills are incised on the inner webs. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
312 RED-SHOULDERED HA WK. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown everywhere, lightest on the bead and ablest on the wing? and tail, witii the 
 feathers on top <:f head, neck, back, and shoulders, edge! with yellowish-rufous which becomes (Julie reddish on the hitter. 
 The wings are barred with white and the tail is crossed with five bars of it and is tipped with thesame color. Sides of head 
 and throat, dusky, streaked with yellowish-rufous. Remaining under portions, yellowish, barred with deeper rufous and 
 more or less streaked on the breast and middle of body with dusky. 
 
 Vaunt). Quite similar to the adult but with the outer webs of primaries edged with yellowish-rufous and the wings 
 are barred with. it. The tail is also rufous finely banded with dusky. There are no rufous bandings below but there are 
 broad drop-shaped marks of brown distributed over the entire surface. 
 
 Yountj of the year. Similar to the young but there is much more rnfous above, excepting on the outer edges of prima- 
 ries, where there is less, and there is a stronger tinging of rufous beneatli. 
 
 Nestlings. Are, at first, covered with a pale yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Bill 
 and iris, brown, cere, greenish, and feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is considerable variation in plumage in specimens of the same age, some being much darker than others. There is 
 also a pale form with unmarked tibia. Florida birds are smaller and darker than those from the North. Readily known 
 by the four incised quills, feathering of the tarsus, and tints as described. Distributed, as a summer resident, from Canada 
 to Florida. Winters in Massachusetts and southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 21'94; stretch, 41'55; wing, 13'82; 
 tail, 8'50; bill, "95; tarsus, 2'75. Longe-t specimen, 24'00; greatest extent of wing, 43'12; longest wing, 14'75; tail, 9'0; 
 bill, '89; tarsus, 2'95. Shortest specimen, 19 05; smallest extent of wing, 39' 12; shortest wing, 13'05: tail, 7'50; bill, ''J2; 
 tarsus, 2'45. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 20-0!>; stretch, 35" 15; wing, 12'CO: 
 tail, 8'42; bill, '80; tarsus, 2'65. Longest specimen, 23'CO; greatest extent of wing, 38 00; longe-t wing, 12-50; tail, 9 75; 
 bill, '90; tarsus, 2'90. Shortest specimen, liVOO; smallest extent cf wing, 32'50; shortest wing, ll'OO; tail, 8'00; bill, '75; 
 tarsus, 2-23. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees; they are very bulky structures composed of sticks, twigs, and weeds, lined with strips of baik 
 and grass. 
 
 Eggs, three or four in number, vaiying from spherical to elliptical in form, bluish-white in color, spotted and blotched 
 irregularly with brown and umber of vaiying shades. Dimensions from I'70x2'20 to I'80x2 30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 That civilization has an influence upon various members of the feathered tribes, has 
 been frequently shown in the preceding pages and the influence has, as a rule, been bene- 
 ficial, not only to the birds but also to man; but in the species now under consideration, 
 this is quite different. In former days, when the country was a wilderness, these Hawks 
 were contented to feed upon mice, frogs, lizards, snakes, and other vermin, seldom mo- 
 lesting birds for they are too slow in movement to capture them readily; but with the set- 
 tlement of the country, poultry-yards were introduced, and Red-shouldered Hawks were not 
 long in learning that the occupants could be as easily captured as the animals which had 
 hitherto formed their food. Thislesson, once learned, has never been forgotten and today, 
 there is not a more troublesome Hawk than the Red-shouldered. 
 
 In the wilder sections, however, these Hawks still retain the primitive habits of their 
 ancestors; thus in Florida, I found them feeding upon small mammals, reptiles, crabs, and 
 other crustaceans. These birds were constantly resident in Florida and were of the .small 
 race, characteristic of the South, but in the vicinity of Jacksonville, during winter, I found 
 the larger northern form which were evidently migrants and which were as troublesome to 
 the planters as they are to the farmers, for they would steal chickens whenever a suitable 
 
 
PL. M'FIXXVI. 
 
 . . v 
 
 \\ \\ A 
 

 
BUTEO SWA1NSON1. 
 
 313 
 
 opportunity occurred. These winter sojourners were also very wild, while on the other 
 hand, thv small southerners were very tame, allowing one to approach within a few yards 
 of them; in fact, upon a certain occasion, one alighted on a low tree within a few feet of 
 me and irn/.cd at inc fearlessly while I walked slowly past. 
 
 Like the Red -tailed, these Hawks are accustomed to circle about, high in air, watch- 
 ing for their prey; at such times, both species resemble each other somewhat, as they both 
 have the same general movements, but the Red-shouldered may be distinguished, even 
 when at a long distance, by the form, for they are shorter in proportion to the spread of 
 wing, than the allied species. To make it clearer, an imaginary circle drawn around the 
 bird, touching the tips of the wings, would pass outside the tip of the tail, while with the 
 Red-tailed, this line would pass through the terminal portion of the tail. 
 
 When moving about as described, the Red -shouldered Hawks occasionally give vent 
 to shrill screams which become louder and harsher when their nesting places are approached. 
 When the male is paying court to the female, he utters a peculiar chucking sound and is 
 very assiduous in his attentions to her, offering her food and seldom leaving her. Even 
 when she is sitting, he not only provides her with all she wants to eat but, like nearly all 
 other Hawks, shares the duties of incubation with her. When not otherwise engaged, he 
 guards the vicinity of the nest vigilantly and, upon the approach of an intruder, gives no- 
 tice to his mate, and she silently leaves the nest. I observed the Red-shouldered Hawks 
 nesting in Florida early in February and obtained three young from a nest, built in a cy- 
 press tree which stood in a small pond in the piney woods in the vicinity of Salt Lake. 
 This was on the tenth of April and then the young were two or three weeks old, for the 
 leathers were just starting. Judging from this instance, the eggs must be deposited about 
 the first of March in the South. Further north, however, they breed a little later, from 
 the first of April until May, the time of nesting being regulated, apparently, by the sea- 
 son. According to my experience, these Hawks prefer deciduous trees which grow in 
 swampy land, in which to build, but I have occasionally taken the nest from pines. They 
 do not select particularly large trees; in fact, I have more than once taken the eggs from 
 nests, not over twenty feet from the ground; that, too, in woods where there was an abun- 
 dance of trees of a much larger size. 
 
 The Red-shouldered Hawks are only partly migratory, at least in Massachusetts and 
 southward, for they remain with us all winter, frequenting the vicinity of meadows in 
 which there are open springs, in order to feed upon the frogs which resort to such places 
 during the cold season. 
 
 BUTEO SWAINSONI. 
 
 Swainson's Hawk. 
 Butio Swatnsoni Bo.v., List; 1838, 3. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si. Cn. Form, not tery robust. Size, medium. Tarsus, feathered in front for less than half its length. Only three 
 outer qui!l are incited on the inner webs. Sexes, not similar in color in the adult stage. 
 
314 SWAINSOWS HAWK. 
 
 LIGHT STAGE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Above, dark-brown everywhere, lightest on the head, becoming darker on the wings and ashy 
 on the tail, with the feathers more or less edged with rufous, especially on the neck. The wings are obscurely barred wiih 
 dusky and the tail is tipped with whitish andiscrcssed with about twelve wavy lines of dusky. Concealed patch on <> - 
 ciput, white. Sides and base of upper tail coverts, white, barred with rufous and sooty-brown. Lneat'i, every where, 
 white, pure on the throat but tinged on the remaining under portions with yellowish-rufous, while the hreasD is banded 
 with reddish-brown, which has an ashy overwashing, but every feather of this portion is streaked in the centre with dark- 
 brown. Tlie sides, flanks, and under tail coverts, are barred with rufous. There is a spot of black on the tips of the un- 
 der wing coverts. 
 
 Adult female. Much darker above than the above described and the lower portions are strongly tinged with ruf ms, 
 barred with, a deeper shade of the same color. The flanks are barred and streaked with dark-brown. Otherwise ;is in 
 the male. 
 
 Young. Quite similar to the adult above but much more decidedly rufous, find the outer webs of primarifs and tail 
 are edged with ashy. Bel.iw, yellowish-rufous, tinged with ashy, thickly marked with drop-shaped spots of brown which 
 crowd together on the breast so as to form a band. The flanks are also barred with dusky. 
 
 DARK STAGE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. The throat, under wing and under tail coverts are as in the light stage but the remaining portions 
 are very dark-brown, or nearly black, but the bandings on the wings and tail are as described. There are occasionally 
 rufous markings below, especially in the female. 
 
 young. Very dark, but showing strong traces of rufous on both surfaces. Bill and iris, brown, cere, greenish, and 
 feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The young is the "Bairdi" of authors, while the dark type is "insiynatus". There is considerable variation in plum- 
 age, for specimens occur in all gradations between the light and dark stages; but this species may be recognized by the 
 white throat, incision of but three outer quills, combined with the size and colors as described. Distributed throughout 
 Western North America. Rare in Illinois and accidental in Canada and Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Western North America. Length, 19'55; stretch, 47'P5; wing, lo'25; 
 tail, 7'00; bill, '82; tarsus, 2'52. Longest specimen, 20'63; greatest extent of wing, 48 50; longest wing, 15 50; tail, 8'50; 
 bill, '85; tarsus, 2'CO. Shortest specimen, 18 75; smallest extent of wing, 47'25; shortest wing, 15'OC; tail, 7 50; bill, '80; 
 tarsus, 2'45. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Western North America. Length, 20'25; stretch, 49'25; wing, IG'OO; 
 tail, 8'50; bill, '95; tarsus, 2'60. Longest specimen, 21'50; greatest extent of wing, 51'00; longest wing, lti'50; tail, 9'32; 
 bill, 1-00; tarsus, 2'70. Shortest specimen, 18'86; smallest extent of wing, 47'00; shortest wing, 15'50; tail, 8-25; bill, "85; 
 tarsus, 2'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes; they are quite bulky structures, composed of sticks and twigs, arranged in a com 
 pact manner. 
 
 Eyys, four to six in number, varying from spherical to oval in form, yellowish-white in color, spotted and blotched irreg- 
 ularly and rather faintly with reddish-brown, with occasional markings of purplish. Dimensions from T75x2'30 to 1 82 
 x232. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first record of the occurrence of this species east of the Mississippi, was made from 
 a specimen taken in the vicinity of Montreal, Canada, about the year, 1854, nothing more 
 being heard of it in this section until one was obtained in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1873. 
 Then Mr. E. W. Nelson found them breeding on Fox Prairie, Illinois, in 1875 and obtained 
 four specimens, and Mr. William Brewster makes record of a specimen which was taken 
 at Wayland, Massachusetts, in September, 1876. Thus we are obliged to give Swainson's 
 Hawk a permanent place in our fauna, although it is yet very rare east of the Mississippi. 
 
BUTEO PENNSYLVAN1CUS. 315 
 
 The Canadian specimen and the one taken at Salem were in the melanistic condition as 
 given in the dark stage of the description, and the one obtained at Wayland, was in a tran- 
 sit i.mal or intermediate stage. According to descriptions, Swainson's Hawk does not dif- 
 fer strikingly in habit from other allied species, excepting that they occasionally build their 
 nests in shrubbery. 
 
 BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS. 
 
 Broad-winged Hawk. 
 Bu/eo Pennsylvanicus BON. Syn.; 1828, 29. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Tarsus, feathered in front for much les than half its length. Sternum, 
 stout, not very niirrow, with the marginal indentations quite large. Tongue, rather thick and fleshy, not very horny at tip 
 ir is rounded lv.it not bifid. Only three outer quills are incised on the inner webs. Coeca, present but short and 
 thick. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 COI.OK. Ailult. Alxivo, dark-brown everywhere, lighter on the head and darker no the wings and tail, with the feath- 
 jed with rufous. Wings, white on the edges of inner webs and very obscurely barred with black. Tail, white at 
 
 and tip and rrossc 1 with four bars of ashy-brown , which become lighter on the inner webs. Sides of head, rufous, 
 l with black. Beneath, everywhere pale yellowish-rufous, streaked on the throat with dark-brown and heavily 
 marked on the breast with broad streaking^ of reddish-brown, while the remaining under portions are spotted with arrow- 
 shaped mark" of the same color. Concealed spot on occiput, white. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult above, but lighter on the head, and the tail i* crossed with numerous obscure bands of 
 dvk-brown. Beneath, also similar but the spots are rounder, notas large, nor as numerous, only occuring on the breast, 
 flanks, and tibia. 
 
 Youny ofjhc year. Not unlike the young but more rufous below where the spots are rounder and darker, being, in 
 fact, nearly drop-shaped. 
 
 Nestlinys. Are, at first, covered with a yellowish down, then gradually assume the plumage last described which is 
 retained for a year. Iris and bill, brown, cere, greenish, and feet yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There isalitile variation in plumage, some specimens being darker than the type, but this species may be at once rec- 
 ogni/.'-d by tl e small size, incision of only three quills, nearly naked tarsus, and colors as described. Distributed, during 
 summer, throughout Eastern United States, wintering in the more southern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement* of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, I6'50; stretch, 34'75; wing, 10'25; 
 tail, (i'55; bill, "68; tarsus, 2-25. Longest specimen, I8'(i0; greatest extent of wing, 36'00; longest wing, 11-65; tail, 7'12; 
 hill, '71; tarsus. 2'45. Shortest specimen, 15'OOr smallest extent of wing, 33'45; shortest wing, 1014; tail, 6- 15; hill, '62; 
 tarsu<, 'J- 1"). 
 
 measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 15'35; stretch, 34'75; wing, 10' 15; 
 tail, 0-25; bill, '63; tarsus, 2' 15. Longest specimen, 16'50; greatest extent of wing, 35-00; longest wing, 10 55; tail, 6'50; 
 bill, -Ci5; tarsus, 2'40. Shortest specimen, 14'20; smallest extent of wing, 32'45; shortest wing, 9'75; tail, 6'00; bill, '58; 
 tarsus, 2'05. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nfits, placed in trees. They are bulky structures, composed of sticks and twigs, lined with leaves, weeds, and strips 
 of bark. 
 
 /.////.', three or four in number, varying from elliptical to spherical inform, dirty-white in color, spotted and blotched 
 with brown and umber of varying shades. Dimensions, from r68x2'15 to 1'70 x2'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first time that I ever saw a living Broad-winged Hawk to recognize it, was many 
 years ago. I was driving along a street in Newtpn, when I saw a small Ilawk perched on 
 
318 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. 
 
 * 
 
 pleasantest season of our New England climate has past; when the brown, frost-bitten land 
 and darkening sea looks dreary and cold in the early light of morning, it is not uncommon 
 to see a large Hawk perched on the topmost limb of some solitary tree that overlooks a 
 wide extent of country. The bird looks sluggish and half-frozen but if one attempts to 
 approach too near, it launches downward and flies heavily to some distant tree, disclosing 
 as it goes, the white on the under portion of the wings, by which even the amateur will 
 not fail to recognize the Rough-legged Hawk. These birds frequent the shores almost con- 
 stantly during autumn and winter, feeding upon fish and other dead animals which are cast 
 up by the sea, or they will occasionally catch a mouse, suspending themselves over it, after 
 the manner of the Sparrow Hawk, before pouncing upon it. The flight of these Hawks is 
 quite heavy and they seldom circle about high in air, but when hunting, fly along about 
 twenty feet above the ground. 
 
 As intimated, the Rough-legged Hawks are quite sluggish in habit and may oftener 
 be seen sitting than flying, yet they appear to fare well in spite of their indolence, for I do 
 not remember handling one that was not in good condition; in fact, they are usually very 
 fat. Although quite powerful birds, they are very gentle in captivity when treated well. 
 Almost all Hawks become tame if captured when young, though they are seldom gentle 
 when taken after they become fully grown, but the Rough-legged readily become familiar 
 and make excellent pets. 
 
 As related, these Hawks prefer the sea-shore to the interior and are found along the 
 entire New England coast during winter, but they are particularly abundant in New Jer- 
 sey and I have seen several in sight at one time. Like most migrants, they make their 
 appearance quite suddenly, remain through the cold weather, then depart as they come, 
 without warning. According to authors, they breed in the far north, placing their nests 
 in trees or on rocky cliffs. 
 
 FAMILY V. AQUILID^. THE TRUE EAGLES. 
 
 The sternum is long, exceeding its width, wide, about equaling the length of the coracoids, 
 but the scapular process of the latter does not meet thefurcula. Marginal indentations, two, 
 inclosed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by a single genus. The manubrium is 
 quite well developed, abruptly truncated, and not forked. The furcula is stout, much 
 flattened by lateral expansion, wide and thick near the base which is not rounded but pro- 
 duced into a point. The terminal expansion is quite prominent and-the furcula near it is 
 contracted and deeply furrowed above, and is bent downward to a point, closely approxi- 
 mating the top of the manubrium. The marginal indentations, although varying in size 
 with age, are always inclosed. Bill, strong, well-curved, with the cutting edge of upper 
 mandible nearly straight. The tarsus is short, stout, and thickly feathered to the toes, 
 which are stout, with strong, well-curved claws. The wings are long and pointed. The 
 tail is moderately long, and considerably rounded. 
 
AQU1LA CHRYSAETUS. 319 
 
 CKXUSI. AQUILA. THE EAGLES. 
 
 (IKN-. Cn. Pastrrior margin of sternum, indented with a wide, shallow scallop. Bill, strong and curved, with thecut- 
 
 tin<j < (/'/ <;/' ii/i/itr mandible sli;/hllij lulu-it. Tail, runsitli ralily rounded. 
 
 Members of tin-; genu< are very large and strung and the colors on both surfaces are generally dark with few or nocon- 
 spicuous markings. There is but one species found within our limits. 
 
 AQUILA CHEYSAETUS. 
 
 
 
 Golden Eagle. 
 Agvila chrysaetus LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 125. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, very robust. Size, large. Tarsus, feathered to the toes. Sternum, stout, with the tip of keel round- 
 ed, liili, strmij; and well-curved. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 Count. Ailult. General color throughout, dark-brown, with a purplish tinge, lightest on the head, neck, shoulders, 
 tibia, and tarsus; darkest on the wings, tail, and under portions. Feathers of head, neck, tibia, and tarsus, tipped and 
 edged with de.-]i yellowish-rufous 1'nsc of tnil, white. 
 
 Youny. .Similar to the adult, but lighter everywhere and the basal two thirds of the tail is white. Iris and bill, 
 brown, cere and fec-t, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a little variation in plumage, some specimens being darker or lighter than the type. In the transitional dress 
 between the ad 11 It and young, the tail is occasionally mottled with white. The young with the wide band of white on the 
 tail is tin' Ring-tailed Eagle of the older authors. This species may be recognized by the large size, wholly feathered tar- 
 sus, and colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the mountainous portions of North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 37'45; stretch, 85'00; wing, 24'00; 
 tail, 1") (Hi; bill, 1 (;,">; tarsus, 4'52. Longe-t specimen, 38'GO; greatest extent of wing, 86'50; longest wing, 25-00; tail, Ki'OO; 
 bill, 1-75; tarsus, 4'GO. Shortest specimen, 3G'2~>; smallest extent of wing, 84'25; shortest wing, 23'00: tail, U'OO; bill, 1-50; 
 tarsus, 4-00. 
 
 A', eragc measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 32'50; stretch, 83'00; wing, 21-75; 
 tail, 13-00; bill, 1 ;V>; tarsus, 3'75. Longest specimen, 35'00; greatest extent of wing, 84'00; longe-twing,23'50; tail, 14'00; 
 bill, 1-G5; tarsus, 4-00. Shortest specimen, 30'UO; smallest extent of wing, 82'CO; shortest wing, 20'50; tail, 1200; bill, 
 1--10; tarsus, 3'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on rocky shelves of steep cliffs. They are bulky structures, composed of sticks and twigs, arranged in a 
 compact manner. 
 
 !, one, two, or three, in number, varying from elliptical to spherical in form, dirty-white or creamy in color, oc- 
 casionally immaculate, but usually spotted and blotched with pale reddish-brown to which is sometimes added a faint tinge 
 of purpIMi. Dimensions, from 2'18x2'65 to 2'52x3'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few birds of a large size upon which the settlement of the country has had 
 so little effect as upon the Golden Eagles. As a rule, the inroads of civilization cause a 
 perceptible decrease in the numbers of rapacious birds but this is true only to a very limited 
 extent with the species now under consideration; indeed, it may be questioned if there are 
 l-ss Golden Eagles today in Eastern North America than there were when the Pilgrims 
 landed at Plymouth. Nor has their distribution changed much, if any, for they have ever 
 inhabited almost inaccessible mountain cliffs. They seldom leave their rocky fastnesses 
 and when they do move from point to point, it is at a great elevation; and in addition to 
 this, when we consider that there are few birds in the world, which are more wary, we can 
 
320 HALIAET1DAE. 
 
 readily understand why these noble Eagles have so long held their own; neither are they 
 in any present danger of being exterminated, for the sections which they inhabit, will long 
 remain unoccupied by man. I have, on several occasions, seen these fine birds circling 
 high in air over the mountains of Northern New England and Pennsylvania but I never 
 yet obtained a shot at one. Even the Indians considered it a notable feat to kill one of 
 this species and, as these birds are certainly no less wary today, he who shoots a Golden 
 Eagle may mark the date as an extra red-letter day in his calendar, resting assured that 
 he will not have occasion to repeat it many times, at least in our section. 
 
 The Golden Eagles hunt along the mountain sides, catching Grouse, rabbits, etc. and 
 perching upon trees or high cliffs in order to devour their prey. Their nests are 'placed on 
 the rocky shelves of steep precipices, where it is almost impossible to reach them. Mr. 
 William Brewster in making some notes forme, some years ago, of the birds that occurred 
 on the White Mountains, says of this species, "A pair have bred for years on a cliff, di- 
 rectly over the Profile House. They could be seen at almost any hour in the day, scaling 
 abo.it ttnir eyrie, uttering loud screams, but were especially noisy and active from sunset 
 to dark". 
 
 FAMILY VI. HALIAETIDAE. THE FISH EAGLES. 
 
 The sternum considerably exceeds twice its width in length, but there are no marginal in- 
 dentations. 
 
 The manubrium is quite well developed, abruptly truncated, and not forked. The 
 furcula is stout, much flattened by lateral expansion, wide and thick near the base which 
 is rounded and not produced into a point. The terminal expansion is not present, as in 
 the last family, nor is it produced as far forward, but extends backward beneath the bone; 
 the furcula near it is contracted but only slightly furrowed above and is bent downward to 
 a point quite near the manubrium. The posterior border is entire and produced backward 
 somewhat. The bill is stong, well-curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible slight- 
 ly lobed. The tarsus is short, stout, and naked to the heel behind but is feathered in front 
 for about half its length. The toes are stout, with strong, Avell-curved claws, but differ 
 from those of the True Eagles in having but two bones in the inner toe, instead of three. 
 The wings are very long and pointed. The tail is quite long and considerably rounded. 
 
 GENUS I. HALIAETUS. THE SEA EAGLES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Sternum, about as wide as it is high, including the keel. Keel, not reaching the posterior border which is con- 
 siderably rounded. 
 
 The sterno-trachealis is thick and there is a small bronchialis, but no other laryngeal mucles. The trachea is a little 
 flattened throughout. The oesophagus is dilated near the middle into quite a large crop, and the walls are very thin. The 
 proventricuhis is very large, with quite small, simple, oval glands, arranged in a zonular band which measures from 2'CO 
 to 2'25 in width, but in four pyramid-shaped ridges. The stomach is small, somewhat globular in form, with very thin 
 walls, lined with a soft membrane. The fold of the duodenum is very long, measuring 7'00. much twisted, and incloses a 
 small, irregularly formed pancreas which only occupies a short portion of its entire length. Cosca, very small. Both lobes 
 of the liver are about equal in size, and the heart is large but not pointed. The spleen is an oval shaped body situated on 
 the proventriculus. 
 
HAL1AETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS. 321 
 
 HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS. 
 
 White-headed Eagle. 
 Haliaetus Itucocephalus SAVIG. Cuv., R. A. 2d. ed.; 1838, 326. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. CH. Form, very robust. Size large. Sternum, stout, with the top of the keel rounded. Tongue, long, fleshy, 
 grinned f,r it- entire length, liorny at tip, where it is rounded but not bifid. Bill, strong and well-curved. Tarsus feftth- 
 ered in front for half its length. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 OR. Ailull. Head, and neck all around, tail, with its upper and lower coverts, white. Remaining plumage, 
 very dark-brown, with the feathers more or less edge 1 with whitish. Bill, oer-, feet, and iris, yellow. 
 
 Yi.iiii;/. Lacks the white head and tnil nnd the. feathers above are edged with yellowish-rufous and whitish. The 
 tail and under surface are streaked with white. 
 
 Ytntnu of the year. Very dark-brown everywhere, with the feathers on the top of the head very narrowly edged with 
 
 : nr rn f m*: 
 
 fiffllinija. Are at first covered with a whitish down which becomes darker as the birds grow older, then they gradu- 
 umc the plumage, last described. lu the last three stages, the iris and bill are brown, the feet are yellow, and the 
 
 cere is irrccuish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the same nge and sex exhibit but little variation in plumage. Readily known when adult by the white 
 head and tail, and in all stages liy, the partly feathered tarsus. Florida birds are smaller than those from further north. 
 Distributed as a constant resident throughout North America. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 
 
 A\cv:i::e measurements of female specimens from EasternNorth America. Length. 37'00; stretch, 82-70; wing, 24'00; 
 tail, I.' _'">; liill.'J-l-i; tarsus, 3'40. Longest specimen, 40"25; greatest extent of wing, 85'00; longest wing, 25-00; tail, 14 00; 
 bill, 2-00; tarsus, 3 80. Shortest specimen, 31'00; smallest extent of wing, 79-00; shortest wing, 23-00; tail, 11 33; bill, 1-90; 
 tarsus, 3-00. 
 
 AMM-ai;c iiieasureraents of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 32-00; stretch, 76-00; wing, 21-40; 
 tnil. II K">L l)ill,2'25; tarsus, 3' 12. Longest specimen, 31 00; greatest extent of wing, 80'25; longest wing, 22-83; tail, 12'00; 
 .'><>: tarsus, 3'30. Shortest specimen, 30-00; smallest extent of wing, 72'00; shortest wing,20'00; tail, 11-60; bill, 1-75; 
 tarsus, 2-90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, usually placed in trees or occasionally on rocky cliffs; they are very bulky structures, composed of sticks, ar- 
 ranged in a compact manner. 
 
 -. usually two in numlier, varying from spherical to oval in form, ashy or dirty-white in color, unspotted. Dimen- 
 f'rom 2-75x3-00 to2'82x2'85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the White-headed Eagles constantly occur in the wilder portions of New 
 England, they are rare in the vicinity of Boston; thus I do not remember of having seen 
 more than three or four, within the past fifteen years, at Newton, and the last one that I 
 observed \\as a fine adult which flew slowly by a few days ago, early in February, 1880. 
 I have little doubt but that these fine birds breed even in Massachusetts but such instances 
 are very rare and in order to study this species to perfection, one must visit Florida, where 
 there are more nests in a given area than in any other section, and I have several times 
 found three or four eyries, all occupied, within the radius of a mile. 
 
 These birds begin to breed in Florida very early in January, and the nest is usually 
 placed in a huge pine, many feet from the ground. The first nest that I found was at 
 Lake llarney, during my earliest visit to the state and as I was desirous of seeing what it 
 contained, I determined to cut down the tree, for all my efforts to climb the huge bole, 
 
 41 
 
322 WHITt's-HEADED EAGLE. 
 
 which was, at least, four feet in diameter, proved fruitless. Aided by an assistant, we 
 succeeded in accomplishing the long, difficult task and the huge tree which had defiod'lhe 
 gales of hundreds of years, fell with a resounding crash to the earth. We hastened to the 
 nest which had evidently been occupied for years, for it contained at least a cart-load of 
 sticks, many of which were decayed. In falling, the material had become somewhat scat- 
 tered and upon pulling it over, we discovered two downy young, about the size of a com- 
 mon fowl, both of which were dead, having been killed by the shock. It may be assured 
 that I was not very much pleased with the result of this method of investigating the con- 
 tents of Eagles' nests and I have never since taken the trouble to cut down a tree in which 
 these birds had placed their domiciles. 
 
 When the nest is approached, the parent Eagles do not exhibit any great degree of so- 
 licitude, merely flying about at long rifle range and uttering a harsh cackling note. They 
 have a singular habit of dropping, at such times, when shot at and uninjured, just as if 
 they had been hit, and I have seen a female turn over several times, almost exactly like a 
 Tumbler Pigeon. The male is particularly shy; in fact, he will often leave the vicinity 
 when he perceives an intruder. 
 
 On the eighth of March, I obtained young partly fledged at South Lake and on the 
 nineteenth of the same month, saw the young sitting outside the nest; although they were 
 fully fledged and as large as their parents, they were unable to fly but made frequent ef- 
 forts to rise in air, balancing themselves on one foot, while they flapped their wings vio- 
 lently, but they could not evidently muster sufficient courage to launch out. 
 
 I have intimated that the White-headed Eagles occupy the same nest for years, and 
 that they also guard it throughout the year, may be seen by the following instance. On 
 the twentieth of April, I discovered a nest built in a solitary pine which stood on the north 
 end of Merritt's Island and, as the Eagles were flying about it, uttering the cackling note 
 of alarm, I concluded that they had eggs, so I laboriously ascended to the nest which was 
 at least fifty feet in air with but few intervening branches. When under the nest, however, 
 I found that I could not get into it, as it was, at least, six feet in diameter and projected 
 out over my head like a shelf. So I descended, but as the Eagles still continued to fly about 
 and exhibit every mark of anxiety, I once more went up to their domicile and, after great 
 exertions, succeeded in tearing away a portion of the nest so that I could look into it, 
 when I found, much to ray disgust, that it contained nothing but fish bones, the young 
 having evidently left some time previous; in short, when I once more reached the ground, 
 I saw them, in company with their parents, circling around the place and since that time, 
 I have observed Eagles behaving in a similar manner late in the season. 
 
 As will be seen by the foregoing account, the nests are not very easy to get into, even 
 when one succeeds in reaching them. I once ascended to a nest placed in a dead tree on 
 one of those small keys which lie on the extreme south coast of Florida, and after making 
 considerable effort, succeeded, by the aid of a limb, in getting into, or rather, on to the 
 top. I found a perfectly flat platform, about six feet in diameter, solid in structure, where 
 I could stand upright or even move about. It was empty, and after spending some time 
 in examining the adjacent country, of which my elevated situation afforded an excellent 
 
WHITE-HEADED EAGLE. 323 
 
 prospect, I attempted to descend but, to my astonishment, this was not an easy task as I 
 coujd not see the limb by which I had ascended, for it was a mere stub and did not pro- 
 ject above the edge of the nest which was, at least, four feet thick. I was alone, my men 
 having gone to the yacht which was riding at anchor some two miles away, and I began 
 to think that I was effectually caged and that I should be obliged to throw down a greater 
 part of the nest in order to reach the limb, and indeed, had began to do this, when I unex- 
 pectedly came across it, swung myself over the edge, and was soon on the solid ground. 
 This last nest which I have described, was not over thirty feet in air and I have seen them 
 built even lower on the isolated keys of which I have been speaking. 
 
 These Eagles teed largely upon fish which they sometimes procure by robbing the 
 Osprey but they often capture it for themselves by diving into the water. They will take 
 wounded Ducks, and I once saw one swoop down and carry away a Buffle Head which I 
 had just shot and which was lying on the water only a few yards distant. 
 
 While encamped on a small island in the Gulf of Mexico, near the mouth of the Su- 
 wannee River, I heard, one morning, aloud squealing among the half-wild hogs, of which 
 there was an abundance in the place and, taking my rifle, went out to ascertain the cause 
 of the commotion. I found that three Eagles were attacking the newly born progeny of 
 an old sow and she was endeavoring to defend them. The little grunters, of which there 
 were several, had taken refuge under the top of a fallen tree which, however, only afforded 
 them partial protection; thus the Eagles could see them and, tempted by the dainty titbits, 
 would swoop downward and endeavor to grasp the little black and white pigs in their tal- 
 ons but were constantly repulsed by the anxious mother who bravely defended her offspring, 
 at the same time giving vent to some of the most ear-splitting squeals that ever a distressed 
 hog uttered. I do not know how the strife would have ended, had I not interfered with 
 my ritle so effectually that two Eagles lay dead upon the ground and the third flew away 
 badly frightened. The Bald-headed Eagles, as they are sometimes called, breed in the 
 North late in February and on Grand Menan, where they sometimes nest on rocky cliffs, 
 during the first two weeks in March. 
 
 FAMILY VII. PANDIONID^;. THE OSPREYS. 
 
 Sternum, about twice as long as wide, but not exceeding in width the length of the coracoids, 
 and the scapular process of the latter does not meet the furcula. Marginal indentations, two, 
 not inclosed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by a single genus. The lower anterior sur- 
 face is densely covered with feathers. The nianubrium is small, abruptly truncated, and 
 not forked. The furcula is stout, much flattened by lateral expansion near the base which 
 is moderately wide and produced downward into a very long point, but toward the middle, 
 the bone becomes rounded and the terminal expansion is quite prominent; while the fur- 
 cula near it is slightly contracted but not furrowed above and is bent downward until it 
 closely approximates the manubrium. The bill is stong, well-curved, with the cutting 
 edge of upper mandible nearly straight. The tarsus is short, thick, only slightly feathered 
 
324 PAND10N HALIAETUS. 
 
 in front, and is covered with small, circular scales. The toes are stout, with strong, well- 
 curved claws. The wings and tail are long and pointed 
 
 
 
 GENUS I. PANDION. THE FISH HAWKS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Posterior margin of sternum, between indentations, not rounded but cut away as far as the keel. Ceracoids, 
 short. Scapula, slender and considerably rounded at base. 
 
 The sterno-trachealis is thick and there is a small brouchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. The tympanifonn mem- 
 brane is present and although there is a thin os trnnsversale, it does not support a semilunar membrane. The trachea i- a 
 little flattened throughout. The oesophagus is dilated near the middle into quite large crop, and the walls are usually 
 very thin. The proventriculus is very large, with the walls quite thick, and composed of small, simple, cylindrical glands, 
 arranged in a zonular band which measures from 1'50 to 1'GO in width, but in four pyramid-shaped ridges. The stomach 
 is small, somewhat globular in form, with very thin walls, lined with a soft membrane which emits anoily fluid. The f >1<1 
 of the duodenum is long, measuring 3'00. and incloses a small, irregularly formed pancreas which only occupies a short por- 
 tion of its entire length, near stomach. The intestines are very .'-mall, only measuring 15 in diameter, but are very 1 >ng, 
 measuring 117'00 in length. Cocca, very short but thick. Koth lobes of the liver are short, thick, and nearly equal in 
 size. The heart is large and triangular in form. The spleen is an oval-shaped body situated on the proventriculus. There 
 is but one species within our limits. 
 
 PANDION HALIAETUS. 
 
 Osprey. Fish Hawk. 
 Pandion hatiaelus Cuv, R. A., I; 1817, 316. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, with the tip of keel rounded. Tongue, thick, fleshy, horny at 
 tip which is rounded but not bifid, bluish in color. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Sides of head and entire under parts, white, with numerous, circular spots of yeUowish-brjwn in a 
 band across the breast. Line through eye. top of head, and the remaining upper portions, very dark-brown, with the tail 
 barred with dusky. 
 
 Young. Quite similar to the adult, but with every feather edged with whitish, and the under portions are slightly 
 tinged with yellowish. 
 
 Young of the year. Not unlike the young but showing a strong overwashing of deep buff on the occiput and many of 
 the feathers above are tinged with it. 
 
 Nestlings. Are, at first, covered with a whitish down, then gradually assume the dress last described. Iris, reddish- 
 brown, cere and feet, bluish, and bill, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a little variation in plumage, some specimens being darker or lighter than the type. This species may be rec- 
 ognized by the peculiar scaling of the ta-su~, form and colors as described. Distributed, as a summer resident, through- 
 out North America, wintering in the more southern portions. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 23'25; stretch, C7'75; wimr,20'PO; 
 tail, 7' 50; bill, T50; tarsus, 2 - 15. Longest specimen, 24'50; greatest extent of wing, 70'50; longest wing, 21'CO; tail, 9'50; 
 bill, 1-00; t.irsus, 2'30. Shortest specimen, 22 00; smallest extentof wing, C5'50; shortest wing, 19'0(>: tail, 8 50; bill, 1 40; 
 tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 2T25; stretch, 65'00; wing. IS'OO; 
 tail, 8-30: bill, T41; tarsus, 2' 12. Longest specimen, 2d'50; greatest extent of wing, GG'OO; longest wing.20'00; tail, 8'GO; 
 bill, 1-50; tarsus, 2'25. Shortest specimen, 21'00; smallest extentof wing, G4'00; shortest wing, 19'00; tail,8'00; bill, 1'33; 
 tarsus, 2 '00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees and bushes, or occasionally on the ground. They are bulky structures, composed of sticks and 
 weeds, arranged in a compact manner. 
 
 EI/IJS, three or four in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, yellowish-white or creamy in color, spotted 
 and blotched with reddish-brown and umber, so thickly on the larger end as to completely obscure the ground color, and 
 sometimes the entire egg is thus covered. Dimensions, from I'69x2'21 to r85x2'58. 
 
OSPREV. FISH HAWK. 325 
 
 II A HITS 
 
 There are none among the rapacious birds, that are better known throughout the coun- 
 try than the Fish Hawks, not only because they are very common but also because the 
 birds have become famous through Wilson's history of their habits, especially his inimita- 
 ble description of the manner in which the Ospreys are robbed by the Bald Eagles. In re- 
 gard to this, I think, however, that the Ospreys are not great sufferers, for according to 
 my experience which has been somewhat extended, for I have long been familiar with both 
 of these birds, it is a rare sight to see an Eagle in pursuit of an Osprey. This is especi- 
 ally noticeable in Florida, where both species are remarkably abundant. There is a reach 
 of Mosquito Lagoon, near the inlet on the west side, which is shut off from the main por- 
 tion by a series of islands, and which is very shallow, especially at low tide; in fact, at 
 such times, there is but a few inches of water remaining in it. Thus fishes, in attempting 
 to go through the pass, are obliged to make their way very slowly, or to wait the rise of 
 the tide; consequently they accumulate in large numbers in the deepest pools. The Os- 
 pivys appear to have learned this fact for they flock to the place in order to catch their 
 comparatively helpless prey, and I have counted fifty in the air at one time, besides others 
 sitting on trees near the water; yet I never saw an Eagle attempt to rob one more than 
 twice and in both instances, the Osprey got off with its booty by actually outstripping 
 the Kairle in flight. 
 
 Usually tho Ospreys are certain of their prey when it is once grasped in their strong, 
 well-curved talons but I once saw one completely puzzled. I was standing on the beach 
 in front of my camp, near the Ilaulover Canal, on Indian River, one morning, when I ob- 
 served an Osprey drop down in front of me, some two hundred yards distant, catch a fish, 
 and rise slowly with it in air. I watched him as he paused to give the peculiar shiver, 
 which is characteristic of this species, in order to shake off the water from his plumage, 
 then he adjusted the fish to his liking, carrying it, as is usual, longitudinal with his own 
 body, the head first. All this occupied but a few seconds and the bird was all the time 
 moving forward toward me, when all at once, I observed that he was getting uneasy about 
 something, for he bent his head, moved slowly, and was evidently trying to get a firm hold 
 of the fish that appeared to be slipping from his grasp. All these efforts were in vain, 
 however, for just as the Osprey reached a point nearly ovejKtny head, the fish freed itself 
 and fdl, striking the ground almost at my feet, while ffifc Fish Hawk giving vent to his 
 disappointment by loud, whistling screams, returned to try his fortune again. I stepped 
 forward and picked up the fish, when the mystery was explained. It was a globe fish, a 
 peculiar species which inhabits the. waters of Florida, and which is not only provided with 
 a tough, loose skin but is also endowed with the power of pumping air into the space be- 
 tween the skin and body until it becomes swelled like a ball or globe; whence the name. 
 The Osprey had, perhaps by mistake, caught one of these fishes which, as soon as it had 
 felt the talons of its captor, began to pump air into its receptacle, thus spreading apart the 
 strong claws of the bird until it fell from his grasp. The moment of deliverance came just 
 an instant too late, however, as it only escaped one. danger to meet its death, for it was 
 completely dead when I picked it up, it being killed by the fall. 
 
326 POLYBORUS THARUS. 
 
 The Ospreys breed early in February on the St. John's River, placing the nest in 
 high cypress trees, and I also found- fresh eggs about the middle of March at Clear Water 
 Harbor on the west coast. The birds in these sections, were very unsuspicious, allowing 
 one to pass directly under the nest without flying, and in one instance, my assistant was 
 half-way up a tree in which a bird had her domicile, before she started. On the Keys, 
 where the nests are frequently placed in low mangroves but a few feet from the ground, 
 the birds breed earlier. Further north, where the Ospreys are migratory, they do not 
 breed until the middle of April. 
 
 FAMILY VIII. POLYBORID^. THE VULTURE EAGLES. 
 
 'Sternum, more than twice as long as wide and the scapular process of the coracoids meets 
 thefurcula. Marginal indentations, two, inclosed. 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by a single genus. The bill is strong, well- 
 curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible nearly straight. Lores and space around 
 eye, naked. The tarsus is long and only slightly feathered in front. The toes are weak 
 and the claws are small. 
 
 GENUS I. POLYBORUS. THE CARACARAS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, rather lony, strong, and well-curved, with the cutting edge of upper mandible slightly lobed. Tail and 
 wings, long, the former is rounded and the latter are pointed. 
 
 The trachea is a little flattened throughout. The sterno-trachealis is short and stout, having its origin quite near the 
 larynx, and there is a slender bronchialis extending over all the half rings, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The 
 walls of the oesophagus are thin; this is at first nearly straight, then is dilated into a crop, and is again straight and opens 
 into a large sized proventriculus with numeroas small, simple, closely packed, oval glands arranged in a zonular band which 
 measures T15. The stomach is of a medium size, somewhat globular in form, with thin but soft walls, and is lined with a 
 soft membrane. The fold of the duodenum is long, and is beet upon itself several times. The coeca, when present, are 
 very small. The spleen is a spherical body lying on the proventriculus. The left lobe of the liver is slightly larger that 
 the right. There is but one species found within our limits. 
 
 POLYBORUS THARTJS. 
 
 Caracara Eagle. 
 Polyborus lharus CASS., Ills. I; 1854, 113. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, not very robust. Size, medium. Tongue, long, fleshy, horny at tip, where it is rounded and bifid. 
 Occipital feathers, elongated. Space on breast, naked. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown everywhere, excepting upper tail coverts which are yellowish-white, banded with 
 dusky. Tail, white at base, black at tip, and crossed with numerous bands of the same color. Concealed patch on hind 
 neck, brownish-yellow. Wings, more or less handed with white. Beneath, everywhere white, with abroad band across 
 abdomen and tibia, dark-brown, and the breast is transversely banded with fine lines of black. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but duller brown above which color also extends over the entire lower portions. T!;e 
 feathers above are edged with whitish and those beneath are longitudinally streaked with yellowish-white. Tail, ne.irly 
 white, banded with ashy-brown and tipped with dark-brown. Bill, bluish, cere, red, feet, yelluw, and iris, brown, in all 
 stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens appear to present some variation of plumage but may be readily known by the form and colors as described. 
 Distributed as a constant resident in Mexico and northward into the United State as far as Arizona and eastward into 
 
 Louisiana and Florida. 
 
CAR AVAR A EAGLE. 327 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avonv.rr measurements of female specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 24-50; stretch, 48-00: wing, 16'50; 
 tail, !).>< I; hill. 1-1-J; tarsus, 3'25. Longest specimen, 25-00; greatest extent of wing, 49'W); longest wing, 17'1H); tail, 10 00; 
 liill, 1 25: tarsus, 3 50. Shortest spcvimen, 24'00; smallest extent of wing, 47'25; shortest wing, lO'OO; tail, 9'00; bill, I'OO; 
 tarsus, .TOO. 
 
 AMT:IJ;C measurement-; of male specimen* from Eastern North America. Length, 23'50; stretch, 47'25; wing, 15-50; 
 tail. * 50; hill, -98; tarsus, 2'95. Longest ^>n-imen, 24'00; greatest extent of wing, 48-00; longest wing, 16 00: tail, 9 00; 
 hill, 1 00: tarsus, 3'00. Shortest --|M-< -initn, 23-00; smallest extent of wing, 46'50; shortest wing, 15 00; tail, 8'00; bill, '95; 
 tarsus, 290. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGS. 
 
 firsts, placed in trees or bushes; they are bulky structures, composed of sticks, lined with roots, grass, etc., arranged 
 in a compact manner. 
 
 KWS, two to four in number, varying from spherical to oval in form, yellowish-white or creamy in color, blotched, spot- 
 ted, and sprinkled with rr.MMi-hrown of varying shades, frequently so thickly as to nearly, or quite, obscure the ground 
 color. Dimensions from 1-80x2-25 to 1 -88x2 50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Caracara Eagles cannot be called rare in Florida, yet they are restricted 
 to a comparatively limited area, boing quite common on the prairies near the extreme head- 
 waters ol'tlu' St. John's, anil on the broad Savannas which lie about Lake Okeechobee and 
 northward along the Kissimee River. They are quite rare in other sections, being only 
 stragglers, for I do not think that they breed elsewhere than in the sections named. They 
 deposit their eggs in early spring, often placing their nests in the tops of palmetto trees 
 or occasionally on pines. 
 
 Not only in form and odor are the Caracaras intermediate between the Eagles and 
 Vultures but they also resemble both in habits. They catch some of their booty living but 
 will feed readily upon dead animals. They are sluggish nt times but fly well; when on 
 the wing, moving in a direct line, they resemble the Black Vulture somewhat, flapping 
 and sailing alternately, but when high in air, circle like a Hawk or Eagle. 
 
 There can be but little doubt that this species is the Sacred Vulture of Bartram who 
 .says that the feathers were greatly esteemed by the Indians as ornaments; a fact which 
 iniolit have been true enough in his time, 1791, but at the present day, the favorite decora- 
 tions of the Seminoles, are the plumes of the Ostrich. Were it not for the high reputation 
 for veracity, which one cannot avoid according to Mr. Bartram after reading his writings, 
 I should say that he had been trying to palm off a purely mythical species upon the public, 
 for much of his description does not correspond with the plumage of any known bird; but 
 it is highly probable that the description of the bird which he terms the Sacred Vulture, 
 was made from memory, some time after seeing the Caracaras, and thus the King Vult- 
 ure of South America and the true Caracara Eagle which is also known in Florida as the 
 Kiii- Buzzard, became somewhat confounded in his mind. This theory has, for its sup- 
 port, the fact that Bart ram does not mention the true Caracara as an inhabitant of Florida. 
 
 FAMILY IX. CATHARTID^S. THE AMERICAN VULTURES. 
 
 Feet, small and weak; claws, not very stout. Sternum, wide; keel, not high. Marginal 
 indentations, four. 
 
328 CATHARTES AURA. 
 
 % 
 t 
 
 This family, in our section, is represented by two genera. The manubrium is small, 
 abruptly truncated, and not forked. The furcula is stout, much flattened by lateral expan- 
 sion near the base which is moderately wide and produced downward into a very long point, 
 but toward the middle, the bone becomes rounded and the terminal expansion is not very 
 prominent, while the furcula near it is not contracted nor bent downward. The marginal 
 indentations are always four, either open or inclosed. The bill is stong, well-curved, with 
 the cutting edge of upper mandible nearly straight. The tarsus is long, naked for its en- 
 tire length, and is covered with small, circular scales. The feet are small and the toes, 
 weak, especially the posterior, and are without grasping power. The wings are long and 
 pointed, and the tail is moderately long. There is no nasal septum. 
 
 GENUS I. CATHARTES. THE NAKED-BREASTED VULTURES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, short and thick. Head and neck, destitute of feathers, and there is a wide naked space on the breast. 
 Tail, tony and rounded. Sternum, short, not exceeding twice its width in lenyth. The two outer marginal indentations are 
 enclosed, but the inner are open. Furcula, very wide at base. 
 
 The sterno-trachealis is quite thick, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. The inferior larynx is very smnll, and 
 there are no ty in pan i form or semilunar membranes, while the lower portions of bronchials are membraneous. The trachea 
 is much flattened throughout. The oesophagus is dilated near the middle into a very large crop, and the walls are usually 
 very thin. The proventricuhis is very large, with the walls quite thick, and composed of numerous, small, simple, glands, 
 arranged in a zonular band which measures from TOO to I'25 in width. Thestomach is small, somewhat globular in form, 
 with quite thick walls, lined with a hard, rugose membrane. There is a pyloric lobe, '50 in diameter. The fold of the du- 
 odenum is long, measuring from 3'00 to 5'00, antl incloses a small, irregularly formed pancreas which only occupies n short 
 portion of its entire length, near stomach. Coeca, wanting. Both lobes of the liver are short, thick, and nearly equal in 
 size. The heart is large and triangular in form. The spleen is an oval-shaped body situated on the proven triculus. There 
 is but one species within our limits. 
 
 
 
 CATHARTES AURA. 
 
 Turkey Buzzard. 
 Cathartes aura ILL., Prod.; 1811, 336. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout, with the keel slightly arched. Tongue, long, fleshy, concave 
 above, and the edges are provided with numerous, hard papillae which point backward. The tip is rounded but not bilid. 
 Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Uniform dark-brown throughout, with a bluish iridescence on both surfaces, and the feathers of the 
 wings are edged with yellowish-brown and whitish. 
 
 Youny. Quite similar to the adult, but with the feathers less iridescent and more generally edged with whitish, and 
 those beneath are lighter. 
 
 Nestlings. Are, at first, covered with a dirty-white down, then gradually assume the plumage last described. Head 
 and neck, flesh color, and covered with short, black hairs, iris, and bill, whitish, feet, pinkish-brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a little variation in plumage, some specimens being darker or lighter than the type. This species mny be rec- 
 ognized by the red head and colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout North America, south of 
 latitude 40; rare north of this point but straggling into New England and even as far north as Canada. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Florida. Length, 27'25; stretch, 75-00; wing, 24'00; tail, 12'25; 
 bill, 1'03; tarsus, 2'50. Longest specimen, 28'25; greatest extent of wing, 73 - 00; longest wing, 27'00; tail, I2'50; bill, 1' 10; 
 tarsus, 2-70. Shortest specimen, 26'50; smallest extent of wing, 68'00; shortest wing, 2r<X>; tail, 11 00; bill, "95; tarsus, 
 2-30. 
 
- 
 
 PHONIPARAZENA. 
 
 BlacWieaded Fincli. 
 
 AJJt.M.U 
 
 

TURKEY BUZZARD. 329 
 
 Avi-niifP mra^uromrnN of nuilr -;nviir.'ii- IVnni Floriiln. l.rn.utli. 'J(>-7:">; sMvtr!;, (TT'CO; viii^, STOO; (nil, 10'R'i; Ml], 
 
 1-17: Uirstv, -J-.T. Longest specimen, 27*95; TS'OO; lnn-< -t -i; ill, i ]:'.(>: liill.'J-iM); t:\r- 
 
 SIH. -,!-7">. Slioi-t<-st s|ii>'iiiK'H, -Jl-.'H); .- dC: tail. 10 111; Mil, MM); Livsus, 
 
 j-ta 
 
 DESCKII'TloX OF NF.STS AND T 
 .\ r, M'cd on the tup-; <>f ^liiiiip~. -n I.,--, on r,.in,-.l buildings, i.i liullow trees, or on the ground; but little orno 
 
 . 
 
 . ,r MV,> in ii', ml XT vai-yinu' IV. -in ri:ii>ti. in form,dirty-whiteor rnvimy iii ' ! 'Botched 
 
 tore thickl) brown and amber. Diinen.-ioii- IV. m isox2'G5 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 "When one sees tlio Red-headed Vultures for the first time and observes their various 
 aerial evolutions, now sailing high in air on moHonlesa^winga or gliding rapidly along (ho 
 surface of the ground, avoidini:' (lie numerous obstacles in their path, with the greatest 
 ease; rising and fall'mii 1 with a flight so smooth that it is seldom excelled by other birds; 
 iu short, performing all their movements upon the wing with the utmost grace and ele- 
 gance, 1 repeat, when one sees all this for the first time, he cannot help exclaiming,' 
 "What magnificent birds!" Then, if not ornithologist enough to recognize the species, 
 he turns to impure its name of the nearest native, he will he greeted, especially if the one 
 li'' ipiesfions be a descendant of Ham, with a look of astonishment followed by a broad 
 grin, at the apparent absurdity of the interrogative, while the immediate answer is given in 
 a tone in which disgust is so very apparent as to create surprise "Dat, why doan yer 
 know what daf is? Dat yer is nothin but a dirty Buzzard." Although this appears to be 
 quite like slander without a just cause, one soon learns to take the same view of the case 
 and', after becoming intimately acquainted with the birds, one cannot help regarding them 
 as "nothing but dirty Buzzards," and no matter how elegant and varied are their gyra- 
 tions, one can never look upon them with quite the same admiration as he did before wit- 
 n< i --ing their disgusting habits. There is no denying this charge, they are most decidedly 
 disgusting birds, not only being vile feeders on carrion but they cat it to excess, frequently 
 becoming so crammed that they are unable to move, when they are obliged to disgorge a 
 portion of their ill-smelling provender before they can take flight. 
 
 Turkey Buzzards are the greatest cowards that I ever saw among birds; when one is 
 capture'!, which can be readily done by employing steel traps, it never makes the slight- 
 est attempt at defense, but merely hangs its head in the most abject manner, and if il lias 
 been eating anything recently, will discharge the contents of ils stomach at its captor's feet , 
 not because it wishes to get rid of the food but because it evidently intends to make a kind 
 of peace-offering, which too often, however, proves more highly odoriferous than accepta- 
 ble. This habit of relinquishing what they have eaten when attacked or frightened, is so 
 strong with the Turkey Buzzards that they will always vomit when wounded and I have 
 seen them do the same thing when I have been passing them as they sat on the low limb 
 of a tree. 
 
 As a redeeming trait, however, of the Red-headed Vultures, I must say that Ihey will 
 eat fresh meat when they can get it and I think they prefer it to carrion for they would 
 
 42 
 
330 CATHARTES AURA. 
 
 gather around our camps to feed upon the bodies of birds that we threw out to them. They 
 will also gather around the hunter when he shoots a deer in order to devour the intestines 
 which he usually removes on the spot. This brings me to a point which I wish to men- 
 tion, regarding Audubon's experiments upon these birds. For the benefit of those who 
 may not chance to be familiar with them, I will merely say that this distinguished author 
 had an idea that the Turkey Buzzards were deficient in the sense of smell, or at least, that 
 they were not guided to their food by this sense. To prove this, he covered the carcass of 
 a hog, or other animal, with brush or leaves and the Vultures would not trouble it although 
 they frequently passed over the spot, only a short distance above the ground. Now it is 
 a well-known fact with hunters in Florida, that whenever the body of an annual is cov- 
 ered ever so lightly with brush or leaves, it will never be disturbed by the Buzzards. I 
 have been a frequent witness to this and have, myself, seen the body of a freshly killed 
 deer left for hours with a few palmetto loaves laid over it, which only partly concealed it, 
 without it being troubled by the Vultures, although they gathered in such numbers as to 
 almost instantly devour the intestines which had been removed, then sat around on the 
 trees in the neighborhood with their hunger unappeased. Now there is but one way to 
 explain this singular abstinence on the part of birds which are usually so rapacious that 
 any meat left exposed is devoured very quickly. Whenever the puma (Fclis concolor) 
 leaves a portion of his food uneaten, he invariably covers it with a little grass, some leaves, 
 or other debris, that he can scratch over it. He then conceals himself near the spot and 
 watches the cache until he feels hungry. The remains of the feast are, as I have seen, 
 not entirely concealed upon such occasions but are only partly covered, just enough, how- 
 ever, to taboo it for other animals, and woe betide the helpless bird or beast who, impelled 
 by hunger, dares to break the puma's seal; he is so near that a single bound or two brings 
 him upon them, when they are fortunate if they escape with their lives. Turkey Buzzards 
 have some little sagacity, and instinctive, or inherited, sagacity is, as every naturalist 
 knows, the strongest; thus meat covered by a puma is not to be lightly meddled with, and 
 how are Turkey Buzzards, with their slight stock of wisdom, going to distinguish between 
 booty covered by a puma and that concealed no less clumsily by man? As the olfactory 
 nerves of these Vultures are as highly developed as these of other birds, I cannot avoid the 
 conclusion that they enjoy the sense of smell to an equal degree with other species, espe- 
 cially as nothing in my experience with them tends to show that they do not. 
 
 Although the Red-headed Vultures congregate in great numbers in the vicinity of 
 cities, towns, and other settlements, they are also abundant in the wilder sections, where 
 they are generally much shyer than in localities in which they are protected. These Vul- 
 tures breed about the first of April in the more southern sections, and a little later further 
 north. The eggs are usually placed on the ground but, Captain Dummett informed me 
 that a pair nested for years on the top of the old Spanish lookout which stands on a small 
 island in the Mantanzas River near the inlet. These birds are generally distributed and 
 occur from Southern Pennsylvania to the extreme point of Florida and also on the Keys 
 but in this latter named locality they are not to be found in such numbers as on the 
 main-land. 
 
CATHAR1STA ATRATA. 331 
 
 GENTS It. CATIIAKISTA. TI1K SoCAKK- TAILED VULTURES. 
 
 GEX. Cll. Bill, /unif antlruthir x/<ni/<r. II' ml, ilfftituir nffiallu rs, but the tudt it covered In hind, and there is no 
 Baited space ox /// linaft. Tail, short and si/uuri . !<l:Tnum, lony, at least e< t uuliny twice its width in lenytli. Tin fintr 
 ii.iir<;iiiril mi!' illations an ofim. Furcu/a, not i-ery wide at base. 
 
 'uali> i- quite lliii'k, hut there are i tliiT laryngeal muscles. The inferior larynx is very small, nnd 
 
 re no tympaniform or semilunar mem I mines, wliile tlic lower portions of brunch iuls are Dtembrnneoufl, The \ 
 
 i< in i ii' 1 1 tin i 1,'iie.l I liiMiiii'Luiit. '!'!H' ic-iphagi|s is dilated near I lie middle into a \ery large civp, ami tlic walls arc usually 
 In. The pro\entrieul:i> is yen largo, wi:'i tin- walls quite thick, and 10111)11 scd uf numerous, small. Dimple, glands, 
 
 arranged in a znniilar haml which nira<urc< IVutn I'tKl to T25 in width. Thestoinach is small, smicwhat filnlnilar in iorin, 
 
 with quite thin walN, lined with a s .ft membrane. There is n pyloric lobe, '75 in diameter. The fold of the i!iio'!.-n;:m 
 . mi asnrini; from 8'00 to lO'OO, an i incl.ises a >mall, tiTci^ularly F rniod ]>ancrcas which only oi'cupics a -iimt 
 
 portion of its entire length, near stomach. Cicea, wanting. Both l,.lie< ol the liver are short, thick, and nearly equal in 
 Flic heart is la rue and triangular in form. The spleen is nn oval-shnped body situated on the proventriculus. There 
 
 i l>ut one species within our limits. 
 
 CATHARISTA ATRATA. 
 Black-headed Buzzard. 
 
 Cotharisla atrata (iiiAV, Hand List, I; 1869. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stunt, with the keel considerably arched. Tongue, moderately long, 
 'leepl\ eoncare above, and the flire-are provided with numerous, fine soft papillae which point backward. The 
 tip i< rounded lint not bifid. Sexes, similar in color. 
 
 <u. Adult, riiit'.irin dark liruwnish-black throughout, with a greenish iridescence on both surfaces, beedining 
 on i lie primaries, especially on the outer webs of two thirds of the basal portions, where the colors are very light, 
 and the -hafi- are white. 
 
 Yuan;/, (tnite similar to the adult, but less iridescent and the feathers extend up further on the back of the neck, 
 reaching the occiput. 
 
 Nestlings. Are, at lirst, covered with a dirty-white down then gradually assume the plumage last described. Head 
 and neck, black and covered with short, black hairs, iris,. hi", and feet, dark-brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is 11 little variation in plumage, some specimens lx;ing darker or lighter than the type. This species may be at 
 ." the square tail, black head and colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout the 
 Carolina-; and southward, not very common north of this point but straggling into New England as far as Maine. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of female specimens from Florida. Length, 26 - 00; stretch, SS'OO; wing, 17 - 25; tail, R 00; bill, 
 1 1.5; lur-ii-. :;_'-. Longest specimen, 27-00; greatest extent ofwing, (V)-(Ki; longest win;;, IS'OO; tail.i-t-50; bill, T30; tarsus, 
 3-3.x -iieeimen, 25'00: smallest i-xtent i,C win.u. :><;(); ubi iti-t wini;, IG-.W; tail, 7'50; hill, 1-00; tarsus, ^J.'i. 
 
 ii-eiiii-nts of mule specimens from Florida. Length, 25'00; stretch, .17 jVI; wing. lo-7.">: tail, 7'45; hill, 
 
 I'lO; tai-su-. 3-15. Longest specimen, 26'dO; greatest extent of wing, 59 - 00; longest wing, 17'50; tail, 7'75: bill, rail: tar- 
 
 JO. Shortest specimen, 24'IX); smallest extent of wing, 56'Otl; sl.orttst wing, lfi'00; tail, 7-00; bill, I'OO; tarsus, 3'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or occasionally on prostrate logs, in the woods; but little or no material is used in con- 
 structing them. 
 
 S one or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, yellowish-white or creamy in color, blotched and 
 spotted with very dark-brown and umber. Dimensions from 2'05 x 3'00 to 2' 10 x 3' 10. 
 
 11AIHTS. 
 
 As will be seen by the description, the Black-headed Vultures differ greatly from the 
 preceding species in form and anatomical structure, and they also differ widely in habit; 
 so widely, in fact, that the two species scarcely have any peculiarities in common. It is 
 
334 WHITE-HEADED DOVE. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is little or no variation in plumage in specimens which I have examined. Readily known from all allied species 
 by the white head and colors as described. Occurs in summer on the Florida Keys; resident in the Bahamas and West 
 Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Florida. Length, 13-12; stretch, 21 P 75; wing, 5'50: tail, 5-<15; bill, 71; 
 tarsus, 1 - 05. Longest specimen, 14-25; greatest extent of wing, 23'50; longest wing, 7-.W; tail, 5-50; bill, '70; tarsus, TIG. 
 Shortest specimen, 12 00; smallest extent of wing, 21VOO; shortest wing, G'50: tail, 5'4i>; bill, '70; tarsus, I'OO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OP NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in low trees or bushes; they are not bulky structures, being composed of sticks carelessly arranged, and 
 are without lining. 
 
 Fyys, one or two in number, oval in form, pure creamy-white in color, with the surface very smooth. Dimensions, from 
 1-02x1-40 to 1-05x1-45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 During my visit to the Florida Keys in 1870-71, I searched eagerly for the White- 
 headed Pigeons, but I did not find them upon my arrival, early in November, although I 
 was assured by the inhabitants of Key West that some had been shot only a few days pre- 
 vious, nor was I so fortunate as to meet with them late in spring although I remained un- 
 til the last of May. I heard from them repeatedly, however, for nearly every one was 
 familiar with the wild Pigeons, as they are called, for these birds are still quite common, 
 especially in autumn. They breed abundantly on certain small keys which lie between 
 the chain of larger keys and the outer reef. Here they are quite tame and I was informed 
 by the wife of one of the wreckers, that they bred in the thick bushes which grew not. far 
 from her door. They were never disturbed when nesting and, consequently, became so 
 familiar that her little boy was accustomed to play with the young squabs as they sat in 
 the nest, while the parent Doves would alight near and unconcernedly watch the proceed- 
 ing. Later in the season, these birds are represented as being very will. 
 
 In the middle of June, 1874, my assistants, when I was prevented from accompany- 
 ing them through sickness, visited (he small keys mentioned and found the birds breeding 
 on them. At this season, the heat so far south is perfectly stifling; add to this the fact 
 that clouds oj mosquitoes constantly rise from the rank vegetation to greet the intruder 
 with numberless stings, and one can readily understand that a collector must be very en- 
 thusiastic to prosecute his researches very far in such a region. In spite of these difficul- 
 ties, however, one of the party succeeded in finding several nests and in shooting about a 
 dozen birds, many of which he was unable to find in the thick and thorny jungle, especi- 
 ally when tormented to such an extent by his insect assailants. The nests were built 
 low in the thickest part of the scrub, from which it was difficult to dislodge the birds. 
 
 In flight and note, the White-headed Pigeons resemble the Domestic Dove. They 
 arrive on the Florida Keys about the first week in June and depart late, in October. Dur- 
 ing the autumn, their numbers are considerably augmented by migrants from the Baha- 
 mas which are attracted to the Keys by the abundance of the fruit of the sea grape, upon 
 which the Doves feed. They are shot for food by the wreckers in autumn, but are now lit- 
 tle disturbed when nesting, and although they are far from being as abundant as described 
 by Audubon, they are still quite common. 
 
ECTOP1STES M1GRATOR1A. 336 
 
 CF.NIS 11. K(Toi'Kn:s. TIIF, \'\c,\ 
 
 GEN. Cu. Bill, rather tony anil ili ml' r. Toil, n ry lony and jiointed or yraduat-ii. Sternum, rathir wide. Cteca, 
 tmall. 
 
 Memlx-rs of thi< genus are quite large, not very dull in color, with conspicuous white markings on the long tail. There 
 is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ECTOPISTES M1GRATORIA. 
 
 Wild Pigeon. 
 Eclopislei miyratoria Sw.vix, Zool. Jour., Ill; 1827, 355. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si>. Cir. Form, robust. Si/o, large. Sternum, stout. Tongue, moderately long, thin, narrow at tip which is pointed. 
 
 i, very small. Tail, long and irraduatcd. 
 
 (.'oi.oi!. Ai/u/t mnli'. Head all around, neck, c-hin. hack , upper wing cnverts, upper tail coverts, under wing coverls, 
 -ides, anil flanks, a-hs-blne, lightest .11 r , T name I p .rtioiis. Wings, including seapularies, brown, tlie latter 
 
 ted with large patches of black and tin- tips of secondaries and miti-r c Igcs of primaries arc nearly white. Tail, hluish- 
 a-li. I IT, lining ilarkcr toward the tips [ the mid'U.' 1'eatln rs.and mucli li^htor, gradually lading int i white, on I lie tips and 
 outer w, There i- a <]>>: ,f tinnaiir.in near the lia-al pnrt i ,n of tli inner WC!H ,:fall the feathers exerpt- 
 
 ing Central pair, wl,i<-!i is followed. ai:er a -Imrt interval, liy an oliiique hand ( f l-.lack. Sides and haek of neck, ^ 
 witli \i,,!et whieli ha- green and golden n-tlections. JScneuth, pnr|ilisli-rcd, darkest anteriorly and fading into white on 
 the alidoiiieii. I'mler tail e ivert-. pure whit '. Tih!a. ])iirplis'i. 
 
 Ailuil f'male. Quite similar to the male, hut browner ab.ive, Is less iridescent on the neck, and is pale ashy-yellow 
 beneath. 
 
 Ynunjf. Are not unlike the adult female, but are much browner above and are dark-brown on the neck below, while 
 the featln-r> ot L'e 1 wi;h white. The chin is white, and the wing feathers are edged with rufous. Iris, 
 
 red, bill, black, and feet, yellow, in :ii 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 -ionally the head is blue all around, but otherwise there is little variation in plumage. This species may be at 
 
 "' i'e ,'^ni/e,| by the i mill ted tail, cinnamon spots at its base, which are present in all stages, large size, and colors us de- 
 
 !>iited. a- a slimmer resident, throughout Middle and Northern North America, wintering in the section 
 south of New Kngland. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 -\\> irementsof specimens from Xorth America. Length. Ifi-H-J; stretch, 23-50: wins, 8-J5: tail, 8'25; bill, 
 
 TO; tarsus, 1'05. ' ii.rimen, I7--J.">; tent of wing, M*OQ; longest wiag, 8'A); tail, -5(); bill, -Ml; tarsus, 
 
 I'll". 5 n, 10-00; smallest extent of wing, -J.I-OO; shortest wing, 8'(KI; tail, S'OO; bill, -00; tarsus, I'OO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NK.STS AND Kt;<,S. 
 
 , placed in trees. They are not very ela'i n-.ite structures, b in-j of twigs and sticks, without any lining 
 
 whatever. 
 
 I, one or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, pure white or creamy in color. Dimensions from 
 l-OOxl-50 to I-l-J.\l-55. 
 
 11AIMTS. 
 
 The Wild Pigeons are now far from being common in Eastern Massachusetts and it 
 has been many years since I have seen a flock of any size here. Solitary individuals or 
 small groups are to be found regularly in autumn and occasionally a pair will breed in the 
 wilder sections, and Mr. W. W. Eager found a nest a year or two since in Wcston. My 
 friend, .Mr August Koch, of Williaitisport, of whom I have spoken before as an enthusi- 
 astic sportsman and ornithologist, kindly sends me the following notes on this species. 
 
 "Should severe weather or late snow-storms come on in March, after the Wild Pig- 
 
336 WILD PIGEON. 
 
 eons have arrived on their breeding grounds in the beech-wood, the birds will return south, 
 and at such times they seem to be in a great hurry, but I have known them to stop when 
 compelled by hunger. On such an occasion, a small flock alighted in our orchard, when 
 we scattered some food on a space of ground. The Pigeons readily went to feeding, then 
 left, and in a short time, returned, accompanied by a large number of others, and we caught 
 some three hundred under a lath frame. Single pairs, a dozen, or several dozens of the 
 Wild Pigeons will sometimes nest anywhere in the mountains and pairs can be observed 
 flying very swiftly back and forth from the mountains to the Susquehanna River, especi- 
 ally in the morning and evening. Several years ago, I noticed a small flock staying late 
 in spring, about the same vicinity, within sight of the city; later in the summer, during a 
 warm day in June, I noticed a small flock of females resting, among the hemlocks in a 
 swamp and probably the males were sitting on the nests while the females were enjoying 
 themselves. One of our neighbors, a very truthful man and enthusiastic Pigeon-catcher, 
 has told me that when netting these birds, in Clearfield County, during the breeding sea- 
 son, not far from the breeding grounds, he caught all females one part of the day and all 
 males the other part. 
 
 "During August, I have met with these Pigeons by twos and threes on the mountain- 
 tops, eating huckleberries. I have killed the young on the raspberry bushes and have also 
 seen them eating cherries from the cherry-tree. During September, the Wild Pigeons 
 feed a great deal on green acorns, later in the month, on gumberries, and early mornings, 
 especially when foggy and damp, they may be observed on high gum-trees which grow at 
 the foot of the mountains. They sit near the top of the tree and generally close together, 
 their bills resting on their breasts and their feathers puffed out, apparently without a mo- 
 tion; at such times, these birds may, with caution, be approached very closely but should 
 the Pigeons have the slightest suspicion of one's approach, they will give a note of alarm, 
 sounding something like a laugh made with a child's trumpet; this same note is occasion- 
 ally used when not in danger. When frightened, they will dart with great velocity from 
 the limbs, by far surpassing Wilson's Snipe in the twisting motion, and should the hunter 
 be an instant too late, he will be obliged to look elsewhere for his pot-pie, as the many birds 
 will not alight again within sight. At this season, autumn, flocks or small parties may be 
 observed in the river bottoms, on warm afternoons, resting quietly among shady trees; at 
 such times, they may be quite easily approached." 
 
 I am also greatly indebted to niy life-long friend, Mr. Edward II. Bowers, who has 
 always been a close observer of birds, for the following valuable notes. 
 
 "Observations made in Benzie County, Michigan, from 1870 to 1880, show that the 
 Wild Pigeons visit this section every alternate year. The birds breed in the valley of the 
 Betsey River and these nesting places occupy several square miles of country. The Pig- 
 eons usually make their appearance the first of March and begin to build early in April 
 if the season will permit. They prefer deciduous woods in which to breed and from ten to 
 twenty nests are placed on a tree. 
 
 "At the head of Frankfort Harbor which is formed by the widened mouth of the Bet- 
 sey River, is an extensive marsh, at the head of which, in the cedar timber, is an open space 
 
ZENAWIDM. 337 
 
 about OHO hundred foot in diameter, called the Salt Spring, where brackish water rises, 
 which, in time, has formed a sort of mound, a foot or two high and thirty or forty feet in 
 diameter, covered with a thin growth of grass. During- the nesting season, this spot is vis- 
 ited in the morning by countless numbers of Pigeons. At dav-broak, a. single bird appears 
 from the nesting, some miles distant, to reeonnoiter and, after circling around a moment, 
 disappears. In an incredibly short time, the birds begin to come; first in small numbers, 
 then increasing rapidly until, in a few moments, they come in a living avalanche, covering 
 the trees until the brandies break with their numbers. Thou one ventures cautiously, 
 with a downward swoop as if to settle, but circles over the ground and returns to his porch. 
 This is repeated se\oral times by others, when finally one alights on the mound and others 
 follow slowly, until at last, a perfect torrent falls upon the spot, covering it so deeply as 
 to endanger the lives of many of them by suffocation; then the whole enormous body sud- 
 denly rises with a deafening roar and alights on the trees. This is repeated until all are 
 satisfied unless they are disturbed. 
 
 "This peculiar spot was discovered in 1870 by the professional Pigeon-hunters and 
 now this little space brings a good income to the owners who lease it to parties engaged 
 iu netting Pigeons, and one of the above mentioned parties, caught with one spring of tin; 
 net, in 1870, three hundred and forty-two birds. At regular intervals during the day, 
 the male birds relieve the females in the process of incubation and at these times, the whole 
 heavens, as far as eye can reach, is literally filled with small flocks going to and from the 
 nesting; then after a few moments, not a bird can be seen until the change again takes 
 place. I think the changes are at nine o'clock in the morning and four in the afternoon. 
 Millions of young birds are killed in the nest and the lazy Red Man is particularly the cause 
 of their destruction. The old birds are said to leave the beech-nuts in the immediate vi- 
 cinity of the nesting for the young, going great distances, themselves, to feed, for the whole 
 of Northern Michigan is thickly covered with beech-trees." 
 
 Although I have, on one or two occasions, seen Wild Pigeons even as far north as 
 Massachusetts in winter, this is beyond their usual range at this time, for the greater 
 portion pass the cold season in the South. 
 
 FAMILY II. ZENAIDID^fl. THE MOURNING DOVES. 
 
 The sternum is rather narrow, not exceeding one half the Icmjlli of the top of the keel, 
 the tip of which is pointed. 
 
 Members of this family are usually quite small or of medium size. The tarsus is lon- 
 ger than that of the preceding family and is entirely naked, as all the species spend a great 
 portion of their time upon the ground. 
 
 GEXUS I. ZENAIDURA. THE TURTLE DOVES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, weak, iliyhlly rounded. Tail, vert/ long, equaling the winyt; it is pointed and the number of f fathers it 
 fourteen. 
 
 Mi'mbrrs of this genus are remarkable on account of having fourteen tail feathers, afl other Pigeons ami Doves occur- 
 ring within our limits, have only twelve. There is but one s|H,vieM iu Nurth America. 
 
 43 
 
338 ZENA1DURA CAROL1NEXSIS. 
 
 ZENAIDUKA CAEOLINENSIS. 
 
 Carolina Dove. 
 Zenaidura Carolinensis BON., Consp. Av. II; 1854, 84. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cii. Form, slender. Size, medium. Sternum, not very stout. Tongue, long, thin, and narrow, horny at tip 
 which is pointed. Cocca, wanting. Tail, long and graduated. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Top of head, excepting forehead, and remainder of upper parts, excepting primaries, seconda- 
 ries, aud tail, bluish-ash, pure only on the top of head and on greater wing covert", strongly overw;!s!ied elsewhere with 
 olivaceous-brown. Scapularies, broadly spotted with black. Wings, brown, slightly edged with whitish. Tail, ash-blue, 
 o.verwashed with olivaceous on the middle pair of feathers, and all, excepting thee. are tipped with a lighter shade which 
 becomes white on the outer margins of the firt pair; while all, excepting middle pair, have a subtrnninnl bund of black. 
 Under wing coverts, sides, and flanks, pale bluish-ash. Remainder of under parts, forehead, sides of head, and neck, pur- 
 plish-brown, overwashed with bluish on the breast, and becoming light yellowish on the throat, abdomen, and under tail 
 coverts. Sides of neck, glossed witha violet iridescence which has greenish and golden reflections. There is a small, black 
 spot on the side of the head which has a bluish gloss. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male, but differs in being mucli browner above and below, and there is less irides- 
 cence on the neck. 
 
 Nestlinys. Not unlike the adult, but with the feathers edged with lighter. Top of head, spotted with black, and the 
 black markings on the back are much more extended. The throat is destitute of feathers in the younger stages. Feet, 
 pink, bill, black, iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens from Florida are much redder below, darker abjve, and are somewhat smaller than more northern birds. 
 Readily known from the preceding species by the small size and absence of cinnamon spots on the base of tail, and from 
 other Doves by the pointed tail which has fourteen feathers. Occurs in summer throughout the United States, wintering 
 from Massachusetts southward but not common at this season north of the Carolinas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Eastern United States. Length, 11'85; stretch, 17' 12; wing, 6'05; tail, 
 5'2o; bill, '60; tarsus, '85. Longest specimen, 12'75; greatest extent of wing, 18"25; longest wing, 5'60; tail, G'OO; bill, 
 70; tarsus, 1 00. Shortest specimen, 11 00; smallest extent of wing, 16'GO; shortest wing, 6'75: tail, 4'50; bill, '50; tar- 
 sus, -70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in low trees or bushes; they are not bulky structures, being composed of sticks carelessly arranged, and 
 are without lining. 
 
 Eyy*, one or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval inform, pure creamy- white in color, with the surface very 
 smooth. Dimensions, from '75 x T02 to '90 x 1'23. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Turtle Doves have a wide distribution, being found from Massachusetts to Key 
 West, Florida, and they breed in all the localities in which they occur. They are, how- 
 ever, much more abundant in some localities than in others; thus in Massachusetts, they 
 occur on Cape Cod much more commonly than in the interior, and in Pennsylvania, they 
 are very abundant along the fertile valleys of the Susquehanna and its tributaries. In the 
 South, they have a much more general distribution for they are found in large numbers 
 among the plantations, in the hummocks, and in the piney woods, while they are very com- 
 mon on the Keys. They appear to adapt themselves to circumstances quite readily; thus, 
 when alarmed at Key West, they will instantly alight in the midst of the thickest jungles, 
 where they are effectually concealed, while in the piney woods, they invariably fly to the 
 high tops of dead trees when startled, where they can watch the approach of the intruder; 
 
ZENAJDA AMABIL1S. 339 
 
 then further north, when surprised in an open field, they will dart upward into air and will 
 not rest contented until they have put considerable distance between themselves and the 
 object of their annoyance. These Doves are more or less gregarious, breaking up into pairs, 
 however, during the breeding season, at which time they have a peculiarly loud cry con- 
 sisting of two notes given in a minor tone, and when heard in the wilderness, it has a sin- 
 gularly mournful effect, especially in coining from a distance, when it somewhat resembles 
 one of the plaintive moans of the puma. When rising from the ground, the wings of this 
 species produce a whistling sound which is quite noticeable. 
 
 The Carolina Doves biveJ late in June, placing the nests in bushes in secluded local- 
 ities. The young appear in due time but do not leave the nest until late in August, when 
 they accompany their parents and are fed by them after the manner of all Pigeons, by re- 
 gurgitation. These birds are migratory and although they may occasionally be seen as 
 far north as Massachusetts, the greater portion spend the winter south of this point. 
 
 GENUS II. ZENAIDA. THE SHORT-TAILED DOVES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, rather short. Tail, rounded and short, not equaling the winys which are moderately long. Tarsia, 
 not lung. 
 
 Members of this genus have the tail noticeably short. The colors are reddish with no conspicuous markings. There 
 has been but one species token within our limits. 
 
 ZENAIDA AMABILIS. 
 
 Zonaida Dove. 
 Zenaida amalii/is BON., List: 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, not large. Tail, short and rounded. Wings, very long. Tarsus, moderately short 
 and stout. Sexes, quite similar in color. 
 
 di.ou. Ailult. Above, yellowish-red, overwashed with ashy and becoming purplish on the top of head. Wings, 
 dark-bro\vn, with the secondaries tipped with white, and the greater coverts nre like the back, but are ovcrwashed with 
 bluish. Inner tail feathers, like the b;iek,but the remainder are bluish, tipped with lighter which becomes nearly white on 
 tin- oiitor web-. ;\n<l there is a suhtenninal band of black. Concealel spots on wing coverts, blank, but the.se become more 
 ririble on scapularien. Under wing coverts, sides, and flanks, bluish-ash, Kein-.ilning lower portions, sides of head and 
 neck, liirlit reddish-brown, becoming lighter on chin, throat, and abdomen, and fading into bluish-gray on the under tail 
 coverts. There is a small bhu-k spot, glossed with bluish, behind eye and a larger one en side of neck, and the sides o\ 
 neck are iridescent with a purplish luster, having greenish reflections. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species may be readily known hy the short tail, white tippings to secondaries, and colors as described. Found by 
 Audubon, only, on the Florida Keys; resident in the Bahamas and West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the West Indies. Length, 10-90; stretch, 17'75; wing, 5-50; tail, 4'35; bill, 
 58; tarsus. -0-J. Longest specimen, ll'SO; greatest extent of win;:, 1H-IO; longest wing, 6'00; tail, 470; bill, "60; tarsus, 
 9J. Shortest specimen, 10-40; smallest extent of wing, 17'50, shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 4'00; bill, -55; tarsus, -HO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or in trees or bushes and when in the two latter named situations, they are composed of 
 sticks, carelessly arranged; when on the ground but little material is used. 
 
 /.//.</--, om- or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, and pure white in color, with the surface very 
 smooth. Dimensions from I'OO x 1'20 to 1'OSx 1'30. 
 
340 CHAMJEPELIA. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Zenaida Dove is a well-known bird on the Bahamas and in the West 
 Indies, no one appears to have observed it among the Keys, excepting Audubon who found 
 it quite common there. When on the Keys; I questioned the inhabitants concerning this 
 Dove but they knew nothing about it, yet it may possibly occur as a rare visitor; but I did 
 not see it nor did my assistants meet with it, therefore I can add nothing new relative to 
 it. Audubon says that it spends the greater portion of its time on the ground and that its 
 habits are not dissimilar to those of the Ground Dove. 
 
 GENUS III. CIIAMyEPELIA. THE LITTLE DOVES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Size, very small. Bill, slender. Tail, short and rounded, nut exceeding the wings in lenyth. Sternum, not 
 wide. Feet, small. 
 
 Members of this genus are very small, not very dull in color, with no conspicuous white markings anywhere. There 
 is but one species within our limits. 
 
 CHAMJEPELIA PASSERINA. 
 
 Ground Dove. 
 Chamxpelia passerina SWAIN, Zool. Jour., Ill; 1827, 358. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Sternum, not stout. Tongue, short, moderately thick and fleshy, fur- 
 rowed above, but horny at tip which is provided with c larse cilia. Ssxes, not similar. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Top of head and occiput, bluish-a^h, with the edges of the feathers darker. Remainder of up- 
 per portions, excepting secondaries and primaries, brownish-ash, while the outer wing coverts are edged with purplish-ivd. 
 There are rounded spotsof black, glossed with violet, on the the latter named, mid oblique patches on thescapuhirirs uf tho 
 same color. The tail feathers arc slightly tipped with white, and the entire terminal portion, excepting central pair, is pur- 
 plish-black, which extends to the base beneath. Wings, dark-brown, with the ba*e beneath, under wing coverts, and in- 
 ner webs, excepting tips, cinnamon-red. Forehead, sides cf head and neck, and under portions, pnrpltnh-red, lighter <m 
 the threat, and becoming browner on the abdomen and under tail c iverts, where the feathers are tipped with white. Part- 
 ly concealed spots on the breast are dark-brown and the feathers of this part are very narrowly edged with dark purplish- 
 red. 
 
 Adult ftmale. Differs from the male in being paler above and below, while the blue of the head is overwashed with 
 brownish. 
 
 Nesllinys. Are not unlike the adult but are duller and decidedly rufous beneath, especially on the abdomen. Iris, red, 
 yellow, or red and yellow mixed, bill, yellow, black at tip, and feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens are very uniform in color, and although skins from Key West are a little smaller in size, they do not ap- 
 pear darker than those from further north. Known by the small size, rounded tail , and colors as described. Distributed, 
 as a onitant resident, throughout the Carol inns and southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of sixty specimens from Florida. Length, 7'00; stretch, ll'Ofl; wing, 3'60; tail, 2 32; bill, '52; 
 tarsus, -65. Longest specimen, 7-5C; greatest extent of wing, 11'5<); longest wing, 380; tail, 2*60; bill, '58; tarsus, '80. 
 Shortest specimen, 6'50; smallest extent of wing, 10'5<); shortest wing, 3'40; tail, 2'05; bill, '45; tarsus, -52. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes or on the ground. They are rather elaborate structures, being composed of twigs and 
 weeds, lined with Spanish moss. 
 
 Egys, one or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, pure white or creamy in color. Dimensions from 
 63x-80 to -65x-90. 
 
GEOTRYGON MART1N1CX. 341 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On my trip south during the winter of 1870-77, I did not find the Ground Doves at 
 all until I arrived in South Carolina, and hero they were quite common on the cotton plan- 
 tations of the Sea Islands. This point is about their northern range, for they are not mi- 
 gratory but are abundant below this section as far as Key West. In habit, these little 
 Doves resemble Quail for they spend tin; greater portion of their time upon the ground, 
 and usually associate in small Hocks, feeding upon the seeds of weeds and grass. If start- 
 led at such times, they rise with a whistling noise of the wings and conceal themselves 
 in the nearest thicket from which it is difficult to dislodge them; then, when forced to leave 
 this place of refuge, they will instantly dart into the first available patch of shrubbery. 
 They appear to be general favorites with all classes and even the negroes seldom shoot the 
 Mourning Doves, as they call them; consequently the birds become quite tame, often fre- 
 quenting the streets and gardens of the towns. 
 
 They breed rather late and I did not find tho eggs until the first week in May in Flor- 
 ida. I have always found the nests in orange groves which appear to be the chosen resorts 
 of these pretty, little Doves. The neat domiciles are placed in the lower limbs of trees, 
 and when approached, the female will quickly slip off her eggs and feign lameness, behav- 
 ing just as I have seen the Bay-winged Bunting or other Sparrows do under similar circum- 
 stances. The male will also fly round and round the place, becoming quite excited but 
 never approaching very near; both birds, however, evince much more solicitude for their 
 eggs than is usually manifested by Pigeons. 
 
 Like all members of the order, the Ground Doves are very tenacious of life, and as the 
 feaihers become loosened very easily, it is difficult to secure perfect specimens, especially 
 us the birds often lose a large portion of their plumage in struggling if not killed outright. 
 The collector is, therefore, obliged to exercise great care when handling a wounded bird or 
 he will find himself surrounded by a small cloud of feathers which come from the bird when 
 it is held too tightly. 
 
 The coo of the Ground Doves is particularly mournful and is given by the males when 
 courting the females, which they do by strutting before them, bowing the head, and puffing 
 out their feathers. These Doves occur much more abundantly on the sea-shore than in 
 the interior but they are also found some distance from the coast. 
 
 (jKxrs iv. <;EOTKY<;ON. THE GROUND DOVES. 
 
 ( JK.V. Cn. Bill, weal;, tony, and slender. Tail, rather short and well rounded. Wings, not pointed. Tarsus, quite 
 short and slnut. 
 
 s of this yenus are of medium size nn>l of rather dull colors but ofteri have prominent white markings on the 
 head. There is but oae species within our limits. 
 
 GEOTRYGON MARTINICA. 
 
 Key West Dove. 
 Geotryyon marlinica HON., Consp. Av. II; 1854, 74. 
 
 DESCIUI'TION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tail, short and slightly graduated, while the feathers are broad as 
 are aUu thuse ui the wings. 
 
342 KEY WEST DOVE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. General color of upper parts, brownish-red, with the outer margins of the feathers of primaries and 
 tail edged with greenish. There isa purplish iridescence on the head, neck, hack, rump, and upper wing coverts, which 
 li;i~ jr. 'eenish reflections on the last two. Forehead and line behind eye, purplish-red, which is follcr.ved l>y a line of white, 
 bordered below by one of purplish, and the throat is white. Remainder of under parts, light purplish-red, becoming white 
 on tlie abdomen and under tail coverts. 
 
 Ncst/inys. Dark ashy-brown, becoming considerably lighter below. Feet, pink, bill, yellow, red at base, iris, red, in 
 all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from other Doves by the prominent white markings as described. Occurs in summer on Key West, 
 but is constantly resident in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from the West Indies. Length, 11'15; stretch, 17'25; wing, 6'05; tail, 4'39; 
 bill, "73; tarsus, 1-13. Longest specimen, 11'75; greatest extent of wing, 17'50; longest wing, 6' 15; tail, 4'58; bill, - 75; 
 tarsus, 1'15. Shortest specimen, 10 60; smallest extent of wing, 17'00; shortest wing, 5'90: tail, 4'20; bill, '70; tarsus, Tls!. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in low bushes or on the ground; they are not bulky structures, being composed of sticks carelessly ar- 
 ranged, and are without lining. 
 
 F,yyx, are, according to Audubon, two in number, oval in form, pure white in color, and about the size of those of the 
 White-headed Dove. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When I visited Key West in 1870, one of the first birds for which I searched, was 
 the Key West Pigeon. Having read Audubon's account of these birds, I had some idea 
 where to look for them and therefore, I started for the scrub, back of the town, a day or 
 two after my arrival. I found the thickets very dense but fortunately, they were traversed 
 by certain paths along which I walked cautiously, keeping a sharp lookout for something 
 new, when upon turning a corner suddenly, a Dove rose unexpectedly, with noiseless wings, 
 from the dust in front of me and, in a twinkling, vanished in the thicket. I promptly 
 turned to follow him, confident that I was about to secure a prize, for I could see that he 
 had alighted not far away. I am tolerably familiar, through a life-long experience, with 
 all kinds of woodland, but when I entered this thicket at Key West, I found that I had a 
 new lesson to learn, for a more impenetrable jungle, it was never my lot to see. It was 
 made up of small shrubbery, about ten feet in height, and, at least, three fourths of the 
 species were furnished with long hooked thorns, and the branches of them all were closely 
 interlaced from top to bottom with thorny vines. Several species of large cacti, armed with 
 long, sharp spines, grew plentifully among the luxuriant vegetation, and the way was 
 further impeded by triangular pieces of coral rock with which the surface of the ground 
 was strewed; add to this array of obstacles, the fact that the weather was intolerably hot 
 and that mosquitoes were very abundant, and one can judge that, although a jungle of this 
 description is quite picturesque when viewed from the outside, a closer inspection is not 
 so pleasant. Through these obstacles, then, I slowly wended my way, endeavoring to 
 preserve the utmost silence, but just as I caught sight of the wished for Dove which was 
 running along the ground, not far away, I stumbled over a pointed stone; the bird rose 
 and disappeared deeper in the thicket, w r here all my searching failed to discover him. A 
 few days later, I started another Dove but a similar misfortune prevented me from secur- 
 
STARNOENAS CYANOCEPHALA. 343 
 
 ing it, and a short time after, while looking for them again, T had the ill luck to run a cactus 
 spine, some three inches long, into my knee, the point entering between the small bones, 
 where it broke; as a consequence, I was confined to the house for nearly two weeks. This 
 occurred during the second week in November and when I rendered sufficiently to again 
 enter the resort which I have described, I could not find the Doves, so concluded that they 
 had migrated. 
 
 Although I was not near enough (o identify these birds beyond a doubt, I am convinced 
 that they were the Key West Doves. Shortly after this, I was informed by Mr. Joseph 
 Brown who was then mayor of the city of Key West and who had lived on the place for 
 many years, tha! he had known Audnbon when he was on the island and that this ornithol- 
 ogist had taken the Key West Pigeons near the place where I saw the Doves in question. 
 Mr. Brown also informed me that Doves of all the species which now occur on the island, 
 were much more common then than now, for the island was thickly covered with a heavy 
 grow th of timber, whereas, at the present time, there is scarcely a tree in the wilder section, 
 over twenty feet high. 
 
 GENUS V. STARNOENAS. THE QUAIL DOVES. 
 
 GKX. CH. Bil!, rcry short. Tail, but little rounded, short, and broad. Winys, also short and notpointed. Tarsus, 
 not hint/. 
 
 Members of this genus dc^elv re-emble the Quails in general appearance, being stout and round in form, with short 
 wings a ad tail. Then,' has boen but one species taken within our limits. 
 
 STARNOENAS CYANOCEPHALA. 
 
 Blue-headed Dove. 
 Slarnoenas cyanocephala BON., List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, quite large. Tail, short and but little rounded. Wings, short. Tarsus, moderately 
 short and stout. Si-xe-. quite similar in color. 
 
 >. Ailu/t. Above, and on -Mrs and flunks, chocolate-brown, overwashed with olivaceous. Top of head, blue, 
 banded bi'luw with a line of black \\ !;ir-h becomes quite wide on occiput and narrow in front. Sides of head and forehead, 
 black, with a white lino passing from chin, beneath eye, toocciput. Throat, black, bordered with white Iwlow. Remain- 
 ing lower portions, reddish-brown, becoming lighter on the middle of breast and darker on the under tail coverts. The 
 tail f< athers are overwashed with bluish on outer webs. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species may be readily known by the short tail, robust form, and colors as described. Found only by Audubon 
 on the Florida Keys; resident in the West Indies. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the West Indies. Length, 11-60; stretch, 17-25; wing, 5-50; tail, 4'40; bill, 
 
 55; tarsus, 1'30. Longe-i ^ imen, l'J'50; greatest extent of wing, 17'50; longest winir. .VCrfl; tail, -I'.iO; bill, <><>; tarsus, 
 
 1'35. Shortest specimen, 10-70; smallest extent of wing, 17'00; shortest wing, 5'40; tail, 4'30; bill, '50; tarsus, 1-85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 .'.t, placed on the ground or in trees or bushes and when in the two latter named situations, they arc composed of 
 stick-, carelessly arranged: when on the ground but little material is u*ed. 
 
 Eyys, one or two in number, varying from elliptical to oval in form, and pure white in color, with the surface very 
 smooth. Dimensions from l'05x 1-40 to l-lOzl'43. 
 
 
344 GALLINM. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Audubon appears to be the only ornithologist who has ever met with this singular 
 Dove on the Florida Keys and he never procured a specimen but merely saw a pair early 
 in May, 1832; yet he was informed by the inhabitants that they occurred on the Mule 
 Keys, where, however, he failed to find them. I never saw a specimen there nor heard of 
 them and think that they must be very rare now on the Keys, if they occur there at all. 
 Out of the five species of Doves which Audubon found ou the Keys, but two, the White- 
 headed, and Ground, Doves, occur at all commonly. This diminution in the number of 
 these birds, may be due to the persecution to which they are subjected during autumn, for 
 nearly all the species are killed for food, but it is probably largely due to the fact, that the 
 Keys are not as heavily wooded now as formerly, thus they do not present as many availa- 
 ble places of shelter for the birds. It will be observed that I say that Audubon only found 
 five species of this order on the Keys, for he evidently never saw the Carolina Dove there, 
 for when speaking of the Zenaida Dove, he says, "The cooing of this species so much re- 
 sembles that of the Carolina Dove, that, were it not rather soft, and heard in a part of the 
 world where the latter is never seen, you might easily take it for the notes of that bird." 
 This is worthy of notice, for the Carolina Doves are now common on all the Keys, ,ind 
 when taken in connection with the fact, that they prefer more open country than is inhab- 
 ited by the other Doves which I have described, tends to show that they have extended 
 their range to these islands since the time of Audubon's visit. 
 
 OKDERXII. GALLINAE. G1JOUSE, ETC. 
 
 Posterior margin of sternum, much rounded. Inner marginal indentations, deeper thai 
 outer and very wide. Furcula, with prominent terminal expansion. Naked space above nos- 
 trils, hard. 
 
 This order embraces many families and the species are distributed throughout the 
 world. These birds are not unlike the Doves and Pigeons but differ from them greatly in 
 many very important characters. The sternum is quite long, exceeding twice its width in 
 length. The marginal indentations are four but the two inner are not inclosed, being wide 
 and deep and occupying m re than one half of the length of the sternum. The keel is high 
 but does not extend the entire length of the sternum. There is quite a prominent inanu- 
 brium. The furcula, although long, is quite weak but has a prominent terminal expansion. 
 Scapula, truncated but not pointed. The oesophagus is dilated into a single crop which is 
 not provided with any special glands, and the young are not fed by regurgitation for they 
 run at birth. The tympaniform membrane is present but there is no semilunar membrane, 
 although there is an os transversale. The proventriculus is remarkably well developed. 
 The stomach is very muscular and is lined with a hard, rugose membrane. The fold of 
 the duodenum is not long and incloses a large double pancreas. The intestines are quite 
 small and long and the coecaare remarkably long. The tail is not only rounded and pointed 
 but is sometimes forked. The eggs are usually more than two in number and the young, 
 when first hatched, are covered with down. 
 
PLATE XXVItl 
 
 DENDRCE1CA MACULOSA. 
 BkcV and Yellow WarWer. 
 
MELEAGRIS GALLOP AVO. 346 
 
 FAMILY I. MKLKAGRIDTD/E. THE TURKKVS. 
 
 Head and neck, destitute of feathers. Tj> of keel, not etji/ulinij in h'iKjth tin' </<>/>thof 
 the. inner nianjimil i/tde/ifitliunx, anil the tip is nut produced forward. Terminal i'.r/nit/sinti, 
 offi/rci/l<i, not wide, and </]>jir(,ji>it<ili/iy very chisel y to the sternum. Upper process of ma- 
 ni/lirium, not produced forward, 
 
 The costal process ol'the sternum is narrow and truncated, and the bone of the ex- 
 treme outer edge, beyond the outer marginal indentation, is widened and produced forward. 
 There is also a large perforation through the mamibrium and the sternum in front of the 
 keel is furrowed, while the depression is provided with a central ridge. 
 
 GENUS I. MEI.EACIMS. THE TURKEYS. 
 
 Gi:x. On. Forehead, proriilul tcil/i ajlfsliy cunt ir/iirh is extensible. Tarsus, spurred. Tail, rather long and rounded. 
 Breast of males, usually proritletl irith a inn;/ /ufl ofMltl/et. 
 
 TliI" genus contains hut few sjiocies, :mj all of them are of a large size, with well marked characters, as given above. 
 There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 MELEAGRIS GALLOP AVO. 
 
 Wild Turkey. 
 Meleagris galloparo Li.v.v, Sy>t. Nat., I; 1766, 268. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Head and neck, destitute of feathers but sprinkled with fine 
 bristles. Feathers, lirn:id at tip and abruptly truncated. 
 
 COI.OK. Ailu/l tn/i/i'. I'.idy throughout, black, each feather is crossed with a subtenninnl, iride-cent band of bluish 
 which lias grivnisii and bronze reflect ion-*. Itump and upper tail coverts, banded with deep chestnut. Wings, very dark- 
 brown, finely bonded with yellowish-white. The tail is deep cliiNtnut tipped with lighter, there is a broad, suhterminal 
 if dark-brown and the remainder of the feathers are finely mottled and banded with chestnut, while the flanks and 
 umlr, ;ire tipped with the same eolnr. AUdonieii and tibia, yellowish-brown with the feathers tipped with 
 
 lighter. Head and neck, blue an d red. Feet, red. Bill, red, yellow t tip. Iris, brown. 
 
 Arlvltfunale. Quite similar to the male, but differs in being somewhat smaller, and less brilliant in color. The spurs 
 on tl-e legs and bristles on the breast are usually a'.iscnt. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Tliis speeies may be at once recognized by its resemblance to the well-known domestic Turkey, from which the wild 
 'lowever, in b.-ing more brilliant in eol'ir. Distributed, as a constant resident, in favorable localities, through- 
 out Eastern United States. 1'robably extinct in New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS, 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern United States. Length, 42'00; stretch, 62'50; wing, 19'50; tail, 
 Mil, 1'1'J; tarsus, fl'50. Longest >peeimen, 50'OC; greati-st extent of wini;, (iH-(H); Iongc>st win^, -'I'OO; tail, 17 50; 
 bill, 1-25; tarsus, 7'00. Shortest specimen, 34'00; smallest extent of wing, 57'0<); shortest wing, 18'00; tail, 15 50; bill, 
 1-00; tarsus, 6'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 AV<M, placed on the ground. They are not very elaborate structures, being composed of leaves, weeds, or other con- 
 venient material. 
 
 Eyys, from ten to twenty in nuinlxr, short oval in form, creamy or buff in color, spotted and dotted, usually quite 
 thickly, with reddish-brown. Dimensions from T85x2'45 to 2'00x2'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Wild Turkey which has received as much, if not more, attention from writers, 
 than any other species of American birds, is rapidly becoming exterminated. There has 
 
 44 
 
346 TETRAONIDJE. 
 
 not been a specimen taken in New England for many years and the same is quite true 
 of many other sections of country equally large. Turkeys are, however, still common in 
 Florida, so common, in fact, that I have several times observed flocks from the deck of the 
 steamers that run up the St. Johns, and there is scarcely a hummock in the state, that is 
 not inhabited by them. They are, however, wary birds and know well how to take care 
 of themselves. 
 
 The Wild Turkeys of (his section, feed about the dry hummocks all day but at night, 
 usually return to the swamps, often flying some distance to reach a favorite roost. When 
 feeding, during the early morning, they may be approached quite closely, and if surprised 
 in this way, they will often conceal themselves; then one may nearly tread upon them be- 
 fore they will rise. I once landed from my boat upon a heap of debris on the banks of the 
 St. John's River, to pick up a Great Carolina Wren which I had shot, leaving my gun be- 
 hind me, when a large Gobbler rose from directly beneath my feet, so near, that I could feel 
 the wind caused by the motion of his wings, and disappeared in the swamp. When aware 
 of the approach of an intruder, they will merely run away and, at such times, will not 
 take wing, even if shot at. 
 
 During the winter, the Turkeys of Florida remain in flocks but toward spring, they 
 become separated, and at this season, near the middle of the day, I have frequently seen 
 solitary individuals sitting upon the lower limbs of some cypress which overhung the riv- 
 er, evidently enjoying a noontime siesta. At this season, the males gobble and cull from 
 the swamps before leaving in the early morning, and also after arriving upon their feeding 
 ground. These fine birds breed in May in Florida, placing the nests in some secluded 
 locality, usually in a dry hummock or along its edge, and the females sit closely, seldom 
 rising until approached quite nearly. 
 
 Observations which I have made upon this species, tend to show that they were the 
 ancestors of the Domestic Turkeys; at least, the two varieties breed freely together, pro- 
 ducing fertile offspring which are everywhere in the South, regarded as superior to the 
 domestic stock. Those which I have seen which w T cre of mixed races, were fine looking 
 birds and retained much of the dark, iridescent plumage of their wild progenitors. 
 
 FAMILY II. TETRAONID^}. THE GROUSE, ETC. 
 
 Head and neck, completely feathered, while the tarsus is more or less covered. Top 
 of keel, equaling in length the depth of the inner marginal indentations. The tip is produced 
 forward. 
 
 The terminal expansion of the furcula, is wide, rounded posteriorly, and does not ap- 
 proximate close to the sternum. Upper process of manubrium, produced forward. The 
 costal process is narrow, tapering toward point which is, however, rounded. The bone at 
 the extreme outer edge of sternum, beyond the outer marginal indentation, is not very 
 wide. There is a large perforation through the manubrium, and the sternum in front of keel, 
 is furrowed, but there is no very prominent central ridge. Nostrils, feathered, and there 
 is a naked space above eye. Toes, provided with scale-like fringes on the sides. 
 
TETRAO CANADENS1S. 247 
 
 GENUS I. TETKAO. THE WOOD GROl > 
 
 GEN. Oil. Posterior mart/in of sternum, In tin , n ;;/. Htiitiiins. i/nite :,/, , tliijhtly indented in lh> mi,ldl, . u-:tl, Ih- 
 esrouni/ul. TSp of kiti, projecting \e<llj'nrar<l. C<>stnl /;n'.s.<, /,i/,:ri:i : / t<> ,i round, d (mint. Tarsus, full,/ /'// rid, 
 as is also the s/taecs between /he toes, hut the /utter are naked. No iinn/nl, ,1 feathers on neck. 
 
 Memlit-rs nf this genii- inhabit hra\ily wooded country, usually li\ing among evergreens. They lire all durk in Color. 
 There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 TETRAO CANADENSIS. 
 
 Spruce Grouse. 
 Tetrao Canculensis LINN., Syst. Nat. I; 1766,274. 
 
 DESCRirriON. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, not large. Tongue, triangular in form, fleshy, and pointed. Cceca, 17.00 long, rannll 
 
 at base, measuring about '10 in diam.'t-r fir :i'7. r >. then suddenly enlarging to nlxiut '30 in diameter and continues t' is M/.e 
 tu the blind end. tin; termination nf whieh is rounded. It is greenish in cjlor, with eight 1 ngitudinal lines if u lighter 
 shade. Number of tail leathers, sixteen. Sexes, not similar. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Blaek throughout, c.\e,-]iting wings wliich nre dark-brown, becoming mucli lighter on the tips 
 
 <>t' -i ndaries and outer edge of primaries. I pprr surface, exeepting tail, and enllnr, finely bunded with rvddisli-hrown 
 
 mi'! nshy-blu.-, t'ie Uttar pr.-d rninati;>j;. S.i its on frt'nrii'-i, line of spot s h.-hiirl eye, line iiloiiv etiiigmi the 
 
 throat, white; biind across breast and abdomen, under tail e i\crts. --ides, llanks, and under wing c i\erts, als . banded with 
 white, ami t-lie feathers of the three last named portions are finely barred witli ashy-brown. The tail i< ii|.p<-il with yel- 
 lo\vish-brown, and the tibia and tar-us are dusky, mottled with white. 
 
 Adult female. Banded above, including tail, withyellowi-li-rcd, ashy-blue, nndblnck, with the white markings of the 
 --capillaries. IVlow. banded asl'ar as the breast, with \cllowish-reil and black; remaining under poi lions, band- 
 ed with yel!'iwis!i-rf .1, b',:i:-k, an 1 w lit ;, in e |;i il p i;> ir;i I:H. 
 
 Youny. Are much redder ab .\e and below than the adult; this is especially notice-able in the female, where there is 
 nearly as much red below Uie hrea-i a- above it. 
 
 V stlini/s. Are at first lined, mottled, and spotted with yellowish-rod, black, and white, both seies being then similar, 
 but they soon assume the plumages last described. Naked space over the eye, scarlet. Iris, bill, and feet, dnrk-hrown in 
 all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a little variation in plumage but this species may be readily known in all stages, by the predominating dark 
 colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, from Northern New England to the Arctic Circle. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of male specimens from Maine. Length, 15'50; stretch, 21'50; wing, 6 - 32; tail, r.TJ; bill, 
 '63; tarsus. 1 :!.":. Longest specimen, IG'OO; greatest extent of win:;, 'J-J'tK); longest wing. > 7">; tail, 4'7.'i; bill. Til; MIMIS, 
 1-50. Shortest spei'imen, lo-iX); smallest extentof wing, 21'(X); shortest wing, (i'tNl; wil, 4'0(l; bill. 1 .1 -j.V 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NKSTS AM) EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground; they are not elaborate structures, being composed of twigs, leaves, moss, or any other 
 convenient material. 
 
 E>!:i*. fn.m eight to fourteen in number, oblong oval in form, deep buff in color, spotted and splashed with brown of 
 varying si, : ides. Dimensions from l'20xl'68 to r22zl'75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Those who have visited the dark ever^m-n forests of Northern New En^l.-uid, which are 
 mainly composed of giant spruces and hemlocks that raise their hu^c hranchrs hi<rh in air 
 but that an 1 so closely interlaced as to nearly exclude every \rsii-r nl'snn-li^ht, lh;is the. 
 ground about the roots of the trees is in perpetual shadow, yet vegetation thrives in this 
 half-light, and even flowers bloom in prolusion at the proper season, enlivening with their 
 varied hues a scene which otherwise would appear strikingly gloomy; those who ha\e >, . n 
 all this, I say, can form some idea how the Spruce Grouse live, for this is their li 
 
348 LAG OP US ALB US. 
 
 Here they spend their entire lives, feeding upon berries in summer and subsisting largely 
 on the leaves of their favorite spruce and hemlock, during winter; so largely, in fact, that 
 their feathers are redolent with the odor of the crushed leaves, while their flesh is quite 
 bitter. 
 
 Audubon states that these birds were so tame, they could be knocked down with sticks 
 and this same fact is true at the present time, for I have known of instances where this 
 has been accomplished. The Spruce Grouse assemble in flocks through the autumn and 
 winter, but are at this time quite local in distribution, while they are more or less migra- 
 tory, moving from place to place; then as spring advances, break up into pairs. They 
 breed about the middle of May, placing the nest in some secluded locality. The young are 
 fully fledged by September, but do not acquire the size of their parents until late in the 
 following month. 
 
 GENUS II. LAGOPUS. THE PTARMIGANS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Edyes of posterior maryin of sternum, not rounded. Costal process, truncated. Tip of keel, not projected 
 well forward. Tarsia, feathered to the toes. No elongated feathers on neck. 
 
 Members of this genus inhabit either mountainous or cold barren regions. They are white in winter, but become 
 darker in summer. There are two species found within our limits. 
 
 LAGOPUS ALBTTS. 
 White Ptarmigan. 
 Lagopus a/bus ACD., Syn.; 1839, 207. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. . 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, quite large. Sternum, stout and quite wide at posterior margin. Tail and wings, 
 long. Bill, short, equaling in length, measured from nostril to tip, to height at base. Sexes, quite similar in color. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in winter. White throughout, excepting tail which is black with the central feathers and tips of all, 
 white. Shafts of primaries, dark-brown in the center. 
 
 Adult in summer. Head and neck, yellowish-red. Back, black, barred rather finely with yellowish-brown and chest- 
 nut, otherwise as in winter. Bill, black, iris, brown, feet, horn color, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 A winter bird before me, taken at St. John's Lake. Saguenay, Canada, has four or five narrow, black, transverse bars 
 back of the eye. i'or difference between this and the following, see observations under that species. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, IS'OO; stretch, 24'50; wing, 7'70; tail, 
 5-50; bill, -86; tarsus, 1'47. Longest specimen, 16'00; greatest extent of wing, 25-00; longest wing, 8'25; tail, G'OO; bill, 
 88; tarsus, 1 55. Shortest specimen, 14'00; smallest extent of wing, 24'00; shortest wing, 7' 15; tail, 5'00; bill, '75; tarsus, 
 1-40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are riot very elaborate structures, being composed of leaves, weeds, or other con- 
 venient material. 
 
 Kyys, from eight to fifteen in number, rather oval in form, reddish-buff in color, spotted and mottled, usually quite 
 thickly, with large, confluent blotches of purplish-brown. Dimensions from riSxl'80 to l'20x 1'85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Among the first birds for which I inquired when I visited the Magdalen Islands, were 
 the White Ptarmigans, but found that they did not occur there, excepting as rare winter 
 
LAGOPUS RUPESTR1S. 349 
 
 visitants. They arc, however, found commonly mi Newfoundland and in Labrador, migra- 
 ting thrncc, during winter, into Canada, reaching, perhaps, the New Kngland Stai.-s \,TV 
 rarely. Tho Willow Grouse, as they are sometimes called, inhal.it tlie harren heaths and 
 cold swamps of the countries of which I have spoken, and from these are distributed north- 
 ward into the Arctic Zone. A.s mentioned, they are partly migratory during certain win- 
 ters, being induced to come southward, probably, from lack of food, for this governs the 
 migration of nearly all birds. 
 
 LAGOPUS RUPESTRIS. 
 Rock Ptarmigan. 
 
 Lagopus rupritri.i I.KUII, /Cool. Misc., II, 290. 
 
 l>KSrlMITIO\. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tail ami wings, long. Bill, rather slender, exceeding in length, measured from 
 nostril to tip, tln> height at bae. .Sexes, quite similar. 
 
 COLOR. Adu.ll in winl'T. White throughout, excepting tail which is blnck with the central feathers and tips of all 
 white, and there is a black line from bill through eye. 
 
 Adult in suinmir. Ah.ive, black, barred and spotted with yellowish-red; lighter below and broadly and regularly band- 
 ed with yellowish-red; otherwise as iu the male. Bill, black, iris, brown, claws, born color, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the closely allied albus by the black band through eye, and more slender hill, this lieing longer than high 
 at ba-e. Both species of Ptarmigans may be known from all other Grouse by tin- wholly feathered tarsus and feet. Dis- 
 tributed in summer, throughout Arctic Americ.i, south, according to Audubon, about Bras d'Or. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Arctic America. Length, 13'75; stretch, 23-50; wing, 7'40; tail, 4-65; bill, 
 <>3; tarsus I 1 'JO. Longest specimen, 14'50; greatest extent of wing, -JlMM); lonirc-t wing, 7'50: tail, 4 - 8o; bill, '70; tarsus, 
 1-35. Shortest specimen, 12'80; smallest extent of wing, 23'OH; shortest wing, 7'00, tail, 4'50; bill, '65; tarsus, 1-10. 
 
 DESrl;ilTlo\ OF NESTS AND K.cci.S. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are not very elaborate structures, being composed of leaves, gmt>, or any other 
 convenient material. 
 
 <, from eight to fifteen in number, oval in form, reddish-buff in color, spotted and mottled with irregular blotches 
 of purplish-brown. Dimensions from l'lOzl'55 to ridx 1 ti5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Rock Ptarmigan, according to Audubon, was common about the Bras d'Or dur- 
 ing the cold season but retreated into the interior of the country during summer to breed, 
 nesting in June. There appears to be some confusion regarding the distribution of this 
 species, for it has frequently been confounded with the preceding, perhaps with goo' ! 
 son. It is probable, however, that these birds have much the same range, especially in 
 summer, although the one under consideration appears to be much less common in Canada, 
 for out of a large number of white Ptarmigans which I have examined from that section, 1 
 ne\ or saw an undoubted specimen of the Rock Ptarmigan. The habits of both are described 
 as being similar, excepting that Audubon is inclined to believe that the present species 
 inhabits more open ground than does the one last described. 
 
 CKXUS III. (TPinoXA. TI1K PK.UIMK. Hi:". 
 
 (!ES. CH. Posterior mary in uf sternum, between indentations, tetdened anil rounded. Wp of keel, projecting forward. 
 Coital procest, narruw and rounded at point. 
 
350 CUPIDONA CUP1DO. 
 
 Members of this genus inhabit prairie lands or open country, seldom, if, ever, being found in the woods. The tail is 
 short nnd the wings are lung. The sterno-trachealis is large but there are no other laryngeal muscles. Tympanifonn mem- 
 branes, present but short, measuring '25, and the bronchial tubes beneath are connected by a muscle. Os transversals, 
 present and supports a semilunar membrane. Tarsus, completely feathered. Feathers on side of neck, elongated. Head, 
 crested. 
 
 CUPIDONA CUPIDO. 
 Prairie Grouse. 
 
 Cupidona cupido BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 628. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sp. On. Form, robust. Size, large. Sternum, stout. Terminal expansion of scapula, large and rounded. Coeca, 
 20 00 long, with the blind end pointed. Tongue, short, thick, fleshy, and triangular in form, with the tip pointed. There 
 is a tuft of lung, lanceolate feathers on each side of neck, beneath which is a naked space. 
 
 Cilor. Adult male. Above, dark-brown, becoming lighter on wings, barred, excepting on inner webs of primaries 
 and on tail, with yellowish-red and yellowish-white. Beneath, white, becoming buffy on throat, sides, and flanks, finely 
 barred, excepting on throat, with dark-brown. Line from gape, passing beneath eye, dark-brown, beneath which, along 
 cheeks, isa line of spots of the same color. There are concealed bars of chestnut across upper breast. The elongated neck 
 feathers are dark-brown, with yellowish-white centers which are edged above with yellowish-red. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male but the neck tufts are not as long nor as dark and the tail is barred. Iris, bill, and 
 feet, dark-brown in all stages. Naked space over eye and on neck, orange. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens vary but little in plumage, occasionally the chestnut barring on the breast will be quite conspicuous. This 
 species appears to be subject to a peculiar kind of albinoism, being creamy-white, with the darker markings showing indis- 
 tinctly. Known form all others by the short tail and elongated tuft of lanceolate feathers on neck. Distributed, at present, 
 on the Western plains, east of the Rooky Mountains, in favorable localities in the states that border the Mississippi Rivei 
 on the east, south to Louisiana, and occasionally eastward to Pennsylvania; rare on Naushon Island, Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the West. Length, 18'75; stretch, 29'00; wing, 8-75; tail, 4'12; bill, '70; 
 tarsus, 1-95. Longest specimen, 19'00; greatest extent of wing, SO'OO; longest wing, 9'00: tail. 4'25; bill, '75; tarsus, 
 2 10. Shortest specimen, 17'50; smallest extent of wing, 28'00; shortest wing, 8-50; tail, 4'00; bill, '65; tarsus, 1-75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in hollows scratched in the soil, composed of grass, leaves, weeds, or any other convenient 
 material. 
 
 Eays, from eight to fifteen in number, rather oval in form, varying from dirty white to greenish-yellow in color, often 
 dotted finely with reddish-yellow. Dimensions from l'20x 1'60 to l'30x 1'74. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There is no doubt but that prior to the settlement of this country and for some time 
 after the advent of the Whites, the Prairie Grouse had an extensive range, being found 
 throughout New England, the Middle States, and the western of the Southern States. As 
 these fine Grouse are unfortunate enough to be excellent eating, they were soon extermi- 
 nated in the more settled districts. Yet they held their own much longer than one would 
 suppose possible under the circumstances, and in 1834, Audubon says, "On the eastern 
 declivities of our Atlantic coast, the districts in which the Pinnated Grouse are still to be 
 met with, are some portions of the State of New Jersey, the 'brushy' plains of Long Island, 
 Martha's Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, Mount Desert Island in the State of Maine, and 
 a certain tract of Barreny country in the latter State, lying not far from the famed Mar's 
 Hill." 
 
BONASA UMBELLUS. 351 
 
 In 1858, Prof. Biiir.l gives these birds as occurring in much tin- same places, but adds 
 that they are (bund on the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Mr Lawrence included them 
 in his list of the birds of Long Island in 18G6. Nuttall says that they were found in \\ 
 ford, Connecticut, in 1832, and ten years later, Liusley said that they were not tube found 
 in the State. There has not been a wild specimen in Maine for many years ami aside from 
 a few which are, perhaps, to lie found on Martha's Vineyard, there are now none in Mass- 
 achusetts, for I do not think that there arc any on the Island of Naushon; it will also lie 
 safe to say that there are none on Long Island. Dr. Turnbull, in his list of the birds of 
 Ka.-t Pennsylvania and New Jersey, written in 18G9, states that within a year or two, they 
 have been taken on the Jersey Plains, but none are there now. He also says, "A few are 
 still met with in Monroe and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania, where I have shot the 
 species." Thus it will be seen, if any remain in the latter named section now, which is 
 not improbable, it is the only locality, aside from Martha's Vineyard, where the species i> 
 found at any distance east of the Mississippi, for they have disappeared from the interven- 
 ing sections. 
 
 I know but little, from actual observation, of the habits of these interesting birds, for 
 the only specimens that I ever saw living, were three or four that I purchased in the Boston 
 Market SOUK.' years ago. These were exceedingly wild and although I gave them the best 
 of care, lived but two or three months. 
 
 Since the above was put in type, I learn from my friend, Mr. Purdie, that he lias 
 ascertained through reliable sources that there is still quite a little colony of these Grouse 
 living on Martha's Vineyard, but that, in spite of the very stringent la\\<, enacted liy our 
 Legislature, for their protection, some an' shot every year. This is certainly deplorable, 
 and the ornithologists of the State ought to make some effort to save these fine birds from 
 the total extermination which will ultimately be their fate unless the law is very strictly 
 enforced. 
 
 CKXUS IV. BONASA. THE I!KI S1I (iKOUSE. 
 
 (iK\. CH. Posterior margin of sternum, lnlnmn indentations, quite narrow and rounded. Tipofkefl,notprnj- 
 forward as far as the dc/tlh of the inner indentations. Costal process, widened anJ rounded at point. Tarsus, not fully 
 f'<itkirid. Nrckfi-athrrs, ilnnyated. 
 
 Meralwrs of this genus inhabit wooded <>r brushy country, usually preferring the latter. The tail in long !mt the wings 
 aresl,,,rt. Head. ere-ted. Tin- st,.-rm>-trac'he-.ilis i~ lar#: l.iit there are no other laryngeal muscles. Tynipaniforro mem- 
 brane, present, but short. There is but one species within our limit-i. 
 
 BONASA UMBELLUS. 
 
 Buffed Grouse. 
 Bonasa umM/us STKPH., Slmw's, Gen. Zool., XI; 1834, 300. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, quite large. Sternum, nut <tuut ;md tli terminal expansion of wnpula i imt large 
 nnd is extended backward. There is a tuft of bmad. ii'iruptly truncated feather* on sides ( .f neck beneath whii-h i 
 
 They 
 es, not simihir. 
 
352 PARTRIDGE. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Upper surface, excepting wing~ which are dark-brown witli the outer edgo of primaries baml- 
 ed with yellowish-white, reddiab-brown with tlie feathers edged, spotted, and mottled witli dark-brown and ashy-white. 
 .There is a Imnil of reddish-brown aeros- breast, and the remaining under portions, are white, becoming yellowish on the 
 throat, sides, thinks, and under tail Coverts; banded throughout with brown. The tail is tipped with a-liy and lias a sub- 
 terminal bund of brown, above which is one of ashy. Tibia and tarsus, yellowish-brown. Keck tufts, black, with a blu- 
 ish iridescense. 
 
 Adult female. Quite similar to the male, but with the tail shorter and the general markings los distinct, while the 
 neck tufts are either brown or tipped with it. 
 
 ~Youny. Not unlike the female, being quite dull with a general diffusion of color while the feathers are short and are 
 marked lil;e the other plumage. Iris, bill, and feet, brown, in these three stages. 
 
 Nestlinys. Are at first covered with yellowish-red down which is lighter below, having n central line on top of bend, 
 brown and also one behind eye of the same color, while the remainder of body is lined, mottled, and spotted with it. The 
 wings and tail are yellowish, banded with lighter and brown. From this they gradually assume the plumage hist described. 
 Bill, iris, and feet, light brown, in this stage. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is considerable variation in plumage but this species may be readily known by the tuft of truncated feathers on 
 sides of neck, long tail, and colors as described. Nestling-* evidently moult the wing quills two or three times before ac- 
 quiring the full plumage. The tail, however, is retained until autumn. Albinos are not unfrequent in this species. Dis- 
 tributed, as a constant resident, throughout Canala and Eastern United States, south among the mountains of the Caroli- 
 nas. 1 am indebted to the Bangs Brothers and Mr. A. Thorndike for skins of Grouse. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 18-00; stretch, 2300; wing, 6'95; tail, 
 6'45; bill, P 72; tarsus, 1'55. Longest specimen, 19-00; greatest extent of wing, 23-50; longest wing, ~'25; tail, 6 00; bill, 
 80; tarsus, 1'70. Shortest specimen, 17'00; smallest extent of wing, 22'50; shortest wing, 6'75; tail, 5 90; bill, '65; tarsus, 
 1-45. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are not very elaborate structures, being composed of leaves, weeds, or other con- 
 venient material. 
 
 Eyys, from eight to twelve in number, rather oval in form, creamy-white or buff in color, occasionally spotted with a 
 darker buff. Dimensions from 1'OSx T45 to l'20x T65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few who live in the sections inhabited by the fine Grouse now under con- 
 sideration, and ever handled a gun, who are not more or less familiar with the ways and 
 doings of the Partridge, as it is called in the North, or Pheasant, in Pennsylvania and 
 southward. Every sportsman knows the exciting whir of their wings as they rise, and 
 the straight forward, onward dash of the birds, for, regardless of such small obstacles as 
 bushes or tree tops, they go crashing through them, then sail smoothly across some neigh- 
 boring swamp, to alight on the next elevation. All this is so familiar to every one who is 
 interested in birds, that I will not enlarge on the general habits of these Grouse but merely 
 give some special facts which I have observed concerning them. 
 
 Early in autumn, the Ruffed Grouse aro to be found in companies of from six to ten, 
 which are usually made up of a single family, and if not scattered by the sportsman, will 
 continue thus to associate through the winter. At first, they may be seen in the chestnut 
 or oak woods, gathering nuts and acorns, or at this season, they will venture into the corn 
 fields, especially if these be in the neighborhood of brushy pastures. If surprised when 
 feeding where not much hunted, they will seldom rise but will only run through the bush- 
 ps, uttering a chuckling note, and will not take wing until hard pushed, when they will 
 
BONASA UMBELLUS. 353 
 
 fly but a short distance. As winter approaches, they leave the high l.-m.ls ;m,l enter the 
 swamps, choosing tliick evergreens as roosting places; then, ulu-n tin; weather becomes 
 very severe, especially if the wind lie Mowing strong from the north or west, they ni. 
 found cnjuying the brief sunlight on the southern exposures which rise from the lower lev- 
 els. At this season, especially alter the snow falls, they gain a precarious living liy pick- 
 ing oll'lanrel buds, dried barberries and other fruit. After heavy snow-storms, when the 
 weather is extremely cold, they have the singular habit of dropping, or diving, into snow- 
 drifts and will often remain there for some length of time; then if the snow chances to crust 
 over so that they cannot escape, they perish from starvation. 
 
 As soon as the genial inlluence of the coming spring has caused the buds to swell on 
 the birch and other trees, the Ruffed Grouse eat them in large quantities. They will also 
 visit the orchards and bud the apple trees. They do considerable mischief in this way, in 
 spared y settled districts, insomuch so, that at one time, a bounty of twenty-five cents each 
 was oll'ered by certain towns in Massachusetts for their heads. It is almost incredible, what 
 a vast amount of buds a single Grouse will eat; thus, I once took one hundred and eighty 
 apple buds from the crop of a bird that I bad shot about ten o'clock in the morning, and as 
 this was but a single meal, it can well be understood that a flock of ten or a dozen, would 
 completely denude a small orchard in a short time. 
 
 About April, the Ruffed Grouse arc to be found in pairs, and in May the females con- 
 struct the rude nests, choosing a situation beneath a brush heap, under a fallen tree-top, 
 by the side of a log, or under the overhanging branches of a bush. The female sits closely 
 and one may almost walk on her before she will rise. She will not often feign lameness 
 when driven oiFher eggs, unless they be well advanced; but when the young appear, es- 
 pecially if they be very small, she will droop her wings, spread her tail, and running up to 
 the intruder, will drop nearly at his feet, at the same time, uttering a peculiar cackling. 
 Taking care, however, to just elude his grasp, .she will use every endeavor to induce him 
 to pursue her and leave her helpless young which, in the mean time, warned by the voice 
 of their mother, run into the nearest place of concealment; thus some hide beneath leaves, 
 some under logs, some in clumps of grass; in short, jn a moment's time, not one is to be 
 seen, and then the old Grouse suddenly takes wing and also disappears. I have, like many 
 others, often been a witness to a scene, much as I have described, but I remember upon 
 one occasion, I concluded to wait after the disappearance of the mother, and see what the 
 young would do. This was in June, in the woods of White Deer Valley, Pennsylvania, 
 and 1 had come suddenly upon the little family as they were crossing a space destitute of 
 bushes. The old Grouse gave her alarm and as her progeny wen' about a week old, they 
 were not long in scattering and concealing themselves, when I quietly stepped In-hind the 
 trunk of a huge tree which grew near. I waited without motion or sound for alu.n 
 minutes, during which time, I did not see a single young, when the mother bird which 
 had llciwn some distance, came running back, uttering as she came, a series of chuckling 
 notes, quite dilFerent from any I ever heard before. She did not appear to take the -light- 
 est notice of me, although I was in plain sight for I had unwittingly choosen the wrong 
 side of the tree for concealment, but continued to approach, passing within a foot of me, all 
 
 45 
 
354 PERD1C1DM. 
 
 the time continuing her call. Then occurred one of the prettiest sights that I ever wit- 
 nessed, for a dozen or more of the young Grouse came suddenly into life, all appearing in 
 the area of a few square feet. So quickly did they spring up, that every leaf seemed trans- 
 formed into a little brown Partridge and although I watched carefully to see where they 
 had hidden themselves, I was no wiser when all were out than before. The little brood 
 gathered about their parent and she led them away at a fast rate to the nearest thicket, 
 evidently thinking the neighborhood dangerous. In fact, she was in so much haste to leave 
 it that the little ones could not keep up with her by running, some being obliged to use 
 their wings, and I was surprised to see that, even at that early age, they could fly two or 
 three yards, especially when they started from a slight elevation. 
 
 The young follow their parent and are cared for by her, until they are nearly or quite 
 fully grown; then all remain in company until the following spring, as related. 
 
 The drumming of the Ruffed Grouse has attracted the attention of nearly all ornithol- 
 ogists and several explanations have been given, regarding the method by which this sin- 
 gular sound is produced. Some say that the bird strikes a log or stone with its wings; 
 others, that it strikes its body; then again, it has been asserted that the wings are struck 
 together over the back. Mr. Brewster who is a very careful observer, says that when drum- 
 ming, the bird sits upright with its tarsus horizontal to the log or surface on which it 
 rests, with the wings extended, and that it does not strick anything, perceptible, with 
 these members, but that the sound is produced by the out-spread wings being brought sud- 
 denly downward against the air. This is certainly quite a plausible theory, but I am in- 
 clined to think that the sound is vocal; that the wings merely aid in producing it or are 
 beaten downward as accessories to the note, just as a rooster crows, flapping its wings at 
 the same time. The laryngeal muscles are certainly constructed in a manner similar to 
 those of the Pinnated Grouse, the tootings of which are vocal. I have heard the Ruffed 
 Grouse drum from early spring until late in autumn. 
 
 FAMILY III. PERDICnLE. THE QUAILS, ETC. 
 
 Head and neck, completely feathered, but the tartus is naked, as is also the space above 
 the nostrils. Top of keel, not equalling in length the depth of the inner marginal indenta- 
 tions. 
 
 The terminal expansion of the furcula is narrow, produced downward, and approxi- 
 mates quite closely to the sternum. Upper process of manubrium, not produced forward. 
 The costal process is very narrow, tapering toward point Avhich is not rounded. The bone 
 at the extreme outer edge of sternum, beyond the outer marginal indentation, is not very 
 wide. There is a moderately large perforation through the manubrium, and the sternum in 
 front of keel, is deeply furrowed, but there is no very prominent central ridge. 
 
 GENUS I. OKTYX. THE CRESTLKSS QUAILS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Head, without any prominent crest. Tail and wings, rather short. General colors, light reddish-brown, 
 varied with white, black, and buff, 
 
 Members of this gunus usually inhabit open country or that which is covered with a low growth of bushes. There is 
 but one species within our limits. 
 
ORTYX viROiyiAXUs. 355 
 
 ORTYX VIRQINIANUS. 
 
 Quail. Partridge. 
 Ortyx Viryinianiu BON., Ohs. Wils.; 1P28. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Fonn, robust. Size, Inrge. Sternum, stout. Tongue, thick, fleshy, homy at extreme tip which is pointed. 
 The -t.-rii..-tnaeheali- i~ al seut, l.ut a stout lateral muscle, which is probably a moditieation of thi-, . , the 
 
 treaehea about '86 from the larynx ami passing ba.-k ..fit, witli.mt adhering to it, beooaai ana. !.,.! to the innde of the 
 hronehial tubes near their .junction with the larynx. A portion of the tynipaiiifurm membrane H tol.esei-n ab m this june- 
 ti.m and the tul.es below ii are joined by a rather tliiek membrane. I'.iv-i, HHl long, small at base, me.,-ming about -06 
 in diameter, then gra lually enlarging to ab,,ut ^'Oin diameter, then tapering to 'he blind end, the teimination uf which is 
 pointed. Feather of head, slightly elongated. 
 
 Color. Adult ma/f. Light chestnut throughout, looming yellowish on the rump with the feathers above edged with 
 bull', and barre.i and sp .tied throughout with black and white, while the central under portionsare yellowish-white. The 
 throat is white, eneireled by a line of black. Line passing from bill over eye and down neck, also white, becoming huffy 
 posteriorly and preceded abo\e liy a line of black. Wings and tail, brown, the latter having a bluish ti: .th are 
 
 barred and spotted with yellowish and white. 
 
 Adult female. Similar to the male, but the white markings of the head are replaced by buff and the black linings are 
 not as prominent. 
 
 \'ouni/ Not unlike the adult but are darker as the black marking? are much broader. In a transitional stage, between 
 this and the d >wn. the feathers arc all lined with white. Iris, hill, and feet, brown, in these three stii^ 
 
 *<i.it/int/.i. Area! lirst covered with yellowish-red down which is lighter below, having n central line of brown on the 
 head, three down the back, and one behind eye, of the same w'.or. From this, they gradually assume the plumage last de- 
 scribed. Bill, iris, and feet, light reddish-brown, in this stage. 
 
 OBESRVATION8. 
 
 There i^ con iderable variation in plumage, Florida Quails being much darker than Northern birds, especially below, 
 
 where the markings are continuous and wide. Known from all others by the peculiar markings about the head and colors 
 
 rilx-l. Distributed, as a constant resident, throughout Eastern United States, south of the latitude of Northern 
 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 9'35; stretch, 14-60; win(f,4'5. r >. tail, 2 65; 
 bill, -55; tarsus, l-|2. Longest specimen, IO-2C; greatest extent of wing, 15'45; longest wing, 5'lO; tail, 3'00; bill, "65; 
 tarsus, I 25. Shortest specimen, &'50; smallest extent of wipg, !3'?5; shortest wing, 4'0); tail, 2'30; bill, 'SO; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground. They are not very elaborate structures, being composed of leaves, weeds, or other con- 
 venient material. 
 
 I-';/!/*, from eight to twenty in number, decidedly pyriform in shape, pure white in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 
 95x1-30 to l-OOxl'35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The bird now in question, is, as almost every one knows, called Quail in the North 
 and Partridge in the South, but wide-spread as they are, I think there is but litth; dill'cr- 
 ciu !' in their habits, even in the extremes. Thus Quails which I have found at .Miami in 
 Southern Florida, did not behave much differently from those that I have seen in s.niii 
 tions of Massachusetts. It is true, that the Florida birds were tamer than those \\ liicli gen- 
 erally occur in Massachusetts, yet I have seen Quails in the latter named section, uhidi 
 were as unsuspicious as those in Florida. Thus at Miami, it is diHicult to make these birds 
 rise, for a bevy will merely run in front of its pursuer, until its members become so scat- 
 tered in the thick growth of saw palmettos which cover the ground everywhere, that it is 
 impossible to follow them, as when one has left the main body, it ceases to utter the 
 
358 CHARADRIUS FVLV US. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Black -bellied Plovers do not make their appearance amid the swarms of south- 
 ward flying shore birds which sweep down the coast, until about the first of September. 
 Then their loud, clear notes may be heard in all directions, especially on those dull, foggy 
 mornings which precede an easterly storm. At such times, they are comparatively tame, 
 for they are evidently weary with their long migration from the North and anxious to feed, 
 in order to depart before the coming storm sets in. 
 
 Although the Black-bellies, or Beetle Heads as they are called when in their modest 
 autumnal dress, alight on the hills in search of grasshoppers, they may often be found on 
 sandy beaches, feeding upon small crustaceans and other products of the sea, and occa- 
 sionally they visit the grassy marshes or pools on them. Their stay in Massachusetts is 
 prolonged until the latter part of October, when the majority has passed southward. In 
 May, however, when they have assumed their dark-colored livery and are on their way to 
 their northern breeding grounds, their visit to us is short, for they pass very quickly, often 
 remaining but a few days. 
 
 In Florida, where I have found this species very common, not only on both coasts but 
 also on the Keys, they live wholly on the beaches. In the North, they are very wild, for 
 few birds are more hunted, but in the wilder sections, they loose this shyness in a great 
 measure, but still are never very unsuspicious. They moult late in April, before leaving 
 the South, and I have secured full plumaged adults in May. 
 
 GENUS II. CHARADRIUS. THE THREE-TOED PLOVERS. 
 
 GKV. CH. Bill, rather slender, not as long as the head which is not strikingly large. Tail, nearly square. Hind toe, 
 absent. 
 
 Members of this genus, in the adult stage, are black below and dark above, banded with golden and marked with 
 white. Sexes, quite similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 CHARADRIUS FULVUS. 
 Golden Plover. 
 
 Charadriusfulvus GH. Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 687. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, not very long, thin and horny, narrowing toward tip which is slight- 
 ly rounded. 
 
 Adult in summer. Black throughout, excepting primaries and tail, which are dark-brown, with a purplish luster, tbe 
 latter being narrowly tipped with white and banded with lighter and the former having a central spot of white on shafts, 
 with the upper surface spotted and banded with golden and white, wliilea band of white passes across forehead, over eye, 
 and broadening out extends down side of neck to upper breast. Under tail coverts, banded with white. Under wing cov- 
 erts and axillaries, ashy-brown. , 
 
 Adult in wtnter. Similar to the summer dress above, but the black on lower surface is mixed, to a greater or less ex- 
 tent, with white and ashy. 
 
 Vouny. Not unlike the winter adult but are paler above and ashy white below, where the feathers are edged and spot- 
 ted with dusky, especially on the breast. Iris, brown, bill, and feet, black, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the preceding species ny the absence of the hind toe and ashy axillaries and from all other Plovers by the 
 golden markings above. Distributed, as summer resident, throughout Arctic America, wintering south of the United 
 States. 
 
M UNTA iy PL O VER. 369 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from E-i^tern North America. Length, 10'40; stretch, 22'25; wing, 7-25; tail, 
 2 7.">; bill, -85; tarsus 1~~>. Lingo- 1 specimen, In-.-,. extent of wins, si.TOO; l,,ni;,--t winj;. 7'50; tail, 3'00; bill, 
 
 95; tarsi*, 1 90. Sli<>rte-t ~) imen, lO'OO; smallest extent of wing, 21'50; shortest wing, 7'00; tail, 2'40; bill, '80; tarsus, 
 
 MO. 
 
 HKS( KIITIOX OF NESTS AND K(!(JS. 
 
 fj/ffi, placed on the ground in a hollow scratched in t'ie -nil, with a little grass, etc.; two to four in number, ]>yrifonn 
 in sh;>|<;. deep ehocolato-brown in color, ~|> iited and blotched irregularly with large confluent markings of brown of vary- 
 ing shades. Dimensions from T35 x 1 J 80 to l'45xiMO. 
 
 II A HITS. 
 
 The Golden Plovers differ somewhat in habit from the Beetle Heads,; thus, although 
 they remain in Massachusetts about as late as tin- latter named species, they arrive earlier; 
 their notes are mellower and given in greater variety, for besides the whistle which is ut- 
 tered while flying, they have a peculiar chuckling note, when about to alight. They are 
 also fond of the open wind-swept hill-tops near the coast, where they feed upon grasshop- 
 pers, but occasionally a straggler will alight on a beach or marsh. In migration, they arc 
 again peculiar, for although very common during autumn along the eastern coast, I never 
 knew of a specimen being taken here in spring; nor did I ever meet with one in Florida. 
 They pass quite out of the United States, spending the winter in South America and ad- 
 jacent islands. On their return to the northern breeding grounds, they merely pass through 
 the country, west of the Mississippi, but nest in the same section as the Black Bellies, like 
 them, placing the eggs on the ground on some slight elevation. 
 
 CF.NUS III. ^ECTAT.ITIS. THE RINGED PLOVERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, short, not at long as the head which a of moderate size. Tail, rounded or nearly tqvare. Hind toe, 
 at/sent. 
 
 Members of this genus are quite uniform in color above and white below, usually with a conspicuous black ring a- 
 round neck The eyes are large. 
 
 .ffiGIALITIS MONTANUS. 
 
 Mountain Plover. 
 JEyialitis montanus B.MRD, Birds. N. A.; 1858, 693. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Plate XV. Adult. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, large. Bill, long and slender. Tail, square. Tertiaries, nearly reaching the 
 tips of wings. Sexes, similar. . 
 
 r.ilor. Advil. Ab.ive, pale yellowish-brown, becoming lighter on the rump. Primaries and tail, brown, the former 
 tipped with black, and the latter narrowly tipped with white, preceded by a broad band of bluek. Forehead and line over 
 eye, -white, above and below which is one of black extending to eye. Under parts, yellowish-white, tinged with n de, 
 shade on the breast and si.lcs. 
 
 Youny. Lacks the Mack band in front and the white of forehead Ls tinged with dull yellow. Bill, black, iris, brown, 
 and legs, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS 
 
 Readily known by the large u ize, lack of rings on the lirenst, combined with the uniform pnle yellowish-brown above. 
 Distributed throughout the United States, west of the Mis-is-ippi Valley. Rare at Key West in winter. 
 
 IHMKNSIOXS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Western North America. Length, D'OO; stretch, 18-32: wing, 6'35: tail, 2 75; 
 bill, -85; tor^us, 1 ")"). L.n^e-t -pecimen. '.HO; greatest extent of wing, 18-7.V ''75; tail, 2 U5; Kill, (; 
 
 tarsus, 1 60. Shortest specimen, 8'UO; smallest extent of wing, 18"00; shortest wing, fi'50; tail, 2 60; bill, "80; tarsus, 1- 43 
 
360 JEG1ALIT1S VOC1FERUS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, decided- 
 ly pyriform in shape, greenish-brown in color, finely and plentifully dotted with very dark-brown and black. Dimensions 
 from 1-10x1 -40 to 1-12x1-50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On the first day of December, 1870, as I was walking along the beach, near the bar- 
 racks, at Key West, I observed a small flock of about half a dozen birds running in front 
 of me, occasionally uttering a low, mellow whistle. I at once saw that they were some- 
 thing new to me but, as they were extremely wild, it was some time before I could obtain 
 a specimen, but at last I secured one by taking a long shot, made just as they were rising, 
 when the rest flew away and I never saw them again. Thus the history of the Mountain 
 Plover, for such the stragglers proved to be, in our section, is easily written, but judging 
 from this instance and from published accounts, this Plover does not differ strikingly in 
 habit from many of its allies. 
 
 JEGIALITIS VOCIFERUS. 
 
 Killdeer Plover. 
 JEgialitis vociferus BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 692. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Plate XV. Young. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, large. Bill, long and slender. Tail, long and rounded. Tertiaries, nearly reaching 
 the tips of the elongated wings. Sternum, stout, outer marginal indentations, considerably deeper than inner. Tongue, 
 not long, thin, and slender, horny at extreme tip which is pointed. Sexes, similar. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, greenish-brown. Rump, upper tail coverts, and base of tail, cinnamon-red; and outer pair of 
 feathers of latter, white, banded with black, while the tips of all but central pair are tipped with white which is preced 
 ed by a broad band of black. Wings, dark-brown, with lines on inner webs, elongated spots on primaries, tips, and baso 
 of secondaries, white. Forehead and line through eye, white, above and below which is a band of black, passing back of 
 eye. Bmaath, whit?, which ext;nis in aollar back of n^ck, above whieh, behind, is a band of reddish, and below is a 
 broad ring of black which rapidly narrows behind, however; beneath this, after an interval, is a band of black on breast. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult, but every feather above is edged with reddish, while the throat and space between the 
 black bands are tinged with it. 
 
 Nestlings. Are covered above with a yellowish-ash down mixed with rufous. Beneath, white, tinged on the sides with 
 rufous. The black bands on the head are much as in the adult but the lower one is continuous, uniting behind. There is, 
 however, but one ring l)elow, the continuous upper. Eyelids, red, iris, brown, bill, black, and feet yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all other Plovers by the the two black bands on the throat and breast, and cinnamon rump. Distribu- 
 ted in summer throughout North America, not very common in New England. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 10-00; stretch, 20'25; wing, 6'50; tail, 4'00; bill, 
 75; tarsus, 1-45. Longest specimen, 10-50; greatest extent of wing, 21'00; longest wing, 6 75; tail, 4-50; bill, "90; tarsus, 
 1-65. Shortest specimen, 9'50; smallest extent of wing, 19'50; shortest wing, 6'25; tail, 3'50; bill, '60; tarsus, 1'30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyff*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil , on a little grass, etc.; four in number, abruptly pyriforra 
 in shape, creamy in color, spotted and lined with dark-brown and umber, but there are more spots than lines. Dimensions 
 from 1-OOx 1'35 to l'05x 1'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On a December evening, some years ago, I stepped from the deck of a steamer upon 
 a wharf at Fernandina in Florida, well-pleased to find the solid land beneath my feet once 
 more, for the weather during the voyage, had been unusually stormy and I, among others, 
 

WJLSOX'S PLOVER. 361 
 
 had boon suffering Jill tin- .lisnunfnrts attendant upon such ;i rough passage; (lion, too, I 
 hud just loll a frozen, snow-eovered land, over which the chilly north winds won- s\\v, -p- 
 in-: now I was -roofed by soft airs from the balmy South, the merry chirp of insects ran- 
 in my ears, while the full moon, newly risen, illumined a scene which I then looked upon 
 for the first time. I wandered oil' a. TOSS the town and as I was passin- a strip of low land, 
 1 was almost startled by hearing loud screams, and nt the same moment, two or three birds 
 started up, almost at my feet and, continuing their cries, circled around my head. I could 
 make out their form quite clearly in the brilliant ino.mlight and, although it was the first 
 time that I had over seen them living, I recognized the Kildeer 1'lover. The ease wilh 
 which they Hew at night somewhat surprised me, but I afterward found lhat they are part- 
 ly nocturnal and I have many times since then, been awakened in the darkness by their 
 shrill notes. 
 
 The Killdcer Plovers are very common in the Carolinas during winter, not only fre- 
 quenting the shores but also haunting moist places in the interior, and I have often seen 
 them in the streets of the villages, where they are very unsuspicious. Southward their 
 numbers increase and on the marshes of the St. John's River, I found them in imm'Mise 
 flocks. They are noisy birds when ou the wing but while running on the ground, or a 
 plaintive cry. As they are not at all shy where they are not much hunted, they n. e 
 approached quite closely, when they will merely run away, but if pursued, they will < i 
 squat, lying quite flat, in order to conceal themselves; then, if approached very clo 
 they will rise suddenly, with load, shrill screams which they ivitorate until they ali; it. 
 Thus they often prove a nuisance when one is trying to obtain a shot at some shyer bird, 
 as the noise made by these restless Plovers, causes all other birds in the immediate vicini- 
 ty to take wing. 
 
 I found the Kildeors common on the Keys in winter but do not think any remain to 
 breed, but they do nest on Indian River, depositing their eggs late in May, and in Penn- 
 sylvania, they lay about the same time. As might be judged by the foregoing account, 
 they are quite solicitous when their nests are approached and their ouf-eries often inform 
 the collector that the eggs are near. These birds were very common throughout NVw Kn,-- 
 land some years ago and although I have occasionally met with a straggle- ;U >ey are quite 
 rare here now, and but few remain to breed. 
 
 JEGIALITIS WILSONIUS. 
 
 Wilson's Plover. 
 
 JEyialitii Wilsonius B.uuu, Birds. N. A. 1858, 693. 
 DESCRIPTION, 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, snbust. Size, not large. Tertinries not nearly reaching tips of wings. Tail, short and rounded. 
 Sternum, stout, tin- outer marginal indentations, but slightly deeper tlmn inner. Tongue, long, tliin and horny, narrow- 
 ing toward tip which is slightly rounded. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Al>ove, pale ashy-brown, becoming darker on tip of tail, the outer feather^ nf!ii<-li air white. 
 Wings, dark-I)n,\vn, with line on inner wel>, central strij.es on prim f-eeondaries, and bin 
 
 white. Forehead and line over eye, white, aWe and below which is one of black Under parts, white, with a Imxid band 
 of Mack iiorovs lircast. 
 
 Adult f'-male. Quite similar to the above but the black markings of head and neck are replaced by some of brown. The 
 winter male resembles the female. 
 
 46 
 
362 jEGlALlTIS W1LHON1US. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult female, but much more reddish, especially on band across breast. Iris, brown, bill, 
 black, and feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all other Plovers having a single ring around neck, by the comparatively large size of the bill which is not 
 only thick but is nearly as long as the head. Distributed in summer along the Eastern coast as far north as New Jersey. 
 Winters on the Florida Keys and Bahamas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 7'85; stretch, IS'OO; wing, 5'75; tail, l'7o; bill, '88; tar- 
 Bus, 1-12. Longed specimen, 8- 15; greatest extent of wing, KVOO; longest wing, 5'90; tail, 2'00; bill, 1-05; tarsus, I'i8. 
 Shortest specimen, 7'50; smallest extentof wing, H'OO; shortest wing, 4'65: tail, 1'45; bill, '70; tarsus, 1-05. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 E&ys, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a few bits of shells, etc.; three in number, pyriform in 
 shape, creamy in color, finely and thickly lined and spotted with black, but there are more lines than spots. Dimensions 
 from 1'OOx 1'35 to l'05x 1'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The northern end of Key West is comparatively barren as the lime rock which forms 
 the foundation of the entire key, has here only a scant supply of soil over it and, conse- 
 quently, there is but very little vegetation. Between this section and the southern, or 
 more fertile, end of the key, is a low-lying tract which can be flooded with sea water and 
 which, in fact, some years ago, formed, in a great measure, natural salt ponds, but they 
 then only covered a limited surface. Now, however, square, shallow basins have been dug 
 over a greater extent, and used for the manufacture of salt, the water being let into them 
 and allowed to evaporate in the sun, leaving the salt. These square basins are separated 
 from one another by dykes along which one can walk and where various species of shore birds 
 alight. Among them are large quantities of Plovers of the genus of which I am writing, 
 and I have, with a single discharge of my gun, killed three species, viz., Wilson's, Piping, 
 and Ringneck; and the day when I took the first and only specimen of the Mountain Plover 
 ever shot east on the Mississippi, I secured, in all, six species of the genus jEgialitis in 
 about an hour, a feat which I will venture to say, will seldom be repeated. 
 
 While here, I paid considerable attention to the habits of Wilson's Plover, then in 
 the winter dress, but did not observe that they differed strikingly from other small Plov- 
 ers, excepting that, perhaps, the flight is a little heavier; but when I found them breeding 
 on Indian River, a few years later, I found that they had some characteristic habits. 
 
 Early in May I observed the males in pursuit of the females and alighting beside them, 
 at the same time uttering a series of peculiar, sharp, abruptly given whistles. Confident 
 that they were breeding, a few days later I visited the beach ridge, just north of Cape Ca- 
 naveral, to look for the eggs, but although there were several pairs of birds circling about, 
 it was not until I happened to see a female run from the nest, that I chanced to discover her 
 three eggs. These were placed in a small hollow scratched in the sand, on some bits of 
 shell and fish bones gathered by the birds, but in a little open space, surrounded by sea 
 purslane, a low plant which grows plentifully about; and all that I afterward found, were 
 placed in a similar situation. The birds ran nimbly about or circled overhead, so that it 
 was impossible to decide just where a nest was situated, and the males were constantly 
 
R1NGNECK PLOVER. 363 
 
 giving their stuttering notes, while the females only uttered a hrisk whistle. I never found 
 Wilson's Plover much north of Key West during winter, but they migrate along the coast 
 early in April, some going as far north as New Jersey to breed. 
 
 .S3GIALITIS SEMIPALMATUS. 
 
 Ringneck Plover. 
 JEi/ialitis srmi/ia/malu.1 CAB., Journ.; 1H56, 425. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, not large. Bill, short, not nearly as long iw head. Tail, short and rounded. Tertia- 
 ries. nut nearly reaching the tips of wings. Membrane between toes, large. Sternum, stunt, outer marginal indentations, 
 slightly deeper than inner. Tongue, not long, fleshy at base, thin, horny at extreme tip which is rounded. Sexes, similar. 
 
 Color. Adult. Above, dark ashy-brown, becoming lighter on the tail which is narrowly tipped with white, while the 
 outer jmi r of feathers are entirely of this color nnd all hut these are crossed by abroad band of black. Wings dark-brown, 
 with tips bade and lines cm inner webs of secondaries, central elongated spots on primaries, ami tip- of greater coverts, white. 
 Forehead and top of head to eye, line below it extending over ear coverts, and broad ring on breast which rapidly narrows 
 behind, black. Beneath, white, which extends in a collar back of neck. Crescent on forehead, also white. 
 
 Voung. Similar to fie adult but the black markings are replaced by some of ashy-brown and every feather above is 
 edged with yellowish-white. Bill, black, yellow at base, iris, brown, and legs, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from all other Plovers by the. oomparatirely short bill and large webs between toes. Distributed in 
 summer, from Labrador, northward. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern America. Length, 7*05; stretch, 14'05; wing, 5' 12; tail, 2 - I6; bill, 
 55; tarsus, !K). Longest specimen, 7'50; greatest extent of wing, 15'60; longest wing, 5'TO; tail, 2'30; bill, 'BO; tarsus, 
 1-00. Shortest specimen, 6 05; smallest extent of wing, H'50; shortest wing, 4'55; tail, 2'05; bill, '50; tarsus, -80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Fjjy*, placed in a depression of the soil, four in number, rather pyriform in shape, creamy in color, spotted irregularly 
 and plentifully with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from '90x 1'35 to p i*5x 1'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Ringnecks are among the first of the returning shore birds, to find their way 
 southward, some appearing early in August, while others continue to come until October, 
 when they suddenly disappear toward the South. The first that make their appearance, 
 are the young and females and later, the adult males follow. These Plovers have a loud, 
 though mellow, whistle, easily distinguished from that of other shore birds. They arc fond 
 of the beaches on the open sea, where they run nimbly along the sand, avoiding the in- 
 coming waves with great agility, then following them out, in order to pick up the small 
 crustaceans, etc., left by the water. They also visit the pools on the salt marshes, where 
 they eat aquatic insects, and I have even taken grasshoppers from their stomachs. I ful- 
 ly expected to find this species nesting on the Magdalen Islands as they breed plentifully 
 on the neighboring coast of Labrador, but was disappointed, and I do not think that they 
 even nest there, at least in any numbers. 
 
 JEGIALITIS MELODUS. 
 
 Piping Plover. 
 JEgialittt mclodus CAB., Journ. 1856, 424. 
 
 DESCRIFFION. 
 SP CH. Form, robust. Size, small. Tertiaries, not nearly reaching the tips of the wings. Tail, short and rounded. 
 
364 JEG1ALIT1S MELODUS. 
 
 Toe membrane, not large. Sternum, stout, the outer marginal indentation being but very little deeper thnninner. Tongue, 
 short, fleshy, and rounded at tip. Sexes, very similar. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, very pale ashy-brown, becoming lighter on tail which is tipped with white, and the outer 
 feathers are of the samo color, while all, excepting these, are crossed by a broad band of dark-brown. Wings, dark-brown, 
 with line on inner webs, elongated spots on outer webs of inner primaries, central stripes on outer, base and tips of second- 
 aries, and bar across greater coverts, white. Forehead, white, above which is a lunet of black Under parts, white, which 
 extends in a collar back of neck and below this is a band of black which meets behind, broadens on sides and is often inter- 
 rupted on breast, hut is sometimes continuous. 
 
 Youny. Quite similar to the adult but the black markings of head and neck are nearly, or quite, obsolete. The females 
 are generally paler than the males. 
 
 Ne.itliny.1. Are covered above with a yellowish-ash down mixed with rufous. Beneath, white. Iris, brown, bill, black, 
 yellow at base, and feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all other Plovers having a single ring around neck, by the comparatively small bill and toe membrane, as 
 well as pale colors, they being the lightest of the genus in our section. Distributed in summer along the Eastern coast 
 from the Carolinas as far north as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Winters on the Elorida Keys and Bahamas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 6'75; stretch, 14'45; wing, 4'75; tail, 2'75; 
 bill, -66; tarsus, '92. Longest specimen, 7'3(>; greatest extent of wing, 15'45; longest wing, 5'03; tail, 2 65, bill. "72; 
 tarsus, 98. Shortest specimen, 6'30; smallest extent of wing, 13'50; shortest wing, 4'5<); tail, 1-90; bill, '50; tarsus, '85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a few bits of shells, etc.; four or five in number, py- 
 riform in shape, pale yellowish-nsh in color, finely and thickly spotted and dotted with black, yellowish and lilac. Dimen- 
 sions from '90x MO to 1'OOx 1'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are peculiar sections of sea shore along our eastern coast, which are covered 
 with shifting sand that the high winds of autumn and Avinter are constantly sweeping into 
 dunes which are of ever varying form; consequently, but little vegetation grows on them. 
 These barren tracts are the chosen resort of the Piping Plovers and the pallid tints of these 
 birds are so nearly like the color of the sands on which they live, that, when they are mo- 
 tionless, it is almost impossible to detect one a short distance away, and on a foggy morn- 
 ing, when objects are only indistinctly seen, the birds are quite invisible twenty or thirty 
 yards away, even while running. At such times, especially during the breeding season, they 
 utter a peculiar, long-drawn whistle which coming, as it does, out of the enshrouding fog, 
 has a singularly wild and mournful effect. Besides this cry, the birds emit other and more 
 lively notes which are more often given when their nesting places are approached. The 
 eggs are laid in a simple hollow scratched in the sand and the birds, as if aware that they 
 would be more conspicuous if placed on a smooth surface, choose nesting places in the hol- 
 lows between the dunes, into which the edding winds have swept bits of bark, roots, and 
 other debris. 
 
 When sitting, I think the female seldom flies unless disturbed but simply runs to the 
 neighboring beach, in order to feed, without rising and returns the same way. Now us 
 the eggs are quite hard to find on account of the birds leaving them whenever they per- 
 ceive an intruder, I would look for the track of a Plover in the sand and by following it 
 persistently, would finally come to the nest, the proximity to which could always be de- 
 termined by the increased number of tracks, crossing and recrossing the one which was 
 my guide. 
 
H^MATOPUS PALLIATVS. 365 
 
 The Piping Plovers arrive from the North in May, the eggs are deposited early in 
 June, :md the young run at birth, sinmtting on the naked sand when they percehe an in- 
 truder or are warned to do so by some peculiar note of their parents who, solicitous lor the, 
 safety of their oil-spring, are constantly on the lookout lor enemies. The little Plovers soon 
 learn to vise their wings, however, and fly well by the middle of July, then all migrate to 
 the South during the latter part of August, passing the winter on Key West, in company 
 with the preceding species. Contrary to my expectations, I found the Piping Plovers 
 breeding in great numbers on the Magdalen Islands, n -sting on the long sand spits or a- 
 inon the dunes. 
 
 FAMILY II. IL-EMATOPODID^E. THE OYSTER CATCHERS, ETC. 
 
 BUI, at least as long as head, compressed throughout, and hard at tip. Hind toe, 
 absent or small. Keel, not equal in height to the width of the sternum. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, four. 
 
 These birds are A'ery stout, with well-rounded bodies and short legs. The head is not 
 very large and the neck short. The creca are very long. Sterno-trachealis, present but 
 there are no other prominent laryngeal muscles. Tympaniform membrane present as well 
 as os transversale, but there is no semilunar membrane. 
 
 GEXrs I. II.-EMATOPrS. THE OYSTER CATCHERS. 
 
 GEX. On. Bill, much lonyer than head and compressed laterally at tip. Hind toe, absent. Stomach, not muscular. 
 Fxrrula, welt arched. 
 
 .M.'inli.'r- of this ;_"'im~ have the inner marginal indentations slightly deeper than outer. Sexes similar. There is but 
 one species within our limits. 
 
 ELZEMATOPTJS PALLIATUS. 
 
 Oyster Catcher. 
 Htnnatopus patliaitts TK.V.M., Man., II; 1820, 533. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cir. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, twice as long as head. Sternum, stout. Tongue, thin, wideat base, nnr- 
 rowin<; tuwurd tip which is rounded. 
 
 GH.OR. Adult. Head and neck all around, black. Above, reddish-brown. Upper tail coverts, lower surface ofbody, 
 sput <>n lower eyelid, tips of greater wing cuverts, and secondaries, white, with large elongated spots of brown on M-minal 
 portion of featliers of latter. 
 
 Yauny. Similar to the adult, but the feathers above are edged with white. Iris, brown, bill and eyelid, carmine, 
 and feet, pinkish, in all star>. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large *ize, absence of the hind toe, and long, compr<-e<l bill. Distributed, as a summer resi- 
 dent, along the Eastern coast as far north as New Jersey, wintering from the Carolina-!, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. I,ciiL'th. IS -'ill; stretch, 34 -50; wins, lO'OO; tail. 3'98; bill, 3'35; 
 tarsus, 2-30. Longest specimen, 19-00; greatest extent of win:;, :!.V(H>: longest wing, UV-JO; toil, 4' ID; bill, 3-60; tarsus, 
 d- 10. Shortest specimen, 18 00; smallest extent of wing, 3TOO; shortest wing, 9'60; tail, 3'75; bill, 3'IO; tarsus, 2-JO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EU<JS. 
 
 fygs, placed on the ground in a hollow scratched in the soil, with a little grass, etc.; two to four in number, rather oval 
 in form, creamy or even white in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from 
 1 50x2-15 to 1 55x2-35. 
 
366 XTREPS1LAS 1NTERPRES. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On our voyage southward in the yacht Nina, we met with the Oyster Catchers for 
 the first t'ine, at Smithville, North Carolina. This was late in November and they were 
 evidently established there for the winter, for they frequented the oyster bars in the har- 
 bor, in large numbers. At high water, they would retreat to the sand bars on the beach 
 ridge, where they would sit perfectly quiet, with their heads drawn in and their bills in- 
 clining downward, much after the manner of Woodcock. But when the outgoing tide 
 left the tops of the oyster bars exposed, they would come flying silently in, at first singly, 
 then in pairs, while groups of a few would follow, until, at last, they would come in flocks 
 of a dozen or more. They would alight among the oysters and when the bivalves gaped 
 open, as is their habit when the water first leaves them, the birds Avould thrust in the point 
 of their hard, flat bills, divide the ligament with which the shells are fastened together, 
 then, having the helpless inhabitant at their mercy, would at once devour it. They were 
 not long in making a meal, for specimens which I shot after they had been feeding a short 
 time, were so crammed that by simply holding a bird by the legs and shaking it gently, the 
 oysters would fall from its mouth. They appeared to feed almost exclusively on this kind 
 of food at Smithville, for I never found anything else in their stomachs; in fact, they ate 
 so many oysters that their flesh was strongly flavored with them. 
 
 Oyster Catchers are quite shy when shot at frequently and as they are difficult to kill, 
 it is not easy to procure specimens. When one is knocked down, the collector is not sure 
 of it, as they not only run with great swiftness but swim and dive nearly as well as Ducks, 
 and a wounded bird, if able to run, will at once take to the water. When disturbed, they 
 rise with loud screams and if captured after being disabled, utter similar cries which are 
 apt to attract the attention of their companions, causing them to circle about. 
 
 In Florida, I found large flocks of these birds on the marshes back of Amelia Island, 
 gathering about the fresh water ponds to drink and bathe; here they were unusually shy, 
 not allowing me to come within a hundred yards of them. Oyster Catchers breed along the 
 sandy beaches of the coast and adjacent islands, from Florida to New Jersey, nesting about 
 June. 
 
 GENUS II. STREPSILAS. THE TURNSTONES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, short, about as long as the head, but not compressed laterally at tip. Hind toe, present. Stomach, 
 muscular. Furcula, not we/I arched. 
 
 Members of this genus, have the outer marginal indentations much deeper than inner. Sexes, similar. There is but 
 one ,pecies within our limits. 
 
 STREPSILAS INTERPRES. 
 
 Turnstone. 
 Strepsilas interpret^., Prod.; 1811, 263. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, not large. Bill, not long. Steruuin, stout. Tongue, rather long, thin, not wide at 
 base, and narrowing toward tip which is rounded. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Sides of head and neck, rump, upper tail coverts, under portions, and tail, White, with band on latter, 
 crescent shaped mark on upper coverts, broad band on neck ( extending down on side of breast an<l in a line back of ear 
 coverts, line from lower mandible to throat patch, another line from forehead to eye, passing under it into the last, ftnd 
 
30" 
 
 patch on bind neck, black. Remainder .if upper parts, mottled with bln.-k, chestnut-red, and white. Sw.mdiirii".. wliitc, 
 with nn elongated <p.>t ofbrown on terminal portion. Primaries, hr.iwn, with bu-e <if all mid tips of inner, wliitc. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the ndult l>ut tlic black markings are not ns distinct, nor is then- i.uieh ml above. Bill, black, 
 iris, brown, and feet, red, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the peculiar black markings on the head and breast. Distributed in summer, throughout Ai -tic 
 America; wintering from t'i8 Carolines, .southward. 
 
 DI.MKNS10NS. 
 
 Average measurements of s,. n 'mens from Kiisteni America. length, 9'25; stretch, 18-00; wing, 5-40; tnil.STui; bill, 
 95; tarsus, |-(>J. Longest specimen, )-50; greatest extent ol wing, l'J'50; longest wing, 6'05: tail, 2 75; liill, I -00: tarsus, 
 1-15. S.i.irta-it sp;uim;n, 9'0'J; smallest extent of wing, 18-50; shortest wing, o 7">, fiil, 2-50; bill, <>!; tarsus, -!>0. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGOS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on t!ie ground in a depression of the soil, on a little gni- I are from two to four in mimlirr. rather 
 pyriform in shape, greenis'i-jish in color, spotted anil blotched irregularly and thickly with yellowWi-brown, anJ scatter- 
 ingly with dots of umber. Dimensions from 1-17x1 -56 to 1'20 x 1 65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Turnstones are easily recognized by their conspicuous colors, especially by the 
 white rump with its black spot; in fact, they appear so completely mottled with black, 
 white, and red, that in some sections, they are called Calico Birds. They arrive from the 
 North early in August and while in Massachusetts, during autumn, spend the greater por- 
 tion of their time on rocks which have been left exposed by the tide, searching for small 
 marine animals. They will, however, occasionally alight on the marshes, in order to catch 
 grasshoppers, on which they sometimes feed. In the North, where they are hunted con- 
 tinually, like all shore birds, they become very shy but in the South, where larger gam*' is 
 abundant, they are seldom disturbed and, consequently, are quite unsuspicious, being so 
 tame, in fact, that I have frequently walked within a few yards of them without causing 
 them to take wing. In this section, they resort to the pebbly sea beaches, along which 
 they run nimbly, occasionally pausing to turn over the smaller stones or shells, that they 
 may find the insects which lurk beneath them, and it is this habit which has given them 
 the name of Turnstone. 
 
 These birds do not appear to be very common anywhere and in all my experience on 
 the coast between the two great gulfs, I do not remember having seen over twenty together 
 at one time, and this number is rare; indeed, I should consider a flock consisting of ten or a 
 dozen specimens, quite large for this species. I saw a lew scattering Turnstonrs flying 
 about the oyster bars at Smithville, North Carolina, during the last week in November, 
 and from this point to Key West, they are found during winter but are never very abun- 
 dant in rhe South. They return North in May but when migrating to their In-ceding 
 grounds, they pass quite rapidly. The note of the Turnstone, consists of an abrupt, clear 
 whistle, usually given just as the birds rise or is occasionally uttered as they fly. 
 
 FAMILY III. RECURVIROSTRIDyE. THE STILTS. 
 
 Bill, much longer than the head, more or less curved upward, flaW-Md ami l/urd through- 
 out. Hind toe, absent or very small. Keel, about equal in heiyht tu tin' width vf the ster- 
 num. Marginal indentations, four. Legs, exceedingly long. 
 
368 RECURV1ROSTRA AMERICANA. 
 
 Tlie neck is rather long and slender but the most noticeable feature is the greatly 
 lengthened legs. The head is not large in comparison with the well-rounded body. The 
 sternum is quite narrow with the marginal indentations nearly equal in depth, while the 
 furcula is moderately well arched. 
 
 GENUS I. RECURVIROSTRA. THE AVOCETS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bin, wett curved upward, more than twice as tony as head which is not very large. Hind toe present but 
 small. Tip of closed wing, but little longer than tail. 
 
 Members of this genus have the hill considerably flattened. Sexes, quite similar. There is but one species within our 
 limits. 
 
 RECTJRVIROSTRA AMERICANA. 
 
 American Avocet. 
 Recurvirostra Americana GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 693. 
 
 DESCRIPflON. 
 
 SP. On. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, curved upward considerably but the tip is slightly hooked Wings, point- 
 ed. Sternum, stout. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Head and neck all around, cinnamon-red. Body, white, with scapularies, which are broadly edged 
 with white, tertiaries, greater wing coverts, and primaries, black. 
 
 Young. Quite similar to the adult but the head and neck are white, tinged with ashy above, and the black markings 
 are not as clear. Iris, red, bill, black, and legs, greenish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the decidedly upturned bill, long legs, and presence of hind toe and prominent toe membrane. Dis- 
 tributed in summer, west of the Mississippi. Rare on the Eastern coast. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Western North America. Length, 16-62; stretch, 29-50; wing, 9-25; tail, 
 3-85; bill, 3'55; tarsus, 3'40. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, Sl'OO; longest wing, lO'OO; tail. 3'95; bill, 
 3-75; tarsus, 3 50. Shortest specimen, 15'32; smallest extent of wing, 28'00; shortest wing, 8-50; tail, 3-70; bill, 3'35; tar- 
 sus, 3-30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, three or four in number, rather pyriform in shape, ashy- 
 yellow in color, spotted and blotched irregularly and quite thickly, but seldom coarsely, with yellowish-brown of varying 
 shades. Dimensions from l'25x 1'95 to 1-40x2 05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Avocet, although common in the region west of the Mississippi, appears to be 
 quite rare on the eastern coast and I have never met with it living nor can I recall a re- 
 cent instance of its capture in the North. It has been taken here rarely but occurs more 
 often in the South. Published accounts of the habits of this bird, show that it differs but 
 slightly from that of the succeeding species. 
 
 GENUS II. HIMANTOPUS. THE STILTS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, but sliyhty curved upward, and less than twice the length of the head which is rather large. Hind toe, 
 absent. Tips of closed wings, considerably longer than tail. 
 
 Members of this genus have the bill well rounded toward tip which is pointed. Sexes, similar. There is but one 
 species within our limits. 
 
 HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS. 
 
 Black-necked Stilt. 
 Himantapus nigricoll's VIEII.L., Diet., X; 1S17, 42. 
 
 DESCRIPTION . 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, long. Sternum, stout. Tongue, rather long, thin, and slender, narrow- 
 ing toward tip which is pointed but not horny. 
 
BLACK-NECKED STILT. 369 
 
 Colon. Adult. Foreiirad to eye, line hack ..fry, lower i-ycliil, rump, up|>er tail coverts, tail, and under portions, 
 white; under win;; coverts and remaining portions, Mack with n purplish luster. 
 
 Yovn;;. ( t >uite similar to tin- adult but tlie black markings are nut as cl'car and tlic tail i- tin^-d with ashy. Iri- and 
 legs, red, and bill, black, in all s! 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Iteiidily known liy the nearly straight bill, long legs, and abs <,.,-, .fliind tocand prominent toe membrane. Distribu- 
 ted in ^ummer, throughout the United States. Kare on the F.a-icrn eoul north i.f'the Carolinas, wintering sou ti 
 United bm 
 
 DIMENSIONS 
 
 A \eraire measurement- of specimen* fruni Florida. Ix>n::th, ll'ti.".; tretch, -J-,-70; winjr, 8'75; tail, :> 115; bill, 2(50; 
 tarsia. 1'7-J. l.on_;e-t sp,., in ,,.. 15-00: greatest extent of win:;, _>-*-:>0, J<m:_'est win;;. It'OO; tail. 3-75; bill, "-'I; tarsus, 
 4'50. Shortest specimen, II -J;<; smallest extent of win-, 35 it win-. 7 :> I; nil, .>;>,); bill, i 15; tarsus, 3'!>(>. 
 
 nKSCKIl'TION (IK NKSTS AM) KiiCS. 
 
 /:/.'/' J'l'K'ed on the ground in n slight depression of the soil, three or four in number, rather pyriform in shape, ashy- 
 yellow in color, spotted. Mulcted, and lined irr.-^idarly and cjuite tbickly, but seldom coarsely, will) ycllowish-browii ..(' 
 varying abodes. Dimensions from ri5xr5-Jto 1 '^5 x !?(>. 
 
 II \1!ITS. 
 
 On the fifteenth of March, the Black-necked Stilts made tln.-ir first appearance at Salt 
 Lake in Middle Florida. At first there were but one or two pairs, then they came pour- 
 in. u 1 in, and soon, whenever I walked over the marshes, their harsh cries resounded on all 
 sides. This was my first acquaintance with the bird and I spent many hours watching 
 their singular movements, until they became perfectly familiar to me, but they always in- 
 terested me and I often found myself observing them, even after I had lived among them 
 for months. 
 
 As may readily be inferred from a glance at the birds, the Black-necked Stilts run 
 very rapidly but in the midst of their career, they will pause suddenly, bend their Ion- legs, 
 and pick up something from the ground, then oil' again al'ter more food. Their favorite 
 method <>!' feeding, however, was to wade in the shallow pools, often becoming submerged to 
 the body, and I have frequently seen them wading in this manner among flocks of Ducks, 
 consisting of several species. When alarmed while in the water, they will rai-e their long 
 wings and rise as lightly as if on the land. After they have finished their meal, they re- 
 turn to the shore and squat quietly down in groups but each individual faces the wiii'L 
 pccially if it be blowing hard. They are not shy birds as a rule, allowing one to approach 
 within a few yards, but if the intruder go too near, they will give a bow or two, as if bal- 
 ancing themselves, then rise with a harsh scream which becomes continuous when they arc 
 badly frightened. 
 
 On the marshes of Indian River, there are certain spots, especially near the water, uu 
 which vegetation never grows. Early in April, I observed that the Stilts were frequent- 
 ing these places and on the twenty-third, found the birds noting on them, the egox lieing 
 placed on the naked soil in a slight depression. It was quite easy to find the eggs, afi the 
 birds would not start until I was close to them and if I did not at first perceive where one 
 got up, I had only to retreat a short distance, when the unsuspicious bird would quietly 
 walk back to her nest, bend her long legs, and sit down. The note, at this time, was quite 
 different from that given earlier in the season, as they now littered short syllables .-niiiid- 
 ing like put, put, jtut, repeated rapidly, that of the males being harsh, while the females 
 
 47 
 
370 PHALAROPVS W1LSON1. 
 
 gave it shriller and more continuous. The Black-necked Stilts are found abundantly all 
 through Florida but are not as common above the peninsula and as we pass northward 
 along the coast, they become rare; yet in years past, stragglers have been taken in Mass- 
 achusetts but none have been recently seen, however, so far north. They leave Florida for 
 the South, early in autumn. 
 
 FAMILY IV. PHALAROPODID^E. THE PHALAROPES. 
 
 Bill, slender, longer than head, straight and hard throughout. Hind toe, present and 
 well -developed, while the toes are partli/ webbed and provided with a lateral membrane. The 
 legs are not strikingly long and the tarsus is compressed laterally. Keel, about equal in 
 height to the width of the sternum. Marginal indentations, four. 
 
 Members of this family are singular birds, exhibiting some characters which are pecu- 
 liar, not only to the Sandpipers but also to the Ducks, the structure of their feet, ena- 
 bling them to swim well while the peculiar, lengthened, compact feathering beneath is 
 bouyant and water-proof. The stomach is muscular and the proventriculus is large with 
 the glands arranged in a zonular band. The cceca are long. There are but three species 
 known, all of which may, perhaps, be placed in one genus. 
 
 GENUS I. PHALAROPUS. THE PHALAROPES. 
 
 The three known species of Phalaropes, all of which occur within our limits, do not appear to me to differ sufficiently 
 to take generic rank, therefore I have placed them in a single genus, the characters of which are given under the family 
 heading. Sexes, quite similar. 
 
 PHALAROPUS WILSONI. 
 
 Wilson's Phalarope. 
 Phalaropui Wilsoni SAB., App. Frank. Journ; 1823, 691. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, nearly twice as long as head, hard and flattened throughout. Leg 1 ?, long. 
 Lateral toe membranes, nearly straight and the basal ones are small. Tail, doubly emarginate. Tongue, long, thin, and 
 slender, narrowing toward tip which is pointed but not horny. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, pale pearly-ash, becoming lighter on the occiput and changing into brown on wings, which 
 is darker on primaries. Secondaries and tail tipped with white, and the latter is mottled with it. There is a dusky line 
 passing through eye, darkening into velvety black back of it, which broadens out on neck. This ends abruptly, but is fol- 
 lowed by a line of deep chestnut that posses down the back on to the scapularies, narrowing as it proceeds. Upper tail 
 coverts, line over eye, and under parts, creamy-white, stronglv tinged on neck and more lightly on upper breast and sides 
 with reddish. 
 
 Young. Grayish above, mottled with black and white, and tinged on the neck with reddish, but lack the black and 
 chestnut markings of the adult. The sides are grayish. When newly fledged, the feathers above are edged with reddish. 
 Bill and feet, black, and iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by thelarge size, long bill, nearly straight lateral toe membranes as well as small basal ones, and long 
 legs. Distributed in summer, throughout North America, from Kansas to the region of the Saskatchewan, generally west 
 of the Mississippi, but a few breed in Illinois. Very rare on the Eastern coast in autumn; wintering south of the United 
 
 States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Western North America. Length, 8'85; stretch, 15'OC; wing, 5-05; tail, 
 2' 10: bill, 1-30; tarsus, 1-20. Longest specimen, 9'50; greatest extent of wing, 15-50; longest wing, 5'50; tail. 2-30; bill, 
 1-50; tarsus, 1 35. Shortest specimen, 8'S5; smallest extent of wing, 14'50; shortest wing, 4'60; tail, 1-90; bill, MO; tar- 
 sus. 1-14. 
 
XOfiTHERN PHALAROPE. 371 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AM) Ki.i.S 
 
 F.yi/f, placed on the ground in a holl'.w scratched in the soil, with a little grass, etc.; two to four in number, rather pyr- 
 iforin in shupe, ashy-yellow in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, ami usually coarsely, with brown of varying shades. 
 Dimension- I'ri.iii -ilOxI-JO to -95xl-:i5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Wilson's Phalarope, although very common in the West, is exceedingly rare on the 
 Atlantic coast of the United States and I have never met with a specimen living, nor do I 
 now remember hearing of an anthontii; instance of its recent capture, at least in New Eng- 
 laml. It .lues, however, occur east of the Mississippi, as it breeds in Illinois. According 
 to notes, this Phalarope is quite unique among birds, as it is affirmed that the female is 
 not only brighter in plumage than the male but that she does all the courting, while the 
 male sits on the eggs after they are deposited. Mr. F. T. Jenks of Providence, who has 
 been among these birds when they were breeding, assures me that the above mentioned 
 facts are true and others have asserted the same thing. In the face of all these witnesses, 
 I shall not venture a remark but will merely tell the tale to my readers as it is told to me. 
 Wilson's Phalaropc arrives from the South with other shore birds and departs with them in 
 the autumn. 
 
 PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS. 
 
 Northern Phalarope. 
 Pha/erojnu hyperboreus TK.WJI., Man., II; 1820, 709. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Bill, slender and but slightly longer thnn head. Legs, not long. Lat- 
 eral toe membranes, wide, and scalloped at each phalnngeal j lint, while the basal ones are large. Tail, considerably round- 
 ed. Tongue, lung, thin, and slender, narrowing toward tip which is pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Ailuli. Above, very dark ashy-brown, darkest on head and lightest on rump, mixed with bright chestnut on 
 back. A ring of chestnut-red surrounds neck and a stripe of tin- ^ame color extends down sides of it. Tips of greater wing 
 coverts and under portions of body, white, with the sides tinged with ashy mixed with reddish. 
 
 Youm/. 1 ack the chestnut markings of the adult and the feathers above are sometimes edged with reddish, other- 
 wise similar. Iris, brown, bill and feet, black, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, short, slender, ]x>inted bill, rounded tail, wide, scalloped, lateral toe membranes and 
 Msal i incs. Distributed, as a summer resident, throughout the circumpolar Arctic Regions; wintering in the South 
 Temjicratc Zone. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern America. Length, 7'75; stretch, 13'75; wing, 4'55; tail, 2'25; bill, 
 1-00; tar-u-. -80. Longest specimen, 8 00; greatest extent of wing, 14-50; Ion . 4'00; tail, 2'50; bill, MO; tarsus, 
 
 86. Shortest specimen, 7'50; smallest extent of wing, 13'00; shortest wing, 4'50; tail, 2'00; bill, '90; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND E(i(.S. 
 
 Egi/s, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil, on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, rather 
 pyrifoi-m in <\i:>i**, varying from greenish to yellowish-ash in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, thickly, and usually 
 ly, with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from '75 x J'02 to 'SOxl'oO. 
 
 II A KITS. 
 
 Off the eastern and southern side of Grand Menan are spots where the tide rushing 
 out of the BayofFundy, meets the waters of the ocean, causing a peculiar agitation on 
 the surface. These are called rips by the fishermen and their presence is not only detect- 
 ed by the whirling of the water but also by the floating sea weed and debris brought down 
 
372 PHALAROPUS FUL1CARIUS. 
 
 by the rivers which empty into the bay. These floating patches are the chosen resorts of 
 the Northern Phalaropes when on their way southward from their northern breeding grounds 
 in autumn. Here they remain for a short time, then depart further south. When they 
 are migrating, if it chances to be stormy, occasionally a little group will stray on shore 
 and haunt the pools along the beaches, looking and acting much like Peeps, but, as a rule, 
 they remain at sea, excepting when breeding. During the winter, I have frequently met 
 with them in large flocks, feeding on those floating islands of gulf weed which lie on the 
 water off the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas. They appeared to be feeding on small 
 mollusks, etc., which live on the sea Aveed, running about on it much as the small Sand- 
 pipers do on land, and whenever the steamers on which I have been, approached too near 
 them, they would rise, uttering a shrill peep, and alight on the next patch. 
 
 I have seen these Phalaropes many miles from land during all hours of the day, even 
 late in the afternoon when a storm was imminent. Where they go for safety when those 
 gales, for which the region about Cape Hatteras is famous, sweep over the ocean, I know 
 not. It is possible that they retreat to the calmer waters of the Sounds at such times but 
 I have looked for them in vain, both during and after gales, in Pamplico Sound which is 
 just opposite the point where they are most common at sea. They migrate northward in 
 spring, breeding in the Arctic Regions. 
 
 PHALAROPUS PULICABITJS 
 
 Red 1'halarope. 
 
 Phalaropusfulicarius Box., Obs. Wils.; 1825, 232. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Bill, but little longer than head, stout, and much flattened. Legs, short. 
 Lateral toe membranes, scalloped at each phalangeal joint but the basal ones are not as large as in the preceding species. 
 Tail, rounded. Tongue, rather wide and fleshy, becoming horny at tip which is rounded. 
 
 Color. Adult. Throat and upper parts, dark-brown, becoming ashy on wing-; and tail, with feathers of back broad- 
 ly edged with yellowish-rufous. Tips of secondaries, stripe on side of head, under wing coverts, and axillaries, white. 
 Remainder of under parts, deep brownish-red, becoming purplish on abdomen, and tinged with ashy on breast. 
 
 Young. Yellowish-brown above, mottled with dusky , darkest on head and wings. Tips of secondaries, forehead, and 
 entire under parts, white. Bill, greenish, iris and feet, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the two preceding species by the broad, stout, much flattened bill which is scarcely longer than head. 
 Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8' 15; stretch, 15-50; wing, 7'25; tail,2'50; 
 bill, -95; tarsus, -80. Longest specimen, 8-75; greatest extent of wing, 16'00; longest wing, 7'50; tail, 275; bill, I'OO; 
 tarsus, -85. Shortest specimen, 7'50; smallest extent of wing, 15'OG; shortest wing, 7'00; tail, 2'25; bill, '90; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyy*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num-> 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying from greenish to yellowish-ash in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, thickly, and us- 
 ually coarsely, with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from '85 x 1'15 to 'HOx 1'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Red Phalaropes are by far the rarest of the genus in the United States but are, 
 however, occasionally met with on the eastern coast in autumn. Of two specimens now 
 in the collection of the Bangs Brothers, one was obtained in Boston Market a year or two 
 
PHILOMELA MINOR. 873 
 
 ago and the other was taken at Magnolia on the nineteenth of September, 1SOO; another 
 was shot near the same jil.-irr shortly after. Both of these latter named specimens were run- 
 ning along the bonier of a small, fresh water pond situated near the shore. Out of the 
 large number of small Phalaropes seen oil' the coast, it is possible that some may pnne to 
 be of this species. The Red Pbalaropes appear lobe much more maritime than the others, 
 seldom being found in the interior. They breed in the Arctic Zone, like all Phalaropes, 
 placing the eggs on (lie ground. The males of this and the preceding species are said to 
 be duller in color than the females and to perform the duties of incubation. 
 
 FAMILY V. SCOLOPACID^E. THE SNIPES, ETC. 
 
 Bill, variable in length but grooved throughout, and covered with a soft skin at tip. 
 Marginal indentations, two or four. 
 
 This is a large family and, like all the present order, the members present quite va- 
 riable characters; thus it is- exceedingly ditlicult to find any one peculiarity possessed by 
 all the genera. The bill is either greatly lengthened or shorter than the head and is much 
 curved, straight, or even recurved. The stomach is muscular or soft, with a large or small 
 proventriculus. The intestines are small and long or large and short. Coeca, long or near- 
 ly rudimentary. The laryngeal muscles are variable. The above given characters repre- 
 sent the extremes, while there are every possible gradation between the two limits, and 
 other peculiarities of form, which are given under generic and specific characters. 
 
 GENTS I. PHILOMELA. THE WOODCOCKS. 
 
 GKX. Cu. Bill, lest than twice the length of the head which is rather larye. Leys, short, with tibia feathered to tarsal 
 joint. Three outrr frat/irrs of /irimaries. attenuated. K?cl, fipial in heiyht to width of sternum. Maryinal indentations , 
 Iwii, small Corarnids, somewhat cxceediny in lenyth the heiyht of keel. 
 
 Tin- st'iiiai-h is oval in form and quite muscular, with a Marl, rugose membrane. The proventriculus is large. The 
 M.-S ;\re small but long and the coeca very short. Sterno-treachealis, quite stout. Bronchialis, quite well developed 
 and t H ira*'l lis, extending over two half rings, while a singular accessory muscle which i~ mem- 
 
 branous, emerges from the lower portion of the trachea and spreading triangularly adheres to the bronchial* above, and 
 lieli'W, tu the rudimentary manubrium. Tympaniform membrane, present but there is no us transversale. Sexes, .similar. 
 There is but one species within our limits, which is more or less nocturnal. 
 
 PHILOHELA MINOR. 
 
 American Woodcock. 
 Philehela minor GKAV, List Genera; 1841. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CD. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, fleshy, long, thin, and slender, narrowing townrd tip which is point- 
 ed but not horny. Sternum, stout. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy-brown, irregularly banded with yellowish-rufous, mottled on the back with anhy, and 
 coarsely marked wit'i dark velvety-brown. Line from bill to eye. short line on ear coverts, top of IK -m hind tail, dark-brown, 
 with the two latter banded with yellowish-rufous and the tail is tipped with ashy alive and white beneath, r'omhcsid >> 
 eye, ashy. Sides of head and under parts, reddish-buff, palest centrally, and tinged with ashy on neck. Under tail eov- 
 ITI-. streaked with Mack and tipped with white. 
 
 Youny. Quite .similar to the adult but much more richly colored below and darker above, where the dark niarkm.- 
 are rather irregular. 
 
 Nfitlinys. Are covered with a reddish-buff down, marked above with very dark-brown much as in the adult. Bill, 
 feet, and iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the three peculiarly attenuated outer priinaries,form,audcolorsasdescribed. Distributed in sum- 
 mer, throughout Eastern North America; wintering in the Soulh. 
 
374 AMERICAN WOODCOCK. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, Il'lO; stretch, 18'25; wing, 5'25; tail, 
 2 55; bill, 2'55; tarsus, 1-25. Longest specimen, 11-60; greatest extent of wing, 19'55; longest wing, 5 75; tail, 2'60; bill, 
 2-75; tarsus, 1'30. Shortest specimen, 10'50; smallest extent of wing, 17'00; shortest wing, 4'75; tail, 2'50; bill, 2'45; tar- 
 sus, 1-20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of thesoil, on a few leaves, etc., three or four in number, varying 
 from oval to pyriform in shape, and from creamy to buff in color, spotted, and blotched irregularly, and quite thickly, with 
 pale reddish-brown of varying shades. Dimensions from 1'lOx T65 to l'20x T70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The frost has scarcely left the meadows in early spring, before the twittering notes 
 of the Woodcock can be heard as they emerge from some thicket in which they have been 
 hiding all day, and fly rapidly to the nearest bog, where they usually feed at this season. 
 Shortly after their arrival, they select a suitable locality for breeding, often choosing a 
 slightly elevated spot in some swamp, generally in a thicket, and the eggs are deposited by 
 the second week in April. In Florida, where, I am informed by Mr. Gr. A. Boardman, 
 the Woodcocks breed, the eggs are laid early in February. It is possible that two broods 
 are raised in a season in some sections, for Mr. August Koch showed me a nest containing 
 two eggs, built in a swamp at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-third of May. 
 The female was sitting on the nest and although we approached within a few feet of her, 
 she did not attempt to fly but kept perfectly motionless, evidently trusting to her peculiar 
 colors which correspond quite well with her surroundings, for concealment. The young 
 make their appearance in about four weeks, and the little downy birds run as soon as 
 hatched ami are as well skilled in the art of hiding beneath leaves, as young Partridges. 
 They also fly early, so that by the time they are two weeks old, it is almost impossible to 
 take one alive. The adult and young remain in the low lands until after the moult which 
 takes place late in June. They then enter the corn fields and probe for worms, and later, 
 may be found in birch and other woods, even on hill-tops. 
 
 The method by which the Woodcocks capture wornis, is peculiar and I once kept one 
 alive in a cage made of a packing ease, for some time, so that I had an opportunity of 
 watching it as it fed. At first it was quite wild and would rise every time I went near 
 it, striking its head with such force against the roof of its prison, that it would fall back 
 stunned. To prevent it from injuring itself, I removed the wooden top of the box and sub- 
 stituted some mosquito netting, against which it could fly without danger of being killed. 
 The floor of its house was covered to the depth of four or five inches, with dark-colored loam, 
 in which I planted a quantity of weeds, beneath which the Woodcock could hide. I would 
 drop a number of worms on this soil, which, as the bird was too shy to feed at first, had 
 ample time to bury themselves. At times, however, I was able to watch the bird unseen 
 by it; then the Woodcock which had remained hicklen in the corner behind the sheltering 
 weeds, would emerge cautiously and walk over the ground, slowly and deliberately, paus- 
 ing every instant or two as if listening intently. Then he would stamp with one foot, giv- 
 ing several sharp, quick blows, after which he would bow his hea-d near the ground and 
 again listen. Then, suddenly, he would turn either to the right or left, or take a step or 
 
GALLINAGO WILSONL 875 
 
 two forward, plunge his bill into the earth, ami draw out a worm which he would swallow, 
 then repeat this performance until all the worms \vere eaten. After the liird had he. n in 
 confinement for a few days, it became so tame that it would run and pick up the worms 
 that were thrown into its cage, taking two or three in its bill at one tim and devouring 
 them eagerly. This Woodcock had a peculiar way of walking and making its way amou- 
 the weeds, which reminded me more of the Rails than the Sandpipers. I kept it, two or 
 three weeks, then finding that it was almost impossible to supply a sullicient number of 
 worms to satisfy its hunger, I gave it liberty to fly from a window. It took a short flight 
 to a potato patch near and eagerly began probing for worms, but finally walked away, 
 disappearing among the weeds. 
 
 The twittering or whistling notes of the Woodcocks, given as they rise, have often at- 
 tracted the attention of writers, some of whom aflinn that it is produced by the wings, oth- 
 ers that it is vocal, and I am inclined to the latter hypothesis, as the sound is withheld 
 sometimes and given at others. The song uttered during the breeding season, has also been 
 noticed considerably of late. I have never heard it but the notes are said to be almost as 
 varied as those given by some of our insessorial birds. Judging from the structure of the 
 larynx which is unique among the birds of this order, which I have examined, I .should 
 say, that although the notes might be varied, they would all be given in the same tone, 
 which would be decidedly minor; for, as a rule, I think the gradations of tone are produced 
 by the vibrations of the semilunar membrane which is absent in the Woodcocks. Of the 
 migration and autumnal habits of these birds, I shall not write, they being well-known to 
 all sportsmen. 
 
 GENUS II. GALLINAGO. THE SNIPES. 
 
 (IEN. Cn. Sill, more than twice at tony as head which it not very large. Ley$, short, not feathered to tartal joint. 
 Outrr feathi'rs of primaries not attenuated. Keel, exceeding in heiyht the width of tternum. Marginal indentations, two, 
 Jeep, inclosed in adults. Coracoids, equal in lenylh to heiyhl of keel. Hind toe, present. 
 
 Tin? stomach is cuboid in form. <(iiite inu-eutar, and lined with a hard, rugose membrane. l*roTentriculu, moderate. 
 lull -i in, -s. Ian;.' and -hurt, with c<cca quite lung. Sterno-trachealis, not stout, and there is a slight hronohialis, hut no 
 other Inryngeal muscles. Tympaniform membrane, present, but there is no os transversale. Sexes, quite similar. There 
 is but onespecies within our limits. 
 
 GALLINAGO WILSONI. 
 
 Wilson's Snipe. 
 Gal/inayo Wilsoni HON., List; 1838 % 
 
 DKSriMi'TION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, ratter slender. Size, medium. Tongue, fleshy, iong, thin, and slender, narrowing toward tip which 
 is pointed. Sternum, stout. 
 
 COLOR. Ailull. Above, very dark-brown, spotted, landed, anil streaked, excepting on primaries, with pale reddish 
 and wnite. Outer web of first primary, :ils:> wliito. Sides of head, yellowish-rufous, with lino from bill to eye an' i 
 ear ooverts, brown. Belly, alxlomen, under win;: o. ivert-. and axillaries, white, banded with brown. RanBtederofonder 
 jK>rti..n". yellowish-rod, banded and streaked, excepting "ii fio thro it. with brown. Tail, dark-brown, tipped with white 
 which is preceded by a broad band of chestnut-red, finely barred with blavk. 
 
 Ynuny. Quite similar to the adult, but paler bslow and darker and more reddish above. Bill, irw and feet, brown, 
 in all stages, 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the slrndor form, long bill, bright chestnut on tail, and other l.>.-ribed. Distributed, in 
 
 summer, from Northern New England, northward; wintering from the Carolina-, southward. 
 
376 RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, lO'OO; stretch, 16 75; wing, 5'75; tail, 2 25; 
 bill, 2-55; tarsus, 1-32. Longest specimen, 11'75; greatest extent of wing, 17'25; longest wing, 6'50; tail, 2 50; bill, sJ'75; 
 tarsus, 1-50. Shortest specimen, 10-25; smallest extent of wing, 1625; shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 2 00; bill, 2'40; tarsus, 
 1-15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying from pale greenish-brown to yellowish-ash in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and 
 usually faintly, with light reddish-brown and umber Dimensions from 1'05 x 1-50 to 1' 10 x 1 60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few sportsmen, worthy of the name, who do not know the scape of Wilson's 
 Snipe as they rise from the wet meadows and pursue their rapid zigzag flight. When 
 started from a spot in which they have been feeding, in spring, Snipe are quite apt to fly a 
 short distance, then settle down again, but in autumn, they appear more restless and will 
 often circle around, high in air, calling continually until joined by several others, when all 
 will depart for some distant feeding ground. I found these Snipe very common along the 
 borders of rivers and creeks in the Carolinas but I never met with them so abundantly as on 
 the marshes of Indian River in Florida. Here they perfectly swarm, two or three rising 
 at every step of the sportsman, and after flying a short distance, will tamely settle down 
 again. From this point southward, they are common and I even met with them on the 
 borders of the fresh water ponds at Key West. Snipe migrate late in September as a rule, 
 lingering for a time in New England and the Middle States, but by the first of November, 
 the greater portion have departed, yet I have frequently shot them when the ground wa& 
 completely frozen, as they rose from the side of some open spring. 
 
 On the Magdalen Islands, are certain swampy tracts of country, filled to a great depth 
 with a black, muddy ooze and water which is of an icy coldness. The top of this morass 
 is in many places covered with grass, weeds, and often bushes, but which never becomes 
 firm enough to bear the weight of man. The light-footed Snipe, however, run over it with 
 ease and it is here that they build their nests and raise their young in perfect safety. Al- 
 most any time during the day in summer, the males may be heard uttering a peculiar win- 
 nowing sound, while they circle about, high in air, darting suddenly to one side every tima 
 they give these notes. Wilson's Snipe also deposit their eggs in similar bogs in Northern 
 Maine. 
 
 GENUS III. MACRORHAMPHUS. THE MARSH SNIPES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, more than twice as long as head which is small. Marginal indentations, four; outer deeper than inne> 
 Corai'oids, equal in length to height of keel. 
 
 Stomach , flat in form , quite muscular and lined with a finely rugose membrane. Prorentriculus , smal 1 . Coeca, quitt 
 long. Sterno-trachealis, thin and there is a weak bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. Tyinpaniform membrane 
 present. Sexes, similar. There is but one species within oar limits. 
 
 MACRORHAMPHUS GRISETJS. 
 
 Red-breasted Snipe. 
 
 Macrorhamphus yriseus LEACH, Cat. Brit. Mug.; 1816, 31. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn, Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, very long, thick, fleshy, rounded at base, grooved through 
 out its entire length, becoming thinner at tip and gradually pointed. 
 
PLATEXX1X 
 
KED-BKKASTED SNIPE. 377 
 
 COI.OK. Ai/u/t in .1/iriny. Above, wry dark-brown, brooming ashy on secondaries nml upper wing cove.rts which ore 
 edged and banded With white, with all tlie fetit he; s. excepting primaries, edged ami banded willi che-tnut-red. Kiimp, 
 Upper tail OOTOhl, and [ail. white, banded with dark-brown. Shaft of outer primary, whitu. Sides of htiid and under purls, 
 chestnut-red, with line IVcnp. hill to eye. spots, or short bars, on sides of neck, breast, sides, Hanks, and under t:iil -o\er|s, 
 dark-brown. L'i:dcr winir reverts and axillaries, wliite, handed with dark-brown. 
 
 Adult in trintir. Ashy uliove with the feathers darker ucntrally, and white beneath, streaked on tlie tliront, breast, 
 sides, and dunks with ashy. 
 
 Youny. Quite similar to the winter adult, but darker above and more ashy below. Bill and iris, brown, and feet, 
 greenish, in all 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Quite variable in plumage, the above given stages representing the extremes, with all gradations of color between. 
 In sprin;; the l)dy leathers only are moulted and occasionally individuals, in moulting, will not assume the red dress hut 
 will retain the gray throughout the summer. These may be young but it is not a constant pliiiiuige with birds of that ago 
 as they are usually red but paler than the adult. Viewed in the light of my past experience with these birds, which has 
 been somewhat extended*M 1 have handled hundreds of Red-breasted Snipe from the Atlantic Const ml have seen many 
 skins from the West, 1 cannot agree with some of our distinguished ornithologists in aecording specific or even varietal 
 rank t i long-l>eukc.d individual- 1 , for I have frequently seen all gradations between the two extremes known as scolopacevs 
 ami i/rix'-us, both in size and color. It is quite true, that on the northern coast specimens having the extremely length- 
 ened bill arc comparatively rare, but in Florida there is as great a proportion of them as among any other waders subject 
 to a like variation. Readily known by tho long bill, white tail and shaft to outer quill, and other colors as described. Dis- 
 tributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America; wintering from the Carolina-*, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 11 -50; stretch, 18-75; wing, 6'30; tail, 2'37; 
 bill, 2 (>-; tarsus, P56. Longest specimen, 12-50; greatest extent of wing, 20-00; longest wing, 7'10; tail, 2 GO; bill, 3 00; 
 tarsus, 1 77. Shortest specimen, 10-50; smallest extent of wing, 17'50; .shortest wing, 5'50; tail, 2' 13; bill, 224; tarsus, 
 1-35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 fyyt, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on n little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying from pale greenish-brown to yellowish-ash in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and 
 usually faintly, with light reddish-brown and umber. Dimensions from 1'lOx 1'55 to 1-15x1-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Red-breasted Snipe make their appearance in Massachusetts in autumn, from tlie 
 middle of August to the middle of September, varying as to the exact date, with different 
 years. In habit, they sometimes resemble Wilson's Snipe, for they will occasionally lie, 
 quietly hidden, in the grass of the marshes until the sportsman approaches quite near, when 
 they will suddenly rise with a loud, clear whistle and fly rapidly away. At other times, 
 however, their habits approximate more nearly to those of the majority of shore birds, for 
 they may be seen feeding on the borders of pools, running nimbly about, and picking up 
 aquatic insects, small mollusks, etc. In the North, they are most emphatically a bird of 
 the marshes, but in the South, I found them on the beaches in company with other wading 
 birds. 
 
 Red-breasted Snipe are very abundant in the latter named section, being common from 
 the Carolinas to Key West, but I found them rather more numerous on the sandy borders 
 of Salt Lake in Ihe interior of Florida, than elsewhere at this season, but in spring, they 
 congregated in Hocks of thousands on Indian River. This was early in May and the birds 
 wen- passing from the gray winter dress to the brighter spring plumage, and then as soon as 
 their leathers wen- grown, which was accomplished in a very short time, they departed 
 for the North. These Snipe arrive in Massachusetts in spring, early in June, remain but 
 a day or two, then make their way to their northern breeding grounds. 
 
 ts 
 
378 M1CROPALAMA H1MANTOPUS. 
 
 GENUS IV. MICKOPALAMA. TIIE LONG-LEGGED SANDPIPERS. 
 
 GKN. CH. Bill, less than twice the length of the head. Marginal indentations, four: outer, twice as dcepas inner. Cor- 
 acoiils, f lightly exceeding in length the height of keel. Basal membranes between toes, large. Legs, VfTy lung, with tibia ^'fath- 
 ered for about one half its length. 
 
 Members of this genus huve the bill expanded at tip and slightly curved. The legs are strikingly lung. Sexes, sim- 
 ilar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 MICKOPALAMA HIMANTOPUS. 
 
 Stilt Sandpiper. 
 ARcropalama himantopus B.URD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 726 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Tongue, long, thin, and slender, tapering toward tip which isslightlyround- 
 ed. Sternum, stout . 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, very dark-brown, beaming lighter on the scapularies and upper wing coverts, with the feat h- 
 crsofthe back, edged with reddish and white. Band from bill, meeting on occiput, and spot behind eye, dull reddish. 
 Upper tail coverts, white, banded with black. Tail, white, broadly tipped with ashy. Under parts, pule yellowish-red, 
 transversely banded with durk-brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. Above, ashy-brown, with the center of the feathers, darker. The rufou-i bunds on head are replaced 
 by some of white; and the central under portions are pure white, streaked on throat, breast, sides, and under tail covert*. 
 with dusky. Otherwise, similar to the above. 
 
 Young. Very similar to the winter adult but much more rufous above. Bill, brown, iris, brown, and feet, greenish , in 
 all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 
 
 Readily known by the long legs, large basal toe membrane, and colors as described. Distributed in summer, through- 
 out Arctic America; not common on the coast of New England, in autumn. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, fl-07; stretch, 1C'40; wing, 5'00; tail. 
 2'15; bill, 1'60; tarsus, 1'70. Longest specimen, 9-15; greatest extent of wing, 16-80; longest wing, 5'25; tail. 'J'3."); hill, 
 1-70; tarsus, 1'85. Shortest specimen, SJ'OO; smallest extent of wing, 16'00; shortest wfijg, 4'75; tail, 1'90; bill, (-50; tar- 
 sus, 1-60. 
 
 I1A151TS. 
 
 The Stilt Sandpiper which is not of uncommon occurrence on the New England coast, 
 during the autumnal migration, is called by many gunners, the Bastard Yellow Leg and is 
 considered to be a hybrid between the Red-breasted Snipe and Lesser Yellow Leg. This 
 absurd idea, without doubt, had its origin in the fact that this long-legged Sandpiper pre- 
 sents some characters common to both species; not only in form and color does it resemble 
 them but it has some habits of both, and also associates with them. Thus individuals are 
 met with among the flocks of Red-breasted Sandpipers on the marshes, where they behave 
 much like their larger companions; and others occur with small companies of Yellow Legs 
 and feed on the borders of pools. I have also seen solitary individuals alight to my de- 
 coys, as I lay hidden in a booth, while now and then, flocks consisting of half a dozen spec- 
 imens, may be seen flying swiftly along the shore, uttering a chuckling whistle as they go. 
 I never had any difficulty in distinguishing the Stilt Sandpiper by its note and form, for 
 the long legs give it a characteristic appearance. 1 once started one of this species at Dum- 
 mett's, on Indian River, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1872. This is the only specimen 
 that I ever saw in the state, neither did I ever meet with the species in the North in spring 
 I have never seen an authentic specimen of the egg of the Stilt Sandpiper. 
 
TR1NGA PVSJLLA. 37 U 
 
 GENUS V. TRINGA. TUE SANDPIPERS. 
 
 (!KN. CM. Bill, usually short, twice as long as head, straight or but little curved. Coraeoidi, exceeding in length the 
 l nl' tail Outir innn/inal indentations, deeper than inner. 
 
 The lei'-, are variable in length but are never very long. The stomach is flat or cuboid in form, quite muscular, and 
 linc'l with a hard, rugose membrane. Proventriculus, moderate. Intestines, largi; imd short, witli the cnoca quit'* long. 
 Strrno-trarhralis, nut stout, and there Is a slight hronehialis, but no other Inryngeal muscles. Tympanirunn membrane, 
 pre-ent, but there is no os transversale. Sexes, quite similar. There are ten species within our limits. 
 
 TRINGA PUSILLA. 
 
 Semipalmated Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringa jnailla LINN., Syst., Nat., 1; 1766, 252. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Tail, doubly einarginate. Tongue, rather fleshy and wide at haw, narrowing 
 toward tip which is horny and pointed. Bill, stout and widened at tip. Toes, provided with a basal membrane. Outer 
 marginal indentations, twice as deep as inner. 
 
 C .LOIS. Adult. Above, ashy-gray, each feather having a dark- brown center. Wings, upper tail coverts, and two 
 central tail feathers, dark-brown, with the remainder of latter, ashy. Line from bill over eye and entire under parts, white, 
 rather finely streaked on sides of head, on neck, across breast, and on sides with dark-brown. 
 
 Youny. More uniformly ashy above, with a slight tinge of reddish to the edges of the feathers, and lacks, in a great 
 measure, the markings below. Bill and feet, black, iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS.. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, black legs, stout bill, and membrane between toes. Distributed in summer, from Lab- 
 rador, northward; wintering from the Carolines, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Kastern America. Length, 6'73; stretch, 1T85; wing, 3'75; tail, I - 41; bill, 
 !B; tarsus '79. Longest specimen, 6'86; greatest extent of wing, 12 - 75; longest wing, 4'15; tail, 1'HO: bill, 1'SM; tarsus, -88. 
 Shortest specimen, 5 GO; smallest extent of wing, 11-14; shortest wing, 3'30; tail, 1-03; bill, '60; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 RJI/S, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil, on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, decid- 
 edly pyrif.inn in shape, varying from greenish to yellowish-ash in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted irregularly and thick- 
 ly, with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from '80 x 1 '20 to '85 x T25. 
 
 IIABITS. 
 
 The Semipalmated Sandpipers, or Black-legged Peeps as they are known to sports- 
 men, arrive from the North, among the first of the southward flying shore hirds, some mak- 
 ing their appearance as early as the first week in July. They come slowly at first but soon 
 the flocks increase in size, until every creek, river mouth, and bay, along the coast, is 
 swarming with them, while they are often found in the interior, and I once shot several that 
 were feeding around a small pool, left by the rain, at Watsontown, Pennsylvania. Al- 
 though this species occurs on the marshes, they have a predilection for beaches which bor- 
 der on rivers or the open sea, where they may be seen with the larger wading birds, and 
 often accompany them in their flights. These birds are very abundant in the South and I 
 luivi! frequently observed flocks of this and the succeeding species on Indian River, Flori- 
 da, which numbered among the thousands, occupying a stretch of shore nearly as far as the 
 eye could reach. They linger during their autumnal migration until the first of October, 
 but when on their way north in spring, like all shore birds, move quite rapidly, passim: a 
 given point in a few days. These Sandpipers, like many of the genus, breed in the far 
 North, placing their eggs on the ground, usually choosing some marshy locality as a breed- 
 ing ground. 
 
330 LEAST SANDPIPER. 
 
 TRINGA MINUT1LLA. 
 
 Least Sandpiper. 
 Trinya minulil/a VIEILL., Nouv. Diet., XXXIV; 1819, 452. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, very small. Tail, doubly einarginate. Tongue,- long, tliin, and slender, narrowing 
 gradually to tip which is pointed. Bill, slender, not widened at tip. Outer marginal indentations, twice as d<;i>p ;is inner. 
 Toes, without basal membrane. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, with the feathers, excepting primaries, bordered with yellowislijash, rufous, 
 and white. Tail feathers, excepting middle pair which are dark-brown, ashy. Line from bill over eye and entire under 
 parts, white, tinged on sides of head, across breast, and on sides with yellowish-ash, and these parts are finely streaked 
 with dark-brown 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but much more rufous above and lacks, in a great measure, thestreakings below. Bill, 
 black, iris, brown, legs, greenish-yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small size, slender bill, greenish legs, and absence of basal toe membrane. Distributed, in summer, 
 from Labrador, northward; wintering from the Carolinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 6' 13; stretch, 12'08; wing, 3'63; tail, 1-62; 
 bill, '85; tarsus, '72. Longest specimen, 6'76; greatest extent of wing, 12' 17; longest wing, 3'80; tail, 1'85; bill, '95; tar- 
 sus, '80. Shortest specimen, o - 60; smallest extent of wing, 1TOO; shortest wing, 3'58: tail, T50; bill, 'H5; tarsus, '05. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in number, decided- 
 ly pyriform in shape, varying from creamy to buff in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and quite thickly, with brown 
 of varying shades. Dimensions from '70 x '90 to '75x 1-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Least Sandpipers or Peeps of sportsmen are, perhaps, the best known of game birds, 
 for they are the legitimate prey of every one, from the ragged urchin who chooses to en- 
 danger his life by burning gunpowder in a dilapidated tube which was formerly a gun, to 
 the city exquisite who, armed with costly breech loader, sallies out to make havoc among the 
 Curlew and Plover but whose greatest actual achievement consists in knocking over a few 
 Peeps as they sit by the pools on the marshes. In habits, these pretty little shore birds 
 do not differ from the majority of the members of the genus. They are fond of the marsh- 
 es and it is not uncommon to start solitary individuals or small flocks consisting of three 
 or four specimens, from out the grass, when they will rise with a feeble cry and make 
 their way swiftly, in an eccentric flight across the flats. They may also often be seen on 
 the beaches in company with larger wading birds, and it is noticeable that the small species 
 are seldom, if ever, molested by the larger. Thus I have frequently observed a number of 
 Peeps running about among a flock of Sickle-billed Curlew, without the latter appearing 
 to pay the slightest attention to the little birds, even when they passed directly beneath their 
 long bills. In time of migration, these birds closely resemble the preceding species. 
 
 TRINGA BAIRDI. 
 
 Baird's Sandpiper. 
 
 Trinya Bairdi SCL., P. Z. S.; 1807, 332. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si'. On. Form, slender. Size, rather small. Bill, slender, but little shorter than the head, and slightly widened at 
 tip. Toes, without basal membrane. Tongue, long, thin, and slender, tapering toward tip which is pointed. Outer mar- 
 ginal indentations, twice as deep as inner. 
 
TKL\OA MACULATA. 381 
 
 COI,,R. Adult. AW,-, dark-hrown, with ail tho feathers. excepting primaries. edged with pale brownish-yellow bo- 
 eommg brighter ..n BOapolariau. Outor upper tail c .voris, .- lg;:d with white. Central mil leathers, dark-brown; remain- 
 cl.T, ashy. Sides ,,1' neck, upper breast, and sides, a-hy-yellow, finely streaked with dark-brown. Remainder of under 
 parts, white. 
 
 \'.nin ; /. Quit,- similar to the adult, but ashy abjve, where the edgings are much more rufous and the tinging below 
 is imlcr, with the spots very indistinct or obsolete Bill brown, yellow at base, feet greenish, and iris, brown, in all 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This species resembles the preceding in general coloration, but may be readily known by the larger size, black legs, 
 and '4 -n.T.illy paler colors as described. Distributed in summer, throughout Arctic America; abundant in the West dur- 
 ing the migrations; rather rare on the coast of New England in autumn. Winters south of the United Suites. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 7'25; stretch, 15'flO: wing, 4-85; tail, 
 ->!">; bill, !); tarsus, -A5. Longest specimen, 7'50; greatest extent of wing, 16'00; longest wing, S'OO: tail, 2'30; bill, -5; 
 tarsus, -'JO. Shortest specimen, 7'00; smallest extent of wing, 15'CO; shortest wing, 4'50; tail, 2'00; bill, -85; tarsus' -80! 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyg, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little crass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying i'r>m ashy-yellow to buff in color, spotted and blotched with brown of varying shades. Di- 
 nirn-i,)as from '90 x 1"^8 to '!)5x T35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although Baird's Sandpiper was taken by many of the earlier scientific expeditions in 
 the West, It was not described as a species until 1861, when Dr. Coues discovered that it 
 was difl'crent from either Bonaparte's Sandpiper or the common Grass Bird, with which it 
 had been previously confounded. It is a perfectly distinct species, found commonly in the 
 West during the migrations, and visiting the Atlantic coast rather rarely, but regularly, in 
 autumn, usually quite late, either in September or October. While here, it frequents the 
 sides of lulls or high marshes but is occasionally found near the pools. The note is quite 
 dill'civut from that of other Sandpipers, insomuch so, as to be at once distinguishable; but 
 in general habits, this bird resembles other members of the genus, like many or them, breed- 
 ing in the Arctic Regions. 
 
 TEINGA MACULATA. 
 
 Pectoral Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringa maculata VIEILL., Nouv. Diet., XXXIV; 1819, 465. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Bill, slender, a little longer than head, arid slightly rounded at tip. Toes, 
 without basal membrane. Tongue, long, thin, and fleshy, tapering toward tip which is rounded. Outer marginal inden- 
 tations, at least twice as deep as inner. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown with every feather, excepting primaries, edged with yellowish-ash and rufous. 
 Tail, ashy-lirown, becoming darker in the em tor, and tipped with white and yellowish. Line from bill to eye, brown. Sides 
 . neck all around, upper breast, and sides, yellowish-ash, streaked with dark-brown. Remainder of under parts, 
 white. 
 
 Yotiny. Similar to the adult but decidedly rufous on the edges above and brighter on the ashy below. Bill and iris, 
 brown, and feet, greenish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from the preceding species, by the large size, greenish legs, and darker colors; and from the micceed- 
 ing, by the dark-brown upper tail coverts; and from all others, by the colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from 
 Labrador, northward; wintering south of the United States. 
 
 D1MKNSI 
 
 Average niiM-iireinciit- of -pi-riMien- from Eastern North America. Length, H-fl<); stretch, Hi'.'t.V winu', ">'.Vj. tail, _' 1.1: 
 bill, 1'lfl; tarsus, MM). Longest specimen, 8'?f>; greatest extent of wing, lfi-7. r >; lonnest wing, .V'MI; tail, 2 .'!'; hill, I >; 
 tarsus, 1-10. ShortiM -p<vimen. H'25; -mallot extent of wing, lli'lKl; -h,.rt.M wing. .V2<>; mil,2l)0; bill, '); tarsus. -'Ml 
 
382 BONAPARTE'S SANDPIPER. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Pectoral Sandpipers, known to many as Grass Birds, arc common autumnal mi- 
 grants along our coast, frequenting the marshes and feeding about the pools or on the flats 
 in the grass. They are not shy birds as a rule and will often lie close and start suddenly, 
 like the common Snipe; hence, they are sometimes called Jack Snipe. The note is a rath- 
 er feeble whistle and their flight is swift and eccentric. They appear from the North late 
 in July and remain until October, then reappear in May but are not common at this season. 
 These birds seem to be quite uncommon in the Southern States below New Jersey and I do 
 not now recall an instance of their capture in Florida, nor do I think that any remain in the 
 United States during winter. They are said to breed in Labrador and northward but I 
 have never met with a well authenticated egg. 
 
 TRINGA FUSCICOLLIS. 
 
 Bonaparte's Sandpiper. 
 Trirujafuscicollis VIEILL., Nouv. Diet., XXXIV; 1819, 461. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Size, rather small. Form, slender. Bill, slender and but slightly widened at tip. Toes, without basal mem- 
 brane. Tongue, not long, white in color, thin and narrow, tapering gradually toward tip which is rounded and the sides 
 of the terminal portion are provided with very tine cilia, while the liyoid bones are curved upward behind the occiput. The 
 outer marginal indentations are more than twice as deep as inner; botli are narrow and inclosed in the adult. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Above, dark-brown, every feather, excepting primaries, bordered with ashy-yellow and 
 yellowish-rufous, the latter color being more prominent on top of head, on a spot behind eye, and on back. Sides of head, 
 neck all around, and sides, pale yellowish-ash, finely streaked with dark-blown. Line from bill over eye and remaining 
 under portions, pure white. 
 
 Adult in winter. Ashy above, with the centers of the feathers dusky. White, beneath, and more finely streaked than 
 in summer, otherwise similar. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the winter adult but show considerable rufous above and are more finely streaked below. Bill, 
 dark-brown, flesh colored at base of lower mandible, iris and feet, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I have 'given above, a description of the summer plumage of this species which I have never seen in print before. Two 
 specimens in this dress, kindly loanel me by my friend, Mr. W. B. Dowse, one from his own cabinet and the other from 
 that of Mr. Hapgood, the well-known sportsman, vary somewhat. That belonging to Mr. Dowse, has the colors very dark, 
 consequently the brown markings are well defined. The streakings below are extended over the entire lower portions, even 
 the under tail coverts are streaked and the upper are banded. Known from all others by the straight bill, white upper 
 tail coverts, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America; the majority wintering south 
 of the United States, but occasionally one may be found in Florida at this season. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 7'13; stretch, IS'OO; wing, 4'22; tail,2'05; 
 bill, "92; tarsus, - !)5. Longest specimen, 8-00; greatest extent of wing, 15'25; longest wing, 5'00; tail, 2 20; bill, '95; tar- 
 sus, 1-00. Shortest specimen, 7'ir>; smallest extent of wing, 14'75; shortest wing, 4-35; tail, 1'9D; bill, '90; tarsus, 90. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first specimen of Bonaparte's Sandpiper that I ever saw, I shot on some rocks, 
 left exposed by the out-going tide, in the mouth of Essex River, where they were feeding 
 in company with "the Turnstones. This was in the autumn, many years ago, and during 
 following seasons, I could always find them there whenever I went in search of them. Al- 
 though these birds have many habits in common with other Sandpipers, they appear to be 
 unique in some particulars, the above mentioned predilection for rocks between tide marks, 
 being one characteristic of the species; then they are fond of haunting springy places on the 
 
TR1NGA MARITIMA. 383 
 
 uplands. Their notes arc also peculiar, one cry in particular, being loudly given and great- 
 ly prolonged, resembling the scream of a rapacious bird more than the whistle of a Sand- 
 piper. As will be seen by the description, they present some anatomical features not .shared 
 in common with any other species of the group which I have examined. 
 
 Bonaparte's Sandpipers arrive from the North, a little later than the general flight of 
 shore birds, appearing in September; then soon depart for the South. I once shot a spec- 
 imen in Florida in winter, but this was the only one I ever saw in the State, neither did 
 I ever see them further north at this season, so judge that they pass the winter south of 
 the United States. They are quite rare in New England during spring; insomuch so, that 
 the only specimens that I ever saw in the full summer plumage, were the two from the 
 cabinets of Messrs. Dowse and Hapgood, which they procured at Chatham in the spring of 
 1880. I think that authentic specimens of the eggs of this species are unknown. 
 
 THING A MARITIMA. 
 
 Purple Sandpiper. 
 Tringa maritima BRCX.V., Orn. Bor.; 1764, 54. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cii. Form, robust. Size, medium. Bill, straight, about as long as head, slender, and not widened at tip. Legs, 
 short. UMR, without baad membrane. Tongue, long, thin, and slender, tapering toward tip wliich is pointed. Outer mar- 
 ginal indentations, twice as deep as inner. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark smoky brown, becoming ashy on the neck and having a violet tinge on the back. All 
 tin- feathers, excepting primaries, are edged witli dark bluish-ash which becomes whitish on tin: wings. Outer tail feaih- 
 ers, ashy, tipi>ed with white. Sides of head, neck all around, and upper breast, bluisli-asli. Kcmaindcr of under parts, 
 white, streaked with ashy everywhere, excepting on abdomen. Lower eyelid and spot in front of eye, white. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but some of the feathers al>ove are edged with yellowish and rufous. Bill, dark-brown, 
 lighter at base, iris, brown, legs greenish-yellow, in nil stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the general dark bluish-ash color, violet tinging above, and short legs. Distributed, in summer, through- 
 out the Arctic Regions. Winters along the coast of the Northern and Middle States. 
 
 DIMENSION'S. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8'50; stretch, 1 1'5<); wing, .V25; tail, 9*90; 
 bill, I' 1'2; tarsus, -8. r ). L'inge<t sp2cimen, 9 00; greatest extent of wing, I5'00- longest wing, 5 50; tail, 2'50; bill, 1-Jj; tar- 
 sus, TOO. Shortest specimen, 8 - 00; smallest extent of wing, 14'00; shortest wing, 5'00; tail, 3'00; bill, TOO; tarsus, '75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 E'/'/s, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in number, decided- 
 ly pyriform in shape, varying from yellowish-ash to greenish in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and rather coarse-' 
 ly, with brown of varying shades. Dimensions from '90x T30 to 1'OOx 1'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The plumage of the Purple Sandpipers is particularly long and full, proclaiming that 
 they are inhabitants of a boreal clime, and they are most emphatically birds of the North, 
 few being found south of New Jersey and they are rare even that far south; in fact, the 
 greater portion pass the winter north of Massachusetts, peopling the rocky, Inhospitable 
 shores oi'Maine and New Brunswick. They arrive on Grand Menan late in October and grad- 
 ually push their way southward. They appear to be somewhat limited in distribution in 
 Massachusetts; thus they are not common north of Cape Ann but always occur in numbers 
 ou the rocky islands of Beverly Harbor. The note of the Purple Sandpipers is a feeble 
 
384 RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 
 
 \ 
 
 whistle, not unlike that given by Peeps. They feed upon small mollusks which they pick 
 off the rocks, when they are left exposed by the falling tide. On one or two occasions, I 
 have seen specimens flying along the hill sides near the ocean but it is rare to find them 
 even thus far from the waves. One or two cases are on record of their occurrence in the 
 interior but they are so decidedly maritime that such instances are quite exceptional. I 
 also find that there is a specimen in the Smithsonian Institution, which was taken on Key 
 Biscayne, Florida, but this is quite beyond their usual range. The Purple Sandpipers 
 depart northward in early spring. 
 
 TRINGA ALPINA. 
 
 Red-backed Sandpiper. 
 
 Trintja A/pina LINN., Syst, Nat., 1; 1766, 249. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, slender. Size, medium. Bill, slender, longer than head, slightly curved and widened at tip. Out- 
 er marginal indentations, twice as deep as inner. Toes, without basal membrane. Tongue, long, thin, and slender, narrow- 
 ing gradually to tip which is pointed, 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Above, dark-brown, each feather, excepting primaries, hrondly edged with bright rufous. 
 Base of secondaries, edges of inner primaries, and tips of greater wing coverts, white. Tail, excepting middle pair of feath- 
 ers which are dark-brown, ashy. Middle of belly, black. Remainder of under parts, white, finely streaked on sides of 
 head, on neck, across breast, and on side-s with dark-brown. 
 
 Adult in. winter. Uniform yellowish-ash above, with the feathers slightly mettled with dark-brown. White, beneath, 
 tinged across breast and on sides with ashy, and these parts are very finely streaked with dark-brown. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the winter adult, but some of the feathers above are slightly edged with rufous. Bill and feet, 
 black, and iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the long, curved bill and black patch beneath, in summer; and at other seasons by the uniform ashy 
 colors as described. Distributed in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions; wintering from Maryland, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Kastern America. Length, 8'32; stretch, 15-25; wing, 4'80; tail, 2 1 15; bill, 
 1-35; tarsus, I'OO. Longest specimen, 8'75; greatest extent of wing, 15'75; longest wing, 5'00; tail, 2-30; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 
 1-05. Shortest specimen, 8-00; smallest extent of wing, H'50; shortest wing, 4'75; tail, 2-00; bill, '90; tarsus, -95. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil, on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, decid- 
 edly pyrifbrm in shape, varying from greenish to yellowish-ash in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted irregularly and thick- 
 ly, with reddish-brown of varying shades, and more sparcely with umber. Dimensions from '95 x ) '30 to TOO x T35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When the first cold blasts come sweeping down from the North, driving great waves 
 of southward flying shore birds before them; when the honk of the Wild Geese is heard, and 
 the sand spits are whitened with Gulls, the little Red-backed Sandpipers, or Dunlins, ap- 
 pear. Late as they are, they do not seem to be in any hurry but linger about the sandy 
 shores of Massachusetts, from early October until late in November, indeed, the first snow 
 often finds them here. I found them very common on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, 
 on the second of November, 1878, and from this point, south, as far as Indian River, Flor- 
 ida, (hey were abundant but always appeared to prefer the sandy beaches to the muddy flats. 
 At this season, the birds were all in gray attire but I found them in the bright summer 
 plumage at Duimne,tt's, late in May, at which time, they were preparing to migrate north- 
 ward. Occasionally stragglers of this and oilier species of shore birds which breed in the 
 far North, will remain in Massachusetts durkig summer. 
 
TRINGA SUHARQUATA. 385 
 
 TRINGA SUBARQUATA. 
 
 Curlew Sandpiper. 
 Trinya sultanjuata TKKM., Mnn., I; 1815, 393. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, "lender. Size, medium. Bill, slender, longer tlmn head, slightly curved and widened at tip. Toes, 
 without basal membrane. Outer marginal indentations, less than twice as deep as inner. 
 
 < '< 'Lou. Advil. Above, dark-brown becoming ashy on the rump and wings; every feather, excepting primaries, edged 
 with bright yelUvish-nifms. Upper tail coverts, white, transversely banded with dark-brown, Secondaries, tip|Hl with 
 white. Tail, ashy. Beneath, dark yellowish-rufous, with the under wing coverts, axillaries, under tail coverts, sides, and 
 Hanks, white. 
 
 Youny. Ashy, above, with few red markings. Under parts, ashy-white tinged on breast nnd sides, with yellowish. 
 Then- is ;i whitish line from lull over eye, and the tail feathers are also whitish; otherwise similar to the adult. Iris, brown. 
 bill and feet, greenish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the slightly curved bill, white banded upper tail coverts, unspotted lower portioas, and colors asde- 
 scribed. Distributed throughout the Old World. Rare on the Eastern coast of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8-35; stretch, 15-50; wing, 4'50; tail, 2'85; 
 bill, 1 35; tarsus, T12. Longest specimen, 8'75; greatest extent of wing, IG'OO; longest wing, 5'00; tail, 2 50, bill, 1'60; 
 tiirsus, \-2~t. Shortest specimen, 8'00: smallest extent of wing, 15'00; shortest wing, 4'00; tail, 8'00; bill, T25; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Curlew Sandpiper has been known as an inhabitant of the United States for muny 
 years, yet it has never been taken in any numbers. Specimens, however, have been ob- 
 tained from New Brunswick to Florida but more have been found in New Jersey than else- 
 where. It is a well-known, widely distributed, European species, 'the breeding place of 
 which appears to be unknown; consequently the eggs have never been taken. It is an op- 
 en question whether the birds taken with us are merely stragglers from across the Atlan- 
 tic, or whether they breed on this continent in high latitudes. The Curlew Sandpiper 
 appears to frequent the muddy flats or beaches covered with debris, in company with oth- 
 er Sandpipers having similar habits. 
 
 TRINGA CANUTA. 
 
 Red-breasted Sandpiper. 
 
 Trinya canuta LINN., Syst. Nat. I; 17C6, 251. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, stout, but little longer tlmn head, and slightly widened at tip. Legs, short 
 and stout. Toes, without basal membrane but widely margined. Tongue, rather wide, and tapering toward tip which is 
 rounded and provided with a tuft of coarse cilia. The outer marginal indentations are twice as deep an inner. 
 
 COI.OR. Adult in summer. Ab.ive. pale bluish-ash, lined and spotted with bUick and pale reddish. Rump and upjier 
 tail coverts, white, transversely banded with black. Tips of greater wing covert*, white. Primaries, dark-brown, edged 
 with white. Tail, ashy. Under portions, pale chestnut-red, lighter on abdomen. Axillarics, under wing and tail cov- 
 erts, flanks, and tibia, white, banded with dark-brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. Alxive, pale bluish-ash with each feather edged with whitish preceded by a Imnd of black. Line 
 over eye, whitish. Beneath, white tinged with yellowish, finely mottled across breast and on sides with bluish-ash. Oth- 
 erwise, similar to the above. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the winter adult but lacks, in a great measure, the yellowish tinging below. Bill, black, iris, brown 
 and feet, greenish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Kea'lilv kn< wn bv tin- larger -i/.e. ;md |ile bluish-a.sh colors above. Distributi'd, in summer, throughout the Autic 
 o~. Winters south of the United Ssiat<:s. 
 
' 386 SAKDEKL1NG 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 10*50; stretch, 20*50; wing,G'22, tail.2'65; 
 bill, 1*35; tarsus, 1*20. Longest specimen, 1 1*00; greatest extent of wing, 31*00; longest wing, 50; tail, 2 80; bill, 1* 10, 
 tarsus, 1*40. Shortest specimen, lO'OO; smallest extent of wing, 20*00; shortest wing, 6-00; tail, 2*50; bill, 1*25; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 II A HITS. 
 
 In former years, the Red-breasted Sandpipers, Knots or Gray Backs, as they are more 
 commonly called, were very abundant along our borders, appearing in immense flocks, but 
 now they are far from numerous and it is rare to see more than a dozen together. These 
 handsome birds frequent the beaches and probe in the mud at low tide, then at high tide, 
 return to the long sand spits to rest. I have always found them very shy in autumn and 
 difficult to obtain. This is a maritime species, seldom, if ever, being found in the interior. 
 Audubon states that some spend the winter in Florida but I have never seen one in the State 
 nor do I think that they occur there now. In autumn, they seem to be generally distrib- 
 uted along the coast, appearing in August and remaining until late in September, but in 
 spring, they move northward very quickly, entering Massachusetts in May with the other 
 returning shore birds. At this season, they occur commonly on the South Shore but I nev- 
 er met with them north of Cape Ann, nor do I think that they are found there, at least, in 
 any numbers. 
 
 GENUS VI. CALIDRIS. THE THREE-TOED SANDPIPERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill about as /any as head, slraiyh t and sliyhlly expanded at tip. Coracoids, exceeding in lenytli thn hciyht of 
 keel. Marginal indentations four; outer twice as deep as inner. Hnid toe, absent. 
 
 The legs are never very long. The stomach is cuboid in form, quite muscular, and is lined with a hard rujre.st 1 mem- 
 brane. Proventriculus moderate. Intestines, large and short with the coeca quite long. Sterno-trachealis not stout aud 
 there is a slight bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. Tympaniform membrane, present but there is uo os trans- 
 versale. Sexes, quite similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 CALIDEIS ABENARIA. 
 
 Sanderling. 
 Calidris arenaria ILL., Prod.. 1811,249. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, rather fleshy, not horny, about the same width for two thirds its ter- 
 minal length, then abruptly pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult in summer. Above, dark-brown, every feather, excepting primaries, edged with white and rufous. 
 Tail, ashy, tipped with white and with middle feathers, darker. Tips of greater wing coverts and base of wing feathers, 
 white. Under parts, white, strongly tinged anteriorly with yellowish-rufous, spotted with dark-brown. 
 
 Adult in winter. Pale ashy above, spotted with dark-brown and in patches with yellowish-rufous. Beneath, white, 
 with some spots of rufous on the anterior portions, otherwise as in the summer adult. 
 
 Youny. Dark-brown above, spotted with white and tinged with yellow which extends to sides of breast, otherwise, 
 similar to the winter adult. Bill and 1 feet, black, iris, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the absence of the hind toe and general pale colors as described. Distributed, in summer, 
 throughout Arctic America; wintering from the Carulinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8*25; stretch, 15*65; wing, 4*90; tail, 
 2*05; bill, 1*05; tarsus, -95. Longest specimen, 8*75; greatest extent of wing, 16*25; longestwing, 5'5<): tail. 2*25; bill, l'2fl; 
 tarsus, 1*10. Shortest specimen, 7'75; smallest extent of wing, 15'00; shortest wing, 4*40; tail, 1*85; bill, '90; tarsus, -80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyy*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying from dark ashy-yellow to greenish-brown in color, spotted and blotched with brown of va- 
 rying shades. Dimensions from * 10 x 1*35 to '45 x 1* 15. 
 
PH1LOMACHUS PUONAX. 387 
 
 11. UMTS. 
 
 Tho Sanderlings aro among the most abundant of our shore birds and arc, in fact, the 
 most ( oiiinion of those which frequent the sandy beaches, they being almost exclusively 
 confined to sandy shores. Their pale colors render them quite conspicuous, when living 
 over the green waves or against the black sky; but when they alight on the sand, they cor- 
 respond so nearly with the ground, that when they are quiet, it is almost impossible to dis- 
 tinguish them a short distance away. It is seldom, however, that they remain inactive, 
 for they are lively birds and are constantly chasing the waves out, in search of food left by 
 that great store house of Nature, the sea. Then when the huge billows come rushing in 
 and expend their fury on the shelving beach, in a long, wide sheet of seething foam, the 
 little Sanderlings run so quickly before the advancing water, that the spray seldom wets 
 their delicate feathers. After a storm, hundreds of these birds may be seen thus engaged, 
 spreading out in long lines in order that they may not interfere with one another, and many 
 lonely reaches of sea-board, from Maine to Florida, are enlivened by the presence of these 
 true children of the sand. The Sanderlings arrive in New England in August, remain un- 
 til quite late, then gradually move southward. They are abundant from the Carolinas to 
 Key West during winter but migrate northward in May. 
 
 GENUS VII. PHILOMACHUS. THE RUFFS. 
 
 (IKN. Cn. Bill, about as long as head, straight and slightly expanded at lip. Hind toe, present. Feathers of neck, 
 yreatly elonyated. 
 
 PHILOMACHTJS PUONAX. 
 
 Huff. 
 Philumachus pugnax GRAY, List; 1841. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, straight, about as long as head, slender, and widened at tip. Legs, stout. 
 Tucs, without luis;\l membrane. Tip of closed wing, reaching to end of tail. Tertiaries, nearly as long as primaries. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy, darkest on rump, palest on head, mottled, sprinkled, and banded irregularly, with ru- 
 fous and dark-brown. Outer upper tail coverts, white. Under parts white, molded to a greater or letw extent with black. 
 Youny. Head and neck all around, ashy, finely streaked with dusky. Remainder of up|r parts, dark-brown, each feath- 
 er, exei-ptiiig primaries, broadly edged with ashy and yellowish-rufous. Upper tail coverts, white, with a central line of 
 dark-lirown. Tail, ashy-brown, tipped with white. Remainder of under parts, ashy-white, darkest across breast. Bill, 
 dark-brown, lighter at base, iris, brown, legs, greenish-yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This nan exceedingly difficult bird to describe as the colors, especially in the adult stage, are extremely variable. Thus 
 the elongated neck feathers vary from nearly white, slightly marked with black, to black, sprinkled with white, and the 
 other colors are equally changeable. The young are more uniform. Readdy known by the large size, straight bill, stout 
 leu r s :nd white upper tail covert-*, centrally, lined with dark-brown. Distributed, in summer, throughout Northern Eu- 
 rope, llure in Eastern North America. 
 
 ni.MKNSIoNS. 
 
 Average measurements. Length, 10'50; stretch, 21'50; wing, 6'H2; taiI,2-62; bill, T55; tarsus, 1'85. Longest speci- 
 men, 11-00; greatest extent of wing, 22-00; longest wing, 7 J*S; tail, 2-75; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 2'00. Shortest specimen, 10 00; 
 smallest extent of wing, Sl'OO; shortest wing, 6'40: tail, 2'50; bill, 1'40; tarsus, 1'75. 
 
 DIvSCRtl'TION OF NESTS AND E(i<iS. 
 
 K,';/s, J>la 1 on the ground in n slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in nuuilwr, decidti!- 
 
 ly ].yril<.r:n i" shapi-, varying from yellowish-ash to greenish in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and rat!n-r c-'>ar-- 
 ly, with hniwn of varying sliaclc-. Dimension* from Max 1 6<> to l'25x 1'bO. 
 
3S8 BARTRAM'S XAWDP1PKR. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The occurrence of the Ruff which is a well-known European bird, in North America, 
 is quite rare but it has now been taken here too often to be regarded as a mere straggler, 
 and the same remarks may refer to this species that I have applied to ih<; Curlew Sand- 
 piper, regarding its breeding on our side of the Atlantic but in high latitudes. Nuttall, 
 in 1834, was the first to record it from North America. Then Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence, 
 writing in Birds of North America, in 1858, gives it as accidental on Long Island, and 
 again records it in- his Birds of New York in 1866. Mr G. A. Boardman found one or two 
 at Calais but on the New Brunswick side of the St. Croix. Mr. William Brewster obtained 
 a female from the Newburyport marshes, on the twentieth of May, 1871. This is given, 
 upon Prof. Baird's authority, as being the sixth specimen ever obtained in North America. 
 Mr. Brcwster's bird had the ovaries quite well developed and would have laid within two 
 or, three weeks. On the tenth of November, 1872, Dr. Theo. Jasper took one thirty miles 
 east of Columbus, Ohio, which is, I think, the only specimen ever taken so far in the in- 
 terior. Mr. Brewster, on the eighth of September, 1874, Avas fortunate enough to obtain 
 another female at Upton, Maine. As I write, I have a fine specimen before me, obtained at 
 Chatham, Massachusetts, about the fifteenth of September of the present year, 1880. This 
 is a female of the year and Mr. Gordon Plummer has secured it for his fine collection of 
 North American birds. At, the suggestion of Mr. W. B. Dowse, Mr. Plummer has kindly 
 forwarded the specimen to me for examination and identification, and I have based my 
 above given description of the young, upon this specimen which I believe is the ninth re- 
 corded as having been taken in North America, the third from New England, and the sec- 
 ond from Massachusetts. It is worthy of note, that none of the specimens yet taken on the 
 continent, have the peculiar, elongated feathers about the neck as seen in European male 
 birds. 
 
 GENUS VIII. ACTITURUS. THE HIGHLAND SANDPIPERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, about as long as head, a little curved, slender, and not expanded at tip. Gape, wide. Head, large and 
 neck, small. 
 
 The sternum is narrow, about as wide as height of keel which doe-; not exceed the length of coracoids. Outer margin- 
 al indentations, wide and three times as deep as inner. Legs, long and stout. Tail, long and rounded. The stomach is 
 oval in form, quite muscular, and lined with a hard, finely rugose membrane. The proventriculus is large. The intestines 
 are small but long, and the coeea rather short, with blind end-i dilatad. The sterno-treachealis is quite stout and there is 
 a weak bronchialis, but no other laryngeal mascles. Tympaniform membrane, present but there is no os transversale. Sex- 
 es similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ACTITURUS BARTRAMIUS. 
 
 Bartram's Sandpiper. f 
 Actiturus Bartramius LINN., Box., Saggio; 1831. 
 
 , DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, large. Tongue, not long, thin, wide at base, then narrowing gradually to tip 
 which is pointed. 
 
 Coum. Adult. Above, dark-brown, having a greenish gloss, with every feather, excepting primaries which are m.it- 
 tled and banded with whitish on the inner webs, edged with yellowish-ash and rufous. Rump, unmarked. Outer upper 
 tail coverts, banded with yellowish-ash. Tail, ashy-buff, darker in the center, tipped with white and banded with dark- 
 brown. Beneath, yellowish-white, banded on under wing coverts and axillnrics, and spotted, in arrow-shaped murks, on 
 neck, breast, and sides, with dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but more yellowish above, the secondaries and inner primaries are tipped with white. 
 Bill, iris, and feet, brown, in all stages. 
 
ACTITI'RUS HARTKAMIUS. 389 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 Readily known hy the larger size, slightly curved bill, the handed inner webs of primaries, imd yellowish colors aliove. 
 
 Distributed, in summer, from Pennsylvania, northward. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avrnnri- measurements of specimens fmm Eastern North America. Length, 11-80; stretch, 21 -50; wing, 6-02; tail, 3-25; 
 bill, 1- 10; tarsus, 1'80. Unrest specimen, I2-2S; greatest extent of wing, 33-00; longest wing, 6'75; tail, 3'35; hill,' 1-vJO; 
 tarsus, 3-00. Shortest specimen, 11 50; smallest extent of wing, JJl'00; shortest wing, 8-50; tail, 3-20; bill, 1'05; tarsus, l-5. 
 
 DESCRTPHON OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, rather 
 pyriform in shn|>e; pale buff in color, spotted and dotted irregularly and sparcely with yellowish-brown of varying shades. 
 Dimensions from T05x 1'75 to l'35x T90. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Late in summer or early in autumn, two or three species of small locusts become very 
 abundant on the elevated tracts of country along the coast of Massachusetts; in fact, they 
 occur in such swarms, that the hills become quite brown, for nearly every green tiling is de- 
 voured by these pests. There is no great evil, however, which is not productive of some 
 good, and the sportsman has reason to bless the locusts, for Bartram's Sandpipers, or Up- 
 land Plovers, as they are more commonly known, are very fond of these insects and con- 
 sequently visit the hills in numbers, to feed upon them. Early in the morning, the clear, 
 mellow whistle of the Sandpipers can be heard, as they fly across the intervening country, 
 to reach their feeding grounds. When coming to the hills, they generally fly up the wind 
 and alight under the brow of the elevations, where they will settle, giving a chuckling note 
 as they do so, after which they are silent, for the cry, so often given when on the wing, is 
 seldom repeated when the birds are on the ground. Bartarm's Sandpipers are now very 
 shy in Massachusetts and it is almost impossible to approach near enough to obtain a shot, by 
 walking in an upright position, but by creeping on all fours, one can go quite near them, as 
 they do not appear to recognize a man when he is in this attitude. Their favorite resorts 
 on the hill tops, appear to be the little ravines where the grass is greenest, and where, con- 
 sequently, the locusts are, if anything, more numerous. When startled, the birds almost 
 always rise into the wind, uttering their note as they go. About noon, they will occasion- 
 ally leave the more elevated spots and visit the marshes, but do not remain on them long. 
 The endeavors of the sportsman to decoy these wary birds within gun shot, by imitating 
 their cries, seldom proves successful and the only sound that will attract their attention, is 
 the peculiar noise which the birds give when alighting. 
 
 I found Bartram's Sandpipers breeding in Pennsylvania in June, and when the nest 
 was approached, the female quietly left it, but afterwafd, both birds would circle about, 
 uttering loud cries. The young are fledged by the middle of August and accompany their 
 parents. At this time, the birds are fond of resorting to particular fields and if driven from 
 one, will fly to another. The sportmen take advantage of this fact, and by lying behind 
 some convenient stone wall or clump of bushes, intercept them as they fly from one feed- 
 ing ground to another. Bartram's Sandpipers migrate from the iniil.lle of August to the 
 middle of September in autumn, and return north in May, breeding throughout the more 
 unsettled districts of the Eastern and Middle States. 
 
390 BUFF-BREASTED SANpPlPEK 
 
 GKNUS IX. TRYNGITES. THE BUFFY SANDPIPERS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, about as lony as head, st'raiyht and slender, but not expandrd at tip. Coracoids, excetdini/ in length thr. 
 height of keel. Marytnal indentations, four; outer, twice as deep as inner. Hind toe, present. 
 
 Members of this genus are quite small in size when compared with those of the preceding, but, excepting the slight 
 differences given above, resemble them in anatomical and other characters. Sexes, quite similar. There is but one spe- 
 cies within oar limits. 
 
 TRYNGITES RUFESCENS. 
 
 Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 
 Tryngitcs rufescens CAB., Journ.; 1819, 470. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Bill,. slender and feathered to nostrils. Tail, long and well rounded. Wings, 
 long and pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, pale ashy-brown, every feather lined and spotted centrally with black, glossed with green- 
 ish. Primaries, dark-brown, with innner webs ashy, marbled with black. Tail, ashy-brown, darker on middle feathers, 
 tipped with white and transversely banded with wavy lines of black. Under portions, pale buffy-red, lighter on Hanks and 
 abdomen, with partly concealed spots of dark-brown on breast. Axillaries, white. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but the feathers beneath are edged with whitish. Bill, black, iris, brown, and feet, green- 
 ish-yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the slender, straight bill, uniform huffy tints below, peculiar marblings to the inner webs of 
 primaries, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions; wintering south of the United 
 States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 8'45; stretch, 16'65; wing, 5'20; tail, 
 2 39; bill, '80; tarsus, 1'25. Longest specimen, 8-90; greatest extent of wing, 17'40; longest wing, 5'43: tail.2'64; bill, "85; 
 tarsus, 1 35. Shortest specimen, 8'00; smallest extentof wing, 15'75; shortest wing, 4'95; tail, 2'15; bill, '75; tarsus, 1-15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyg*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, pyriform in shape, varying from ashy-yellow to greenish-brown in color, spotted and blotched irregularly and thickly 
 with umber-brown of varying shades. Dimensions from l'02x P40 to 1'lOx 1'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Buff-breasted Sandpipers occur during the autumnal migration, in New England, 
 and although they cannot be called rare, they are never very common. They make their 
 appearance from the North, about the middle of August, frequenting the elevated sections 
 near the coast. Occasionally a flock of half a dozen of these birds, may be seen, flying 
 swiftly along the hill sides, but it is more common to find solitary individuals in company 
 with the preceding species which they somewhat resemble in habit; or they may sometimes 
 be seen with Black-breasted and Golden Plover, and like all this class of birds, appear to 
 be attracted to the hill tops by the locusts, upon which they feed, though I have found bee- 
 tles, as well as other insects, in their crops. These handsome Sandpipers do not appear to 
 be found south of New Jersey , and north of this point, they occur as autumnal migrants, 
 the last one disappearing by the first of October. As they winter quite south of the Uni- 
 ted States, they must, consequently, pass over the more southern portion of our country, 
 and they either do so without alighting, or their presence has been overlooked by the orni- 
 thologists who have collected there. The note of the Buff-breasts is a clear whistle, given 
 at intervals as they fly. They breed along the coast of Arctic America, from Anderson 
 River, eastward. 
 
TKJNGOWF.S MACULAK1US. 3!)1 
 
 (iENTS X. TRINGOIDES. TIIK TILTING SANDIMPKKS. 
 
 GKN. C'n. Bill, about as /// as head, slender, not curved nor expan-tedaltip. Gape, not untie. Head, not lari/f, and 
 neck, moderate. Marginal indentations, two. 
 
 The sternum is narrow, alxnikas wide as height of keel which does not exceed tlic length of eoracoids. Tin- two mar- 
 ginal indentations are wide and deep. Lejjs, short and there U a prominent membrane between tlie uuternnd middle toes. 
 Tail, moderate. Other characters do not differ .strikingly from those given under the two preceding genera. Sexes, sim- 
 ilar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 TEINGOIDES MACULAKIUS. 
 Spotted Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringoides mandarins GRAY, List; 1849. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Si 1 . Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Tongue, long, thin, not horny, narrowing gradually to tip which is 
 
 pointed. 
 
 COU>R. Atlu/t. Almve, dark greenish-brown, having a greenish gloas, handed and s|>otted, excepting on primaries, 
 with dark-brown, liase and tips ot 'secondaries, inner primaries, tips of greater wing coverts, line from bill ovrr e\e, and 
 under parts, white, the latter marked everywhere with rounded spots of greenish-brown. Tail, tipped with whiteand hand- 
 ed on outer feathers with dark-brown. 
 
 Youny. Ashy-brown above, with every feather edged with white, preceded, excepting on primaries, by abandofdark- 
 brwn. Beneath, white, tinged with ashy across breast. 
 
 Nestlinys. Above, ashy, marked with black, and beneath, white. Bill, brown, yellow at base, iris, brown, and legs, 
 greenish-yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Rcailily known by the presence of the membrane between the outer and middle toes, straight bill, the ]>cculiar ashy 
 color above, glossed with greenish, and round spotting* below. Distributed, in summer, from the Carolinas, northward; 
 wintering from this point, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 7'60; stretch, 13'35; wing, 4'25; tail, 'J (). r >; 
 bill, 1OO; tarsus, -'J2. Longest specimen, 8-(X); greatest extent of wing, 13'75; longest wing, 4MO; tail, 2 30; bill, I- 10; tar- 
 sus, TOO. Shortest specimen, 7'40; smallest extent of wing, IS'OO; shortest wing, 4'1D; tail, I 80; bill, ''JO; tarsus, -85. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Kfjijs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in number, decided- 
 ly pyriforrn in shape, varying from creamy to buff in color, spotted, blotched, and dotted, with reddish-brown of varying 
 shades, with the usual shell markings of lilac. Dimensions from -UOx 1'30 to '95x 1'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few who do not recognize the peculiar pect-wect of the spotted Sandpipers, 
 as they skim about the fields with their peculiar flight, or stand on some stone in the brook, 
 teetering briskly up and down, as they examine the intruder. I have always found them 
 common wherever I have been, whether on the sandy beaches at the foot of the high (-lifts 
 on the Magdalen Islands, in the fields of New England, along the water courses of the Mid- 
 dle and Southern States, or on the partly submerged islands which lie in the Gulf of Mex- 
 ico, and they always appear as much at home when running along the sandy shores of the 
 far North, or jumping from root to root of the mangroves in the South, as they do in the 
 cultivated fields of Massachusetts. The Spotted Sandpipers are common during winter, 
 from the Carolinas to Key West, but migrate northward in spring, arriving in Massachu- 
 setts about the first of May. They breed early in June, often placing the nest on the mar- 
 gin of a grain field, in a potato patch or strawberry bed. On Grand Mt-nan, where (hey 
 are very numerous, they nest in the grassy fields near pools, and along the sen coast ,,!' 
 Massachusetts, they build in the beach grans, just above high watermark. The females .sit 
 
392 SOLITARY TATTLER. 
 
 closely and when driven from the nest, will often feign lameness. The young appear dur- 
 ing the latter part of June and follow their parents as soon as hatched. Later in the sen- 
 son, little groups gather on the banks of .the rivers, or may be seen with the southward-going 
 shore birds on the coast, in company with which they depart early in September. 
 
 GENUS XI. TOTANUS. THE TATTLERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, much longer than head, slender , but not expanded at lip. Hind loe, present. Marginal indentations, 
 four. 
 
 The sternum is narrow, about as wide as height of keel which does not exceed the length of the coracoids. The outer 
 marginal indentations are at least twice as deep as inner. Legs, long and slender, with tibia feathered fur less than half 
 its length. The stomach is oval or cuboid in form, quite muscular, and lined with a hard, finely rugose membrane. The 
 proventriculus is large. The intestines are short and large, and the eoeca short, or rather long, with blind ends dilated. 
 The sterno-treachealis is quite stout and there is a weak bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. Tyuipaniforni mem- 
 brane, present but there is no os transversale. Sexes, simlar. There are four species within our limits. 
 
 TOTANUS SOTLITAKIUS. 
 Solitary Tattler. 
 
 Totanus solitarius AUD. Syn.; 1839, 242. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Tongue very long, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which is pointed. 
 Membrane between toes, small. Inner marginal indentations, small, inclosed in adult. Coeca, 1-30 long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, streaked on head and neck, spotted on back, and widely banded on tail, witli 
 white. Beneath, white, streaked on neck and breast, and banded on sides, under wing coverts, abdomen, and under tail 
 coverts, with dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar, but more ashy, and the head and neck are spotted, not streaked. There is a white line from bill to 
 eye, and the neck and breast are tinged in obscurely defined spots of ashy. Bill, black, iris and fret, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known from the preceding by the large size and absence of spots below, and from the succeeding by the small- 
 er size and broad bandings on tail. Distributed, in summer, from Massachusetts, northward; wintering south of the Uni- 
 ted States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 9'00; stretch, 17'00; wing,5 - 00; tail,2'00; 
 bill, 1'12; tarsus, 1'35. Longest specimen, lO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 18-00; longest wing, 5-^5; tail, 2'25; bill, 1-25; 
 tarsus, 1'40. Shortest specimen, 8'00; smallest extent of wing, 16-00; shortest wing, 4'75; tail, T75; bill, TOO; tarsus, 1-30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eygs, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil on a little grass, etc.; from two to four in number, vary- 
 ing from creamy to pale buff in color, spotted and blotched with umber-brown of varying shades, with the usual pale shell 
 markings. Dimensions from - 95x 1'35 to 1'OOx T40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Solitary Tattlers are rightly named, for it is quite rare to see more than two to- 
 gether, especially in spring; and in autumn, single individuals are frequently met with, 
 feeding along the border of some pool in the interior. They are always unsuspicious and 
 will sit and gaze at the intruder, until he approaches within a few feet, when they will rise 
 with a shrill cry, fly a short distance, and leisurely settle down again to resume their avo- 
 cations. On the sea shore, where they are very common in fall, they seldom mingle with 
 other shore birds, but feed by themselves, either by the borders of pools or on the beaches. 
 
 There are few birds, the eggs of which have remained so long unknown, as the pres- 
 ent species. At first ornithologists were inclined to believe that these birds would be found 
 breeding in the deserted nests of Crows or Huvks, after the manner of the closely allied, 
 
PLATE XX. 
 
 HELOSPIZA LINCOLN!. 
 
 Lincoln's Spanrow.Atlt. 
 

TOTAHUS FLAV1PES. 393 
 
 European species, and such may be the case at times. I am inclined to think, however, 
 (hat these Solitary Tattlers generally place their eggs on the ground. The late Dr. T. M. 
 Brewer described an authenticated egg, in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, 
 taken about the middle of May, 1878, by Mr. Jenness Richardson, in Castleton, Vermont. 
 The bird which was sitting on the nest, was secured; thus the identification of the egg was 
 proved beyond a doubt, yet I think from the description, that the specimen will prove 
 unique among its kind. The eggs from which I have taken my description, came from Utah 
 and, as I have every reason to believe, are authentic. The Solitary Sandpipers make their 
 appearance in the North, about the first of May, remain a week or two, then pass to their 
 breeding grounds. They reappear early in September but shortly after migrate south. 
 
 TOTANUS FLAV1PES. 
 
 Lesser Yellowlegs. 
 Totanus Jlavipei VIEUL., Nouv. Diet.; 1816, 400. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Tongue, long, thin, and horny, tapering gradually toward the tip which is 
 rounded. Membrane between toes, small. Inner marginal indentations, small, inclosed in adult. Legs, very long. Co> 
 ca, 1-20 lon.i:. 
 
 Cou>R. Adult. Above, dark-brown, lined, spotted, and banded, with white. Hump and upper tail coverts, white, 
 faintly banded with dark-brown. Tail, finely banded with white. Beneath, white, .streaked on neck and breast and band- 
 ed on sides, with dark-brown. 
 
 Yifuny. Similar to the adult, but more ashy above, and the streakings beneath are not as well defined. Bill, black, 
 iris, brown, a*d feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the preceding species by the larger size and white rump, ami from the succeeding by the smaller size, and 
 from all others by the colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Labrador, northward; wintering from the Car- 
 ulinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement! of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 10'25; stretch, 30- 12; wins, 6'35; tnil,2-5; 
 bill, 1'42; tarsus, 2'15. Longest specimen, 10'80; greatest extent of wing, 31-00; longest wing, 6'80; tail, 2 75; bill, 1-00; 
 tarsus, 2'25. Shortest specimen, 9'50; smallest extent of wing, 19'25: shortest wing, 5-90; tail, 2'00; bill, 1-25; tarsus, 1'itO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil on a little grass. They are from two to four in number, decid- 
 edly pyriform in shape, varying from creamy to ashy-buff in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with umber-brown of 
 varying shades, with the usual shell markings of lilac. Dimensions from TlSi rfiO to I'SOx 1'80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The clear whistle of the Lesser, or Summer, Yellowlegs, is heard early in July, for 
 these birds are among the first of their kind, to bid adieu to their northern home and pro- 
 ceed southward. They are very abundant and may often be seen flying in large, strag- 
 gling flocks, but they also associate with other shore birds. They are fond of the marshes 
 and at low tide, may be found feeding in the creeks which intersect the low lands; then 
 when the rising water forces them to leave their banquet, they will proceed to the dryer 
 spots to rest, when they will occasionally catch a few grasshoppers, but generally remain 
 quiet, until the next ebb exposes their feeding grounds, covered with a fresh supply of 
 small molhisks, aquatic worms and many other insects. I found these birds very coininoii 
 from the Carolinas, southward, even to Key West; and in the interior of Florida, they 
 were ,-u-eusiomed to wade in the shallow pools, in company with the Black-necked (Stills. 
 
 oo 
 
394 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. 
 
 The Lesser Yellowlegs remain in Massachusetts until late in September, when they all de- 
 part southward, and although very abundant in autumn, they are seldom seen in this sec- 
 tion in spring, evidently reaching their northern breeding grounds by migrating through 
 the interior. They are not strictly confined to the coast in autumn, however, but are found 
 throughout the West. 
 
 TOTAWUS MELANOLEUCTJS. 
 
 Greater Yellowlegs. 
 Totanus mclanoleucus VIEILL., Nouv. Diet.; 1816, 400. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn Form, slender. Size, large. Tongue, long and thin, tapering toward tip which i horny and pointed. Mem- 
 brane between toes, not large. Inner marginal indentations large and never inclosed. Legs, very lung. Cocoa, small, on- 
 ly -40 long. 
 
 Coum. Adult. Above, Jark-brown, streaked, spotted, and handed, with white. Rumpand uppertail coverts, white, 
 faintly banded with dusky. Tail, finely banded with white. Beneath, white, streaked on neck and breast and banded on 
 sides, with dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but more ashy above, and the streakings beneath are not as well defined. Iris, brown, 
 bill, black, and feet, yellow, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS: 
 
 Readily known from all others by the large size, straight, slender bill, long yellow legs, white, slightly banded rump, 
 and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America. Winters from the C:irolinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 13"20; stretch, 24'25; wing, 7'95; tail, 3 15; 
 bill,2'30; tarsus,2'45. Longest specimen, 14'25; greatest extent of wing, 25'50; bngestwing, 8'70; tail. 3-30: bill, 2'0(>; tnr- 
 sus, 2 70. Shortest specimen, 12' 15; smallest extentofwing, 23'5ll; shortest wing, 7" 15; tail, 2'95; bill, 2'05; tarsus, 2 25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although resembling the preceding species in many habits, the Greater Yellowlegs do 
 not appear in Massachusetts until, at least six weeks, after the first Summer Yellowleg has 
 come, and they remain late in the season; consequently are sometimes termed Winter Yel- 
 lowlegs. They frequent much the same grounds as the smaller species and associate with 
 them; but are much shyer birds and when approached, will sound their loud, whistling cry, 
 raise their long wings once or twice, then rise, whistling as they go, generally followed by 
 all their smaller companions. In the South, they are particularly abundant, and may be seen 
 wading in the pools or shallow margins of the rivers and lagoons, feeding upon small fish- 
 es, crustaceans, etc. On their way north, the Greater Yellowlegs pass Massachusetts, and 
 their loud, cheery whistle, coming to the ear from over the marshes, which are just show- 
 ing a tinge of green, proclaims that the pleasant summer days are rapidly approaching. 
 Although both Yellowlegs are classed among the game birds, I cannot say that I consider 
 their flesh particularly fine eating, as it is apt to be dry and strong. Well authenticated 
 eggs of the Greater Yellowlegs, appear lo be rare and I have never had an opportunity of 
 examining one. 
 
 TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS. 
 
 Willet. 
 f Totanus semipa/malus TEMM., Man. Orn. II; 637. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, stout. Tongue, long, thin andslender, tapering gradually toward tip which 
 is pointed. Membrane between toes, largo. Leg-;, long and .stout. Marginal indentations, small, but never inclosed. 
 
W1LLF.T. 896 
 
 Ariull in summer. Above, yellowish-ash, lined, spotted, and handed with <]iirk-hrown. Tail, ashy, and aKo 
 hnnded. I'pper tail coverts, vrliite, handed on tips with brown. Secondaries and primaries, white, Hie outer of tin- for- 
 nior, and all of the latter, broadly tipped with dnrk-brown, while the greater upper coverts and spurious wins re of the 
 same color. JVneath, white, tinged witli reddish, spotted on neck and banded everywhere, excepting on abdomen, with 
 dark-brown. AxiOuMB and under wins coverts, very dark-brown. 
 
 AHult in irintrr. Clear ashy-gray above, unspotted; and white beneath, without bandings, bat tinged on breast and 
 sides with ashy. Ihicly streaked with darker; otherwise similar to the above. 
 
 Young. Similar to the winter adult, but slightly mottled with white above and tinged on both surfaces with yellow- 
 ish. Bill and iris, brown, and feet bluish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the large size, straight bill, prominent wehs between toes, white rump, and very dark-brown 
 under wing coverts and axillaries. Distributed, in summer, from New Jersey, southward; rather rare in Massachusetts 
 in autumn. Winters from the Carolinas, southward, 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length. H'OO; stretch, 26'25; wing, 8'55; tail, 3'27; 
 bill, 2'45; tarsus, 2'35. Longest specimen, 15-00: greatest extent of wing, 28-00; longest wing, 8'UO; tail, 3 - 56; bill, 2'UO; 
 tarsus, 2'GO. Shortest specimen, 13'50; smallest extent of wing, 24-50; shortest wing, 7 - i5; tail, 3'00; bill, 2 J 00; tarsus, r5. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyy*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They arc from two to four in num- 
 ber, rather pyriform in shape, varying from creamy to greenish-ash in color, spotted and blotched irregularly and thickly 
 with brown, umber, and lilac, of varying shades. Dimensions from I'45x2'10 to rSOxii'25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Of all our shore birds, the Willets are, perhaps, the most noisy and restless, for they are 
 not only constantly on the move themselves but endeavor to communicate their uneasiness 
 to other species. I have, on many occasions, been creeping cautiously to some rare Heron 
 or other wading bird, when some wandering Willet would discover me; up it would start, 
 screaming loudly, then not satisfied with this, off it would go, over the heads of the very 
 birds that I wished to secure, vociferating loudly all the while, and thus starting them; then 
 would not rest contented until it had flown along the entire beach, inducing every bird on 
 it to rise .and join in the out-cry. This much is often accomplished by a single bird, and 
 a flock of a half dozen Willets, keep a mile of shore in a constant uproar,' and as they are 
 very common in the South, the collector is constantly wasting words and often shot upon 
 these disturbers of his peace. Willets are particularly abundant in Florida and I have seen 
 them equally common on both coasts. I even found them feeding about the small ponds 
 in the piney woods, and have observed that these birds had a singular habit of perching on 
 the limbs of pine trees, forty or fifty feet from the ground, and sometimes, a dozen birds 
 would sit side by side on a single branch, presenting a novel appearance. 
 
 These birds were changing from the gray winter plumage to the mottled summer dress, 
 at Dummett's, about the first of April, at which time they became more quiet, and a little 
 later, appeared to be mating. During the first week of May, I found them breeding among 
 the low scrub, just back of the beach ridge, and secured the eggs. The nests were placed 
 in the midst of low bushes and were quite difficult to find. When approached, the birds 
 quietly left them and, quite unexpectedly, did not appear at all solicitous for the safety of 
 their e<;gs. Further north, the Willets breed a week or two later. This species is now 
 quite rare in Massachusetts but is said by old gunners, to have been much more common 
 in years past. 
 
396 LIMOSA HUDSON ICA. 
 
 GENUS XII. LIMOSA. THE GODWITS. 
 
 GEN. On. Dill, more than twice as long as head, slender, not expanded at tip, but sliyhtly curved upward. Coracoids, 
 exceeding in lenyth the heiyht of keel. Marginal indentations, four in youny, two in adult. 
 
 The stomach is cuboid in form, quite muscular, and is lined with a hard rugose membrane. The legs are stout and 
 there are prominent membranes between toes; but, excepting these differences and those given above, members of this ge- 
 nus resemble the preceding in anatomical and other characters. Sexes, quite similar. There are two species within our 
 limits. 
 
 LIMOSA HUDSONICA. 
 
 Hudsonian Godwit. 
 Umosa Hudsonica Sw., F. B. A., II; 1831. 
 
 DESCRIFnON. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Toes, slightly margined. Tongue, long, somewhat fleshy, narrowing grad- 
 ually to tip which is pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, spotted-and banded with reddish. Wings, dark-brown, with base of primaries 
 and secondaries, and tips of greater wing covert", white. Smaller wing coverts, ashy. Upper tail coverts and base of tail, 
 white, remainder of latter very dark-brown, tipped with reddish-ash. Beneath, yellowish-red, bande-1 on breast, sides, 
 and ui|der tail coverts, with dark-brown. Axillaries and under wing coverts, black. 
 
 Youny. Yellowish-ash above, streaked and spotted with dark-brown. Beneath, ashy-white, darkest across breast; 
 otherwise similar to the adult. Bill, brown, yellowatbase, iris and legs, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Winter birds are sometimes mottled beneath with red. Readily known by the white upper tail coverts, very dark tail, 
 long, upturned bill, and black axillaries and under wing coverts. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America. 
 Not uncommon on the coast of the Northern States in autumn. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 14'82; stretch, 26'40; wing, 8-25; tail, 
 2'75; bill, 2'25; tarsus, 2 92. Longest specimen, 15-25; greatest extent of wing, 27'80; longest wing, 8'50; tail, 3 00; bill, 
 2'30; tarsus, 3 05. Shortest specimen, 14'50, smallest extent of wing, 2'0(); shortest wing, 8'00; tail, 2'50; bill, 2'20; tar- 
 sus, 2-80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Egys, placed on the ground in aslight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in number, pyriform 
 in shape, very dark greenish-brown in color, somewhat obscurely spotted and blotched with dark-brown. Dimensions 
 from 1-35x2-15 to l-40x2'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Hudsonian Godwits are not of uncommon occurrence along our New England coast 
 in autumn, generally arriving late in September and often remaining until November. 
 They frequent sandy shores, resting on sand spits, from which they rise when approached, 
 with a loud cry, characteristic of both members of the genus, and fly swiftly away, when 
 the white upper tail coverts appear quite prominently, gaining for them the name of Spot 
 Rumps among sportsmen. Birds found with us, are either plain ashy white below or mot- 
 tled with red, but when in their full spring dress, in which they never visit us, however, 
 as they pass to their far northern breeding grounds, through the West, they are very hand- 
 some birds. I have never met with Hudsonian Godwits in Florida, and if they occur there 
 at all, it is as rare migrants. 
 
 LIMOSA FEDOA. 
 
 Marbled Godwit. 
 
 Limosafedoa OKD, ed. Wils., VII; 1825. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Toes, well margined. Tongue, very long, thin, and slender, gpidiially taper- 
 ing toward tip which is pointed. 
 
MARBLED GOD WIT. 397 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, streaked and bunded with reddish-yellow. Wings, reddish-yellow, with greater 
 coverts and outer webs and tips of primaries, brown, and remainder of feathers finely sprinkled with the same eolor. Tail, 
 also reddish-yellow, spotted and banded with dark-brown. Beneath, yellowish-red, palest on throat, streaked on neck and 
 banded everywhere below this, excepting on abdomen, with dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but mueh paler, and there are few or no markings beneath. Iris and feet, brown, and 
 bill, brown, yellow on basal half, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size, upturned bill, and general reddish colors as described. Distributed, in summer, in 
 North-eastern Florida and throughout the region west of the Mississippi; wintering from the Carolinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimeas from Eastern North America. Length, 18-50; stretch, 31 '00; wing, 9 - 50; tail, 3 50; 
 bill, 4- 10; tarsus, 2'70. Longest specimen, 1!)'50; greatest extent of wing, 32'OO; longest wing, lO'OO: tail.4'00; bill, 4'70; tar- 
 sus, 2-80. Shortest specimen, 17'50; smallest extent of wing, SO'OO; shortest wing, 9'00; tail, 3'00; bill, 3'50; tarsus, 2 60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND ECUS. 
 
 F.<I<JS, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil on a little grass, etc.; from two to four in number, long 
 oval in form, varying from creamy to pale buff in color, spotted and blotched, rather sparcely, with yellowish-brown of va- 
 rying shades, with the usual pale shell markings. Dimensions from T45x2'20 to I'50x2'2o. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Marbled Godwits are very common in the South in winter, but they are particu- 
 larly abundant in Florida. Back of Amelia .Island, just south of St. Mary's River, thus 
 lying on the extreme northern confines or the State, are extensive flats, on which are pools 
 that become partly dry during winter. These were the familiar resorts of the Godwits, and 
 flocks of hundreds would gather around them. They were quite wild while here, rising 
 witli deafening clamor when approached, but they had become so attached to the locality, 
 that they would merely circle about and alight on the borders of some neighboring pool. 
 From this point, southward along the eastern coast, as far as Merritt's Island, they were 
 very numerous, but were not common at Miami, and I did not see them on the Keys. On 
 the west coast, however, they occurred in large numbers, especially on the muddy flats about 
 Cedar Keys. On Indian River, I found the Godwits very unsuspicious, insomuch so, that 
 I have frequently killed them with dust shot. When one is wounded so as to be unable to 
 fly, it utters loud cries which attract the attention of its surviving companions, and they will 
 frequently circle about until many are killed. Late in spring, I found the Marbled God- 
 wits on the marshes of the west side of Matanzas River, and at this season, they uttered 
 peculiar, abruptly given, shivering notes which, I was assured by the inhabitants, were on- 
 ly given when the birds were about to breed, and that they would deposit their eggs on the 
 on the dryer portions of the marshes in a week or two. At this time, the Godwits were 
 accustomed to perch on the dead mangroves, near the edge of the water. The eggs which 
 I have described and which are well authenticated specimens, were taken near Salt Lake 
 City, where the birds appear to breed quite commonly. 
 
 UENUS XIII. NUMEN1US. THE CURLEWS. 
 
 GEX. Cu. Bill, longer than head, slender, not expanded at lip, and welt-curved downward. Hind loe, present. Mar- 
 ginal indentations, four, outer considerably deeper than inner. 
 
 The stomach is oval and flat in form, very muscular, and lined with a hard, rugose membrane. Cocca, long and 
 slender, with the blind ends pointed. With the exception of the above given characters, members of this genus resemble 
 those of the two preceding genera. Sexes, similar. There are three species within our limits 
 
398 NVMENIUS LONG1XOSTR1S. 
 
 NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS. 
 
 Long-billed Curlew. 
 Numenius lonyirostris WILS., Am. Orn., VIII; 1814, 24. 
 
 DKSCRI1TION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, greatly elongated, about four times as long as hea<l. Tongue, very short, 
 only 1'20 long, triangular in form with the tip pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, lined, spotted, and banded, excepting on outer webs of primaries, with yellow- 
 ish-red. Beneath, yellowish-red, darkest under wings, streaked on neck and breast and banded on sides and flanks, with 
 dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but paler throughout. Iris and feet, brown, and bill, brown, lighter on basal third of 
 lower mandible, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the large size , very long, curved bill, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, 
 throughout the West; wintering from the Carolinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length , 24' 15; stretch , 39'UO; wing, 1(V50; tail , 4'00; 
 bill, 7-50; tarsus, 3'50. Longest specimen, 26'00; greatest extent of wing, 40'00; longest wing, 11 '00; tail, 4 50; bill, 9'00; 
 tarsus, 4'00. Shortest specimen, 22-25; smallest extent of wing, 38'00 ; shortest wing, 10-00; tail, 3'50; bill,5-65; tarsus, 3'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eygs, placed on the ground in a depression of the soil on a little grass. They are from two to four in numl>er, rath- 
 er oval in shape, varying from ashy-yellow to greenish in color, spotted and blotched irregularly wjth brown and umber of 
 varying shades, with the usual shell markings of lilac. Dimensions from 1 '80 x 2*40 to I'90x2'88. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I well remember when I first caught sight of a living Long-billed Curlew. I was 
 standing on a sandy shore, just north of Cape Ann, when a single individual flew slowly 
 past, along the beach over the water, but just out of gun-shot. As soon as it perceived me, 
 it uttered one of those almost startling cries, for which these birds are noticeable, and 
 changed its course further out to sea, then continued its swift flight southward. After this, 
 on other occasions, I saw several, but was always obliged to content myself with the same 
 distant view, and it was not until I first went to Florida, that I made a closer acquaintance 
 with these fine birds. One day, some thirteen or fourteen years ago, I was walking along 
 a lonely stretch of shore, which lies between the head of Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. 
 I had reached this point which was then quite distant from civilization, as there were but 
 two houses^ or rather shanties, between New Smyrna, a small place consisting of two or 
 three dwellings, situated twenty-five miles to the northward, and the light-house at Cape 
 Canaveral, about as far to the southward, while below this point, there was not a single 
 residence on that side of the lagoons and bays, for a hundred miles. Thus it may be un- 
 derstood, that the place of which I am speaking, was, without exaggeration, lonely. I had 
 been some time in reaching this point, and in order to do so, had encountered not a .few 
 difficulties, for travelling in Florida then, could not be accomplished with as much ease as 
 at present. Although conscious that I was in a wilderness, I did not at first fully under- 
 stand how remote this particular place was from settlements, and how seldom it was visited 
 by man, until coming suddenly to a small creek, the banks of which were high, I saw a 
 very large Long-billed Curlew, not a dozen yards away, standing on a sand bar, with his 
 head drawn in, apparently asleep. When I approached, the bird merely looked up, and it 
 was not until I walked within, perhaps, twenty feet of him, that he concluded to fly, which 
 
HUDSONIAN CURLEW. 31)9 
 
 he did quite leisurely, going only a short distance and, alighting in the shallow water, be- 
 gan to l'ee<l. 1 passed quite a large number during that tramp, all equally tame, 'besides 
 Ducks and other shore bird* in almost eountless numbers. Five or six years later, I walked 
 over the same ground, but then it was no unusual thing to hear the crack of the breech- 
 loader, where before, the sound of a gun was scarcely known, and when I got a Long- 
 billed Curlew this time, it was only by stalking it with as much caution as if it had been 
 a deer. 
 
 The Long-billed Curlews are abundant from the Carolinas, southward, in winter, fre- 
 quenting the muddy flats which are left exposed by the tide, and probing in them with their 
 long bills, in search of animal food; but how they manage to eat with a bill, often over 
 eight inches long, with the aid of a tongue which but little exceeds an inch in length, is a 
 mystery. These Curlews migrate along the Atlantic coast during September, but I never 
 saw one in the North in spring. They breed throughout the West. 
 
 NTJMENIUS HUDSONICUS. 
 
 Hudson! an Curlew. 
 Numcniui Hudstmicus LATH., Ind. Orn, II.; 17DO, 712. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, short, I "20 long, somewhat fleshy, and narrowing gradually to tip 
 wlii'-h i-; pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, lightest on rump, streaked and spotted, on neck and body, and banded on tail 
 
 ami inner webs of primaries, with ashy-yellow. Top of head, dark-brown, with a central line and one from bill over eye, 
 
 ashy-yellow. Beneath, ashy-yellow, streaked on neck and breast and banded on sides and under wings, with dark-brown. 
 
 Young. Similar, but paler and the markings are not as well delined. Bill, brown, yellow at base of lower mandible, 
 
 iris and feet, brown, in all .stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Keadily knowji from preceding species by the smaller size and paler colors and from the succeeding by the large sine 
 and banded inner webs to primaries. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America. Not uncommon on the coast 
 of the Northern States in autumn. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 17'50; stretch, 3Q-25; wing, 9'85; tail, 
 2'!K); bill, 3-50; tarsus, i>-25. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 33'50; longest wing, 10-50; tail, 305; bill, 
 4'iiO; fcit^us, sS-35. Shortest specimen, 17'00; smallest extent of wing, 33'00; shortest wing, 9'25; tail, 2'80; bill, 3'00; tar- 
 sus, 2-15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc., three or four in number, oval in 
 firm, varying' IV'im :is|,y-y,.|l,>w to greenish in color, spotted and blotched irregularly, and thickly, with brown and umber 
 of varying shades. Dimensions from I'50x2-20 to I'fi0i2-30. 
 
 11 A KITS. 
 
 The Hudsonian, or Jack Curlews of Sportsmen, make their appearance in Massachu- 
 setts, early in September, and frequent the hill-tops, in company with the Plovers and Es- 
 quimaux Curlews. Although they are far from being abundant, they cannot be considered 
 rare, as quite a number are taken every season. I do not think that the}' are much more 
 common than the Long-billed Curlews, but many more are killed each season, as they are 
 not nearly as shy. The Iludsonian Curlews occur on the coast of New Jersey, but do not 
 seem to be taken regularly south of this point, and I never met with them in Florida. These 
 Curlews appear to resemble the Ling-billed more than the Esquimaux, in habits, being 
 rather solitary, and seldom associating in tlocks of any si/e 
 
400 NL'MENIUS BOREAL1S. 
 
 NUMENITJS BOEEALIS. 
 
 Esquimaux Curlew. 
 Numenius borea/is LATH., Ind. Orn. II; 1790, 712. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, mall. Bill, but little longer than head. Tongue, short, thin, and gradually taper- 
 ing toward tip which is acutely pointed. 
 
 COLOU. Adult. Above, dark-brown, streaked on head and neck, spotted on back, and banded on rump upper tail cov- 
 erts and tail, with ashy-yellow. Primaries, brown, without bandings on either web. Beneath, ashy-yellow, becoming 
 reddish under wings, streaked on neck and breast and banded on sides and flanks with dark-brown. ' 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but paler and the markings are not as well defined. Bill, brown, yellow at base of lower 
 mandible, iris and legs, brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the small size, curved bill, absence of bands on primaries, and colors as described Distrib- 
 uted, in summer, throughout Arctic America. Common in autumn on the coast of the Northern States. Winters south 
 of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern Nortli America. Length, 1.T50; stretch, 26'50; wing, 8'25; tail, 2'75; 
 bill, 2'25; tarsus, 1'50. Longest specimen, H'OO; greatest extent of wing, 27'00; longest wing, 8'50; tail, 3'00; bill, 2'50; 
 wrsus, 1'75. Shortest specimen, 13'00; smallest extent of wing, 26-00; shortest wing,8'00; tail, sf'50; bill, 2'00; tarsus, 1'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyy*, placed on the ground in a slight depression of the soil, on a little grass, etc. They are from two to four in num- 
 ber, rather oval in form, varying from yellowish-ash to greecish-brown in color, spotted and blotched coarsely with brown 
 and umber of varying shades. Dimensions from l'30x 1'90 to I'45x2'00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Dough Bird, as the Esquimaux Curlews are almost universally called, are eager- 
 ly sought after and, consequently, bring a high price in the market. In autumn, they 
 are very fat and are considered fine eating, being far superior to either of the other species, 
 the flesh of which is apt to be strong and dry. During certain seasons, when a severe 
 storm occurs about the middle of September, at which time these birds are migrating, they 
 are driven in from the sea in large flocks. Then the hill-tops are fairly covered with them 
 and in years past, gunners would frequently reap a rich harvest, but of late years, although 
 they occasionally appear in quantities, they never remain long, for they are quickly driv- 
 en away by the numerous sportsmen who are constantly on the lookout for them. The 
 Esquimaux Curlews feed upon berries and insects, especially grasshoppers which they find 
 in quantities on the hills. 
 
 ORDER XIV, HERODIONES. HERONS ETC. 
 
 Legs, long and naked far above the tar sal joint. Posterior toe, present, well-develop- 
 ed^ and always on a level with the anterior toes. Keel, not exceeding in height the width. <>f 
 the sternum. Marginal indentations, two or four. Terminal expansion, with or without cen- 
 tral projection, and it usually approximates very close! i/ to the tip of keel. 
 
 This Order includes the Ibises, Herons, Spoonbills, etc., all of which are widely dis- 
 tributed, but are generally better represented in the Tropics than elsewhere, while the spe- 
 cies are rare north of the Temperate Zone. Some of the species vary considerably in ex- 
 ternal form, as well as in anatomical characters but all these points are given under fam- 
 ily and other headings. 
 
WHITE IBIS. 401 
 
 FAMILY I. IBIDID^E. THE IBISES AND SPOONBILLS. 
 
 Bill, at least twice as long as the head and grooved throughout. Furcula, short, well 
 arched, not projected backward, nor approximating very closely to the tip of keel. Mar- 
 ijinal indentations, four. 
 
 The head is more or less naked in adult specimens. The treachea is flattened through- 
 out and the larynx is about normal and provided with a thin bronchialis. The stomach is 
 muscular, and there are two small cceca. Members of this family are widely distributed 
 throughout the world, occurring mainly, however, in the Tropics. The young are covered 
 with down at birth, but are comparatively helpless and are feed by regurgitation. 
 
 GENUS I. IBIS. THE IBISES. 
 
 GEN. Cu. Bill, longer than head, quite slender, not expanded at tip, and well-curved downward. Stemo-treachealu, 
 present. Webs between toes, small. 
 
 The larynx is normal in position. The intestines are large and short. Sexes, similar. There are two species within 
 
 our limits. 
 
 IBIS ALBA. 
 
 White Ibis. 
 
 Ibis alba VIEILL., Orn. Diet.; 181B. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si-. On. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, short, '35 long, somewhat fleshy, and narrowing gradually to tip 
 which is rounded. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Head, naked beyond eyes. Pure white throughout, with the four outer primaries tipped with block 
 glossed with green. Bill, naked space about head, and feet, bright yellow. Iris, pale blue. 
 
 Youny. Above, and on head and nock, dark-brown glossed with greenish on the former and streaked on the two latter 
 with ashy. Lower back, rump, upper tail coverts, and lower portions, white. Head, feathered to eyes. Bill, naked space 
 about head, and legs, brownish-yellow. Iris, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are all gradations in plumage between the adult nnd young, specimens being frequently mhttled with white o- 
 bove. Readily known in the adult stage by the curved bill and pure white colors, and in the young stage by the white IXJH- 
 terior portions above. Distributed, in summer, from the Carolinas, southward; wintering in Florida. Stragglers occasion- 
 ally wander north, even as far as New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 24'50; stretch, 37'35; wing, H'25; tail, 4'30; bill, 5-20; 
 tarsus, 3'70. Longest specimen, 27'50; greatest extent of wing, 33'50; longest wing, 11'75; tail, 4 70; bill, 6'05; tursus, 
 430. Shortest specimen, 21'50; smallest extent of wing, 36'25; shortest wing, 10-50; tail, 3'90; bill, 4'35; tarsus, 3" 15. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Wests, placed on trees or bushes and composed of sticks, somewhat loosely arranged. Eyys, two or three in number, 
 oval in form, ashy-blue in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish-brown of varying shades. Dimensions from 
 1-40x2-15 to l-5x2-40. 
 
 II A HITS. 
 
 The great strong-hold of the White Ibises in Florida, is the marshes which lie on both 
 sides of the upper St. John's, above Lake George. Here the level country stretches out 
 on either hand as far as the eye can reach, but as it is nearly always inundated, leaving 
 only the grass-tops exposed, or wide-spread, muddy flats, which are so soft that they will 
 not bear the weight of a man, this section is nearly or quito inaccessible. This prooves 
 fortunate for the birds, and Herons and Ibises frequent this section in numbers which :ip- 
 pcar astonishing to one who is not accustomed to seeing a large number of birds together; 
 for they gather in tlocks of hundreds of thousands, fairly darkening (lie air \\hen they rise. 
 
 61 
 
402 GLOSSY IBIS. 
 
 This appears to be merely the winter quarters of the White Ibises, for in spring, they re- 
 treat to the coast, mainly on the west side of the peninsula, to breed. At this season, the 
 gular sac beneath the bill, undergoes a singular change, becoming greatly thickened and 
 much brighter in color. The white Ibises now choose islands along the unfrequented por- 
 tion of the coast as breeding places, building their nests on the low mangroves or bushes. 
 They also roost in similar places, flying into the interior to feed. I have always found this 
 species very shy and difficult to approach, especially when feeding, but when they have" 
 had their fill of crawfish and other small crustaceans, of which they are very fond, and are 
 resting on the bushes, they may be approached quite closely by using caution. They are 
 very difficult to kill and when only winged, run nimbly through the tangled thickets, so 
 that it is not easy to capture one in this condition. 
 
 IBIS FALCINELLUS. 
 
 Glossy Ibis. 
 Ibisfalcinellus VIEILU, Orn. Diet; 1816. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, short, and gradually tapering toward tip which is pointed. Outer 
 marginal indentations, narrow, but as deep as inner. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Rich chestnut-brown throughout, with top of head, nape, both sides of wings, excepting lower cov- 
 erts, and tail, metallic green with a purplish iridescence. Iris, red. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but the head and neck are grayish and the feathers are more or less edged with white. 
 Iris, brown. Bill and feet, dark-brown, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Specimens of the Glossy Ibis from the East Coast, which I have examined, appear to differ from the well-known Texas 
 form in having no white on the face, thus it remains to be decided whether our birds are stragglers from across the Atliin- 
 tic or whether they come to us from South America. Readily known by the chestnut color as described Not uncommon 
 in Florida and rare in the Northern States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 25'00, stretch, 33'00; wing, 11'50; tall, 
 4'25; bill, 4'25; tarsus, 3'25. Longest specimen, 26'00; greatest extent of wing, 36-00; longest wing, 12'50; tail, 4'50; bill, 
 4'50; tarsus, 3'50. Shortest specimen, 24'00; smallest extent of wing, 30-00; shortest wing, 10'50; tail, 4'00; bill, 4'00; tar- 
 sus, 3-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed m trees or low bushes, composed of sticks, loosely arranged. Eyys, two or three in number, varying 
 from elliptical to oval in form, deep greenish-blue in color, unspotted. Dimensions from T37x 1'85 to I'SOx 2'15. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 * 
 
 The first time that I ever met with the Glossy Ibises, was at Lake Harney, many 
 years ago. I had pitched my tent on the eastern shore, and taking my gun, walked out 
 into the piney woods. I had not gone far, when I saw a flock of Ibises, which I at once 
 recognized as being the Glossy, feeding around a small, shallow pool. I approached them 
 rather carelessly, thinking that they would be quite tame, as the country was then a per- 
 fect wilderness, but before I had gone within gun-shot, they rose, as if by common con- 
 sent, and flew rapidly away over the lake, and I never saw them again. 
 
 The next time that I met with them, I was far up the St. John's, when a flock con- 
 sisting of a half dozen specimens, came dashing down the river, and flying very irregularly, 
 passed within a few yards of me, but so quickly that I did not have time to raise my gun. 
 Thus my acquaintance with this species is not very extended, but I do not think that they 
 
PLATALKA AJAJA. 403 
 
 breed in Florida. Specimens of this species have been taken along the Eas-tern Section of 
 the United States, as far north as New Hampshire, two being taken at Orleans, Massachu- 
 setts, during the first week in May, 1878, one of which is in the collection of the Bangs 
 Brothers. These, and all others which I ha\e examined, were evidently stragglers from 
 the Old World or from South America, but whether the Florida birds which I found, be- 
 longed to this class, remains to be proved. I am under the impression, however, that I 
 have somewhere seen a specimen, taken in Florida, which did not resemble the Texan form. 
 
 GENUS II. PLATALEA. THE SPOONBILLS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, but sliyhtly curved, more than twice as lony as head, much flattened, and widely expanded at the round- 
 ed tip. Sterno-trachealis , absent. Webs between toes, larye . 
 
 Member* of this genus are remarkable fjr the singularly flattened bill. The trachea is also peculiar, being elevated, 
 ad the bronchial fefttai are greatly elongated. The intestines are small and long. Sexes, similar. There is but one spe- 
 cies within oar limits. 
 
 PLATALEA AJAJA. 
 Roseate Spoonbill. 
 Platalea ajaja LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 231. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 EP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, very short, only *25 long, triangular in form, with the tip pointed. 
 Sternum, stout. Outer marginal indentations, equal in depth to inner. 
 
 Hi. Ailu/t. llosy-re.l throughout, brightest beneath, and much lighter on neck. Tuft of recurved feathers on 
 neck, hand on wing, and upper and lower tail coverts, rich carmine. Patch on sideof neck, paleorange. Tail, hrownish- 
 uranjte, rosy at base. Head, naked, green in color, with space around eye and gular sac, bright orange, while a line of 
 bi:u-k extends from bill to occiput. Bill, bluish, mottled with dusky at base. Feet, pinkish. Iris, deep carmine. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but much paler, and lack the bright markings, while the tail is rosy and the primaries 
 are tipped with dusky. Iris and feet, brown. Bill, yellowish, brown at base. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from all others by the spoon-like bill, and rosy colors as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, in Flor- 
 ida. Rare in summer, as far north as the Carolinas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 29*35; stretch, 51 '50; wing, 14*50; tail, 4*75; bill, 6'35; tar- 
 sus, 3*50. Longest specimen, 30*75; greatest extent of wing, 53*00; longest wing, 15*00; tail, 5 00; bill, 7*00; tarsus, 4*00. 
 Shortest specimen, 28*00; smallest extent of wing, 48*00: shortest' wing, 14*00; tail, 4*50; bill, 6*75; tarsus,, 3*00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Egg*, two or three in number, oval in form, ashy-white 
 in color, spotted and blotched, rather sparcely, with pale reddish-brown. Dimensions from I*70x2'50 to 1*75x2*60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 When I first visited Florida, I was quite surprised to hear the inhabitants speak of the 
 Pink Curlews as being very common, and I naturally supposed that the Scarlet Ibis was 
 the species they had in mind; but upon further inquiries, I found that this appellation 
 was applied to the Roseate Spoonbills, and learned that the Scarlet Ibis was entirely un- 
 knewn in the State. Years ago, the Roseate Spoonbills were found throughout Florida, 
 lint as their feathers have long been valuable for ornaments, the birds have been extermi- 
 nated or driven away from the Northern, Eastern, and Middle Sections, and now are found 
 in numbers, only on the Western coast, even being rare on the Keys. The Spoonbills are 
 not unlike the White Ibis in general habits, but differ from this species in breeding in the 
 interior. They may be seen feeding on the muddy Hats of the coast, in spring and winter, 
 but late in summer and in autumn, they wander more, at which time they are found about 
 the lakes in the interior of the State. These handsome birds are exceedingly graceful in 
 
404 WOOD IBIS 
 
 movement, resembling the Herons in this respect; and when wounded, they are very gen- 
 tle, seldom attempting to defend themselves. They are also easily tamed and I once saw 
 one in a cage, which was quite unsuspicious, feeding mostly upon small fishes, bread, and 
 cooked sweet potatoes, which it would take from the hand. The Roseate Spoonbills breed 
 early, usually in February or March, choosing islands in the nearly inaccessible swamps or 
 lakes of the interior, as nesting places, where they rear their young in perfect safety. 
 
 FAMILY II. TANTALID^E. THE WOOD IBISES. 
 
 Bill, about three times as long as head but not grooved. Furcula, long, wide at base, 
 not well-arched, but projected backward until it meets the tip of the keel. Marginal inden- 
 tations, two. 
 
 The head is completely naked in adult specimens. The trachea is rounded, and the 
 larynx is simple, with a thin sterno-trachealis, but there are no other laryngeal muscles. 
 There is no tympaniform membrane but the os transversale is present and also a small sein- 
 ilunar membrane. The proventriculus is large, globular in form, and is provided with sim- 
 ple, oval glands. The stomach is not very muscular, and the fold of the duodenum is short, 
 inclosing a small pancreas. The intestines are small and long, but the coeca are very 
 short, being in fact merely rudimentary. 
 
 GENCJS I. TANTALUS. THE WOOD IBISES. 
 
 Members of this genus are all large, with the bill stout, otherwise the characters are the same as are given under Fam- 
 ily heading. Sexes, similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 TANTALUS LOCULATOK. 
 
 Wood Ibis. 
 Tantalus loculator LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 240. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, very short, '85 long, wide at base and tapering gradually to tip which 
 is rounded. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. White throughout, with wings and tail very dark-brown, glossed with green. Head and neck, na- 
 ked, the latter with transverse ridges. Under tail coverts, greatly elongated and projecting beyond tip of tail. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but the neck and a part of the head are covered with dusky feathers; the under tail cov- 
 erts are not elongated, and the scapularies are brownish. Bill, horn-color, iris, brown, and feet, bluish, in all stages. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Florida to -the Carolinas,and 
 up the Mississippi, as far as Southern Illinois. Winters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 42*50; stretch, 61'00; wing, 18'50; tail, 4'75; bill, 7'75; tar- 
 sus, 7'25. Longest specimen, 45'00; greatest extent of wing, 62'00; longest wing, 19'00; tail. 5'00; bill, 8'50; tarsus, 7 50. 
 Shortest specimen, 44'00; smallest extent of wing, 60'00; shortest wing, 18-00; tail, 4-50; bill, 7*00; tarsus, 7'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nesli, placed in high trees, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Eygs, one or two in number, rather elliptical in form, 
 chalky-white in color, occasionally spotted with pale reddish-brown. Dimensions from I'70x2 - 70 to l'75xS 75. 
 
 HABITS 
 
 The Wood Ibises are among the shyest birds found in Florida, and I have many times 
 tried to obtain a shot at them, but up to the present date, I have never even fired at one. 
 I have often marked down a flock of a dozen or more individuals when (hey alighted in a 
 
ARDEA HERODIAS. 405 
 
 thick cypress swamp, then paddled cautiously toward the place, but they always managed 
 to see me before I caught sight of them; one would give a, harsh cry as a signal to the rest, 
 uhen oil' they would go, always taking care to rise into the dense swamp, never passing 
 out over the open water. They feed in the thickest swamps, when in flocks, but it is not 
 unusual to see solitary individuals on the marshes. They also perch on trees and one will 
 frequently occupy an elevated position as a lookout, while the others are feeding, and the 
 sentinel takes good care to give prompt notice of the approach of an intruder. Bartram 
 says that the Wood Ibises are solitary birds and Audubon is inclined to dispute this, affirm- 
 ing that they associate in flocks. I think both are right, for in the winter, it is not rare 
 to see single birds feeding, or sitting on the trees, or even circling about, high in air, for 
 this is a regular habit with the species, and they often accompany the White Ibis in these 
 aerial gyratiens. The Wood Ibises breed about March, nesting in high trees which bor- 
 der lakes or rivers. I g had a Wood Ibis brought to me, when I was in Williamsport, Penn- 
 sylvania, in June, 1879. It was found on the morning of the twenty-first instant, by a 
 farmer who was on his way to market, standing by the road-side in an exhausted condition. 
 The man easily killed it and took it into the city. A writer in one of the local papers, in 
 commenting on the instance, said that the bird had doubtless dropped from a large flock 
 which passed over the place during the preceding day. I know not how true this state- 
 ment may have been, but with the exception of another specimen taken in New York State, 
 about the same time, which would, perhaps, tend to confirm the report, I do not think a 
 single specimen of the Wood Ibis has ever been taken on the east side of the Alleghany 
 Mountains. 
 
 FAMILY II. ARDEID^E. THE HERONS. 
 
 Bill, at least twice as long as the head and usually acutely pointed. Furcula, long, not 
 well arched, and extended backward, until it meets the tip of keel, and is provided with a 
 central projection. Marginal indentations, two. 
 
 Middle toe nail, pectinated. Head, feathered, excepting space in front of eye. The 
 trachea is rounded throughout and the larynx is provided with a sterno-trachealis and a 
 thin bronchialis, while the tympaniform membrane and os transversale are present. The 
 stomach is not muscular, and is furnished with a medium sized pyloric lobe. The intes- 
 tines are short and wide, and there is but a single coecum. Members of this family are dis- 
 tributed throughout the Temperate and Torrid Zones. The young are born blind and na- 
 ked, and while in this helpless state, are feed by regurgitation. Sexes, similar. 
 
 UENUS I. ARDEA. THE TRUE HERONS. 
 
 UEN*. Cn. Bill, long and quite slender. Leys, very lony. Tail feathers, twelve, stiffened. Head, back, or breast, pro- 
 vided with lenythen'd plume-like feathers. 
 
 Members of this genus are conspicuous on account of the plumes which adorn either the bead, breast, or back, and 
 sometimes all three portions are thus ornamented. There are ten ^jin-irs within our limits. 
 
 ARDEA HERODIAS. 
 
 Great Blue Heron. 
 Ardea herodias Lixx., Syst. Nat., I; 176, 237. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, very Inns, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which Is pointed 
 Ih ml, breast, ami back, furnished with long, lanceolate plumes. Lower third of tibia, naked. 
 
406 GREA T BL VE HER ON. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, and on sides, flanks, and under wings, bluish-ash, darkest on wings, ami palest on scapula- 
 ries. Top of head, white, with occiput, and sides below this, black. Nock, red(iish-;ish. streaked in the center with black 
 nnd white. Central portions below, black streaked on middle of belly with white. Under tail coverts, white. Tibia and 
 edge of wing, chestnut. Iris and bill, yellow. Legs, brown. Naked space about head, brownish-yellow. 
 
 Vouny. Similar to the adult but paler and tinged with reddish; top of head lacks the white; throat, white, neck, ashy; 
 and there are no plumes. Iris, feet, and bill, brown, the latter yellow at base. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Florida specimens have the neck much lighter than more northern birds, thenpper portion of itbeing frequently quite 
 white. Readily known by the large size and colors as described, See succeeding species for further comparison. Dis- 
 tributed, in summer, from Hudson's Bay to Key West; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 46'25, stretch, 73'OQ; wing, 19'50; tail, 
 7-50; bill, 5'50; tarsus, 7'25. Longest specimen, 48-00; greatest extent of wing, 75'60; longest wing, 20'00; tail, 8'00; bill, 
 G'OO; tarsus, 7'50. Shortest specimen, 44'50; smallest extent of wing, 70-50; shortest wing, 19'00; tail, 7'00; bill, 4'25; tar- 
 sus, 7-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, composed of sticks, loosely arranged. Eyg*, two to four in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, greenish-blue in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1-66x2 50 to I'80x2'83. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are few birds which understand how to take care of themselves, better than the 
 Great Blue Herons, for there is scarcely an individual among them, which does not know, 
 to an inch, the range of a shot gun. They are very shy, even in Florida, where they are 
 extremely abundant, and where they spend their time, much as they do in the North, in 
 wandering singly, or in twos or threes, about the beaches and on the mud flats. They feed 
 upon fish, and a single blow from their powerful beak, is sufficient to kill a good sized 
 member of the finny tribes. When one of these birds is wounded and placed in a situa- 
 tion where it cannot use its long legs, it can wield this same weapon so dexterously, that 
 it will often cause a dog to retreat in discomfiture, and even a man is often, at a loss to 
 capture one living. These Herons are particularly pugnacious and one that I kept in con- 
 finement in Florida, was always ready for a quarrel, not only with me and my friends, but 
 wa.s also constantly trying to get at some beautiful White Herons, which I allowed to go 
 at large, in order that he might strike them. This bird would occasionally escape from 
 the inclosure in which he was kept, and would wander out to the neighboring beach, in 
 search of food. When I perceived that he was out, I would go in search of him, provided 
 with a long, slender stick. The Heron would carefully watch my approach, with head 
 drawn in, until I got quite near, when I would exclaim, "Go back! Go back!" and shake 
 the stick at him; then the bird would suddenly startup, and with wings half extended, run 
 rapidly to his cage, enter it, and creep into a barrel which I kept laid on its side for him to 
 rest in at night. This bird managed, after a time, to kill one out of three of my White 
 Herons, when I gave him his liberty. He lingered about the camp for a short time, but 
 finally disappeared . 
 
 I found the Great Blue Herons breeding on an island in South Lake, in the interior 
 of Florida, late in February. The nests contained both fresh eggs and half-grown young, 
 with all stages between. Even at this early age, the more advanced young exhibited the 
 peculiar characteristics of which I have spoken, for they would leave the nests, walk over 
 the tree-tops, and endeavor to kill the helpless young of some White Herons that were 
 
ARDEA WLKDF.MANNI. 407 
 
 
 
 breeding near. In the North, where the birds breed in May, the nests are usually placed 
 in high trees, but in the hcnmry of which I have been speaking, the birds often built in 
 low hushes, and 1 have even seen the nests on the ground. The cry of the Great Blue 
 Heron is loud and harsh, and is more often repeated at night than at any other time, for 
 this species is partly nocturnal and often fishes during the hours of darkness. These Her- 
 ons are migratory, passing southward in autumn, and although none winter as far north 
 as New England, they often remain here until late in November. 
 
 ARDEA WURDEMANNI. 
 
 Florida Heron. 
 
 Ardea Wurdcmanni BAIRD, Birds N. A.; 1858, 669. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, very long, slender, and narrowing gradually to tip which is pointed. 
 Head, neck, and breast, provided with long. lanceolate plumes. Lower half of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, bluish-ash, becoming lighter on neck and scapularies, and darkest on primaries. Throat, 
 white, centrally streaked with black and rufous. Top of head, white, edged on the forehead with black. White beneath, 
 stivaknl on Mill 1 " with black. Tibia and edge of wing, ashy-chestnut. Naked space about head, greenish-brown. Iris and 
 bill, yellow. Feet, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the preceding species by the naked tibia, white top to head, black forehead, and white under parts, and 
 from all others, by the large size and colors as described. Constantly resident on the Florida Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 4'J'SO; stretch, 74'50; wing, 20'50; tail, 7'75; bill, 6-50; 
 tarsus, 8"i~>. Longest specimen, SO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 75'00; longest wing, 21'00; tail, 8-00; bill, 7'00; tarsus, 
 8-50. Shortest specimen, 48'00; smallest extent of wing, 74'00; shortest wing, 20-00; tail, 7'50; bill, 5'95; tarsus, 7 -05. 
 
 DESCRIPflON OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on trees and composed of sticks, somewhat loosely arranged. Kffffs, two or three in number, varying 
 from elliptical to oval in form, pale bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from I'80x2'60 to r85xH'90. 
 
 UABITS. 
 
 The Florida Herons have long been a puzzle to ornithologists, but that such a species 
 exists, is now proved beyond a doubt; though they are far from being common and are, I 
 believe, restricted to the Florida Keys, or at best, are mere stragglers on the mainland; 
 and I do not think that a well authenticated specimen has ever been taken there, those 
 which are considered Xhis species, being merely Great Blue Herons, with dark streaks on 
 the forehead; for, at least, two instances of this kind have come under my notice. Some 
 writers on the subject are inclined to dispose of the Florida Herons, by considering them 
 merely a plumage of the Great White, but I greatly fear that such conclusions rest too 
 much upon purely theoretical grounds. It is true, that it has been alleged, that birds 
 of both species have been found in one nest, and without doubt, this is a fact; yet it proves 
 nothing, unless, indeed, the nestlings were too small to go about much; for any one who is 
 familiar with Florida heronries, knows that the young birds leave the nest almost as soon 
 as fledged, and walk over the branches; and if suddenly surprised, will squat in the near- 
 est nest. I was once on an island, during the last week in April, which was covered with 
 a (ieiist; growth of high mangroves and Imttonwood, on which Great Blue Herons, Florida, 
 and Great White were breeding; but I did not find the young mixed at all, simply because 
 they were then too small to move about, but this might not have been the case two weeks 
 
408 GREAT WHITE HERON. 
 
 later. The flight of this fine Heron, resembles that of the Great Blue, being regular, with 
 each flapping of the wings, greatly prolonged. They breed on the Keys and, I think, al- 
 ways prefer high trees. 
 
 ABDEA OCCIDENTALIS. 
 
 Great White Heron. 
 Ardea occidentalis AUD., Orn. Biog, 111; 1H35, 542.' 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, slender, and tapering gradually to tip which is pointed. Head 
 and breast, provided with long, lanceolate plumes. Lower half of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Pure snowy white throughout. Bill and iris, yellow. Feet and naked space in front of eyes, green- 
 ish. Voung. Similar to the adult but lacks the plumes and the bill is dusky at tip. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size and pure white color as described. Constantly resident on the Florida Keys. Rare 
 on the mainland as far north as Lake George. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 47'50; stretch, 72 P 50: wing, 18'50; tail, 6'50; bill, 6'50; tar- 
 sus, 7-50. Longest specimen, 50'00; greatest extent of wing, 75-00; longest wing, 19-50: tail, 7 00; bill, 7'00; tarsus, 8'00. 
 Shortest specimen, 45'00; smallest extent of wing, 70-00: shortest wing, 17-00; tail, 6'00; bill, 6'00; tarsus, 7'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND BUGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Eygs, two or three in number, rather elliptical in form, 
 light bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from I'80x2'40 to 1 '85x2-45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Florida Keys are composed of two distinct kinds of islands; the outer, which are 
 formed on the tops of coral reefs, and the inner, which have grown up merely through the 
 agency of the mangroves, as described on previous pages. These latter are very low, be- 
 ing frequently inundated, and are surrounded by muddy flats, through which there are 
 winding canals to a belt of deep water, which nearly always surrounds the islet.. These 
 islands occupy a triangular section, the base of which extends from about five miles to the 
 westward of Cape Florida, quite to Cape Sable, twenty-five miles away, while the apex is 
 at Indian Key, about the same distance to the southward. These keys are often close 
 together and it has been alleged that it is impossible to pass among them, but there are 
 passages completely through; and although there are not a dozen men living, who know 
 the intricate channels from Biscayne to the Gulf of Mexico, I was fortunate enough to se- 
 cure one of these, and he took out little vessel safely through. We found many large cir- 
 cular lagoons, often five or six miles in diameter, among these keys, but they were crossed 
 and recrossed by old reefs, so that navigation was very dangerous; and then it was exceed- 
 ingly difficult to find the natural canals which connecetd one of these solitary sheets of wa- 
 ter, which are seldom enlivened by the presence of even a canoe, with another; and they 
 were so narrow, that our sails often brushed the mangroves on either side, as we wound 
 our way along. 
 
 We were just emerging from one of these passages, into a large expanse of water, 
 when I observed two Great White Herons standing on the tops of some mangroves near, 
 and by promptly raising my gun which lay near, managed to secure one of the birds, be- 
 fore it left its perch, and the other, just as it rose. These proved, however, to be young, 
 but were fully grown. From this point, into the Gulf, we found these birds common but 
 
RAT K 
 
 DENDR.CECAKIRTLANDI. 
 K inland's Warbler. Adt.Femafe. 
 
 C J M v .,rJ, Ui. 
 
ARDF.A EGKE1TA. 409 
 
 very shy, it being often quite impossible to go within half a mile of them. A few days 
 after securing the two young, I was standing on a little islet which was so entirely sur- 
 rounded with mud flats, that we were obliged to anchor our yacht a mile away. This small 
 key was completely covered with nests of the Great White Heron, some of which were 
 empty, and some contained young nearly fledged, while there were eggs in one or two. 
 When we cast anchor, a cloud of old birds rose up from the place, and flew slowly away, 
 quite out of sight. They were all snowy white, not a colored specimen of any species, be- 
 in^ aiuoiii; them; nor were there any among the young, left behind, for I carefully exam- 
 ined every nest, as they were all built low, some not over five feet from the ground. The 
 young were scattered about on the branches, but when approached, retreated to their large 
 nests, and there lay perfectly flat. I waited here for three hours, trusting that the old 
 binl.s would return, but none came, so taking one of the largest young, which was about 
 two thirds grown, away with me, I left the spot. This was the only breeding place lever 
 saw, devoted exclusively to the Great White Herons. I had found a few breeding on high 
 mangroves, a short time previous, in company with the Great Blue and Florida Herons, 
 and had secured one or two eggs, but this being about the first of May, was much too late, 
 for they evidently begin to lay as early as February. The Great Whites are, beyond all 
 doubt, the shyest of the Herons; but in spite of this, their numbers are rapidly decreasing, 
 for they were evidently much more abundant when the species was discovered by Audu- 
 bon, some forty-five years ago; and the total extermination of this prince of Waders, 
 on the Florida Keys, is a mere matter of time. These majestic Herons may be recognized 
 when Hying at a distance, by the regular, prolonged flappings of the wings. The young 
 bird which I had captured, proved so untamable and savage, striking at everything that 
 
 came near, that I soon gave it its liberty. 
 
 
 
 ARDEA E.GRETTA. 
 White Heron. 
 
 Ardea egretta GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, K29. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, very long, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which is point- 
 ed. Hack, furnished with long, filamentous plumes. Lower harf of tibia, naked. 
 
 C'ni.oR. Adult. Pure, snowy white throughout. Legs, black. Iris, bill, and naked space about head, bright yel- 
 low. Young. Similar to the adult, but lucks the plumes. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the medium size, pure white color, yellow bill, and black legs. Distributed, in summer, from New 
 Jersey, southward. Stragglers are occasionally found as far north as New Brunswick. Winters from the Carolinas, south. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 38'25; stretch, 55'00; wing, 14'25; tail,5 - 25; bill,3'85; tar- 
 sus, .V25. 1/mgfit specimen, 41'50; greatest extent of wing, 58'50; longest wing, 15'50; tail, 6'5(>; bill, 4 - 60; tarsus, 6-50. 
 Shorti-st .-.pLTimni, :!1'7.">; smallest extent of wing, 53-53; shortest wing, 13'00; tail, 4'00; bill, 3' 15; tarsus, 4'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND ECUS. 
 
 Nfsls, placed in trc'esor bushes, composed of -sticks luuscly arranged. Eyys, from two to four in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, )inlc liluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from l - 40x2'20 to r65x2'35. 
 
 HAI'.ITS 
 
 One of the most abundant Herons in Florida, are the White, and they are constantly 
 resident throughout the State, not only in the interior, but also on the coast; tllough 1 
 
410 SNOWY HERON. 
 
 think they rather prefer the islands in the fresh water lakes, as breeding places. They 
 nest about the middle of March, placing their domiciles in trees or bushes, at no great 
 height from the ground. The birds are quite shy and will seldom alight near the intruder, 
 even when they have young. These fine Herons are not in the least nocturnal, and will al- 
 ways resort to particular places, usually islands in the interior waters, to roost, assem- 
 bling in large numbers at sunset, and departing by day-break. They are easily tamed, if 
 taken young, and become quite intelligent. The Seminole Chief, Tiger, brought me a half 
 grown young from the Everglades, and it accompanied me on my trip through the Keys, 
 feeding readily on fish which my man caught for it. This bird was accustomed to sit on 
 the prow of a canoe which was towed astern of the yacht, and when hungry, the Heron 
 would walk deliberately along the rope, by which the smaller vessel was fastened to the 
 larger, and which was some ten feet long, and thus come on board. One day when it was 
 making this trip, a sudden flaw struck the sail, causing the rope to sway, and the bird was 
 thrown into the water. We were moving at the rate of ten or twelve miles an hour, and 
 the bow of the little boat swept past the Heron in an instant, but it appeared to know just 
 what to do, for, without making any useless struggles, it merely reached out and caught 
 the edge of the rapidly passing stern with its bill, gave a flap or two, and in a moment re- 
 gained its perch on the prow. This bird was afraid of strangers and whenever we landed 
 near a settlement, it would never wander far from its boat, taking refuge in it when any 
 one approached. When it saw me returning and wished to come to me, if a stranger was 
 about, it would take a wide circle, in order to avoid him, and run to meet me, with half 
 extended wings, chattering loudly. This note is used as an answer, even after the birds 
 become fully grown, and two which I possessed and brought North, would give it, even 
 when called at night. In spite of their gentle disposition, I am sorry to record that these 
 birds possess the same tyrannical disposition which characterizes their larger relatives, for the 
 first bird that I had, constantly tormented a half grown Anhinga that I owned and which was 
 accustomed to wander about with the Heron; and besides this, he killed one or two young 
 Louisiana Herons, while one of those that I brought North, performed a like service for a pet 
 Least Bittern which was quietly sunning itself on a porch. The ordinary note of these 
 Herons is a harsh scream given as they fly. The White Herons are partly migratory, some 
 going, at least, as far north as New Jersey to breed. 
 
 ARDEA CANDIDISSIMA. 
 
 Snowy Heron. 
 Ardea candidissima GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 633. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, small. Tongue, long, and tapering gradually toward tip which is pointed. Head, 
 back, and breast, furnished with long, recurved, (iliuneutous plumes. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Pure, snowy white throughout. Iris, naked space in front of eye, legs, and base of bill, orange-yel- 
 low. Bill and feet, black. Youny. Similar but lacks the plumes, and the feet are black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white color, black bill, and small size. Distributed, in summer, from New Jersey to Key West; winter- 
 ing in Florida, Stragglers occasionally occur as fur north as New England. 
 
ARDBA PEAL1. 411 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern Nortli America. Length, 23'75, stretch, 38-00; wing, 10'35; tail, 
 3-45; bill, 3'70; tarsus, 3'55. Longest specimen, 26'00; greatest extent of wing, 44'00; longest wing, 11'75; tail, 3'60; bill, 
 3-80; tarsus, 3'65. Shortest specimen, 21-50; smallest extent of wing, 35-00; shortest wing, HVOO; tail, 3'40; bill, 2'90; tar- 
 sus, 3'30. 
 
 DF.SCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 AV.s/s, placed in trers or bushes, composed of sticks, loosely arranged. Eyyo, two to four in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, pale greenish-blue in color, unspotted. Dimensions from l'2<)x ISO to P25x 1'85. 
 
 II. \1HTS. 
 
 The Snowy arc among the most agile of all the Herons, rising very lightly and quick- 
 ly from the ground; then, when on the wing, moving quite swiftly. They may always be 
 distinguished from the White Heron, by this peculiarity; then their wings are moved more 
 rapidly than those of that species, for the wing-beats of the larger bird, are given quite 
 slowly but not as deliberately as are those of the Great White. The Snowy Herons are 
 distributed throughout the entire extent of Florida, but prefer the inland waters to those 
 of the coast. They breed in March, about the same time as the larger species, often in 
 company with them. When the nests of either of these Herons are approached, the birds 
 silently leave them and fly about, without uttering a cry, or settling on the neighboring 
 trees, quietly watch the proceedings. These little Herons assemble in large flocks, in win- 
 ter, and I think I never witnessed a finer sight, than that presented by a large number of 
 these beautiful birds, when flying swiftly through the air, and when they turn, which they 
 do with graceful ease, the sunlight glancing upon their plumage, reveals its snowy white- 
 ness to perfection. 
 
 ABDEA PEALI. 
 
 Peale's Egret. 
 Ardea Ptali BON, Syn.; 1828, 304. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si>. CD. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, very long, slender, and narrowing gradually to tip which Is point- 
 ed. Ilcail, neck, and breast, provided with slightly curled, lanceolate plumes and there are long, filamentous ones on the 
 back. Lower half of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Pure snowy white throughout. Naked space in front of eyes, and basal half of bill, bright purple, 
 the latter, black terminally. Iris, yellow. Feet, bluish. Youny. Similar to the adult but lack the plumes. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the lanceolate feathers on head, neck, and breast, and pure white color as described. Constantly 
 resident in Southern and Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurement of specimens from Florida. Length, 29-70; stretch, 42'00; wing, 14-25; tail, 4'70; bill, 3'95; 
 tarsus, 5'45. Longest specimen, 30-35; greatest extent of 'wing, 54"50; longest wing, I.V50; tail, 5'flO; bill, 4'25; tiirsus 
 5 75. Shortest specimen, 27'50; smallest extent of wing, 48'00; shortest wing, 13'00; tail, 4-00; bill, 3'60; tarsus, 4'90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Neils, placed on trees and composed of sticks, somewhat loosely arranged. Eyys, two to four in number, varying 
 from elliptical to oval in form, pale bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1-50x2-05 to 1 '55x2-25. 
 
 \ HABITS. 
 
 Nearly all the Herons, when in full plumage, are beautiful, but to my mind, the pres- 
 ent species surpasses them all; indeed, it would be difficult to find a more lovely bird than 
 a living Peale's Egret, -and no one who has seen a specimen in good plumage, will consid- 
 er this opinion exaggerated. I made my first acquaintance with these fine birds, on Indian 
 
412 REDDISH EGRET. 
 
 River, where they are as common as anywhere in the State, excepting, perhaps, on the 
 Keys. Just north- of Haulover Canal, between Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, is a 
 series of hummocks, above which are low marshes that contain a few fresh water ponds. 
 Numerous wild mammals have resorted to these pools, from time immemorial, to satisfy 
 their thirst; so that the ground, for some distance around their margins, is destitute of veg- 
 etation, and spoors lead out from them in all directions. Near these denuded belts, are 
 bushes, and by creeping up behind them, one has an uninterrupted view of the entire mar- 
 gin which surrounds the water. I never approached one of these places, but what it was 
 full of Herons of several species, and it was here, that I secured my first Peale's Egret; 
 and I afterward found that this locality was a regular resort for them. They generally 
 came pouring in from the southward, in loose, straggling flocks, during the morning, and 
 departed in the same direction, when disturbed or at night; but I never found them breed- 
 ing on Indian River, although I searched carefully for their heronries. A few years later, 
 however, I discovered the strong-hold of this species, and secured not only the eggs, but 
 also the young in all stages. This was among the interior keys, where I found fresh eggs 
 as late as the twentieth of April; and the nests were built on low mangroves which over- 
 hung the water. Peale's Egret does not appear to be migratory, but merely wanders about 
 during winter. 
 
 ARDEA Rt/FA. 
 Reddish Egret. 
 
 Ardea rufa BODD., Tabl. PI. Enl.; 1784. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, long, slender, and tapering gradually to the tip which is pointed. 
 Head, neck and breast, provided with lanceolate plumes, and those on back are long and filamentous. Ilalf of tibia, naked. 
 COLOB. Adult. Dark bluish-ah throughout, with head and neck reddish, tinged with violet. Naked space about 
 head and basal half of bill, bright purple, while the remainder of latter and feet are black. Iris, yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the reddish neck and dark bluish-ash color us described. Constantly resident throughout Southern and Mid- 
 dle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 29-50; stretch, 47'25; wing, 13'25; tail, 4'50; bill, 4 25; tar- 
 sus, 5-50. Longest specimen, SO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 49'25; longest wing, 13'75; tail, 5 00; bill, 4'50; tarsus, G'OO. 
 Shortest specimen, 29-00; smallest extent of wing, 44'50; shortest wing, 12-50; tail, 4'00; bill, 3'80; tarsus, 5'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Eygs, two to four in number, rather elliptical in form, 
 light bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from l'40x 1'85 to I 4 50x2'00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Audubon considered this species, which had hitherto been regarded as distinct, as the 
 young of Peale's Egret, but Prof. Baird, in the Birds of North America, having the un- 
 doubted young of the Reddish Egret at hand, re-described it as a separate species; but of 
 late, writers are again inclined to regard these two birds as one, affirming that the individ- 
 uals are either red or white, when hatched, and remain so through their entire lives. Now 
 this hypothesis rests upon the fact, that one or two ornithologists have found the young of 
 different colors, in the same nests, but as I have already related, under the head of Flori- 
 da Heron, this proves nothing, unless the young were very small. 
 
ARDF.A LVDOV1CIANA. 413 
 
 While I do not positively assert that ornithologists arc wrong in deciding that Pcale's 
 and the Reddish Egrets arc one species, I must say that I cannot, at present, believe that 
 (hey arc right in this declaration; simply, because my experience with these birds, tends 
 to show that the species are quite distinct. During my first season in Florida, although I 
 found Pcale's Egret very abundant on Indian River, I did not see a single Reddish, nor did 
 I ever find them at all common there; in fact, I have taken but one bird, the only speci- 
 men I ever saw, in this section, and this was two or three years after my first visit. I did 
 not find the red birtls at Miami, nor on the outer Keys, where the white ones were not un- 
 common. The first that I met with, were on Card's Sound, one of those peculiar bodies 
 of water, among the interior Keys, of which I have spoken. Here a flock of three flew 
 slowly past me, but I did not see any more on that trip, while Peale's Egrets were partic- 
 ularly abundant. On the contrary, while on the West coast of Florida, below Tampa Bay, 
 we found nothing but Reddish Egrets, and here they fairly swarmed, breeding in company 
 with other Herons, at John's Pass, early in April. I do not doubt but what the white 
 birds occur on the West coast, but they are certainly rare there. Such are the results of 
 my observations and they surely go far toward proving that these Egrets are both good spe- 
 cies. The Reddish- Egrets do not differ from Peale's in general habits; neither are migra- 
 tory, but wander some in winter. 
 
 ARDEA LUDOVICIANA. 
 
 Louisiana Heron. 
 
 Ardea Ludoviciana WILS., Am. Orn., VIII; 18H, 13. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, rather small. Tongue, long, and tapering gradually toward tip which in pointed. 
 Head and breast, furnished with lanceolate plumes and those of the back are long and filamentous. Bill, very long. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, ashy-blue tinged on the neck with deep chestnut-red. Occipital plumes and line down neck, 
 rufous and white. Throat, creamy. Pure white beneath. Iris, naked space in front of eye, legs, and base of bill, green- 
 ish, the latter dusky at tip. Youny. Similar to the adult, but lacks the plumes and are tinged with rufous above. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the comparatively small size, pure white color beneath and ashy-blue above. Distributed, in sum- 
 mer, from the Carolina.* to Key West; wintering in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 25-50; stretch, 35'30; wing, 10'50; tail,3'75; bill, 3-85; tar- 
 sus,3'7:j. I.on-'t -( specimen, 26'5U; greatest extent of wing, 38-50; longest wing, 1POO: tail. 4'ld; bill, 4'10; tarsus, 4'00. 
 Shortest specimen, 23 (10; smallest extent of wing, 33' 15; shortest wing, 10-00; tail, 3'50; bill, 3'75; tarsus, 3'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 N'a/s, placed in trees or bushes, composed ofsticks loosely arranged. Eyys, from two to four in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1'SOx 1'75 to l'40x 1'80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Louisiana Herons are rather inclined to be solitary in habit, frequenting the shal- 
 low waters of the coast, in preference to the margins of the inland streams and lakes. They 
 are extrcmclv agile while fishing, running rapidly after their prey when it endeavors to 
 escape. They are also good flyers, rising quickly, and when on the wing, moving rapid- 
 ly, or will occasionally dart downward, something like a Tern or Gull. They are quite 
 unsuspicious, being, in fact, the tamest of all the Herons, for they may be approached quite 
 closely, even when they have a full view of the intruder. While breeding, they will often 
 
414 LITTLE BLUE HERON. 
 
 remain on the nests, until one is quite near them, and I once saw a female sit perfectly 
 still, until I had climbed quite up to her abode, when she struck at me several times, before 
 attempting to fly. I found these birds breeding in willow trees, which stood in small ponds 
 that were surrounded by a thick growth of saw grass, on the marshes of Indian River. 
 Gathering the eggs in these places is, however, not a pleasant operation for one who is not 
 accustomed to water moccasins and alligators, as all these heronries swarm with these rep- 
 tiles, which feed upon the young birds that fall from the nests; and the collector is obliged 
 to exercise great care, or he will find himself in closer proximity to these disagreeable ani- 
 mals than is desirable. I was once in a rookery with a cracker who was in my employ, 
 and we had lingered until nearly dark, when the man, who wore no stockings and had his 
 pants rolled up to his knees, turned to go out of the swamp, through a path made by the 
 bears and deer. He had made only a single step, when I who was closely behind him, 
 chanced to glance down at his feet, when I saw a very large moccasin, coiled directly 
 where he was about to place his foot. The reptile was ready to strike and in another in- 
 stant, would have sprung forward, but before it had time to execute its purpose, I seized 
 the man who was unconscious of his danger, as he was watching some White Ibises that 
 were flying in to roost, by the shoulder and jerked him back with one hand, and at the 
 same time, fired my gun with the other, completely demolishing the snake's head. The 
 cracker who was as stoical as an Indian, merely uttered an exclamation, and stepped on, 
 when I once more drew him back and discharged the other barrel of my gun, decapitating 
 a second moccasin which was lying about a foot from the first. 
 
 In these places, the birds were breeding rather low, building their nests not over a 
 dozen feet from thn water, but I found them breeding on high mangroves, thirty or forty 
 feet from the ground, on the Keys. These Herons are partly migratory, some passing 
 North, as far as the Carolinas, but the greater portion breed in Florida, where large num- 
 bers congregate in winter. 
 
 ARDEA C-ERULEA. 
 
 Little Blue Heron. 
 
 Ardea aeru/ea LINN, Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 239. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, rather small. Tongue, ^ery long, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which is 
 pointed. Back, head, and breast, furnished with long, lanceolate plumes. Lower halt' of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Dark slaty-blue throughout, with the neck reddish, tinged with violet. Iris, yellow. Naked space 
 about head, legs, and basal half of bill, greenish, the latter black terminally. Youny. Pure, snowy white throughout, 
 with tips of primaries and top of head tinged with bluish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are all stages of coloration between the blue adult and white young, some specimens being completely mottled. 
 The adult may be known by the dark blue colors and lanceolate plumes on back, and the young by the bluish tinging on 
 primaries and top of head. Distributed, in summer, from the Carolinas, southward. Winters in Florida. Stragglers are 
 occasionally found as far north as Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 21-75; stretch, 38-00; wing, UV75; tail, 3'75; bill, S"27; 
 tarsus, 3 65. Longest specimen, 23'00; greatest extent of wing, 40-00; Ion-jest wing, 11-50; tail, 4*50; bill, 3'55; tarsus, 
 375. Shortest specimen, 20'50; smallest extent of wing, 36'00; shortest wing, lO'OO; tail, 3'00; bill, 3'00; tarsus, 3'50_. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Egys, from two to four in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, dark bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1'25 x P60 to 1'35 x l'8a. 
 
ARDEA V1RESCENS. 415 
 
 I1AIUTS. 
 
 The Little Blue Herons are, without exception, the most agile of the family, springing 
 into air when startled, with the ease of a Snipe, anil when once on the wing, moving with 
 great rapidity. These birds exhibit a decided predilection for inland waters, running about 
 
 1 lie margins of the lakes and rivers, or walking over the aquatic plants which float on the 
 surface, in order to catch fishes, frogs, or insects. It is a noticeable fact, that birds in the 
 white plumage are much tamer than those in the blue, but this may be accounted for, by 
 fact, that the light colored specimens are all young. It is also quite rare to see a blue bird 
 without companions, while the while are more solitary, and a single individual will often 
 haunt a certain spot for months. Thus, there was one at Blue Spring, which was accus- 
 tomed to fish in a small stream that was about half a mile long, and the bird never lei't it, 
 even roosting at night in the high trees that overhung the water. These Herons breed 
 while in the white plumage, and also when passing from one stage to the other. There 
 can be no doubt but what the white birds are all comparatively young, for although they 
 often acquire the long plumes when thus colored, they invariably assume the blue livery, 
 as a final dress; but on the other hand, I do not think that any are blue from birth, they 
 all, according to my experience which has been very large, for I have examined hundreds 
 of specimens, pass through the white phase of plumage. . These little Herons are accus- 
 tomed to wander considerably and I have even met with them in Massachusetts, where, 
 however, they are only stragglers. 
 
 ARDEA VIBESCENS. 
 
 Little Green Heron. 
 Ardea vircicens LINN, Syst. Nat., I; 17fi6, 238. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, very small. Tongue, very long, slender, and narrowing gradually to tip which is point- 
 ed. Head, neck, hack, und breast, provided with lanceolate plumes. Lower fourth of tibia, nuked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Top of head and upper parts, dark-brown, glossed with green on all but quills which are tinged with 
 bluish as are also the plumes on back. Wing feathers, edged with reddish and tipped with white. Neck, chestnut-red, 
 streaked in a line in front, with white and dusky. Beneath, ashy, tinged with yellowish. Iris and feet, yellow. Naked 
 space in front of eyes and bill, brown and yellow. 
 
 Youny. Similar to the adult but lack the plumes; the feathers of the upper parts are edged with reddish, and the 
 neck aud lower parts are streaked with dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size and greenish glossing above. Distributed, in summer, throughout the United States. 
 Winters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 17'50, stretch, 24'25; wing, 7'25; tail, 
 J 7">; bill, 2 20; tarsus, 2'45. Longest specimen, I1I-30; greatest extent of wing, 28 00; longest wing, 7 P 85; tail, 3'00; bill, 
 
 2 40; tarsus, 2'90. Shortest specimen, 15'50; smallest extent of wing, 20-oO; shortest, wing, 6'75; tail, 2 - 35; bill, 2'00; tar- 
 sus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, compoM-d of sticks, luocly arranged. Eyy*, three to five in number, elliptical in 
 form, greenish-blue in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1'lOx 1'45 to l'25x T60. 
 
 II. MUTS. 
 
 The Little Green Herons are known to all who have ever rowed a boat on any of our 
 creeks or rivers, or walked along their margins, for these birds are common from Canada 
 
416 NIGHT HERON. 
 
 to Key West. They wade about the shallows, in search of fishes or frogs, and when dis- 
 turbed, will rise with a shrill cry, which they repeat several times as they (ly along the 
 water, to alight on some favorite tree, from which point of observation, they will anxiously 
 scan the intruder, with out-stretched necks. In the North, where they arrive early in 
 May, they build their nests in some secluded thicket, in the neighborhood of ponds or 
 streams, depositing their eggs about the first of June. Here the birds are rather solitary 
 during the breeding season; but in Florida, where they lay in March and April, they often 
 assemble in small heronries, and I have taken as many as fifteen nests, from one small is- 
 land which was only a few yards in diameter. Among the Keys, they often place their 
 domiciles on the roots of the mangroves, frequently not over six inches above high water 
 mark. 
 
 The Little Green Herons are not very shy birds, when not persecuted, and in Florida, 
 they are very tame, allowing one to walk within a few yards of them. They make inter- 
 esting pets and I once kept three which I had captured when quite young, all one summer. 
 These birds which were allowed to go and come as they chose, always spent the night in 
 a barrel which was laid on its side in a loft, the Herons gaining access to it, by passing 
 through a partly opened window. These birds would always come to me when called, and 
 remained about the place until antumn, when they departed, evidently migrating with oth- 
 ers of the same species. 
 
 GENUS II. NYCTIARDEA. THE NIGIIT HERONS. 
 
 GEN. Cu. Bill, quite short and thick. Leys, not very lony. Tail feathers, twelve, stiffened. Head or back, provided 
 with lenthened plume-like feathers. 
 
 Members of this genus are conspicuous on account of their nocturnal habits, their eyes being remarkably large. There 
 are two species within our limits. 
 
 NYCTIARDEA GRISEA. 
 
 Night Heron. 
 Nyctiardea yrisea Sw., Classif. Birds, II; 1837, 354. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, slender, and tapering gradually to tip which is pointed. Head, 
 provided with three or four Jong, slender plumes. Lower fourth of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Top of head and back, black, glossed with green; remainder of upper surface, yellowish-ash. Fore- 
 bead and under surface, creamy-white. Naked space about head, greenish. Bill, black, yellow at base of lower mandi- 
 ble. Iris, deep carmine. Legs, yellow. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult, but the black above is replaced by yellowish-rufous; the wings are strongly tinged with 
 rufous, and the plumes are lacking. 
 
 Youny of the year. Dark-brown throughout, with the feathers streaked with yellowish-rufous and the wings are tipped 
 with white. Ashy below, streaked with dusky. Iris, yellow, and feet, greenish. This plumage is retained until the fol- 
 lowing spring. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is a singular form of this species which occurs both North and South, in which the young become mueh bleached, 
 being, in fact, pale brown, streaked with white. All stages of plumages occur between the youug and adult. Known by 
 the peculiar form, long plumes, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Canada southward; wintering 
 from Massachusetts to Florida. 
 
 ' DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 24'75; stretch, 44-60; wing, 12-25; tail, 
 4 35; bill, 2 90; tarsus, 3'15. Longest specimen, 25'50; greatest extent of wing, 45'00; longest wing, 12'50; tail, 4 43; bill, 
 3'15; tarsus, 3'35. Shortest specimen, 84-00; smallest extent of wing, 43'00; shortest wing, 12'00; tail, 4'20; bill, 2'75; tar- 
 sus, 3-00. 
 
NVCT1ARDF.A GRISEA. 417 
 
 > 
 
 DESCIUITION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on tree-; nnd ivinposeil , if sticks, somewhat loosely arranged. #'/'. three to five in number, varying 
 from elliptical to ovnl in form, pale bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from l'35x 1 '90 to T55x'.M5. 
 
 I1AIUTS. 
 
 The Night Herons arc among the most widely distributed of the family, uud their cries 
 may be heard in almost any section, from Maine to Florida, as they make their nightly ex- 
 cursions from their roosts to their feeding grounds. The notes uttered by these birds, which 
 are loud and abrupt, have gained for them a number of uncouth appellations, among which 
 Quak, Squak, and Gobly-gossit are examples. As may be inferred from the name, these 
 Herons are decidedly nocturnal in habit, seeing remarkably well by night, during which 
 time, they usually feed; but in the breeding season, when they have their young to care 
 for, they fish by day-light, as well as during the hours of darkness. It has been affirmed 
 by some, that the Night Herons are furnished with a phosphorescent light on the peculiar 
 powder patches, with which all the Herons are provided and which usually lie along the 
 breast; but I now think that this, perhaps, is a matter of question, as tame Night Herons 
 which [ have kept, exhibited no such peculiarities. It is probable, however, that the oily 
 powder which readily falls from the short, downy feathers, tends to attract fish, as it is not 
 uncommon to find it floating on the water in which a Night Heron has been standing. 
 
 The Night Herons deposit their eggs in Florida, from the middle of March to the mid- 
 dle of April, and in the North, they breed from the first of May until June. Heronries of 
 these birds are particularly filthly, when compared with those of other Herons, as the birds 
 appear to bring in a much greater supply of fish, than is eaten by the young, and this eith- 
 er fidls to the ground and decays, or is left on the nests. Then the young Herons are 
 always ready to disgorge the contents of their stomachs, upon the slightest provocation, 
 and the half digested fish which they throw up, has an exceedingly disagreeable odor. 
 These Herons are very noisy birds, even when unmolested, and both young and old keep 
 up a continual discord, the adults croaking or emitting guttural cries, and the young an- 
 swering by chattering. When an intruder enters their abode, however, these sounds are 
 increased some ten fold, for then, every bird not only joins in the chorus, but each appears 
 to try to outdo the others, in giving vent to the most uncouth and ear-grating sounds; in 
 fact, if one wishes to acquire a good idea of pandemonium, let him visit a large Night Her- 
 onry. 
 
 These birds are not particularly wild wh< n they are not shot at, and will often alight 
 on the trees over the head of the collector. When taken young, they become very tame, 
 and I once kept five for a season. These birds surprised me, by the variety of disposition 
 which they displayed. For example, one was very affectionate and would always run to 
 meet me before the others saw me, and delighted in perching on my knee, and in allow- 
 ing me to caress him; another was extremely neat and sleek in appearance, but this bird was 
 quite shy and never allowed me to touch him. While a third was noticeably untidy, his 
 feathers always presenting a milled appearance; this bird was remarkably greedy, and on 
 one occasion, when 1 was chopping some fish for them with a hatchet, he reached out tor 
 a morsel, just as the instrument was falling, and before I could check the blow, the upper 
 mandible of (lie Heron was completely severed. This ftccidenl did not appear to troublo 
 
 53 
 
418 YELLOW-CK OWNED NIGHT HERON. 
 
 the bird much, for after the stump had healed, he could eat nearly as well as usual. They 
 would all fish for themselves, and during their nightly rambles, would sometimes fall iu 
 with others of the same species and induce the strangers to return to roost with them, in a. 
 small orchard back of the house, so that quite a company would gather there at times. 
 But upon my approach, they would all rise with loud cries, accompanied by the tame ones 
 who would follow their friends some distance, but after a time, would invariably return to 
 their roosts. These birds remained with me until autumn, when they departed, evidently 
 migrating with their wild companions, and I never saw them again. The Night Herons 
 usually migrate from Massachusetts, early in November, but a few seasons ago, when the 
 weather was unusually mild, they remained in this vicinity all winter. 
 
 NYCTIARDEA VIOLACEA. 
 
 Yellow -crowned Night Heron. 
 
 Nyctiardea violacea Sw., Birds, II; 1837, 354. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, rather small. Tongue, long, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which is point- 
 ed. Back and head, furnished with long, lanceolate plumes. Lower third of tibia, naked. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Pale asliy-blue throughout, streaked on back with black. Upper half of ncckand head, blue-black, 
 with top of latter, and patch on its side, pale straw-yellow. Iris, orange. Naked space about head, greenish. Leg-;, yel- 
 low. Bill, black. 
 
 Ymtny. Dark greenish-brown above, streaked and spotted with yellowish. Ashy-white beneath streaked with brown. 
 Legs, greenish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The adult may be known by the yellow crown, and the young by the small size, short, thick bill, and dark greenish 
 color on back. Distributed, in summer, from the Carolinas, southward. Winters in Southern Florida. Stragglers un; oc- 
 casionally found as far north as Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 22'50; stretch, 41'00; wing, 1T50; tail, 4'25; bill, 3'(IO; 
 tarsus, 3'40. Longest specimen, 23'00; greatest extent of wing, 42'00; longest wing, 12 00; tail, 4'50; bill, 3 - 10; t;irsus, 
 3'G5. Shortest specimen, 22'00; smallest extent of wing, 40'00; shortest wing, ll'OO; tail, 4'00; bill, 2-<JO; tarsus, 3'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees or bushes, composed of sticks loosely arranged. Kyys, from two to fouv in number, varying from 
 elliptical to oval in form, yellowish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from T40x T9O to I'50x2'00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-crowned Night Herons do not appear to be common birds anywhere, and 
 although they occur sparingly throughout Florida, I found them more numerous at Miami 
 than elsewhere, and obtained their eggs from the Everglades, early in April. This species 
 is not nearly as nocturnal in habit, as the preceding, and although I have seen them fly- 
 ing at night, I have also observed them wading about the roots of the overhanging man- 
 groves, in search of fish, during daylight. When their hunger is appeased, they sit on the 
 low limbs of the trees which project over the water. They are extremely shy birds and 
 are quite difficult to kill, then when slightly wounded, run with great speed among the tan- 
 gled roots of the mangroves, always making for the densest thickets, so that it is quite dif- 
 ficult to procure specimens. The cry of the Yellow-crowned Night Herons is loud but 
 differs from that of the common Night Heron, and they are not as noisy. These birds mi- 
 grate northward, as far as the Carolinas, in summer, and stragglers have even been taken 
 iu Massachusetts. 
 
BOTAURVS MINOR. 419 
 
 GENUS III. BOTAURDS. THE BITTERNS. 
 
 (!KX. CH. Bill, not long, but sharply pointed. Tail feathers, ten or twelve, soft. Lower neck, destitute of feathers be- 
 hind. Tarsus, short, and toes, lony. Plumes, absent. 
 
 Member* of this j^cnus arc: rather dull in color, usually with the feathers of the lower neck elongated in front. The 
 eyes are small, but the birds are more or less nocturnal in habit. There Is but one species within our limits. 
 
 BOTAURUS MINOR. 
 
 American Bittern. 
 Bolaurus minor BOIE, Isis; 1826, 979. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tongue, very long, slender, and narrowing gradually to tip which is acutely 
 pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Atlull. Above, dark-brown, spotted and sprinkled with yellowish and reddish. Sides of head and under sur- 
 face, pale yellow, lightest on throat, broadly streaked with yellowish-rufous and dusky. Triangular patch on the sides tif 
 neck, block. Iris, yellow. Naked space in front of eye, legs, and bill, greenish. Line from eye and top of bill, brown. 
 
 Ynu.ni/. Similar to the adult, but Is much paler throughout and the black patch on the neck is nearly obsolete, while 
 the bill is dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the mixed yellowish and rufous colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Canada south- 
 ward; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 28-50, stretch, 43*2*2; wins, 11*50; tail, 
 3'50; bill, :t I"; tarsus, 3'75. Longest specimen, 34*00; greatest extent of wing, 50*37; longest wing, 13 0, tail, 4*00; bill, 
 3'50; tarsus, 3*95. Shortest specimen, 23*50; smallest extent of wing, 37*10; shortest wing, 9*50; tail, 3'00; bill, 2'50; tar- 
 sus, .3-25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, loosely arranged, and gras. Egg*, three to six 
 in number, elliptical in form, and varying from greenish-ash to brown in color, unspotted. Dimensions from 1*65x2 1(1 to 
 1*80x2*25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The peculiar punc-a-pog of the Bittern has been a familiar sound to me from child- 
 hood, as a pair used to nest every season in a marshy place, not far from the house, and 
 their singular cries could be heard every evening. The notes which may bo expressed by 
 the syllables given above, are emitted in a peculiar tone, just as though the bird were un- 
 der water, or that it struck its wings upon the surface. This sound is oftener uttered about 
 sunset or during the night than at any other time, but in the breeding season, it may be 
 heard at all times of the day. The birds are very solitary in habit and frequent those wet, 
 boggy meadows, where it is almost impossible to walk without sinking into the soft ooze, 
 but they will occasionally emerge from these retreats and alight upon the overhanging 
 branches of some neighboring thicket; then if disturbed, will rise with a harsh croak, fly a 
 short distance, and plunge into the morass. If pursued at such times, they are exceed- 
 ingly difficult to start, for they will either skulk through the grass, or hide beneath the 
 surface of the water, leaving only the bill exposed. 
 
 In Lake TJmbagog, Maine, are small islands,, upon some of which trees, thirty feet 
 high, are growing, and they are all covered with a luxuriant growth of shrubbery and grass; 
 in short, to nil appearances, Hirst- islots arc solid land, yet they have no firm connection 
 with the bottom of the water, but are simply stranded, and during gales which occur at 
 high water, are driven from place to place at the sport of the wind. The larger of these 
 floating islands which often contain nearly hull' an acre of land, are so buoyant that one 
 
420 LEAST BITTERN 
 
 may walk over them in perfect safety, but the smaller ones sink beneath the weight of a 
 man, so that it is not safe to venture on them. These isolated spots of land are the chosen 
 resort of the American Bitterns and here they build their nests of sticks, placing them on 
 the ground amid the luxuriant grass, often but a few inches above the level of the water. 
 The birds are not particularly shy when sitting, and I have often walked within a few feet 
 of them, before they would rise; and upon one occasion, when one had her nest on one of 
 the smaller islands, where the surface sunk beneath my weight for some distance around, 
 the bird clung to her abode, even after it was submerged. This was about the first week 
 in June, and I found from three to six fresh eggs, but in Massachusetts, where they build 
 on a bog in wet meadows, they lay a little earlier than this; and from observations made 
 in Florida, although I never found an egg, I am inclined to think that these birds breed 
 early in March. During summer, these Bitterns are not found very commonly on the sea- 
 shore, but in autumn, I have frequently shot them on the salt marshes, and at this season, 
 they are very fat. This species is migratory, but some linger until very late, and I have 
 started them from beside an open spring, late in November, when the ground was covered 
 with snow. Bitterns appear to be subject to some peculiar disease which causes the skin 
 of the neck to become greatly thickened, when it hangs in loose folds. During the past 
 summer, Mr Outram Bangs called my attention to the fact, that when the Bitterns alight in 
 the tall grass, they pull down a quantity, thus forming a perch upon which they sit. 
 
 GENUS IV. ARDETTA. THE LITTLE BITTERNS. 
 
 GEN. Cii. Bill, quite short and acutely pointed. Leys and toes, not very long. Tail feathers, either eiyht or ten, not 
 stiffened. Head provided with sliyhtly lengthened 'feathers. 
 
 Members of this genus are very small, with the lower neck behind destitute of feathers, butthose onthesidesand front 
 are elongated. There is but one species within our limits. Sexes, not similar. 
 
 ABDETTA EXLLIS. 
 
 Least Bittern. 
 
 Ardetta exilis GRAY., Gen. Birds; 1849. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, very small. Tongue, wide at base, long, and tapering gradually toward tip which 
 is horny and pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult male. Top of head, back, and tail, black, glossed with green. Wings, brown, with outer edge of in- 
 ner secondaries, tips of all and of the greater coverts, sides of neck and stripe on sidesof head next the black, ohestnut-rol. 
 Upper wing coverts, neck, and under surface, buffy-yellow, mixed with white. Spot on side of breast, brown. Iris, na- 
 ked space about head, bill, and feet, yellow. 
 
 Adult female.. Similar to the male but the black of the back is replaced by brown and the yellow is overwashed with 
 ashy and streaked with brown, 
 
 Youny of the year. Similar to the adult female, but is mottled with reddish and yellowish above. In the last two 
 stages, the top of the upper mandible is brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, and colors as described. Florida birds have only eight tail feathers, whereas those 
 from the North have ten. Distributed, in summer, from Massachusetts, southward; wintering in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 13-2S; stretch, lfi'75; wing, 4'S5; tail, 1-70; bill, I -85; tar- 
 sus, 1-75. Longest specimen, 13-50; greatest extent of wing, 17-50; longest wing, 5'00; tail. 1-75; bill, 1'90; tarsus, 1 80. 
 Shortest specimen, 13'00; smallest extent of wing, 16'00; shortest wing, 4'75; tail, 1 B5; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 1-70. 
 
 DESCRIFHON OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in tops of grass or bushes, composed of sticks, weeds, and gra-w. Eyys, from three to four in nunilier, 
 elliptical in form, pale blue in color, unspotted. Dimensions from ''J5x 1-25 to l-0()xl 30. 
 
AKDETTA EXIL1S. 421 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Least Bitterns are not uncommon in Massachusetts in suitable localities. They 
 are fond of wide-spread marshes, being seldom found out of them, and even there, appear 
 to prefer the wettest and most inaccessible portions. When disturbed in these retreats, 
 they rise suddenly and fly with a hurried flapping motion of the wings, to the nearest clump 
 of hushes, and alighting in them, will instantly disappear; but unlike the common Bittern, 
 they can be readily started again. In the North, these pigmy Herons build early in June, 
 placing the nests in low bushes, the roots of which are usually submerged, only a foot or 
 two above the water; but in Florida, where these birds are particularly abundant, they 
 breed through the entire month of April, and I have obtained nearly full grown young and 
 eggs, as late as the first week in May. Here the nests were placed in reeds and grass, 
 often quite near the ground, but at times near the tops, and although it is not rare to find 
 a single pair breeding apart from others, several usually build together in the same locality, 
 in which case the birds appear to be on excellent terms, seldom, if ever, quarreling. When 
 their domiciles arc approached, especially if they contain young, the birds rise with a shrill 
 cry, ily a short distance, and settling on the reed-tops, watch the intruder with out-stretched 
 necks. The young leave the nest when only about one third grown, and wander about the 
 grass and reeds, clinging to the stalks so tenaciously that it is quite difficult to remove 
 them. 
 
 The Least Bitterns, unlike their larger relative which is very untamable and fierce, 
 even when young, are quite gentle and readily become tame. Some young that I took from 
 the reeds, on the borders of Lake Hartley, proved to be most interesting pets, especially 
 one that I succeeded in bringing North. This bird would follow me about everywhere, 
 and whenever he saw me, would utter a lively chatter. He was very agile and could climb 
 \\itli great ease. I was obliged to keep him in confinement, as he showed a decided pro- 
 pensity to wander, but as he had a large room in which to roam about, he appeared per- 
 fectly contented, and fed readily upon small fishes which he, caught for himself out of a 
 basin. lie would bathe regularly every day and, when wet through, would climb to the 
 top of a large branch which was placed in a corner of his abode, in order to dry himself. 
 Small and gentle as he was, he exhibited the same propensity to destroy birds which were 
 not as strong as himself, as is shown in all the Herons. Having captured a Hummingbird , 
 I placed it in the room with the Least Bittern, where it lived for some days. As it ate 
 well, was quite tame, and appeared in excellent health, I was quite confident that I could 
 keep it for some time; but the Bittern settled the matter effectually. The Hummingbird 
 was accustomed to alight on the top of the branch on which the Bittern perched, and when- 
 ever the latter saw it in this position, he would creep cautiously toward it, and endeavor 
 to strike it, but the Hummingbird, when I was present, would avoid the stroke by flying. 
 Bat one day, after a short absence from the room, I went in to feed the Hummingbird but 
 could not find it, and looking in the Bittern's bathing dish, saw that the surf.ice of the wa- 
 ter was covered with feathers. This was all that remained, however, to tell the story of 
 the tragedy which had occurred; yet the cause of the disappearance of my little pet, was 
 too apparent, for the Bittern was accustomed to dip any food given him, in water, belon; 
 
422 SANDHILL CRANE. 
 
 eating it. This Bittern lived until cold weather, when he drooped and died. The Least 
 Bitterns are migratory but some winter in Southern Florida. 
 
 ORDER XV, ALECTORIDES. CRANES, ETC. 
 
 Leys, long, and naked above the tarsal joint. Posterior toe, present, and more or Jess 
 elevated above the level of the anterior toes. Keel, usually exceeding in height the width of 
 the sternum. Marginal indentations, absent, or two and deep. 
 
 This order includes the Cranes, Courlans, Rails, Gullinules, Coots, etc., all of which 
 are widely distributed, but are better represented in the Temperate and Torrid Zones than 
 elsewhere. The young are covered with down and run at birth. 
 
 FAMILY I. GRUID^l. THE CRANES. 
 
 Bill, long, straight, and deeply grooved. Terminal portion offurcula, joined firmly 
 to tip of keel, which is high, thick, and greatly exceeds the width of the sternum which is nar- 
 row and without marginal indentations. Anterior portion of keel projected forward, widened, 
 and hollowed to receive a bend of the trachea. 
 
 Members of this family are all very large, powerful birds. The stomach is muscular, 
 and the intestines are long and slender, but the coeca are usually small. The legs are 
 long but the toes are quite short. 
 
 GENUS 1. GRUS. THE 'TRUE CRANES. 
 
 GEN. CH. Top of head, destitute, of feathers in adults and covered with small scales. Sternum, narrow, with the pos- 
 terior margin indented. Tertiaries, elongated and curved downward. 
 
 Members of this genus have the sternum narrow, equaling about one half the width of the coracoids. The tibia is na- 
 ked for its lower half. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 GRUS GANADENSIS. 
 
 Sandhill Crane. 
 Grus Canadensis TEMM., Anal. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, slender, and tapering gradually to tip which is pointed. Naked 
 space on head, scalloped behind. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Slaty-blue throughout, becoming dark-brown on primaries. Iris, ruby-red. Naked space about 
 head, lake. Legs and bill, black. Youny. Similar, but tinged with yellowish above, and the iris is yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size and bluish color. See succeeding species for further comparison. Distributed, in 
 summer, throughout the West. Constantly resident in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 41-00; stretch, 73'00; wing, UrSO; tail, 8-SJ5; bill, 5-00; tar- 
 sus, 9'50. Longest specimen, 42*00; greatest extent of wing, 74-00; longest wing, 20*00; tail, 9 50; bill, 5'10; tarsus, 10*00. 
 Shortest specimen, 40*00; smallest extent of wing, 72-00; shortest wing, 19-00; tail, 7'00; bill, 4*90; tarsus, 9*00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of mud, grass, weeds, etc. Eyys, two in number, rather el- 
 liptical in form, ashy-yellow in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish-brown and umber. Dimensions from 
 a* 15x3-40 to 2-21x3-65. 
 
 HA HITS. 
 
 The first time that I ever met with a living Sandhill Crane, was at Lake Harney. I 
 had wandered out into the piney woods which at that point, are quite low with an occasional 
 
OR US CANADEIVS1S. 423 
 
 small, circular, cypress swamp which is always surrounded by a more luxuriant growth of 
 grass than is found elsewhere. I was nearing one.of these places, when I was startled by 
 hearing loud, prolonged, gobbling cries, mingled with cacklings, just as though a number 
 of Turkeys and Geese had met and were holding a most vociferous consultation. At first, 
 I could not make out the exact point from which all this clatter proceeded, as the. woods 
 were completely filled with the din which echoed and re-echoed through the surrounding 
 arches formed by the trees. But a nearer inspection discovered a single bird of a large 
 size, stalking oil' slowly, and then to my amazement, [ perceived that he alone was the au- 
 thor of all the noise, and that I, by invading what he had considered his especial posses- 
 sions, was the innocent cause of all this uproar. I recognized the bird as the Sandhill 
 Crane, at once, but upon trying to make a nearer acquaintance, off he went, still keeping 
 up his continuous din. This clamorousness is one of the chief characteristics of these birds 
 when disturbed, and during early mornings they will also gobble, evidently for their own 
 gratification, while they will do the same thing when sailing high in air in wide circles, 
 with out-stretched legs and neck, and motionless wings, a habit to which they are addicted 
 at times. 
 
 The Sandhill Cranes gather in large flocks on the unfrequented prairies of Central Flor- 
 ida, but no matter how remote the locality from settlements, the birds are always very 
 wild, but upon one occasion, I succeeded in creeping within a hundred yards of some fifty 
 or more, rifle in hand. The birds were walking about, and I waited until I had a favora- 
 ble opportunity, when I fired, severely wounding one. The rest rose with loud cries and 
 were flying away, when, to my surprise, a large Crane, evidently perceiving me, turned 
 and- came with headlong speed, directly toward me, gobbling continuously. I waited 
 quietly until he was within ten feet of my head, when thinking he meant mischief, I took a 
 snap .shot at him with my rifle, but in the excitement of the moment, missed his body, the 
 ball merely passing through his feathers. This salute fortunately turned him and he fol- 
 lowed his retreating companions. I then started after the wounded bird which was using 
 his legs to good effect, and although the bird was a swift runner, I was succeeding in out- 
 stripping him, when he gave me the second surprise that I had received that day, by turn- 
 ing in his tracks and meeting me half way. The Crane came boldly up and made a lunge 
 at. me with his powerful bill, but here the contest proved too unequal for him, for reaching 
 out suddenly, I caught him by the neck, when I soon terminated the conflict. 
 
 Sandhill Cranes breed in March in Florida, placing their nests in the shallow water 
 of one of the marshes which occasionally occur m the piney woods. The birds heap up a 
 mass of mud, roots, grass, weeds, etc., forming a conical pile which is elevated about six 
 inches above the water, and which is some eighteen inches in diameter on the top. This 
 is slightly hollowed and the two eggs are deposited on it, while the female sits on them in 
 the ordinary manner by doubling her long logs beneath her. She is quite conspicuous when 
 on this mound, but when she perceives an intruder, she quietly slips off and skulks away 
 through the grass, taking care not to rise until she has gone sonic distance, when she flies 
 silently away. The dancing of this species has frequently been described by writers, and I 
 have, not only seen wild birds jumping np live or six feet in air, with partly extended wings, 
 
424 WHITE WHOOPING CKANE. 
 
 running about in circles, or performing other capers, but have also seen domesticated Cranes' 
 equally agile. One kept in a yard at. Cedar Keys, near our camp, not only entertained 
 his master by his grotesque performances, but also took upon himself the duties of a watch 
 dog, and whenever a stranger attempted to pass into Ihe gate in order to reach the house, 
 the Crane would endeavor to oppose his entrance; then if the intruder persisted in his ef- 
 forts, the bird would not hesitate to strike him with his strong beak, and the only way to 
 get by him in safety was to seize the bird by the bill and drag him a short distance, when 
 he would retreat, giving vent to his anger in loud screams. 
 
 GRUS AMERICANA. 
 White Whooping Crane. 
 Grits Americana TEMM., Anal. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, very large. Tongue, long, thin, and gradually tapering toward tip which is pointed. 
 Naked space on top of head, rounded backward. Tertiaries, greatly elongated. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Pure white throughout, with the primaries imd spurious wing, black. Sides of head, dusky. Naked 
 space about head, lake. Legs and bill, black. Iris, ruby-red. Youny. Similar to the adult, but overwashed with yel- 
 lowish, and the iris is yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size, white color as described, and rounded naked space on top of head, this being scal- 
 loped in the Sandhill. Both species have the head fully feathered when very young. Distributed, in summer, throughout 
 the West. Rare in South Central Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Western North America. Length, 52-00; stretch, 77'00; wing, 24'50; tail, 
 9-25; bill, 5'45; tarsus, 11-45. Longest specimen, 54'00; greatest extent of wing, TS'OO; longest wing, 24 00; tail, 9 50, bill, 
 5 75; tarsus, 11'80. Shortest specimen, 50'00; smallest extentof wing, 7u"00; shortest wing, 23'00; tail, 9 00; bill, 5'50; tar- 
 sus, ll'OO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of mud, weeds, and gras. Egy*, two in number, elliptical 
 in form, yellowish-ash in color, spotted and blotched coarsely and irregularly with reddish-brown and umber. Dimensions 
 from 2-60 x 3-90 to 2-65 x 4-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Some years ago, the late Capt. Dummett assured me that the White Whooping Crane 
 occurred on the prairies which He to the eastward of the Kissiniee River and Lake Okeecho- 
 bee, and this report has also been confirmed by others. I have, however, never been fortu- 
 nate enough to meet with a specimen of this fine Crane in Florida, and think that it must 
 be confined to the section mentioned above. 
 
 There are some differences in the .structure of the trachea of the present species when 
 compared with that of the preceding. The keel in both is wide and well produced for- 
 ward, but in the Sandhill Crane, the trachea only enters it for about two inches, bends up- 
 ward to the level of the body of the sternum, then forward and downward, inclining back- 
 ward, but once more turns forward, emerging just below the point of entrance, and curving 
 downward, proceeds in its usual course to the larynx. Thus there is but one convolution 
 in the keel, which occupies only about seven inches, whereas in the Whooping Crane there 
 aiv said to be two distinct convolutions occupying some twenty-eighl inches. It would bo 
 interesting to note the differences in tone produced by these tracheal modifications.' The 
 Whooping Cranes resemble the Sandhills in habit, and are common throughout the West. 
 
ARAMUK SCOLOPAC'EUS. 425 
 
 FAMILY ii. ARAMIDA:. THE COURLANS. 
 
 />///, pi'i-y lotiij, slightly curved, and quite deeply grooved on basal third. Terminal 
 r I ion offurcula, not widened, nor joined to tip of keel which is not wide but hiijh, greatly 
 'i i/i/ig the width of the sternum which is narrow and without marginal indentations. 
 
 Members of this family are of medium size, with rather long legs and toes. The up- 
 per mandible is thick for nearly its entire length, but gradually curves downward toward 
 the tip; whereas the lower grows more slender for its terminal third, tapering gradually to 
 ;in acute point. The posterior margin of the sternum is indented with a single, central 
 scallop. 
 
 GENUS I. ARAMUS. THE COURLANS. 
 
 The generic characters are as given under the Family heading, with the following addition!). The oesophagus is not 
 w i<lc. is without dilatation, and opens into a large proventriculus provided with simple, oval glands arranged in a zonular 
 Iwnd. The space between proventriculus and stomach is long, curved, and lined with a soft membrane which lies in lon- 
 gitudinal folds. The stomach is rounded, flattened, very muscular, and lined with a hard, rugose membrane. The intes- 
 tines are not very long and the coeca are moderately well developed, with the blind ends dilated. The trachea is a little 
 widened at top, hut the remainder is rounded and about the same size for its entire length. It is straight for 4 '25, then 
 rii! 'Yes gradually around, passing upward for 1'55, turns quite suddenly downward for I'OO, bends upon itself, laterally and 
 upward for '75, then curves down again for 1'15 but passes upward in a final curve for T50, turns down and pursues ifct 
 usual course to the larynx. Thus there are three distinct whorls of the treachea forming an ellipsis which measures about 
 I SO x 1'30, while there are about 7 inches of the trachea in these convolutions which lie directly in the fork of the furcu- 
 la. The entire length of the treachea is 20'50 and it is provided with lateral muscles which do not, however, follow tho 
 tx'iiils of the treachea, but join together and cross them in an oblique line, then separate to form the sterno-treachealis a 
 little further down. These muscles are only 7 inches long. The larynx is flattened and provided with a small brouchialis. 
 Tjmpauiform membrane, present. Sexes, similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ARAMUS SCOLOPACEUS. 
 
 Courlan. 
 Aramus scolopaceus BON, Am. Orn, III; 1828, 111. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si-. C'n. Form, slender. Size, medium. Tongue, very long, thin, slender, and narrowing gradually to tip wlrich is 
 rounded. Head, large. 
 
 Co LO 11. Ailu/t. Dark chocolate-brown throughout, glossed above with greenish. Throat, ashy, and all the feathers, 
 excepting on jxisterior portions, are centrally streaked with white. Iris, and legs, brown. Bill, brown, yellow at base of 
 lower mandible Youny. Similar, but much paler. Nesllinys. Are covered with black down. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the peculiar form and chocolate-brown color streaked with white. Constantly resident in Middle 
 and Southern Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 A venire measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 27'00; stretch , 4 1 '00; wing, 12-50; tail, 5'25; bill, 5'00; tar- 
 sus, 5-00. Longest specimen, 28'00; greatest extent of wing, 42-00; longest wing, 13-00; tail, 5 50; bill, 5-50; tarsus, 5'50. 
 Shortest specimen, 2t>"00; smallest extent of wing, -WI'OO; shortest wing, 13-00; tail, 5 00; bill, 4'50; tarsus, 4'50. * 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AM) E<i(;S. 
 
 Nests, placed in bushes, composed of sticks, weeds, and grass. Eyys, from ten to fifteen in number, rather elliptical 
 in form, ii-hy-yellow in color, lined, sprinkled, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish-brown and umber. D.imcn- 
 sions from 1-70x2-35 to 1 -75x2-50. 
 
 HA HITS. 
 
 I have spoken of the Sandhill Cranes as being noisy birds, but they are excelled in 
 this respect by the Courlans, whose long, oft-repeated notes have given them the name of 
 Crying Birds. They are also called Linipkins in Florida and are particularly abundant in 
 the marshes on either side of the St. .John's, from Blue Spring to the mouth of the Wekiva, 
 
426 COURLAN. 
 
 and also on this stream and the Oclawaha River further north. I found them common 
 about Lake Harney, and Tiger brought me two from the Everglades and assured me that 
 they were plenty in certain sections of those wide-spread marshes. I had frequently heard 
 the loud notes of this species, as I traversed the rivers, but it was not until the first week 
 in February, 1872, that I saw a specimen. I was being skulled up the river by an assis- 
 tant, in a gunning float, and had shot a Florida Gallinule, when, at the report of my gun, 
 the loud cries of a Courlan rang out from a small creek on the opposite side. We quickly 
 pushed across and made our way into an opening under some overhanging branches, when 
 the louder notes gave place to a low, chattering sound which appeared to come from a dis- 
 tance. After examining the neighboring shores for a time, unsuccessfully, I chanced to 
 glance at the end of a log upon which I was standing, when I discovered the Courlan sit- 
 ting there, jerking his head up and down, much after the manner of a Rail. I watched 
 him for some time, when upon making a motion with my gun, he rose lightly, when I shot 
 him. This habit of standing and stupidly gazing at the intruder, I afterward found to be 
 characteristic of the species. When startled, they fly with dangling legs and out-stretched 
 neck, dropping, after a short flight, into the nearest retreat. They appear to prefer the 
 more wooded sections of swamps, but I have, on a few occasions, started them from the 
 grassy borders of the streams. These birds have now been nearly driven from the borders 
 of the rivers which are navigated, retreating to the smaller creeks and bayous which are so 
 choked with aquatic plants that it is almost impossible to force a boat through them. The 
 Courlans breed in February, placing the nests on bushes which overhang the water, and 
 when their homes are approached, the birds quietly leave them. The loud cries of this spe- 
 cies are evidently produced by the singularly modified trachea which I have described un- 
 der generic characters. Audubon states that two that he dissected, had this organ straight 
 and simple, measuring only ten inches in length, with one hundred and eighty-six rings; 
 whereas a male from which I have taken my description, has the trachea double this length, 
 with two hundred and fifty rings. It is probable that Audubon's birds were young, while 
 my was an adult. 
 
 FAMILY Hi. RALLID.E. THE RAILS, ETC. 
 
 Sill, variable in form and length. Legs, rather short, but the toes are long, and al- 
 though occasionally margined or lobated, th'eij are never webbed. Marginal indentations, two 
 and deep. 
 
 Members of this family have the oesophagus straight, without dilatation. Proventric- 
 ulus moderately large, with simple glands variably arranged. The intestines are not very 
 short, and the coeca are well developed, being usually quite long. The larynx is variable. 
 
 GENUS I. RALLUS. THE LONG-BILLED RAILS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, much longer than head, grooved for its terminal two thirds, i/ender. and slightly curved, out has no 
 frontal plate at its base. Toes, not margined nor lobated. Keel, twice as high as width of sternum. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, narrow but deep. 
 
 Members of tliis genus have the glands of the proventrieulus arranged in a zonnlar band which has two rounded projec- 
 tion)* in front. The atemo-traohealia is present, and there is a small bronchialis. Tympanif'orm membrane, also present. 
 Sexes, similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
RALLL'S LOXG1ROSTR1S. 427 
 
 RALLUS LONGIROSTRIS. 
 
 Clapper Rail. 
 Rallui limgiroslris BODD, Tab. PI. enl.; 1784. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, thin, slender, and tapering gradually toward tip which is acutely 
 pointed. 
 
 (' IT.OR. Adult. Above, greenish-brown, becoming purplish on primaries, with the feathers overwashed and edged 
 with ashy. Sides of head, bluish-ash. Line from bill over eye and under surface, pale ashy-red, tinned with bluish on the 
 si<lr- of neck. Sides, flanks, under wing and tail coverts, brown, banded with white. Iris, feet, and bill, brown, the 
 latter, reddish-orange at base. Youny. Similar to the adult but darker above and paler below. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size and general ashy-blue tinting, especially below. Distributed, in summer, from Mass- 
 achusetts, southward; wintering from the Carolinas to Key West. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 14'UO; stretch, 20-30; wing, 6'00; tail, 
 ji'50: bill. 2'35; tarsus, 2'25. Longest specimen, 14'50; greatest extent of wing, 20'75; longest wing, 6-50; tail, 2 70; bill, 
 2-50; tarsus, 2'50. Shortest specimen, 13'50; smallest extent of wing, 20'00; shortest wing, 5'50; tail, 2-25; bill, 2'25; tarsus, 
 
 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyy*, from eight to ten in number, oval 
 in form, huffy-yellow in color, dotted and spotted irregularly, but sparcely, with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 
 l-OSxI-GOto 1-15x1-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The coasts of South Carolina and Georgia are low, and many sounds make into the 
 land, which receive the contents of numerous rivers. Between these sounds, are islands, 
 buck of which are creeks of varying widths, in which the tide rises and falls; while between 
 ilir>c bodies of water and the mainland, are extensive marshes, many miles in width. 
 These level trucfs are scarcely elevated above low water murk, consequently are overflowed 
 by every flood tide, and during the extreme high water that occurs at the Cull of the moon, 
 even the grass tops of all, but some of the more elevated spots, are submerged. As re- 
 marked, these marshes are widely spread, extending from the islands to the westward, as 
 fur as eye can reach, and stretching from the extreme northern confines of the State of 
 South Carolina, quite to Florida. Many aquatic birds find a home in this lonely reach of 
 country, but by fur the most abundant, at all seasons, are the Clapper Rails, and their 
 harsh voices may be heard at all hours of the day and night, as they skulk through the 
 grass or run along the margins of the creeks in search of food. Like all the members of 
 this genus, these Rails are difficult to start, and the only way in which they can be secured 
 in numbers, is to watch the occurrence of a spring tide which, overflowing nearly every- 
 thing, forces the birds to take refuge in the few clumps of grass left uncovered, or they 
 will sit upon the flouting debris and quietly await the fulling of the water. 
 
 The number of these Rails which occur in this section, is simply incalculable, but it is 
 safe to say that they may be counted by millions. If a gun be discharged at night-full, 
 when the birds are most active, the Rails in the immediate vicinity, will utter harsh screams 
 which will be answered by others, and before the echo of the shot has died away, the 
 marsh for miles around, will be resounding with their discordant cries. These Rails have 
 few enemies; it is true, that minks abound in these marshes, and may, occasionally, catch 
 one, and I have frequently seen the Marsh Hawks attempt to capture these birds, but nev- 
 
428 A7JVG RAIL 
 
 cr saw one succeed in doing anything more than to cause the Rail to scream loudly and 
 beat a vigorous retreat through the high sheltering grass. This species breeds in the drier 
 portions of the marshes, near the islands, depositing their eggs in March and April. They 
 are partly migratory, those which occur as far north as New York and New Jersey, re- 
 treating south in winter. 
 
 RALLTJS ELEGANS. 
 
 King Rail. 
 Kallus elegant AUD., Orn. Biog., Ill; 1835, 27. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tongue, long, thin, and slender, gradually tapering toward tip which is acute- 
 ly pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Greenish-brown above, streaked with darker. Upper wing coverts, deep ehestnut-red. Sides of 
 head, bluish-ash. Beneath, chestnut-red, with the sides, flanks, and under wing and tail coverts, brown, banded with 
 white. Throat and under eyelid, also white. Young. Similar to the adult, but darker above and paler below 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the pale chestnut-red markings below, and absence of any bluish-ash on either surface. Distribu- 
 ted, in summer, throughout the inland marshes, from New York, southward. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from the South. Length, 18-00; stretch, 24'50; wing, 6'35; tail, 3'25; bill, 2'50; 
 tarsus, 2'45. Longest specimen, 19'00; greatest extent of wing, 25 -00; longest wing, 6'75: tail, 3'50; bill, 3'00; tarsus, 2 75. 
 Shortest specimen, 17'00; smallest extent of wing, 24'00; shortest wing, fi'OO; tail, 3-00; bill,2'00; tarsus, 2'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eygs, from eight to ten in number, 
 oval in form, bluish-white or creamy in color, dotted and spotted sparcely with reddish-brown and lilac Dimensions from 
 1-15x1-55 to 1-25x1-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the King Rails are almost exclusively fresh water birds, I have shot them 
 on the salt marshes about Cedar Keys, in company with the Clapper Rails. Both species 
 are confined to the Middle and Southern Sections but are occasionally taken in Massachu- 
 setts, although as yet, I believe, have never been found breeding so far north. The King 
 Rails evidently do not differ in habit from the preceding species, being noisy birds and part- 
 ly nocturnal. They are migratory, passing southward with the first frosts, some spending 
 the winter in Florida. 
 
 RALLUS VIRGINIANUS. 
 
 Virginia Rail. 
 Ballus Viryinianus LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 263. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Tongue, long, thin slender, and tapering gradually toward tip which 
 is pointed. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown, with all the feathers, excepting primaries, edged with brownish-yellow. Upper 
 wing coverts, deep chestnut-red. Sides of head, bluish. Line from bill to point over eye, and throat, creamy-white. Un- 
 der portions, chestnut-red, with flanks and under wing and tail coverts, black, banded with white. Legs, iris, and bill, 
 brown with the latter reddish-orange at base of lower mandible. Young. Similar hut much darker, the earlier stages !><- 
 ing nearly black. Nestlinys, Are covered with black down glossed with green and the bill is white, with the base of low- 
 er mandible, line along its side joining a band across bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, long, curved bill, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Camilla to 
 Florida. Winters in the South. 
 
KALLUS V]RG1N1ANUS. 429 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average BMMITCnMBteoflfMoiaMB* from Eastern North America. Length, 9'2S; ritretch, 13*50; wing, 3*06; Mil, l'l. r >; 
 hill, l'-|."i; t:\rsus, 1-P.-J. I.<)t)i:<"-t spr< iinen, 9'78; greatest extent of wing, I4MMI; longf-st wing, 4 30, tail, 1'75; bill, 1(12; 
 tarsus, r 10. Shortest specimen, 9'50; smallest extentof wing, 13-00; shortest wing, 3'45; tail, 1 - 50; hill, 1 25; tarsus, l-jri. 
 
 DKSdtllTloX OF NESTS AND EUGS. 
 
 Neits, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eygt, from eight to ten in number, 
 ovnl in form, creamy in color, sparcely spotted and dotted with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from '90s 1'20 to '95 
 xl-30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One hot July day, when I was a small boy, I was lying at full length in a meadow, 
 in order that I might quench my thirst from a cool spring that was so thickly surrounded 
 by water docks, grass, and other herbage, as to be nearly hidden. I had taken a long 
 draught, when a chuckling sound attracted my attention, and looking up, I saw what then 
 appeared to me to be a singular bird, with along, sword-shaped bill, standing by the edge 
 of the spring within a foot of my head, quietly gazing at me. As I raised my head, he 
 gave- a ([iiiek nod or two, as if to say, "That's all right"." then turned and walked slowly 
 away, with a stately, swinging gate, evidently satisfied that I was too small to be consid- 
 ered at all dangerous. It was some years after this event, that I saw a Virginia Rail with 
 his proper cognomen attached, but I at once recognized the bird as being similar to the 
 guardian of the spring in the meadow. The Virginia Rails inhabit the wet, fresh water 
 marshes from Canada to Florida, but appear to prefer those which are partly grown up to 
 bushes. This propensity I could not explain, until I saw one in the aviary of Mr. August 
 Koch who has fitted up an abode for captive birds with great care, having a fountain, mini- 
 ature pond, rock work with grottos, all embellished with numerous plants, among which 
 are some vines that twine up to the ceiling. One of the most attractive birds, among the 
 iiianv which lived in this enclosure, was the Rail mentioned, which was quite tame, and 
 which evidently behaved much as it would have in its native swamp. It fed readily, wad- 
 ed about in the water, and when slightly alarmed, would take refuge among the surround- 
 ing ferns, etc.; but what surprised me most, was to see it climb up the vines, which it did 
 with the utmost ease, clinging to the branches with its long claws, and in this way, it oft- 
 en reached the top, some ten feet from the ground. The bird was evidently hunting for 
 insects and this habit was probably acquired when among the bushes in the meadows. 
 
 When only slightly alarmed, the Virginia Rails utter a chuckling sound, but if badly 
 frightened or greatly annoyed, especially during the nesting season, when they have young, 
 they will emit a sharp squeak, but. their regular notes are harsh screams, usually given at 
 night. These Rails breed early in June, building on some slightly elevated spot, either 
 in the grass or among the bushes, and when their domiciles arc approached, the birds qui- 
 etly leave them. The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and run nimbly through 
 the grass. They become scattered somewhat during the day, but toward night, they will 
 utter sharp cries, in order that the adults may know of their whereabouts, and then the 
 entire brood will gather beneath the parent for warmth. I have, on sever.il occasions, cap- 
 tured these little black Rails in the evening, having ascertained where they were by hear- 
 ing them peeping. When taken young, they become very tame, feeding readily upon bits 
 of meat or insects, behaving much like young chickens. They arc, however, very delicate 
 
430 CAROLINA RAIL. 
 
 and difficult to rear, as they require considerable attention, especially at night, when they 
 should be kept warm. The Virginia Rails are migratory, disappearing from New England 
 by the last of September. 
 
 GENUS II. PORZANA. THE SHORT-BILLED RAILS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Si/I, not as /any as head, not grooved nor curved, is rather thick at base but has no frontal plate. Toes, 
 not mar<jinf.<l nor lobated. Keel, twice as hiyh as width nf sternum. Marginal indentations, narrow but deep. 
 
 Members of this genus have the glands of the proventriculus arranged in azonularband which is without rounded pro- 
 jections in front. The sterno-trachealis is present, and there is a small bronchialis. Tympanifonu membrane, also pres- 
 ent. Sexes, similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 POKZANA CABOLINA. 
 Carolina Rail. 
 
 Porzana Carolina CAB., Journ.; !856, 428. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Tongue, not very long, rather fleshy, and narrowing gradually to tip which 
 is rounded. 
 
 Coixm. Adult. Line back of eye and upper parts, brownish-yellow, broadly streaked with brown and dotted with 
 white. Wings, brown with the outer primaries edged with white. Line on top of head, space around bill and line down 
 throat, black. Breast and sides of head and neck, slaty-blue. Remainder of under parts, white, banded with greenish 
 and dusky on sides and flanks. ' Under tail covert*, reddish-buff. Vouny. Similar, but are overwashed with reddish below 
 and lacks the black markings about head and throat. Iris, brown. Bill, yellow. Legs, greenish. Nest/ings. Are cov- 
 ered with black down and have a tuft of orange colored bristles at base of bill. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the medium size, short, thick bill, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, from Canada 
 southwai-d. Winters in the South. 
 
 . DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern United States. Length, 8-75; stretch, 13'75; win<r, 4'25; tail, T95; 
 bill, "85; tarsus, 1'35. Longest specimen, 9'00; greatest extent of wing, 14-50; longest wing, 4'4'<2; tail, 2 16; bill, -90; tar- 
 sus, 1-40. Shortest specimen, 8'50; smallest extent of wing, IS'OO; shortest wing, 4-15; tail, 1-75; bill, '75; tarsus, 1-25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placrd on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eggs, six to ten in number, oval in 
 form, reddish-buff in color, dotted and spotted, irregularly, but sparcely, with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 
 85x1-20 to -95x1-25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Carolina Rails differ somewhat in structure from the Virginia, they re- 
 semble them in many habits; both rise when first disturbed, fly in a straight line a short 
 distance, with dangling legs, and drop into the grass, after which it is difficult to make 
 them start a second time, and both inhabit similar places, but the present species is in- 
 clined to prefer open meadows which are free from bushes. The Virginias are also almost 
 exclusively fresh water birds, while the Carolinas are equally abundant on both salt and 
 fresh mashes, but prefer the latter as breeding grounds. All the Rails swim and dive well 
 but I think the Carolinas rather excel them all in this respect, for they will not only take 
 readily to the water, but will pass beneath it with great facility, and I once saw one run 
 nimbly along the bottom of a brook, the water of which was about a foot deep, by cling- 
 ing to aquatic plants, and crossing it obliquely, emerged on the other side, thus passing 
 over some fifteen feet while submerged. I have also seen these Rails run rapidly over the 
 surface of the water, where there were a few plants to afford them a slight support. These 
 Rails migrate from New England with the first hard frosts, after which they gather in im- 
 mense numbers on the salt marshes of New Jersey, but gradually pass southward, occuring 
 
PORZANA NOVEBORACENS1S. 431 
 
 iii winter from the Carolina.? to Key West. They breed in Massachusetts during the last 
 week in May or first in June. 
 
 PORZANA NOVEBORACENSIS. 
 
 Yellow Rail. 
 Purzana Noveboracensis CASS., Baird's Birds N. A.; 1858, 79). 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, small. Tongue, wide, thin, and horny, especially at tip which is gradually rounded 
 und billd. Bill, ratlier slender. 
 
 COLOR. Ai/ult. Above, and on sides and flanks, dark-brown, with all the fen thers, excepting primaries, longitudi- 
 nally streaked with yellowish and transversely banded with white. Neck, breast, and under tail coverts, reddish-bull'. lie- 
 maindcr of under portions, and tips of secondaries, white. Legs, iris, and bill, brown, with the latter yellow at base of 
 lower mandible. Youny. Similar to the adult but paler below. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, broad white banif on secondaries, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer 
 from Hudson's Bay to Massachusetts. Winters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avrrairo measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, tt'75; stretch, 13-50; wing, 3-55; tnil, 
 1-65; bill, 'Kr, tarsus, '80. Longest specimen, 7'25; greatest extent of wing, IS'OO; longest wing, 3'80; tail, 1'75, bill, -fiO; 
 tarsus, -85. Shortest specimen, (VO!); smallest extent of wing, 12-00; shortest wing, 3-S25; tail, 1-50; bill, -50; tarsus, -75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. &/g*, from six to ten in number, oval 
 in form, deep buff in color, dotted and spotted irregularly, but very sparcely, with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions 
 from -85x1-15 to -80x1-05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 "September eighth, 1868, walking with a young lad over a squash field on high land, 
 but within twenty or thirty rods of a meadow; suddenly I heard the boy who was on the 
 lookout for speciinens, exclaim, 'Ilere's a Sparrow with white wings!' 'Shoot it!' said I, 
 and looking toward him, I saw him beating about among the squash leaves, then raise his 
 gun and fire, after which he ran forward, and stooping down, exclaimed, 'It is a Rail!' I 
 hastened to the spot, took the bird in my hand, and to my surprise and delight, it proved 
 to be the rare Yellow Rail, the first that I had ever seen; a female it proved upon dissec- 
 tion, (No, 12-10). This was in the dusk of the evening, and when first started, the bird 
 made a squeaking noise, but not loud, for I stood within fifteen rods of the place and did 
 not hear it. The secondaries of this specimen are broadly margined with white, a fact not 
 noticed by Audubon or Baird; thus this must be peculiar, or these ornithologists would 
 have observed it; indeed it gave the bird the appearance of having white wings, in the dusky 
 light in which it was shot. I should think that it is a young bird but in perfect plumage. 
 The body and head remind one strongly of some of the small foreign Quails." 
 
 The above is an extract from one of my note books, und four years later, on the twen- 
 tieth of January, I started a Yellow Rail in one of the partly submerged marshes on the bor- 
 der of the St. John's River in Florida, near Blue Spring. This specimen rose some dis- 
 tance from me and flew quite rapidly, for a Rail, in a straight line for some distance, (lien 
 dropped into the tall grass, from which I could not make it rise again. I easily recognized 
 Iliis specimen by the small size and emispicuous white tipping* to the primaries, u eharar- 
 ter which I find is constant in all specimens that 1 have examined, but which appears to 
 have been overlooked by most writers on ornithology. In June, 187o, I heard some sin- 
 
432 LITTLE BLACK RAIL. 
 
 gular chuckling or metallic-like notes coming from the inaccessible bogs on the M;ig<klen 
 Islands. These peculiar sounds, I then judged, were produced by Yellow Rails but I nev- 
 er saw one of the birds on the islands. The foregoing is all that I have to record, from pvr- 
 sonal experience, of the Yellow Rails, a bird which appears to be quite rare every-where. 
 Specimens are, however, .occasionally taken throughout the Eastern Section of the United 
 States, especially in Massachusetts in autumn. 
 
 POEZANA JAMAICENSIS. 
 
 Little Black Kail. 
 Porzana Jdmaicensis CAS-!., Baird's, Birds; N. A.; 1858, 749. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cii. Form, slender. Size, very small. COLOR. Adult. Back and neck, dark chestnut-red. Remainder of up- 
 per surface, very dark-brown, spotted and transversely banded with white. Sides of bead and entireunder portions, bluish- 
 ash, transversely banded on abdomen and ander tail coverts with white. Iris, red; feet, brown; bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size and dark colors as described. Distributed, as a rare summer resident, from Massa- 
 chusetts, southward. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. . 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 5'50; stretch, 1T50; wing, 3'25; tail, 
 T35; bill, '55; tarsus, '95. Longest specimen, 6'Otl; greatest extent of wing, 12 '00; longest wing, 3 50; tail. T50; bill, '60; 
 tarsus, 1 00. Shortest specimen, 5'00; smallest extent of wing, ll'OO; shortest wing, 3 - 00; tail, 1-25; bill, '50; tarsus, -90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyi/s, from six to eight in number, 
 oval in form, creamy in color, finely dotted and spotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '75 x I'OO to - 80x T05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Little Black Rail has been taken in Massachusetts on one or two occa- 
 sions, it is very rare here, as it is, in fact, every-where in our section; and I know nothing 
 of its habits from personal observation, as I never saw a living specimen. It does not, how- 
 ever, appear to differ from other Rails which live in the fresh water marshes. 
 
 GENUS III. GALLINULA. THE GALL1NULES. 
 
 Bill, about as long as head, not grooved nor currcd, rather thick at base, and provided with a large frontal plate. Toes, 
 margined. Keel, equal in heiyht to the width of the sternum. Marginal indentations, two and deep. 
 
 Members of this genus have the glands of the proventriculus arranged in a zonular band, but scalloped above and be- 
 low. The sterno-trachealis is present and well developed, and there isa wide but thin bronchialis. Tympaniform mem- 
 brane, also present. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 GALLINULA GALEATA. 
 
 Florida Gallinule. 
 Gallinula galeata BP., Am. Orn., IV; 1832, 128. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, rather large. Tongue, white in color, rather fleshy, horny at tip which is provided 
 witli cilia. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Ashy-blue throughout, darkest anteriorly. Middle of back and wings, rich, dark yellowish-brown. 
 Tail and middle of its under coverts, black. Outer under tail coverts, spots in a line on side, and tips of feathers on belly 
 and ahdomen, white. Tip of bill, yellow; remainder of this, frontal plate, and tibia, sealing-wax red; feet, greenish. 
 
 Young. Similar to the adult but overwashed witli reddish above, and the feathers below are overwashed witli red- 
 dish and tipped with white. The frontal plate is not as large, and this, bill, and tibia are greenish. 
 
 Nestlings. Are covered with a black down glossed with greenish, with a few white bristles about the throat, on side 
 nf head, and over eye. Bill, yellow, without frontal plate, and feet black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the nearly uniform bluish-ash C;>lor, anil ab-cm-o ol'l.)lialiugs cm the toes. Distributed, iu >UIUUUT, 
 from Massachusetts, southward. Rare as far north as Canada. Winters in the South. 
 
GALL1NULA MAKT1N1CA. 433 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern Nortli America. Length, 13'50; stretch, 22M10; win;!, 0'70; tail, 8'Sfl; 
 hill, 1-1-J; tarsus, 1 7f>. longest specimen, U'OO; greatest extent of wing, 23-00; longest win.;,', 7 <K>; toil, 3'(K>; bill, 1 25; 
 tarsus, a-J5. Shortest .specimen, 13-00; smallest extent of wing, 2HX); shortest wing, 0'4(>; tail, 2'00; bill, 1 '00; tarsus, 1"J5. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Netts, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eygs, from eight to ten in nuinlicr, 
 oval in form, creamy-buff in color, spotted and dotted witli brown and umber. Dimensions from l'20x 1'75 to 1'SOx 1-80. 
 
 II A HITS. 
 
 Although the Florida Gallinules occur regularly in Massachusetts, and even breed in 
 some of our larger marshes, they are not common here. En Florida, however, the species 
 is remarkably abundant and deposit their eggs in May. The nests are placed on the drier 
 portions of tlic marshes, among thick reeds or rushes, and when the locality is approached, 
 the liirds quietly leave their domiciles and disappear in the sheltering vegetation. In gen- 
 eral habits, the Florida Gallinules somewhat resemble the Rails, spending much of their 
 time among the grass and aquatic plants which border rivers and other bodies of fresh wa- 
 ter. They will, however, occasionally emerge from these retreats and walk over the ex- 
 posed margins of the water, wade in the shallows, or make their way over the floating 
 vegetation. These birds also swim well, but when thus engaged, the head is jerked back- 
 ward with every motion of the legs, as if the birds were walking with the body partly sub- 
 merged. If disturbed when not in shelter, the Gallinules either dive into the water or rise, 
 and fly with dangling legs, to the nearest grass, into which they drop like Rails; but un- 
 like these birds, they can be started again quite easily. These Gallinules readily become 
 tame, and a specimen, brought to me from the Everglades, by the Seminole chief, Tiger, 
 and which he assured me, had been in captivity but a few days, was so unsuspicious that 
 il led from my nand. It had a long string fastened to its leg, and had become quite ac- 
 customed to this method of confinement, for it never attempted to escape; but I had only 
 kept it a few days, when it was unfortunately killed by a predatory opossum. 
 
 GALLINT/LA MARTINICA. 
 
 Purple Gallinule. 
 Gallinula martinica LATH., Ind. Orn., II; 1790, 769. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Upper part of body, brownfsh-green, darkest on back and 
 rump. Wings and tail, brown, edged on outer webs with green. Head and under part, bluish-purple, darkest on ab- 
 domen ami tibia, witli sides and under wing coverts, greenish. Under tail coverts, white. Bill, red, tipped with yellow. 
 Frontal plate, blue. Iris, brown. Legs, greenish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the purplish and green colors, and absence of lobatingson the toes. Distributed, in summer, in Flor- 
 ida. Accidental as far north as Massachusetts. Winters soutli of the United States. 
 
 DI.MKXSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 12 50; stretch, 20'50; wing, 6'50; tail, 3-25; bill, M2; 
 tarsus 2-12. Longest specimen, 13'00; greatest extent of wing, 21'00; longest wing,7'00: tail, .'i'50; bill, I '25: tarsus, 2'25. 
 Shnrtest specimen, I2'<K); smallest extent of wing, sJO'OO; shortest wing, G'OO; tail, 3'00; bill, I 'DO; tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND K' 
 
 Nrsl.1, placed on tlic ground in marshy places, r,,m|>.>~r.l df grass, weeds, etc. K/ys, from --ix In ten in manlier, mtli- 
 cr elliptical in form, creamy 'in color, finely aud rather sparcrly dotted with brown und umher. Dimensions from ri5x l'7il 
 to I-20X 1-75. 
 
 65 
 
434 COOT. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Purple Gallinules are only found in Florida during summer, appearing on the 
 marshes of the interior in May, and I have seen them walking over the floating vegetation 
 on the St. John's River, appearing much like the preceding spocies, but are quite readily 
 distinguished, even at a distance, by the brighter colors. These birds breed late in May in 
 Florida, for I have received eggs from that section, taken at this time. In migrating, these 
 Gallinules appear to move in flocks, for I was informed by the wreckers, that occasionally 
 the exposed margins of the outer keys are covered with them, at which time they arc so 
 tame that they can be captured in the hand without difficulty. The Purple Gallinules have 
 been taken as far north as Massachusetts, but are very rare here. 
 
 GENUS IV. FULICA. THE COOTS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, about as long as head, not grooved nor curped, thick a/ base, and provided with a frontal plate. Toes, 
 lobated. Keel, not equal in heiyht to the width of the sternum. Marginal indentations, two, wide and deep. 
 
 In members of this genus'the glands of the proventriculus occupy two circular spaces on the upper and lower portions, 
 which measure '75 in diameter in our species. The stomach is very muscular. The trachea is flattened above, then lie- 
 comes rounded and narrows rapidly below the origin of the sterno-trachealis which is long and slender, emerging from the 
 trachea '50 from the larynx, and there is a wide but thin bronchialis. The bronchial tubes are small, bend inward near 
 the center, where they are connected by a wide ligature. The tympaniform membrane and os transversale are both absent. 
 Sexes, similar. There is one species within our limits. 
 
 FTJLICA AMERICANA. 
 
 Coot. 
 
 Fulica Americana GM. Syst. NAT., I; 1788, 704. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, rather large. Tongue, white in color, very thick, fleshy, and pointed at tip which is 
 horny. 
 
 COLOR. Adult. Uniform, dark bluish-ash, becoming nearly black on the head and neck, with outer edge of outer 
 primaries, tips of secondaries, and under tail coverts, white, while the last has a black line down the center. Iris, brown. 
 Legs, greenish. Bill, yellow, white at tip, with a band across center and frontal plate, brownish-red. Young. Similar 
 to the adult but paler and the feathers are more or les tipped with white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the lobated toes and uniform dark bluish-ash colors as described. Distributed, as a summer resi- 
 dent, from Canada southward. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern United States. Length, 15'60; stretch, 25'25; wing, 7'25; tail, 1'33; 
 bill, 1'33; tarsus, 1'75. Longest specimen, 16'22; greatest extent of wing, 27-50; longest wing, 8'00: tail, 2 25; bill,2'30; tar- 
 sus, 2'30. Shortest specimen, 13'50; smallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 6-50; tail, 1'89; bill, 1'2(>; tarsus, rsj5. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nesls. placed on floating vegetation or on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eggs, six to 
 ten in number, oval in form, creamy white in color, finely dotted and spotted with black. Dimensions from 1- 15 x THO to 
 1-40X2-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Coots are common on both fresh and salt waters from Canada to Florida, especially in 
 autumn, but are more numerous toward the South, and I have seen thousands at a time on 
 the bays of Indian River. There can be but little doubt that the Coots breed in Florida, 
 as they occur in numbers there throughout the year. In habits, these birds resemble both 
 the Ducks and Gallinules, as they not only swim and dive well but make their way through 
 the grass with ease and swiftness. When disturbed on the open water, they will swim with 
 
PHCEN1COPTERUS Kl'BER. 435 
 
 graceful case into the nearest grass or other vegetation, from which it is difficult to make 
 thorn rise; and I have on several occasions, pushed the prow of my boat into a clump of 
 aquatic plants, only a few feet in diameter, in which two or three had taken refuge, with- 
 out starting them, although I could plainly see them crouching among the vegetation, so 
 near that I could almost touch them with my hand. When rising, the Coots will run along 
 tin; surface of the water, then fly, like the Rails, with dangling legs. The notes of the 
 Coots resemble those of the Gallinules but are, if anything, more harsh and grating. 
 
 ORDER XVI. LAMELLIROSTRES. DUCKS, GEESE. ETC. 
 
 Anterior toes, connected by a membrane. Posterior toe, present, and more or less ele- 
 vated above the level of the anterior toes. Keel, very low, rarely exceeding in height one 
 half the width of the sternum. Marginal indentations, two, open or inclosed. Bill, provided 
 with lamellae,. 
 
 This order includes the Flamingos, Swans, Geese, Ducks, etc. , all of which are wide- 
 ly distributed throughout the world. The body is compact and thickly covered with feath- 
 ers which are uniformly distributed over its surface. The legs are usually short but occa- 
 sionally greatly lengthened. The young are covered with down and usually run at birth. 
 One of the chief characteristics may be seen in the lamellae of the bill, which are horny, 
 tooth-like projections growing from the sides of one or both mandibles. 
 
 FAMLY I. PH<ENICOPTERIDjE. THE FLAMINGOS. 
 
 Legs and neck, excessively elongated. Bill, abruptly bent in the middle, more or less 
 pointed. Marginal indentations, open. 
 
 Members of this family are remarkable on account of their long legs and neck, and all 
 are residents of the Tropics. 
 
 GENUS I. PHCENICOPTBRUS. THE FLAMINGOS. 
 
 Generic Characters are similar to those given under the Family heading. The oesophagus is dilated into a crop near 
 the lower portion. Stomach, muscular. Intestines, very long and quite wide, with caeca rather long. Sexes, similar. 
 There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 PHCENICOPTERTJS RUBEB. 
 
 Scarlet Flamingo. 
 Pluznicupterui rubcr LINN., Syst. Nat. 1.; 1766, 23). 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sf . Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Bright red throughout, darkest on wings. Prima- 
 :;ick. Iris, blue, feet, red, and bill, yellow, with terminal portion, black. Young. Similar but paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the bright colors and peculiar form as described. Distributed, as a constant resident, on the Ba- 
 hainas and southward. Rare on the Florida Keys. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 45'00; stretch, 65'25; wing, Ifi'OO; tail, 6' 15; bill, 5-P5; 
 tarsus, 11-85. Longest specimen, 48-00; greatest extent of wfng, 66'00; longest wing, 16'50; tail,6'70; bill, O'OO; tarsus, 
 12-20. Shortest specimen, 43'00; smallest extent of wing, 64'50; shortest wing, 15'50; tail, 5'60; bill, 5'70; tarsus, 11-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of mud. Eyy*, two in number, oval in form, bluish in color, 
 covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from 2'OOx3-25 to 2'10x3-50. 
 
436 WHISTLING SWAN. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Flamingos are common residents on the Bahamas, they are very rare 
 now on the Florida Keys. In fact, they have never been abundant there, nor could I learn 
 that they ever bred on these islands, all the inhabitants asserting that formerly, as well as 
 at present, these fine birds only appeared on the West side of the Gulf Stream during sum- 
 mer, after they had reared their young on the Bahamas. They remain on the Florida 
 Keys, however, until after they have moulted. The feathers of the Flamingos fall off in 
 large quantities, as in all members of the present order, even the wing quills-being dropped, 
 and nearly all are shed at one time; thus the birds are then unable to fly and consequently 
 are comparatively helpless. At this time, they resort to the mud tints among the interior 
 keys, where they can feed in comparative safety; but at high tide, they are forced to take 
 refuge on the small islands, and then are sometimes surprised by the wreckers who tak- 
 ing advantage of the fact that they cannot rise, easily capture them. 
 
 I have never seen a Flamingo in Florida but the members of onu of my expeditions, 
 were more fortunate, as they saw a flock of seven specimens come in from across the Gulf 
 Stream, and alight on a mud flat. By placing a tame White Pelican in the bow of a little 
 skiff and concealing themselves behind him, two of the men managed to approach within 
 long gun-shot of these wary birds, when, by a single discharge of a large gun with which 
 they were provided, they killed six, only one escaping. 
 
 FAMILY II. ANATID.E. THE SWANS, DUCKS, GEESE, ETC. 
 
 Legs, short. Neck, variable. Bill, straight, usually wide but occasionally narrow and 
 rather pointed. Marginal indentations, open or inclosed. 
 
 Members of this family can be easily recognized by the peculiarly robust form, and 
 characters given above. The species are distributed throughout the world. The anatom- 
 ical characters are somewhat variable. The cceca, hbwever, are present and very long. 
 
 GENUS I. CYGNUS. THE SWANS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Neck, very tony. Bill, at least as long as fiead, high at base, and wide at tip. Tail feathers, twenty or 
 more. Hind toe, short and rounded. 
 
 The stomach is very muscular. Cceca, long. The trachea is peculiar, somewhat resembling that of the Cranes, as 
 it enters the sternum in a similar manner. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 CYGNUS AMERICANUS. 
 
 Whistling Swan. 
 Cygnus Americanus SHARP., Doughty's Cab. N. H., I; 1830, 185. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, very large. Bill, about as long as head, broad and high at base with nostrils situated 
 in the center. COLOR. Adult. Pure white throughout. Iris, brown; feet and bill, black, the latter with a yellowish 
 spot in front of eye. Young. Similar to the adult but overwashed with bluish-ash and reddish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the height of bill at base, the orange spot on its side, and centrally situated nostrils. Distributed 
 in summer throughout the Arctic Regions, wintering from the Carolinas to New Jersey. Very rare during the migration, 
 in New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 54'50; stretch, 82-00; wing, 22-00; tail, 7*35; lull, 
 4'25; tuvsus, 4 '25. Longest specimen, 55-00; greatest extent of wing, 84 '00; longest wing, 23-00; tail, 7-50, liill,4-50; tarsus, 
 4 50. Shoitest specimen, 53-00; smallest extent of wing, SO'OO; shortest wing, 21 '00; tail, 7'00; bill, 4'00; tarsus, 3'1>5. 
 
TRUMPETER SWAN. 437 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed tin the ground in innrsliy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number, oval in 
 form, and dirty white in color. Dimensions from 2'50x4'00 to SJ-75x4'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Some years ago, in April, I was walking along a street in Baltimore, Maryland, when 
 glancing upward, I saw a wedge-shaped flock of large, white birds, high in air, passing 
 northward, and at once recognized them .as being Swans, the first that I had ever seen un- 
 doniosticatcd, and they were probably on their way to their breeding grounds in the far 
 North. Later, however, when on the yacht, Nina, I found Swans Common in November, 
 in Chesapeake Bay. The notes of the Swans are harsh and loud but are easily recognized. 
 
 CYGNUS BUCCINATOR. 
 
 Trumpeter Swan. 
 
 Cygnus buccinator RICII. F. Bor. Am., II; 1831, 464. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. On. Form, robust. Size, very large. Bill, longer than head, broad, but not very high at base, with nostrils 
 situated in basal portion. COLOR. Adult. Pure white throughout. Iris, brown. Bill and feet, black. Youny. Sim- 
 ilar, but tinged with pale bluLsh-ash and reddish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the very large size, comparatively low base of black bill, and basal situation of nostrils. Distribu- 
 ted, as si summer resident, throughout Arctic America. W inters from New Jersey to the Carolinos. Rare in New En- 
 gland during the migrations. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 55'25; stretch, 85-00; wing, 22'50; tail,7'75; bill, 
 1 -J~>;t irsus, 1- r>. 1, inmost specimen, 58-5(1; greatest extent of wing, UO'OO; longest wing, 23'00: tail, 8-00; bill,5-CO; tarsus, 
 4'60. Shortest specimen, 52'00; smallest extent of wing, 80-00: shortest wing, 21-00; tail, 7'50; bill, 4'50; tarsus, 4'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyy*, from six to ten in number, oval 
 in form, and dirty-white in color. Dimensions frorn2'50x4-03 to 2 - 76x4'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The habits of this and the preceding species are so well known, that I shall not at- 
 tempt to enlarge upon them, as I can add nothing new to that which has already been writ- 
 ten. I presume that I saw this species on Chesapeake Bay but as all the Swans are very 
 shy, I did not get near enough to identify them. Both species are exceedingly rare in 
 New England, passing to their northern breeding grounds, through the interior of the 
 country, thus avoiding the coast north of New Jersey. 
 
 GENUS II. ANSER. LONG-BILLED GEESE. 
 
 lii.v. CH. Bill, about as long as head, yenerally briyht in color. Hind toe, rather long. Maryinai indentations , open 
 nml wide. 
 
 Members of this genus are variable in color, but are conspicuously marked with white. The trachea is straight and 
 without dilatation. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 ANSER HYPERBOREUS. 
 
 Snow Goose. 
 
 Anser Fiyperboreus PALL., Spic. Zool., VI; 17W, 80. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Pure white; primaries Muish-gray at base and black at tip. 
 Iv!-, brown. Bill and legs, red. Youny. Similar, but tinged with yellowish and rufous. 
 
 OBSRRVATIOHB. 
 
 Readily known by the white color, and black tippings to the primaries. Distributed, in summer, throughout An tie 
 Ameriea. Winters in the West. Rare in New England during the migration-. 
 
438 ANSER ALB1FRONS. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 29-50; stretch, 58-50: wing, 15-55; _tail, 5'65; bill, 
 2-05; tarsus, 2-95. Longest specimen, 31-00; greatest extent of wing, 62'00; longest wing, 17-00: tail. 5-80; bill, 2- 10; tarsus, 
 3 12. Shortest specimen, 26-00; smallest extent of wing, 55'00; shortest wing, 14'00; tail, 5-50; bill, ^ 00; tiirsus, 2-80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyys, from five to eight in numlicr, el- 
 liptical in form, yellowish-white in color. Dimensions from 1-90x2-80 to 2'00 x 8-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Snow Goose is exceedingly rare in the section east of the Mississippi, south of 
 Canada, and I have never seen a specimen living. It is, however, abundant in the West 
 during winter, when it is described as having similar habits to those of other Geese. It 
 breeds in the far North. 
 
 ANSER ALBIFRONS. 
 
 White-fronted Goose. 
 
 Anser albifrons BECIIST., Naturg. IV, 898. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn Size, large. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult. Above and on sides, bluish-gray, becoming brownish on head 
 ami neck. Forehead, upper tail coverts, and ander portions, excepting neck, white, becoming grayish anteriorly, where it 
 is irregularly blotched with black. Wings ashy-gray, becoming dark-brown on secondaries and tips of primaries: the great- 
 er coverts, tipped vrith white. Tail feathers, brown, also tipped with white. Axiilaries and under surface of wings, plum- 
 beous. Iris, brown: bill and feet, red. Youny. Similar but paler, and less spotted beneath. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white forehead and spotted breast. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America, wintering 
 in the West. Rare in New England during the migrations. 
 
 DIMENSIONS, 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 29'00; stretch, 59'00; wing, 16'20; tail, 5'35; hill, 
 1-95; tarsus, 2'65. Longest specimen, 29'75; greatest extent of wing, 59'85; longest wing, 16-45; tart, 5'55; bill, 2 05; tar- 
 sus, 2'85. Shortest specimen, 28-00; smallest extent of wing, 58'25; shortest wing, 15'95; tail, 5' 15; bill, 1 '85; tarsus, 2'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of weeds, grass, etc. Eygs, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, yellowish-white in color. Dimensions from 2'05x2'95 to 2'10x3'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Like the Snow Goose, the White-front is seldom seen in New England or southward 
 but is very abundant in the West, where numbers are shot every season, and from which 
 point they are sent into our markets during cold weather. Like nearly all members of the 
 present order, these birds are also migratory, breeding in the far North. Both this and 
 the preceding species are occasionally taken by gunners on the coast of North Carolina. 
 
 GENUS III. BERNICLA. SHORT-BILLED GEESE. 
 
 GEN. Cn, Bill, nut quite as lony as head 'and black in color. Hind toe, quite sturt. Marginal indentations, very wide 
 and open. 
 
 Members of this genus are very dark in color, witli few or no conspicuous marks of white. Traoiiea, straight, without 
 dilatation. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 BERNICLA CANADENSIS. 
 
 Canada Goose. 
 Bernicla Canadensis BOIE., Isis: 1826, 921. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. On. Form, robust. Size, large. Tail feathers, from fourteen to twenty. COLOR, Adult. General color, smoky- 
 brown becoming paler be&eath, with edges of feathers becoming lighter. Head, neck, rump, tips of primaries, and tail, 
 
CANADA GOOSE. 439 
 
 Mark. Patch on throat, extending up on sides of hend, upper tail coverts, posterior portions below, back of tibia, white. 
 Iris, In-own; feet and bill, black. Youny. Similar to the adult but paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the large size, absence of any conspicuous white markings on lower neck and colors as described. 
 Distributed, in summer, from Canada, northward; wintering from New Jersey, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 35'00; stretch, 62-70; wing, 17*62; tail, (HO; bill, 
 2-50; tarsus, 372. Longest specimen, 3S-00; greatest extent of wing, 65 '50; longest wing, 19'25; tail ,7*00; bill, 2-80; tarsus, 
 4 10. Shortest specimen, 32-00; smallest extent of wing, 59-00; shortest wing, 16'00; tail, 5-30; bill, 2'25; tarsus, 3'35. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND ECiCiS. 
 
 Nesls, placed on the ground in marshy places, eomp >sed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyg*, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, and dirty-white in color. Dimensions from 2'85 x 3'40 to 2'35 x 3'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 For upward of two hundred years, the exploits of the Canada Geese have been so re- 
 peat cdly recorded both in story and in song, that it is extremely difficult to write anything 
 new concerning them. Yet their migrations to and from their northern breeding grounds, 
 always prove interesting to (he inhabitants, over whose heads they pass seini-annually, the 
 must casual observer, never tailing to glance upward, when he hears their sonorous honks, 
 to note the wedge-shaped flock, or long line, of large birds, hurrying onward with more than 
 railroad speed, toward their destination. The wild Geese have learned wisdom by long ex- 
 perience, and now seldom alight on our east coast in numbers; thus it sounds marvelous 
 to hear the stories of the vast multitudes which formally gathered along our shores. These 
 Geese are, with us, the shyest of birds when in flocks, yet when one becomes separated 
 from the main body, it appears bewildered and apparently loses all fear of man. Once, 
 when I was a boy, a single Goose, evidently lost, sailed several times around our meadow, 
 in Newtonville, in which I was standing, once or twice passing within ten or twelve feet 
 of niy head. Some years later, on the day before Christinas, I was informed by a neigh- 
 bor, that there was a large bird in his meadow, and taking my gun, I walked within thirty 
 , yards of a large, male, wild Goose which was standing in an open field, and shot it. A 
 few years ago, I surprised one in a field near the sea-shore, late in November, and walked 
 within a few yards of it before it flew. Just previous to all these occasions, a thick fog 
 had prevailed, during which the Geese had evidently lost their reckoning. The Canada 
 Geese are abundant in southern waters during winter, from the Carolinas to Northern Flor- 
 ida, for although they are so rare on the east coast of this latter named State, that I nev- 
 er saw one there, yet I have found them very common about Cedar Keys, where, however, 
 they are as shy as they are in the North. 
 
 It is highly probable, that before the general settlement of New England, the Canada 
 (Jccse bred from Massachusetts, northward, but now they are confined to the wilder por- 
 tions of Canada, Labrador, and the adjacent islands, and so on to the North Pole. When 
 I was on the Magdalen Islands, certain inaccessible tracts of marshes, already described, 
 were pointed out to me as breeding grounds of the Geese, but I scarcely think that these 
 birds can occur in any numbers there, in summer, as I did not see a single specimen dur- 
 ing my visit. In habits, both this and the succeeding species behave much like the do- 
 mesticated birds. 
 
440 ANAS BOSChAS. 
 
 BERNTCLA BRENTA. 
 . Brant Goose. 
 
 Bernicla brenta STEPII., Shaw's Zool. XII.; 1824, 46. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, not very large. COLOR. Adult. Body, grayish-ash, darkest on rump, becoming light- 
 er beneath, with the edges of the feathers slightly paler. Wings, brown. Head, neck, and body anterior to wings, pri- 
 maries, and tail, black. Streaks of white in crescent-shaped mark on neck, and under portions back of tibia, white. Iris, 
 brown, bill and feet, black. Young. Similar but paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, dark colors, and crescent-shaped streakings on the neck. Distributed, in summer, 
 throughout the Arctic Regions; wintering from New Jersey to the Carol inas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 27' 10; stretch, 42-00; wing, 13'75; tail, 3'90; bill, 
 1'35; tarsus, SJ-30. Longest specimen, 30'50; greatest extent of wing,44'00; longest wing, 14'50; tail, 4"00; bill, T40; tarsus, 
 2-40. Shortest specimen, 2375; smallest extent of wing, 40'00; shortest wing, 13-00; tail, 3'75; bill, l"25; tarsus, 3'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, and dirty-white in color. Dimensions from I'84x2 75 to l'90x2 - 'JO. 
 
 HABITS. . 
 
 The Brant Geese, unlike the Canada, appear to prefer the coast to the interior when 
 migrating, insomuch so that they will seldom pass over any large tract of land, but will 
 follow the sinuosities of the shore, nearly always keeping over the water. These fine 
 birds are particular favorites with sportsmen, and many are shot from points of land which 
 make out into the sea, by building blinds, in which the sportsmen conceal themselves, while 
 the wary Brant are induced to alight near, by using decoys of the same species. Mr. W. 
 B. Dowse who has frequently shot over these decoys, informs nie that they become quite 
 tame and very intelligent, not only endeavoring to induce their wild brethren to alight near 
 them, but when a number are gathered about them, they will move to one side, in order 
 to give their master an opportunity to shoot the wild Brant. I never saw a Brant Goose 
 in Florida and think they seldom get as far south. In time of migration and in general 
 habits, these birds resemble the Canada Geese. 
 
 GENUS IV. ANAS. THE FRESH WATER DUCKS. 
 
 GEN. Cii. Bill, wide, flattened, not swollen nor very hiyh at base, nor expanded at tip. Leys, rather short. Marginal 
 indentations, nearly closed in adult. 
 
 The trachea is without dilatation but the larynx, in the male, is provided with a bony frame-work and is much ex- 
 panded. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 ANAS BOSCHAS. 
 
 Mallard Duck. 
 Anas boschas LINN. Syst., Nat. I; 1760, 205. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Tipsof upper tail coverts, turned upward in males. COLOR. Adult male. Head, 
 and upper neck all around, deep iridescent green, glossed with violet. Beneath this color is a narrow ring of white, that 
 is followed by rich che-tnut-brown which extends backward, beneath, to upper breast, where it is somewhat paler. Low- 
 er hind neck, and back, reddish-brown, finely banded with whitish, but becoming rapidly darker on the posterior bat-k, 
 .luck on rump, until it ends in the velvety upper tail coverts which show greenish reflections. Scnpularies, red- 
 di<Ii-l'niwii, more or less finely banded with white, but becoming chestnut on the outer weljs which are banded with dark- 
 lirown. Tertinries. hoary, edged with whitish. Secondaries and primaries, brown, the former rather broadly tipped 
 with white. Speculum, dark-blue, with violet reflections, and surrounded by a band of black. Wing coverts, ivdui-h- 
 
PL ATE XX VII 
 
 DENDRCECA DISCOLOR 
 PreiTie Warbler. 
 
BLACK DUCK. 441 
 
 brown, tlie greater being tipped with black, preceded by a white bnnd. Tail, brown, witli tbe feathers spotted arid edged 
 with white. Under surface, not dtrcrihed, excepting the under wing coverts which are black with greenish reflections, 
 rrciiiny-wliite, finely banded everywhere, excepting on under wing coverts and axillaries, but more prominently on sides, 
 with brown. Tips of feathers of flanks, white. Iris, brown; feet, reddish-orange, bill, greenish-brown. 
 
 Ailn/tfima!" General color, dark-brown, with feathers edged mid streaked with yellowish-rufous which predominates 
 below mid which it. imged on brenst, sides, flanks, and under tail coverts with chestnut. Otherwise similar to the adult 
 male. Youny. Similar to the adult female but paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The male may be known by the green head, and the female by the predominating white on tail. Distributed, in sum- 
 mer, throughout the West and North ; wintering in the South. Not very common in New England during migrations. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 23'50; stretch, 55-50; wing, ll'OO; tail, 3'80; bill, 
 2-85; tarsus, T75. Longest specimen, 25'00; greatest extent of wing, 28-75; longest wing, ll'SO; tail, 4'00; bill, 2'30; tar- 
 sus, 1 90. Shortest specimen, 22-00; smallest extent of wing, 22'25; shortest, wing, 10'SO; tail, 3'60; bill, 2" 15; tarsus, 1'CO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of weeds, grass, etc. Eyyt, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, greenish-brown in color. Dimensions from T40x2'25 to I'70x2'35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although I have occasionally taken specimens of the Mallard Duck in New England , 
 they are far from being common here, I have also found them, in winter, in Florida, but 
 never very abundant, nor do I think that any breed in the State, the great strong-hold of 
 the species, appearing to be in the West. Those which I observed in Florida, were quite 
 tame, insomuch so that I have walked within a few feet of them, as they sat in the small 
 pools on the marshes, and shot them, as they rose, with dust shot. Although usually a riv- 
 er Duck, those that I have seen, both North and South, were in pools on salt marshes, or 
 in crocks in which the tide rose and fell. In general habits, the Mallards closely resemble 
 (lie following species but arc, however, more often domesticated, and those which have 
 bci-n bird in this condition for many years, retain the plumage of the original birds so well, 
 that it is often impossible to detect any difference, and they readily become feral, associa- 
 ting with wild Ducks. 
 
 ANAS OBSCURA. 
 
 Black Duck. 
 Anas obscura GM., Syst Nat. I; 1788, 541. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH Size, large. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult male. Dark-brown throughout streaked on head, neck, and ab- 
 domen with pale reddish-yellow; and feathers of remainder of body, especially below, edged with yellowish. Under wing 
 coverts, axillaries, and tips of secondaries, white. Speculum, green with violet reflections, surrounded by black. Feet, 
 greenish-yellow. Iris, brown. Bill, greenish-brown. Adult female and Youny. Similar, but paler. Nestlinys. Above, 
 including stripe behind eye, yellowish-brown, with several spots of buffy-yellow. Beneath, pale buffy-yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the universally dark colors. Florida specimens are not only smaller in size but are lighter in color 
 than Northern birds, the nurnl>er of tail feathers is less, and there are longitudinal streaks above of yellowish in males. 
 Distributed, in summer, throughout Eastern North America, from Labrador to Texas; winters from Massachusetts, south. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Ix-ngth, 22-50; stretch, 35-80: wing, 10'50; tail, 3-38; bill, 
 1-00; tarsus, 1'85. Lonu"-t speeimen.SJ-OO; greatest extent of wing, 37'50; longest wing, ll'OO: tail. 3-.W; bill, 2'IO; tarsus] 
 2-15. Shortest speeinien, ._>!( KI ; smallest extent of wing, 34'00; shortest wing, 1<VOO; tail, 3-12; bill, T75; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 x OF NK.STS AND i:<;<;.s. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy plaec-;, eomposeil of grass, wei ds, etc. K/ys, six to ten in number, ellipti- 
 cal in furiu, and jrrecnish-brown in color. Dimensions from l'-KI.\^-25 to I'75x2'35. 
 
 50 
 
442 ANAS OBSCURA. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Black Ducks are, perhaps, the most abundant of the River Ducks in our section, 
 and I have always found them common and breeding, in suitable localities, wherever I 
 have been, between the Gulfs of St. Lawrence and Mexico. In the North, however, these 
 birds are migratory, for although specimens occur quite commonly in Massachusetts all win- 
 ter, they are birds which breed further north, and are noticeably larger than those which 
 live with us in summer, and which have retreated further south during cold weather. In 
 Central Florida, I discovered a local race which is very yellow in color, and which is con- 
 stantly resident in thu State, where they are remarkably abundant. I found them breed- 
 ing on Indian River, the nests being placed on the drier portions of the marshes, in grass 
 which was about eighteen inches high. The eggs were deposited during the first and sec- 
 ond weeks of April; then about the first of May, I would frequently see flocks of little downy 
 ducklings, following the female, but unless I took care to concealniyself, I did not enjoy 
 watching these little families long, for as soon as the parent became aware of my presence, 
 she would emit a chuckling note, when away they would scamper, helter-skelter, into the 
 nearest grass, where it was impossible, upon the most careful search, to discover a single 
 young. I once surprised a brood, when they were some distance from any place of shel- 
 ter, for they had ventured out upon the mud of a creek, at low tide, and I chanced to come 
 out of the high grass, just in front of them. The old Duck appeared to comprehend the 
 situation at once, for she came directly toward me, driving her brood before her, hoping to 
 engage my attention by a display of bravery, while the young escaped into the sheltering 
 vegetation behind me; but placing my gun on the ground, I stooped down and grasped 
 two of the little fellows, as they were running past. The diminutive ducklings uttered 
 shrill cries when they were captured, which drove their parent nearly frantic, for regard- 
 less of possible consequences, she dashed about in front of me, with ruffled feathers and 
 half closed wings, often coming within a foot of me, at the same time, quacking loudly. 
 This out-cry attracted the attention of the drake, but he did not approach very near, 
 merely circling about, some fifty yards distant, quacking softly. Leaving the old female 
 to care for the remainder of the brood, I carried my captives into camp and placed them 
 in a box, the sides of which were about a foot and a half high, but young as they were, 
 they managed to escape. 
 
 On the Magdalen Islands, the Black Ducks deposit their eggs during the last of May 
 or first week in June. When in company with Mr. Win. L. Breeze, near the first of July, 
 I discovered a brood of about a dozen young, my attention being attracted to them, by a 
 whistling sound which they made. They were sitting huddled together, in the top of a 
 small spruce which was lying prostrate over a small stream that flowed through a little ra- 
 vine. The old Duck was absent, and by making a sudden dash at them, I managed to cap- 
 ture three, before they were aware of our presence. The rest dropped into the shallow 
 water, some diving, others creeping into holes, while some sought shelter beneath the roots 
 or overhanging moss; in short, they managed, to conceal themselves so effectually , that we 
 only succeeded in finding one which we took out of the water from beneath a stone. 
 
 Wild Black Ducks are frequently reared by the inhabitants on the Magdalen Islands, 
 and readily mix with the domesticated race which, however, evidently originated from 
 
PIGTAIL DLCK. 443 
 
 this species; and those I captured, I resigned to the c:ire of nn old lady who had a brood 
 of domestic birds, but from some unaccountable cause, they soon died. 
 
 I;K.MS v. DAFILA. THE SPRIG-TAILED DUCKS. 
 
 (li\. Cu. Bill, long, narrow, not much flattened, swollen, nor hiyh. at base, and slightly widened at tip. Neck, long 
 an/I Iliin. Leys, sluirt. Marginal indentations, closed in adults. 
 
 Tin' trachea is slightly ddated, and the larynx of the male is expanded and provided with a Ixmy frame-work. The 
 stnimicli is muscular. Sexes, not similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 DAFILA ACUTA. 
 
 Fin-tail Duck. 
 Dqfila acula JENYNS, Man.; 1835, 232. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Herul, throat, and small portion of upperneck, 
 dark-br >wn, with feathers edged with lighter and showing slight green and violet reflections on posterior portions. Two 
 linos of wliite extend along sides of neck, nearly uniting on back, and between these is a patch of black which has green- 
 ish reflections, but this gradually becomes brown on back which Is finely barred with white, and extends to the central tail 
 C:iviTt< that are edged with white. Scapularies and tertiaries, black, edged or streaked with brown which on former Ls 
 banded with white. Primaries and secondaries, brown, the litter broadly tipped with white that is preceded by a reddish 
 tinire on two or three outer. Speculum, greenish, with violet reflections, and surrounded by a band of black. Wing 
 coverts, asliy-brown,with the greater tipped with reddish-brown. Sides of upper tail coverts, central tail, and under tail 
 coverts, Mack, with a line on the sides of latter, white; remainder of tail, brown, edged and spotted with white. Beneath, 
 creamy-white, finely and faintly banded on posterior portions, and more noticeably on sides and flanks, with dark-brown. 
 Lnder wing coverts, ash y-brown , banded and spotted with white. Iris and feet, dark-brown; bill black, bluish on sides. 
 
 Adult fiinalc. Above and on sides, flunks, and under wing coverts, dark-brown, with feathers edged, streaked, hand- 
 ed, and spotted with yellowish-white and rufous. Beneath, yellowish-white, spotted on head, neck, and under tail cov- 
 erts, with dusky. Secondaries, tipped with white. Speculum, grayish. Middle tail feathers, not greatly elongated. Oth- 
 erwise similar to male. Young. Similar to adult female, and males occur in transitional stages between this and adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The main may be recognized by the greatly elongated central tail feathers, and colors as described. Female, by the 
 narrow bill and grayish speculum. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 24'75; stretch, 34-00; wing, 9'95; tail, G'OO; bill, 
 2- 12; tarsus, 1'6.1. Longest specimen, 23'5;i; greatest extent of wing, 35-00; longest wing, 10 25; tail.H-OJ; bill, 2-25; tarsus, 
 I-?'). Shortest specimen, 21 -<X); smallest extent of wing, 33'00: shortest wing, 9 75; tail, 4-00; bill,2'00; tarsus, 1'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGOS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eygs, fri>m six to ten in number, ellip- 
 tical in form, and greenish-brown in color. Dimensions from I'SOxS'lO to l'55x!?-30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Pintail Ducks are not common in New England nor in any of the Northern 
 States, east of the Mississippi, although some are to be found here every year. They ap- 
 pear to be particularly fond of the creeks that make out from the salt wafer, where they 
 feed in company with the Black Ducks. The Pintails are more common in the Southern 
 States but the great winter resort of the species is in Florida; here they are not only ex- 
 ceedingly abundant but very tame. On one occasion, while I was making my way down 
 Indian River, numbers of these Ducks were passing over my head southward. They flew 
 in .strangling flocks, consisting of from twenty to some hundreds of specimens, and one com- 
 pany followed another so closely, that there \vas an almost unbroken line. They contin- 
 ued to move in this manner all tho morning; thus many thousands of individuals must have 
 past us. Shortly after noon, they began to alight along f,he beaches in such numbers that 
 they fairly covered the ground, and were so unsuspicious that my assistant, who had left 
 the boat sonic time previous, walked within a few yards of them, and killed three or four 
 
444 CHA I LELA SM US ST REFER VS. 
 
 with a single discharge of a light gun which was merely loaded with a small charge of 
 dust shot. This occurred in early March and the birds were evidently gathering, prepara- 
 tory to migrating northward, for in a few days they had all disappeared. The Pintails 
 breed in the North and North-west. 
 
 GENDS VI. CHAULELASMUS. THE GRAY DUCKS. 
 
 GEN. On. Bill, about as long as head, not wide nor flattened, sliyhtly expanded at tip, but not swollen nor hiyh at base. 
 Leys, short. Neck, not very long. Marginal indentations, nearly closed in adult. 
 
 The trachea is slightly dilated near the larynx, which in the male, is provided with a bony frame-work and is ex- 
 panded. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS. 
 
 Gadwall Duck. 
 Chaulelasmus streperus GRAY; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult mate. Ilead and neck, yellowish-white, becoming reddish on 
 crown find spotted with dusky. Lower neck, back, and upper breast, dark-brown, finely banded with white. Outer scnp- 
 ularies and sides, black, narrowly barred with white. Longest tertiaries, hoary, and inner scapularies. tinged with red- 
 dish. Middle wing coverts, chestnut; greater, black. Speculum, white, bordered externally with hoary, internally with 
 black. Flanks and upper tail coverts, black. Remainder of under portions, white, faintly banded on the ab-lomen with 
 brownish. Iris, reddish- brown; bill, black; feet, yellowish-green. 
 
 Adult female. Dark brown throughout, tinged with ashy on head, neck, and greater wing coverts, streaked on first 
 two with yellowish, and with the feathers of body and tail broadly margined with reddish. Otherwise similar to male. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known in all stages by the white speculum, and colors as described. Distributed, in summer, throughout the 
 North-west and North; wintering in the South. Not common in New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 20'60; stretch, 33-00; wing, 9'00; tail, 3'50; bill, 
 3' 10; .tarsus, I'lO. Longestspecimen,2r75; greatest extent of wing, 35-00; longest wing, lO'OO; tail, -i'OO; bill, 2'20; tarsus, 
 1-80. Shortest specimen, 19 50; smallest extent of wing, 31-00; shortest wing, 8-00; tail, 3'00; bill, 2'00; tarsus, 164. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eggs, six to ten hi number, elliptical 
 in form, and creamy-buff in color. Dimensions from I'45x2'00 to 1-50 x2'05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Gadwall is one of the most uncommon of all the Ducks which occur in New Eng- 
 land during the migrations, but is occasionally found in our markets in considerable num- 
 bers, being brought from the West, where it is common, and where it breeds. I have never 
 met with this Duck in Florida, nor elsewhere on the eastern coast of the United States. 
 The Gadwall resembles other members of the order in general habits. 
 
 GENUS VII. MARECA. THE WIDGEONS. 
 
 GEN. Cii, Bill, shorter than head, rather narrow, not flattened, widened at tip, swollen, nor hiyh at base. Neck and 
 legs, short. Marginal indentations, open. 
 
 Trachea, not dilated, and the larynx in the male is expanded, and provided with a bony frame-work. Stomach, mus- 
 cular. Central tail feathers and under tail coverts, slightly lengthened. Sexes, not similar. There are two species with- 
 in our limits. 
 
 MARECA AMERICANA. 
 
 American Widgeon. 
 Mareca Americ-ma STEPH. Shaw's Zool. XII.; 1824, 135. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, riot very large. COLOR. Adult male. Head and neck all around, creamy-white, finely 
 spotted ami banded everywhere, excepting on crown, with dusky. Throat and broad band back of eye, nearly black, the 
 latter glossed with green. Lower neck, scapularies, sides, and upper breast, chestnut-red, tinged with ashy ; finely handed 
 
ENGLISH WU>GF.ON. 445 
 
 on nil but Inst, with dark-brown. Remainder of upper parts, durk-brown, finely Imndcd on buck with yellow bill-white. 
 Outer webs of Mv-piilariis, velvety-black margined with whiti-di. Greater upper wing C'jverts, under parts, and flunks, 
 while, the lirst lijipcd with Mark. I'ndrr wing coverts und lesser upper coverts, ashy. Speculum and under tail coverts, 
 black, tlie former ashy nluve and glossed anteriorly with greenish. Bill, bluish; feet, black, and iris, brown. 
 
 Adult female. Similar, but lacks the white crown and iridescence on head. The white of greater wing coverts is re- 
 placed by iishy and the barrings above are coarser. The under tail coverts are brown banded with white, and the other 
 colors are paler. Youny. Resemble the adult female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the spotted head and neck and black and green speculum. Distributed in summer throughout the North 
 and North-west; wintering from New Jersey, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 19*75; stretch, 32*75; wing, 10'35; tail. I' 10; bill, 
 1*45; tarsus, Hi5. Longest specimen, 21*75; greatest extent of wing, 35'50; longest wing, 11*25; tail, 4 20, bill, T50; tarsus, 
 1-80. Shortest specimen, 17*76; smallest extent of wing, 30*00; shortest wing, 9*50; tail, 4*00; bill, 1*40; tarsus, 1*50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eggs, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, and brownish-buff in color. Dimensions from r 30x2*00 to 1*50x2*10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The American Widgeons are not very common throughout the northern portion of (he 
 eastern section of North America during migrations, but occur in considerable numbers in 
 the South in winter, and I have found them quite abundant in the mouths of the rivers that 
 flow into the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida. Here they occurred in flocks, 
 in company with the Scaup and other Ducks. They were, however, rather shy, when com- 
 pared with other members of the order, but did not differ in general habits from most of 
 the Ducks which inhabit rivers. - 
 
 MARECA PENELOPE. 
 
 English Widgeon. 
 
 Mareca penelope BON., List; 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Size, not very large. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult male. Top of head, yellowish-white. Sides of head 
 and neck all around, cliestnut-red, spotted irregularly and sparcely with black, excepting in front, where the ground 
 n>lur is nearly obscured with it, and the spots around eye show greenish reflections. Back and sides, dark-brown, finely 
 banded with white. Upper tail coverts, whitish with ashy centers, the outer margined with black. Wings and tail, 
 dark-brown, the latter edged with white. Lesser wing coverts, ashy; greater, white tipped with black. Outer webs of 
 scapularies, black, edged with white. Speculum, black with greenish reflections on anterior portion. Axillaries and un- 
 der wing coverts, ashy, banded with white. The upper breast and sides are chestnut-red tinged with ashy. The under 
 tail covens are black. Remainder of under parts, white. Iris, brown; bill and feet, bluish. 
 
 Adult female. General color above, reddish-brown, with the feathers edged with whitish and centrally spotted with 
 dark-brown. Speculum, gray, surrounded, excepting below, with white. The under tail coverts are white, banded with 
 brown. Otherwise similar to the adult male. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The male may be known by the chestnut-red head and black and green speculum. The female, by the gray speculum 
 and reddish-brown sides. Constant resident in Europe. Rare on the Eastern coast of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average me:i<urements of specimens. Length, 19*00; stretch, 33*50; wing, 10-00; tail4'25; bill, 1*55; tarsus, 1*56. 
 Longest specimen, 20 00; greatest extent of wing, 34*00; longest wing, 10'5O; tail, 4*50; bill, 1 HO; tarsus, 1*65. Shortest 
 specimen, 18 00; smallest extent of wing, 33*00; shortest wing, 9*50; tail, 4'00; bill, 1*50; tarsus, 1*53. 
 
 DESC'RII'TloN OF MISTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass and weeds. Eyys from five to eight in number, oval 
 in form, creamy-buff in color. Dimensions from 1*40x2-20 to 1-50x2*50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The English Widgeon, a well-known European species, although formally considered 
 as only accidental on our eastern coiist, is really a regular visitant, some being taken cv- 
 
446 QUERQUEDVLA DJSCORS. 
 
 ery season, especially in the sounds of North Carolina, and it is extremely probable that 
 this bird is a migrant from the North, having bred on the American side of the Atlantic. 
 According to authors, these Ducks resemble the American Widgeon in manner of feeding, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 GENUS VIII. QUERQUEDULA. THE TEALS. 
 
 GEN. On. Kill, shorter than head, narrow, sliyht/y widened, <# tip, but not much fattened, swollen, nor hiyh at bnsr. 
 Marginal indentations, open . 
 
 The trachea is straight and without dilatation. The larynx in males is slightly expanded and provided with a bony 
 frame-work. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are four species within our limits. 
 
 QUERQUEDULA DISCOBS. 
 Blue-winged Teal. 
 
 Querquedula discors STEPIT., Shaw's Zool. XII; 1824, 149. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male. Head, and neck all around, ashy-gray. Top of head, 
 black. Cresent-shaped spot in front of eye, white. Back, brown, becoming greenish posteriorly, crossed anteriorly by 
 two narrow bands of purplish. Outer webs of scapularies, blue, black, and green, streaked with reddish-huff. Wing cov- 
 erts, blue with the outer, white! Speculum, black glossed with green, tipped with white posteriorly. The under part-: 
 are purplish-ash; each feather spotted with black which becomes more obsolete behind. The under wing c.jverts and ax- 
 illaries are black. Bill, black, iris, brown and feet, yellowish. 
 
 Adult female. Brown throughout, with the feathers edged with whitish which becomes more prominent below. 
 Throat, creamy. Wings as in male. Young. Similar to adult female but the wing markings are paler and lack the blue 
 scapularies; while in the fomale the speculum is very pale. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known by the small size, blue wing coverts, and narrow bill. Distributed in summer throughout oith 
 America; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 15-50; stretch, 24*00; wing, 7'20; tail, 3'20; bill, 
 1*62; tarsus, 1'35. Longest specimen, 16-00; greatest extent of wing, 25'00; longest wing, 7'50: tail. 3 - 50; bill, 1*75; tarsus, 
 1-50. Shortest specimen, 15-00; gmallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 6'90; tail, 2'90; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 1-25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Kggs, six to ten in number, ellipti- 
 cal in form, and brownish-buff in color. Dimensions from 1*30 x 1'90 to 1*35x1*95. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 These little Ducks prefer those small ponds which are half filled with lily pads and 
 other vegetation and which are so common in New England, as feeding places, and may 
 often be found in them in September, at which lime they are making their way toward the 
 South. The Blue-winged Teals are one of the most unsuspicious of all the inland Ducks, 
 and can be approached quite closely, especially when they first arrive from their northern 
 breeding grounds; and as they have a peculiar habit of huddling together when slightly 
 alarmed, the "sportsman has an excellent opportunity of securing a number at a single shot, 
 before they rise. Some years ago, when I was a small boy, and when these birds were 
 much more abundant than at present, I remember seeing an old gentleman kill upward of 
 twenty-five at a single discharge of one of those old muskets, known as a queen's arm. 
 When passing southward, these Teals are much more common just before a storm, and like 
 many other Ducks, are much" more restless in unsettled weather. There are, perhaps, few 
 birds which can move with greater rapidity than these little Teal, especially when coming 
 down the wind before a strong gale. I have always found these birds very abundant in 
 Florida in winter, where they frequent the pools on the marshes, or the mouths of narrow 
 creeks. This species breeds in the West and, possibly, as far south as Florida. 
 
GHEEN- WINGED TEAL. 447 
 
 QUERQI;EDULA CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 Green-winged Teal. 
 Querquedula Carolinensis STKPU., Shaw's Zool., XII, 18*24, 148. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si 1 . CH. Form, slender. Size, small. Coix>n. Adult male. Head and neck, chestnut-red, dusky on forehead, with 
 line li;u-k of eye, green showing violet reflections. Upper portions and sides, brown, finely handed on all but wings, with 
 white. ('resccnt-sha|>ed murk in front of wings, and tips of greater coverts, white, the 1'itter tinjred with reddish. Buck 
 of head, bund mi flanks, line on gcapularies. and under portion of speculum, hlnck, remainder of latter, green, followed pos- 
 teriorly with a narrow band of white. Chin, black. Ring around neck white, finely banded with black. Rein a inder of un- 
 der portions, white, becoming creamy on under tail coverts which have a central black line, finely banded with brown on 
 abJomen, and becoming purplish on breast which is marked with round spots of brown. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. 
 
 Adult female. Dark-brown above, with the feathers edged with whitish. White beneath, with obscure brown spots 
 on breast. Otlierwi-c similar to male. Young. Similar to female, and males occur in all stages between this and adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Readily known in all stages by the small size and black and white speculum. Distributed, in summer, from Maine, 
 northward; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 13'75; stretch, 22'25; wing, 6'65; tail, 2'65; bill, 
 rfil); t-.irsus, no. LoogMt spadom, 15'0;i; greatest extent of wing, dl'50; longest wing,0'80; tail,2'80; bill, 1-70; tarsus, 
 1'sJO. Shortest specimen, 12 50; smallest extent of wing, 20'00; shortest wing, 6 50; tail, 2'50; bill, 1'50; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nats, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyy$, from six to ten in number, ellip- 
 tical in form, and pale brownish-buff in color. Dimensions from l'25x 1'85 to I'SOx 1'iX). 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Teal last mentioned, as related, haunts the fresh waters of the interior, whereas 
 the present species, although not uncommon on ponds and rivers, appears to prefer the salt 
 water, resorting to the mouths of narrow creeks in which the tide rises and falls. On the 
 southern .side pf Amherst Island, one of the Magdalen group, are several salt water ponds 
 which were formally lagoons, but which the shifting sand of the beaches have cut off from 
 the water of the gulf. These miniature lakes are surrounded by a thick growth of trees, 
 composed mainly of spruce and hemlock, which have been so dwarfed by the severe climate. 
 that they rarely attain the height of ten feet. I was making my way along the border of 
 one of these ponds, on the sixteenth of June, in company with my friend, Mr. Oilman 
 Brown, when a female Green-winged Teal rose within a yard of our feet; and stepping for- 
 ward, we discovered a nest containing eight greenish eggs which were placed in a depres- 
 sion of the sandy soil on a few twigs, and surrounded with a ring of gray down, thus pre- 
 senting a very pretty appearance. The spot was concealed by the overhanging branches 
 of u little spruce, and had the bird remained quiet, we should have passed without discov- 
 ering her treasures. The female was quite shy, and after circling about a few times dis- 
 appeared. The eggs* were in an advanced state of incubation and would have been hatched 
 in a short time. The Green-wings migrate through New England a little later than the 
 preceding species. 
 
 GENTS IX. SI'ATI I.A. THE SPOON-HILLED IHTKS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, much lun</i-r than h> ail, narrow til iasi l,vl rial liii/h, anil ii.mli unlni'il unit jliiHi nnl at tip. Lamella 
 o I upper mamlilili ',./<"'' anil i/mitly lenythened. Marginal inil'-ntntinnf, /'. 
 
 The trachea is straight, without dilatation, and the larynx of the male i< expanded and provided with a 'loiiy fnune- 
 wurk. The stomach is muscular. Sexes, not similar. There is but uuu species within our limits. 
 
448 SPATULA CLYPEATA. 
 
 SPATtTLA CLYPEATA. 
 
 Shoveller Duck. 
 Spatula clypeata BOIE., Isis; 18-SJ, 5C>4. 
 
 -DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. On. Form, rather elender. Size, not very large. COLOR. Adult male. Head and upper neck, green with violet 
 and bluish reflections. Remainder of neck, upper breast, sides of back, tips of greater wing coverts, and under wing cov- 
 erts, white. Back and upper tail coverts, brown, with the feathers edged witli lighter and glossed with greenish, especi- 
 ally on the upper tail coverts, where the tints are darker. Tail, wlyte, centrally streaked with brown. Under tail coverts, 
 black, with green and violet reflections. The under parts not described, rich dark-chestnut, becoming lighter on the sides, 
 flanks, and tibia, where the feathers are finely barred and spotted with black. Tertiaries, black on outer webs, streaked 
 with whiteon inner, and edged with blue on two lower feathers. Wing coverts, blue tipped with white. Speculum, green, 
 glossed with violet. Bill, black, iris, yellow, and feet, bright orange. 
 
 Adu/t female. General color throughout, pale yellowish with every feather streaked, spotted, and banded with dark- 
 brown, the latter color predominating above. Wings as in the male, but the speculum is not as prominent and the blue 
 of the coverts is edged and spotted with yellowish-rufous. The under wing coverts are white. Youny. Similar to adult 
 female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the broad bill, blue wing coverts, and green speculum. Immature males present all gradations 
 in plumage between young and adult. Distributed, in summer, from Texas to Aliiska. Winters in tbe South. Not com- 
 mon in New England. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 19*50; stretch, 31*00; wing, 8'75; tail, 3'40; bill, 
 2-45; tarsus, 1*55. Longest specimen, 20*00; greatest extent of wing, 32*00; longest wing, 9'50; tail, 3-75; bill, 2'60; tarsus, 
 1-60. Shortest specimen, 19'00; smallest extent of wing, 30*00; shortest wing, 8*00; tail, 3*00; bill, 2'50; tarsus, T50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number, elliptical in 
 form, and pale ashy-green in color. Dimensions from 1*45x2*05 to 1*50x2*10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Shovellers, although quite common in the West, are exceedingly rare in Now Eng- 
 land, but I found them very abundant in the shallow pools on the marshes of Salt Lake and 
 Indian River, Florida. Here they fed in little groups, and JH they were quite unsuspi- 
 cious, could be easily approached and shot. I have also taken specimens at Key West in 
 winter. These fine Ducks may possibly breed in Florida, as I have found them common 
 there quite late in the season. 
 
 GENUS X. AIX. THE ARBOREAL DUCKS. 
 
 GEN. Cu. Bill, narrow, rather hiyh at base, and pointed at tip. Head, crested. Neck, not very short. Marginal in- 
 dentations, open. 
 
 Trachea, not dilate J, and the larynx in the male is expanded, and provided with a bony frame-work. Stomach , mus- 
 cular. Tail feathers, slightly lengthened. Eyes, large. Sexes, not similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 AIX SPONSA. 
 
 Wood Duck. 
 
 Aix sponsa BOIE., Isia; 1828, 329. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Top and sides of head, green glossed with violet and 
 purplish. Narrow line over eye extending down on nape, also one below- and back of eye, throat, and upper neck below en- 
 croaching on dark color above in two triangular patches, white. Above dark-brown glossed with violet and purple. Tips 
 of secondaries, white. , Outer edges of primaries, hoary. Lower neck and breast, chestnut-red tinged with purplish, dark- 
 est above, and marked anteriorly with triangular shaped spots of creamy. Crescent in front of wing, and under parts, 
 white, becoming yellowish on sides which are finely banded with dark-brown, and marked posteriorly with coarser bands 
 of black and white. The under wing coverts are spotted with brown. There is a spot of purplish tipped with lighter on 
 flanks, and a patch of black, back of white crescent on sides. The under tail coverts are brown glossed with green. Bill, 
 brown, purplish at base, with a V-shaped patch of white on upper mandible. Iris, ruby-red, and feet, brown. 
 
GREATER BLACK-HEAD. 449 
 
 Adult female. General markings as in the mule, but with a white patch around eye, and InckH, in a great measure, 
 the bright colors and iridescence which arc replaced or obscured with ashy and brownish. Youny. Similar to adult fe- 
 male but the breast is streaked with whitish. The males, however, are brighter than the females. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in all stages by the iridescent colors of wings as described. Distributed, in summer, throughout Temperate 
 Nortli America; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, IS'OO; stretch, 29'00; wing, 9'00; tail, 4'12; bill, 
 1' 35; tarsus, 1'30. Longest specimen, 19'OU; greatest extent of wing, 29'75; longest wing, 9'60; tail. 4'25; bill, 1'SO; tarsus, 
 1'40. Shortest specimen, 17'OC; smallest extent of wing, 28-00; shortest wing, H-45; tail, 4'00; bill, 1'25; tarsus, 1-20 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of grass, weeds, feathers, etc. Eggs, six to ten in number, elliptical in 
 form, and pale brown in color. Dimensions from roSxl'SSto r 1 "> x 1 li.~>. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The beautiful Wood Ducks are among the best known of all the species which resort 
 to our inland waters, for they are abundant in summer and breed from Maine to Florida, 
 and it is a singular fact, that the eggs are deposited in the latter named State in May and 
 June, nearly or quite as late as they are laid further north. The Wood Ducks almost in- 
 variably select a hole in a tree or stub in which to build, often some distance from the wa- 
 ter and occasionally at a considerable height from the ground, and when a pair of these 
 birds have selected a particular tree, they will return to it year after year. Mr. Will Per- 
 haui called my attention to a section of a hollow log which he had fastened in the fork of 
 a huge pine that stands near Tyng Pond, which he said was the nesting place of a certain 
 pair of these Ducks, and also stated that they had used it for several years. As the young 
 do not remain in the nest long after being hatched, they must be removed by the parents 
 and carried to the water. These elegant birds are easily tamed, and even when in a state 
 of nature, will readily associate with domesticated fowls, feeding with them through the 
 entire summer. In autumn, the Wood Ducks often visit the woods in search of chestnuts 
 and acorns. They migrate southward during October but occur in Florida all winter. 
 
 GENUS XI. FULIGDLA. THE BAY DUCKS. 
 <II:N. Cii. Mill, lonyer than head, quite wide, somewhat flattened, and not expanded at lip. Marginal indentations, 
 
 Ujllll. 
 
 The trachea is straight and without any special dilatation. The larynx in males is expanded and provided witli a bony 
 frame- work. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are five species within our limits. 
 
 PULIGULA MARILA. 
 Greater Black-head. 
 
 Fulvjula marila STEPII., Shaw's Zool. XII; 1824, 197. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Head, neck all around, upper parts, breast, sides, flank-, 
 and under tail coverts, black, glossed with green and violet on head, becoming slightly brownish around middle of neck, 
 finely banded with' white across back. Remainder of under part*, white, faintly banded with black on abdomen. Black 
 feathers of breast, slightly tipped with white, and those on shoulders are faintly spotted with it. Speculum, white. Bill, 
 blue, with nail and feet, black. Iris orange. Adult female. Similar, but the black is replaced by brown, and the barrings 
 above are faintly indicated. The sides are brown and there Is a whitish space around base of bill. Youny. Resemble the 
 adult female but arc more reddi-di above. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the following species by the large size and decidedly greenish gloss to head; and from all others, by the 
 broad blue bill and whiU 1 speculum. Distributed iu summer throughout Northern America; wintering from Massachu- 
 setts to the Carolina*. 
 
 67 
 
450 FUL1GULA AFF1N1S. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 19'00; stretch, 3%' 50; wing, 8'50; tail, 2'75; bill, I'SO; tarsus, 1'50. 
 Longest specimen, 20 00; greatest extent of wing, 34'00; longest wing, 9'OH; tail, 3'00; bill, T85; tarsus, 1'tiO. Shortest 
 specimen, 18-00; smallest extent of wing, 30 00; shortest wing, 8'00; tail, 2'50; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 1'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eggs, from six to ten in number, ellip- 
 tical in form, ashy-green in color. Dimensions from I'70x2'35 to I'75x2'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Greater Black-heads, or Blue-bills as they are called by sportsmen, are very far 
 from being common on the coast of Massachusetts, even in winter, but occur to the south- 
 ward in considerable numbers. They closely resemble the succeeding in colors and habits 
 but are really a distinct species. They are, however, rather more maritime than the Little 
 Black-heads, yet are found on the lakes and rivers of the interior. They breed in the far 
 North. 
 
 FULIGTJLA AFFINI3. 
 
 Little Black-head. 
 Fuligul a qffinis ETTON, Mon. Anat.; 1838, 157. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Excepting in being .smaller, in having the head glossed with violet on- 
 ly, and in having no white sprinklings on shoulders, this species does not differ from the Greater Black-head, to which re- 
 fer for further description. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 For comparison with other species see preceding. Distribute 1, in summer, throughout the North-west and North ; 
 wintering from New Jersey, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 16'80; stretch, sJO'OO; wing, 7'50; tail, 2'55; bill, 
 1'35; tarsus, 1'30. Longest specimen, 17'25; greatest extent of wing, 29'50; longest wing, 7'75; tail, 2 75, bill, 1'75; tarsus, 
 1 50. Shortest specimen, 15'50; smallest extent of wing, 28'50; shortest wing, 7'30; tail, a 35; bill, T05; tarsus, rio. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed (n fie ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number, elliptical 
 in form, and ashy-green in color. Dimensions from 1'GO x 2'25 to T65 x 2'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Little Black-heads or Scaups are quite common on the rivers and ponds of the 
 Northern States, and congregate in great numbers on the inland waters of the South in 
 winter, but are particularly abundant in Florida, fairly swarming on the St. John's and 
 Indian Rivers. They are highly gregarious and gather in largn compact flocks, especially 
 at night, from which circumstance they are termed Raft Ducks. When disturbed at such 
 times, they rise with a noise like thunder, fly a short distance, and settle down again. In 
 the immediate vicinity of settlements they are shy, but I have always found them very 
 unsuspicious in the wilder districts, where they would allow me to walk or row within a 
 few yards of them. As their flesh is fishy and dry, I seldom shot them; thus they would 
 gather in the little bay in front of our camp on Indian River in considerable numbers.' Like 
 all Ducks of this genus, they dive well, remaining a considerable time under water. The 
 Scaups linger in the South until late in spring. 
 
 FULIGULA COLLARIS. 
 
 Ring-necked Duck. 
 Fuliyula collaris BON. List; 1842. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 i>. Cu. Form, robust. Size, small. Adult male. Head and neck all around, excepting band in the middle which is 
 
KINO-NECK Dl'CK 451 
 
 chestnut-red, iipjior jxirtions and nnal region black, becomin}-; brownish on wing*. Secondaries, narrrowly tipped with 
 white. Sj-cculiim, pc;-.rly-gray. White l-eneath, finely mottled throughout, nnd banded on sides and Hanks, with brown. 
 Chin, white. Bill, l>lack, crossed on upper mandible near tip with a line of blue, iris, orange, and feet, greenish-brown. 
 
 Adult female. The black is replaced with brown, the feathers are edged with lighter and under wing coverts arc ashy; 
 otherwi-e similar to male. Young. Similar to female, but more reddish above. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in all stages by the broad bill and gray speculum. Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Uegions; 
 wintering from the Uarolinas, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 16*29; stretch, 27* 12; wing, 7*65; tail, 2'50; bill, 
 1*82; tarsus, 1*38. Longest specimen, 17'0(i; greatest extent of wing, 23*25; longest wing, 8*00; taii,2'70; bill, 1*99; tarsus, 
 T50. Shortest specimen, 15'50; smallest extent of wing, 26*00: shortest wing, 7 30; tail, 2 25; bill, 1*75; tarsus, 1*25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nists, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyys, from six to ten in number, ellip- 
 tical in form, and ashy-green in color. Dimensions from I'60x2'25 to I*65x2'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Ring-necked Ducks are occasionally found on the ponds and rivers of the North, 
 and I have found them not uncommon throughout the inland waters of the South, quite to 
 Key West, but I never saw them abundant anywhere. They occur regularly, however, 
 in the West. They have similar habits to those of the preceding species but do not gath- 
 er in such large flocks, small companies being more frequently seen, and I have met with 
 solitary individuals. These Ducks breed in the far North. 
 
 FULIGULA FEKINA. 
 
 Red-head. 
 Fuliyulaferina BON., Syn., 1888, 392. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. On. Form, rather robust. Size, quite large. Bill, not very high at base, nor produced backward on forehead. 
 Coi.oit. Ailu.ll male, lleul and neck, for more than half its length, brownish-red, glossed with violet. Remainderof 
 nivk, Kj.lv in front ofwing, lower back, and tail coverts, black. Back nnd under parts white, sprinkled abovoandon sides 
 with black which abtfut equals the white in proportion. Wing coverts, ashy sprinkled with whitish. Wings, brown. 
 Speculum, bluish-ash, tipped with whitish, and with upper feathers margined with black. Bill, tipped with black, iris, 
 orange, and feet, bluish. Adult female. General color throughout, brown, with the feathers edged with pale yellowish. 
 The white markings above are faintly indicated, otherwise as in the male. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the clear red head, gray speculum, and short,blue bill which Is not high at base nor produced back 
 on forehead. Distributed, iu summer, throughout the Arctic Regions. 'Winters from New Jersey to Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 20*00; stretch, 32*25; wing, 8*50; tail, 2*62; bill, 
 1-87; tarsus, 1*02. Longestspecimcn, 21*00; greatest extent of wing, 33'00; longest wing, 'J'50; tail, 2-75; bill, 2*00; tarsus, 
 1-75. Shortest specimen, 10'OC; smallest extent of wing, 31*50; shortest wing, 7*50; tail, 2*50; bill, 1*75; tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGUS 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyyi, six to ten in number, elliptical in 
 form, and creamy-white in color. Dimensions from 1*65x2 20 to I i *75x2'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Rod-heads are not common in New England or in Florida, but as every one knows, 
 who is familiar wi!h sporting matters, occur in great numbers in the intermediate section, 
 (-specially in Chesapeake Bay and in the sounds of North Carolina, where they gather in 
 large flocks, and where they have similar habits to those of the succeeding species. 
 
 FULIGULA VALLISNERIA. 
 Canvas-back Duck. 
 
 Fuligvla valluwria IMA., List, 1838. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Si/.i\ large. Bill, long and tapering, rather high at base, and produced liack i n loreiiond. 
 COI.OK. Ailull inn,'' . lica'l and upjicr neck, chestnut-red, with top of former and region alioul base ni bill, dusky, lir 
 
452 BUCEPHALA CLANGULA. 
 
 mainder of neck, ho<)y anterior to shoulders, lower back and tail coverts, blnck. Under parts and back wliitr. finely spot- 
 ted on former and sides with black, but the white predominates. Wings and tail, brown. Speculum, bluish-ash, tip- 
 ped with white, and edged above with black. Iris, red, bill black, and feet, blue. 
 
 Adult female. Brown throughout, becoming lighter below, with the feat hers edged with yellowish. The white mark- 
 ings above are only faintly indicated. Otherwise as in the male. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in all stages by the long hill which is high at base, and predominating white above which is the reverse in the 
 preceding which see for further comparison. Distributed, in summer, throughout the North-west and North; wintering 
 from New Jersey to Middle Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 21 '50; stretch, 32-00; wing, 9'76, tail. 
 2'62; bill, 2 - 75; tarsus, T62. Longest specimen, 23'25 ; greatest extent of wing, 33'00; longest wing, KcOO ; tail, 2 75: bill, 
 3-(Kj: tarsus, T75. Shortest specimen, 20'35; smallest extent of wing, 31-00; shortest wing, 9'50; tail, 2'50; bill, 2'5<); tar- 
 sus, 1'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Egg*, six to ten in numher, elliptical 
 in form, and ashy-green in color. Dimensions from ! 70x2-50 to I'75x2'55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Canvas-backed Ducks, so well known to sportsmen and epicures, are found in 
 our section most abundantly in the waters of the bays and sounds of the middle districts, 
 and although like the preceding species, a few reach Florida, neither are ever found in the 
 southern portion of the peninsula. The fine flavor which the flesh of these Ducks is said 
 to possess, is probably due partly to the imagination of those who pay high prices for the 
 privilege of eating it, but I must confess, however, that I never could see any difference 
 between these birds, even when taken in the Chesapeake, and other Ducks; while those 
 which I have obtained in Florida, have always been so dry and fishy, that they were utter- 
 ly worthless. The Canvas-backs, in common with many others of the Bay Ducks, dive 
 well, remaining under water for a long time. This species and the preceding are intimate- 
 ly associated throughout their entire distribution. 
 
 GENUS XI. BUCEPHALA. THE TRKE DUCKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, shorter than head, very high at base, narrowing gradually toward tip and not flattened. Neck, short. 
 Marginal indentations, closed. 
 
 The trachea is variable but the larynx of the male is expanded and provided with a bony frame-work. The stomach 
 is very muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 BUCEPHALA CLANGULA. 
 Golden-eyed Duck. 
 
 Bucephala clanyula COUES, Key; 1872, 290. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Trachea, widely dilated in the center, where it is capable of expansion and con- 
 traction. Bill, long. COLOR. Adultmale. Head, upper neck all around, and upper parts, black, glossed with green and 
 violet. Round spot at base of bill, line through wing, and remainder of neck and under parts, white. Scapularies, lance- 
 shaped, streaked and edged with white. Tibia, under wing coverts, and axillaries, brown. Iris, orange. Bill, black. 
 Feet, yellow. Adult female. Similar, but the black is replaced by ashy-brown which becomes grayish-white on neck be- 
 low, and al! the feathers are edged with whitish. Young. Resemble the adult female, but in males the round spot at the 
 base (jf bill is sometimes faintly indicated. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white circular spot at base of bill, lance-shaped scapularies, and greenish gloss on head. Distributed, 
 in summer, from Northern New England, northward; wintering from Massachusetts, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 20'00; stretch, 30'50: wing, 8-50; tail, 3-75; bill, 
 1-60; tarsus, 1'40. Longest specimen, 23-00; greatest extent of wing, 32'00; longest wing, !HK); tail. 4 '00; hill, 1-80: tarsus, 
 1-50. Shortest specimen, 18'75; smallest extent of wing, 29'00; shortest wing, H'OO; tail, 3-50; bill, l'40; tarsus, 1-25. 
 
BAKROW'S GOLDEN-EYE. 453 
 
 DESCRIPTION OK NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of grass, weeds, feathers, etc. Eyyi, six to ten in number, spherical in 
 firm, and ashy-green in color. Dimensions from I'75x2'35 to r80x2'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Golden-eyes come to us late in autumn, remaining through the winter. They 
 frequent the mouths of rivers which empty into the ocean, flying in to feed at low tide, 
 then at high water, retreating into the hays, where, excepting during very severe storms, 
 they pass the night. During winter, when the rivers are nearly always frozen over, these 
 Ducks resort to the rifts, made in the ice by the eddying tide where the water is open. 
 They are always shy birds, rising at the slightest indication of danger and flying out to 
 sea, making as they go, a whistling noise with their wings, which is distinctly audible some 
 distance, and which has given them the name of Whistle Wings among sportsmen. The 
 Golden-eyed Ducks breed in Northern New England, nesting in holes of trees which stand 
 along the borders of lakes and rivers. 
 
 BUCEPHAiA ISLANDICA. 
 
 Barrow's Golden-eye. 
 Bucephala hlandica B.URD, Birds N. A., 1858, 796. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si-. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Larynx, dilated in center, where it is capable of extension and contraction. 
 Bill, short. COLOR. Adult male. Head and upper neck all around, and upper parts, black glossed with violet.* Triangu- 
 lar pa ti-h at base of upper mandible, line through wing, interrupted by a black hand, lower neck, and under portion, white. 
 Feathers of sides, tipped with black. Scapularies, rounded at tip, with a pointed projection on one or both sides, and a 
 triangular spot on rounded tip is white. Axillaries, under wing coverts, and tibia, brown. Iris, orange, bill, black, and 
 feet, yellow. Adult female. Brown above and on sides, darkest on head: while below. Otherwise similar to adult male. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Knnwn by' the triangular patch at base of short bill and peculiar truncated scapularies. Distributed, in summer, in 
 the far North; wintering from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to New York. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 2T50; stretch, :U - 50; wing, 9'00; tail, 3'75; bill, 1'45; tarsus, 1-50. 
 I-onirost specimen, 22 00; greatest extent of wing, 33'00; longest wing, 9 50; tail, 4'00; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 1'60. Shortest 
 sp-( imen, -21-00; smallest extent of wing, SO'OO; shortest wing, 8-50; tail, 3'50; bill, 1'4H; tarsus, 1'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed (.f sticks, weeds, feathers, etc. Eyyf, from six to ten in number, elliptical in 
 form, ashy-green in color. Dimensions from 1 '70x2-40 to 1-75x2-45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Barrow's Golden-eye is an extremely rare bird on the coast; so rare, in fact, that I 
 never met with a living specimen, but some are usually taken every season, for a few find 
 their way into the Boston markets. Judging from published accounts, this species does 
 not ditTer in habits from the preceding Duck. 
 
 BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA. 
 
 Baffle-head. 
 
 Bucephala a/beo/a BD., Birds N. A. 1858, 797. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, mbust. Size. <=mall. COLOR. Adult male. Head, upper neck and upper portions, hlack, becoming 
 hoary "n upper tail covert-, and glossed with green and violet on the two first. Triangular patch back of eye, broad line 
 t hn ninli winir, and under parts, white. Iris, brown, bill, black, feet, yellow. Adult frma/r. Smoky brown alt >u-. ' 
 ing white Mow. There i< a white patch on side of head and another small one on wing. Youny. Similar to ao'ult l<-:iml<' 
 but the white mill-kings of the males are more extended. 
 
454 - HARLEQUIN DUCK. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small she nnd white patch on side of head. Distributed, in summer, throughout Arctic America, win- 
 tering from Massachussetts, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 14*00; stretch, 23*00; wing, 6*75; tail, 2'62; hill, 
 T15; tarsus, 1*15. Longest specimen, 15'00; greatest extent of wing, 25'<K>; longest wing, 7*50; tail, 2*75; bill, 1*35; tsirsus, 
 1*30. Shortest specimen, 12'95; smallest extent of wing, 21*05; shortest wing, 5*95; tail, 2-50; bill, 1*05; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGOS. 
 
 Nests, placed in boles of trees, composed of weeds, grass, feathers, etc. Eyys, six to twelve in number, elliptical in 
 form, and greenish-buff in color. Dimensions from 1*25 x 1*75 to 1*50x2*03. 
 
 .' HABITS. 
 
 The Buffle-heads are well known birds, both on the coast and in the waters of the in- 
 terior, for they are abundant everywhere, especially in large rivers. They dive with great 
 ease, slipping under water almost as readily and quickly as a Grebe, then will remain be- 
 neath the surface for a considerable time. The ease with which they disappear beneath 
 this yielding clement, has gained for them the name of Dippers and Spirit Ducks. They 
 arrive from the North in October, pass to the south of us, and return in early spring on 
 their way to their northern breeding grounds, where they nest, like other members of the 
 genus, in trees. 
 
 GENUS XIII. HARELDA. 'THE SHORT-BILLED SEA DUCKS. 
 
 GEM. CH. Jiill, much shorter than head, rather high at base, rounded and somewhat pointed at tip. Marginal inden- 
 tations, nearly, or quite, closed. 
 
 The trachea is straight and without any special dilatation. The larynx in males is expanded and provided with a bony 
 frame-work. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 HAEELDA HISTEIONICA. 
 
 Harlequin Duck. 
 Anas histrionica LINN., Syst. Nat., I, J758, 127. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Adultmale. General color bluish-ash, palest on back and browner below. 
 Patch on side of head and breast, roundish spot on side of occiput and neck, on middle wing coverts and on flanks, band on 
 lower neck, tips of greater wing coverts, part of scapularies, and outer websoftertiaries, white. Line behind eye anJ Hank-, 
 chestnut. Broad stripe on lop of head, black. Speculum, purplish with violet reflections. Iris, brown, bill, greenish, and 
 feet, bluish. Adult female. A.shy-brown throughout, mottled with ashy-white below, with a whitish spot in front of eye 
 and one of pure white behind ear coverts. Wing.? and tail, brown. Youny. Similar to the female, but the males show 
 some markings of the adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar markings as described. Distributed in summer from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northward, and 
 in the Rocky Mountains; wintering from Massachusetts, northward, hut rare south of this point. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 16'75; stretch, 25*50; wing, *50; tail, 3*25; bill, 
 1*63; tarsus, 1*35. Longest specimen, 17*50; greatest extent of wing, 27*00; longest wing, 8~00; tail, 3-50; bill, 1*75; tarsus, 
 1*50. Shortest specimen, 16*00; smallest extent of wing, 24*00; shortest wing, 7*00; tail, 2*95; bill, 1*50; tarsus, 1-25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS- 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyyi, six to ten in number, elliptical in 
 form, and greenish-yellow in color. Dimensions from 1 -30x2-00 to 1*50x2*10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The singularly marked, but beautiful, Harlequin Ducks occur on our coast as rare win- 
 ter visitants, but are much more common further north, although they do not appear to 
 be abundant anywhere at present. They were, however, quite common about Grand Me- 
 nan, where they are called Lord and Lady Ducks, some years ago, and now some are tak- 
 en there every season, but they are rapidly growing rare, even in that remote locality. 
 
LONG-TAILED Dl'CK. 456 
 
 These birds breed on the borders of the rivers, and a sailor that I met on a coasting vessel, 
 and who lived in Buy of Islands, Newfoundland, assured uie that they bred in the vicinity 
 of that port, as he had captured the downy young when on excursions in the interior of 
 the island. 
 
 HAKELDA GLACIALIS. 
 
 Long-tailed Duck. 
 Harelda glacialii "LKACn" Steph., Shaw's, Zool., XII, 1824, 175. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, quite large. Tail, very long, with middle feathers attenuated and pointed. 
 (.'<ii.ui:. Adult male in sumnar. Head, neck, breast, upper parts, middle upper tail coverts and tail f'entliers, nnd under 
 winii coverts, v< TV dark-brown, darkest^on back. Sides of head and body, bluish-Hill. Patch behind eye, longitudinal 
 stre;ik on sides of occiput, umler parts, and outer tail feathers, white. Feathers of upper back and scapularies, edged with 
 chestnut. Iris, brown, bill, black, surrounded by a narrow ring of orange near tip, and feet, bluish. In winter. Head, 
 mvk. upper hack, and breast, white with a patch of brown on sides of head below one of ashy. The top of head is creamy. 
 Scapularics and tertiarii's, ashy-blue. Otherwise as in summer. Adult female. Similar to the male, but lacks the long 
 tail feathers, and the head and neck are dusky, with a whitish patch around eye and on side of neck behind. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the long tail and peculiar markings as described. Distributed in summer from Labrador, north- 
 ward; wintering from Grand Menan to New Jersey. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 18'OC; stretch, 28' 12; wing, 8'70; tail, 5'25; bill, 
 T15; tarsus, 1'2.>. Longest specimen, 21' 10; greatest extent of wing, 30'25; longest wing,9'45: tail, 7-53; bill, T30; tarsus, 
 T42. Shortest specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wing, 26'05; shortest wing, 7 95; tail, 3 05; bill, 1'05; tarsus, 1-bJ. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. , lined with down. Eyys, from six to ten 
 in number, elliptical in form, and greenish-ash in color. Dimensions from I'50x2'10 to r55x2'15. 
 
 II A 15 ITS. 
 
 The Long-tailed Ducks are fall and winter visitants to our coast. They are found off 
 rocky shores, gathering about ledges to feed at low tide, then retreating to open water at 
 full sea to rest'. Very few of the Ducks have characteristic notes, but the present species 
 forms a most decided exception to the rule, as any one can testify who has heard a drake 
 Long-tail that has become separated from the flock, for like most Ducks, this species is gre- 
 garious, utter his cry. "Ah-ah ah-er-lit," he says, as distinctly as if spoken by a human 
 being, but with an accent and tone so peculiar, that it must be heard in order to be appre- 
 ciated. The notes are strong and loud, so loud, in fact, that other males feeding with the 
 flock near the rocky clifts, some distance away, hear and respond with "er-lit ah-er-lit." 
 Then the straggler alighting with them, emits a few contented ah-ahs, while every Duck 
 welcomes him with alike note, after which they vociferate together for some time, just as 
 though they were gossiping, and this habit has caused them to receive the appellation of 
 Old S'liia-.vs from gunners. The Long-tails depart in early spring, arriving on their breed- 
 ing grounds in Labrador and northward as soon as the ice has left the rivers. 
 
 (.KMS.XIV. SOMATF.KIA. THE SEA DUCKS. 
 
 'IKS. Cu. Bill, a/mut as lony as head, rather hi(jh, more or less swollen at bate, laperimj gradually toward tip and not 
 flattened. Neck, short. Maryinal indentations, o/Kn. 
 
 The trachea is without social dilatation bu' the larynx of the male is expanded and provided witha bony frame-work. 
 The stomach is very muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 SOMATERIA LABRADOKIA. 
 
 Labrador Duck. 
 
 Anas Labradona (in., S\-t. Nat., I; 1788, 557. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, medium. L'iil, not much swollen at ba-r. COI.OK. Ailult nui/<-. Kloniralrd patch <m 
 
456 EWE DICK. 
 
 top of head and nape, ring around lower neck, broadening out on back from which proceeds a longitudinal band, becoming 
 wider on back and rump, and under parts, black. Head, neck, transverse patch below black ring, sides of throat, scap- 
 ularics which are tinged with bluish, and wings, excepting primaries which are plumbeous-black, white. Bill, bluish tip- 
 ped with black, iris, reddish-brown, and feet, blue. Adult female. Ashy-gray throughout, becoming darker below, and 
 the tertiaries are hoary, while the inner secondaries are margined internally with black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the prominent black and white colors as described. Formally distributed in winter from New Jersey, 
 northward, and bred in the far North. At present, very rare everywhere. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 22'00; stretch, 29-50; wing, 9'05; tail, 3'65; bill, 
 1-65; tarsus, 1'55. Longest specimen, 23'75; greatest extent of wing, SO'OO; longest wing, 9'25; tail. 3'75; bill, T75; tarsus, 
 1-60. Shortest specimen, 20'00; smallest extent of wing, 29'30; shortest wing, H'80; tail, 3'50; bill, T50; tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Labrador Duck has, within the last fifteen or twenty years, become so rare as to 
 be considered nearly extinct. I saw a Duck in Plumb Island River, some five or six win- 
 ters ago, which I was confident was this species, but was unable to procure it; and I nev- 
 er saw another, nor can I. learn that any have been taken on our coast of late years. I 
 hear upon good author! ty, however, that one was procured at Grand Menan, three years 
 nince, in winter. This latter named locality appears to have been the strong-hold of the 
 species in the not very distant past, and numbers have been secured there. In habit, this 
 Duck resembles other Sea Ducks, feeding largely upon mollusks which are procured by 
 diving. At present, the Labrador Duck is a great desideratum in collections, there being 
 but few specimens in the country. 
 
 SOMATERIA MOL1SSIMA. 
 
 Eider Duck. 
 lomateria molissima LEACH, Flemming, Philos., Zool.; 1822. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, slightly swollen at base and fleshy covering projects backward on either 
 side. Tertiaries, curved outward. COLOR. Adult male. Head and neck all around, upper breast, and entire upper - 
 surface, white. Narrow margin at base of bill, forehead, and line through eye to nape, black, while the white behind and 
 below the line, is glossed with emerald green. Beneath, black with the axillaries white. Primaries, very dark-brown. 
 The white beneath and on the wings is overwashed with qreamy. Bill and feet, greenish, iris, brown. 
 
 Adult female. Reddish-brown throughout, transversely banded everywhere, excepting on wings, with dark-brown. 
 Tertiaries, tipped with white. Young. Similar to adult female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar fleshy process projecting backward at base of bill, large size, and colors as described. Distrib- 
 uted in summer from Grand Menan, northward; wintering from New Jersey, northward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 25'00; stretch, 40-50; wing, 11 -40, tail. 
 4'25; bill, 2'40; tarsus, 1-69. Longest specimen, 26'25; greatest extent of wing, 42-00; longest wing, 11-50; tail, 4 50: bill, 
 2'5'J: tarsus, 1-75. Shortest specimen, 24'00; smallest extent of wing, 39-00; shortest wing, li'25; tail, 4'00; bill, 2-25; tar- 
 sus, 1'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near water, composed of sticks, weeds, down, etc. Eyys,R\x. to ten in number, ellipitcal 
 in form, and ashy-green in color. Dimensions from 1'98 x 2'82 to 2- 10 x 3'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The well known Eider Ducks are found off our coast in winter in considerable num- 
 bers, especially in the waters of the sounds on the southern shore of Massachusetts. Thoy 
 leed principally upon mollusks, and being quite largo birds, swallow good sized bivalves, 
 several species of which I have frequently taken from their stomachs. I found these birds 
 
PLATE V. 
 
 3DROMUS MELANOLEUCUS. 
 
 Black jid White S>iore Hnch. AduU. 
 

KING EIDER. 467 
 
 breeding <>n some small islands off the coast of Grand Menan, late in June, but the eggs 
 deposited then, were the second litter, the first being laid much earlier. The nests were 
 placed among somo<4oosc boulders, a short distance above high water mark, and did not con- 
 tain any more of the famous down than I have found in the nests of Black or other Ducks, 
 but this may be partly accounted for, by the fact that they contained the second litter, and 
 partly by the southern latitude, where the eggs would not require as warm a covering as 
 further North. 
 
 SOMATER1A SPECTABILIS. 
 
 King Eider. 
 
 Somatcria sptctalt/is LKACII., Fleming, Philos. Zool. ; 1822. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si'. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, considerably swollen at base, and the fleshy covering projects backward on 
 either side. Tertiaries, well curved outward. CULOK. Adult male. Top of head and nupe, bluish-ash. Sides of head, 
 pale bluish-green. Lower back an' I wings vc;ry dark-brown glissed with greenish on secondaries Throat, neck a.! around, 
 r.ncl patch on wing and (lank*, white, the first tinged with creamy. Narrow margin at base of bill, small space around eye, 
 V-shaped mark on chin, and under portion, black, excepting the axil laries and middle under tail coverts which are white. 
 Bill, pinkish, orange at base, iris, yellow, feet, dusky-orange. Adult female. General color yellowish-ash, becoming dark- 
 er below, banded with dark-brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the swollen base of bill which gives the head a peculiar appearance, and colors aa described. Distributed, 
 in summer, from Labrador, northward, coming as far south as Massachusetts in winter, but very rare below Grand Menan. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length. 22'50; stretch, 41'00; wing, 10'65; tail, 3'40; bill, 1-33; tnrsus, 1'75. 
 I/mjrost specimen, 25'HO; greatest extent of wing, 42'00; longest wing, II 25; tail, 3 - 75; bill, T40; tarsus, 1'85. Shortest 
 s|Kvimen, 20 00; smallest extent of wing, 40 00; shortest wing, lO'OO; tail, 3'00; bill, 1'25; tarsus, I '65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND BUGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, lined with down. Eyys, from six to ten in number, 
 elliptical in form, <lirty green in color. Dimensions from r75x2'60 to rHOx2'65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The King Eiders are one of the rarest Sea Ducks which occur on our New England 
 shores and they only appear in winter. They are, however, not uncommon about Grand 
 Menan and I was informed by the inhabitants of the Magdalen Islands, that the King 
 Ducks, as they were termed, were very common there in winter, and so tame that they 
 could be killed with sticks. This species has similar habits to those of the preceding. 
 
 GENUS XV. (ED EMI A. THE BLACK SEA DUCKS. 
 
 GKN. C'li. Kill, shorter than head, rather hiyh and swollen at base, and somewhat rounded at tip. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, open. 
 
 The trachea is straight and without any special dilatation. The larynx in males is expanded and provided with a bony 
 frame-work. Colors, black. Stomach, muscular. Sexes, not similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 (EDEMIA AMERICANA. 
 
 Scoter. 
 CEdemia Americana Sw.. F. Bor. Am., II, 1832, 450. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Bill, rather short. COLOR. Adult male. Black throughout. Iris, brown, 
 feet, greenish, and bill, black, orange on swollen portion. Adult female. Brown throughout, paler on sides of head and 
 below where there are uWurc spots of dusky. \'nun//. Similar to the adult female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the a'wnee of :\ny wliit" ami short liill with yellow base. Distributed in Mimmer from Labrador, north- 
 wardjwintcring from Grand Menan to the Carol inaa. 
 
 58 
 
458 SURF DUCK. 
 
 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 19'25: stretch, 31 '25; wing, 9'38; tail, 3'50; hi , 
 1'75; tarsus, 1'75. Longestspecimen,2l-50; greatest extent of wing, 33 50; longest wing, 1) 75; tail, 4'(K); hill, T'JO; tarsa?, 
 1-80. Shortest specimen, 17'00; smallest extent (if wing, 2H-00; shortest wing, 9-00: tail, S'OO; hill, 1-0; tursus, 1'70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, down, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number rather 
 oval in form, and pale yellowish in color. Dimensions from l'HOx2'00 to I'65x2 05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Scoters are quite common on our coast in autumn and winter but are rather more 
 abundant further south, and I saw large flocks of this species in the sounds and bays from 
 New Jersey, southward, and also found them off the coast during calm weather. When a 
 storm was approaching, however, they would all fly shoreward and take shelter in hind- 
 locked waters; thus a flight of Ducks to the westward always indicated bad weather. When 
 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in July, I noticed great numbers of Scoters off the eastern 
 side of the Magdalens, but these were mainly immature birds, the males being in the mixed 
 dress between the young and adult, which often characterizes Ducks of the second year, so 
 I judged that they were not breeding; in fact, those which I procured did not exhibit any 
 indication of it. 
 
 CEDEMIA PERSPICILLATA. 
 
 Surf Duck. 
 Anas persptciltata LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 201. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, very long. COLOR. Adult male. Black throughout, glossed with hluish, 
 with a triangular white patch on top of head, and another on nape, the apex of each pointing in opposite directions. Iris, 
 yellowish-white, feet, reddish-orange, hill, with square black patch at base of the upper mandible, margined with reddish- 
 orange, in front of which is a bluish-white spot which is followed hy reddish-orange that becomes dusky toward tip. Low- 
 er mandible, pinkish. Adult female. Brown throughout, darkest above, with patch at base of bill and on side of head, 
 narrow line on ear coverts, and anterior portions, whitish. Bill, black. Young. Similar to adult female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in the adult stages hy the two triangular patches on head, while the female and young may be distinguished 
 by the long bill and absence of any decided white markings. Distributed in summer from Lahrador, northward, winter- 
 ing from Massachusetts to the Carolinas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 19-50; stretch, 31'75; wing, 9 65; tail, 3'27; hill, 
 1 63; tarsus, 1'65. Longest specimen, 21-00; greatest extent of wing, 32'50; longest wing, 9'80; tail, 3 55; bill, 1 75; tarsus, 
 1 80. Shortest specimen, IS'OO; smallest extent of wing, Sl'OO; shortest wing, 9'5<>; tail, 3 00; bill, 1-50; tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nfsls, placed on the ground near water, composed of weeds, grass, feathers, etc. yys, six to twelve (n number, el- 
 liptical in form, and greenish-buff in color. Dimensions from rtK)x2'25 to r65x2'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 These Surf Ducks are also quite abundant olf the coast and are, in common with the 
 preceding and following species, termed Coots by gunners. All three species have the 
 habit, shared with many other Ducks, of flying into the mouths of rivers in order to feed at 
 low tide, then retreating to the open water to roost; and they will remain at sea all night, 
 sitting in compact flocks. If, however, an easterly storm of long continuance occur, they 
 will enter the land-locked waters for shelter, but the waves must run quite high before 
 they are obliged to retreat; in fact, I have often soen them ride out a storm, when the 
 breakers were lashed into foam by the driving wind and every billow had assumed a white 
 cap. Then, when one of the great waves came sweeping on, they would float buoyantly 
 upward, and, as it broke, would bow before it and emerge in safety behind the wall of 
 seething water. 
 
VELVET DUCK. 469 
 
 CEDEMIA PUSCA. 
 
 Velvet Duck. 
 (Edemiafusca Sw., F. Bor. Am, II; 1831, 440. 
 
 DKSCIIII'TION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, very large. Bill, long. COLOR. Ai/u/t male. Black throughout, with an elongated 
 patf'i iirouml rye ami large sperulum, white. Bill, red, black at base and on edges, iris, yellow, and feet, reddish-brown. 
 Adult J'< ma/i . l!r<>wn tliroagbont, darkest on back. Circular space at base of bill, elongated patcli Iraek of ear, and un- 
 der parts whitish, tlie latU-r mottled with dusky. Speculum, white. Bill, black. Young. Similar to adult female. 
 
 OBSFJIVAT10NS. 
 
 Known by the dark colors and white speculum. Distributed in summer from Labrador, northward; wintering from 
 MawaobnaettB to the Carolinas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Eastern North America. Length, 20'68; stretch, 37-00; wing, 11*00, tail, 
 3'4'.J; hiil, 1 1\ taisus, 1*70. Longest specimen. 21*60; greatest extent of wing,38*75; longest wing, 1T50; tail, 3 60: bill, 
 1-53: tarsus, r90. Shortest specimen, 19'75; s.nallest extent of wing, 35*25; shortest wing, 10*50; tail, 3'25; bill, 1*40; tar- 
 sus, 1'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nr.i/s, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, down, etc. Eygs, six to ten in number, oval in 
 form, and dirty-creamy in color. Dimensions from 1*80x8*60 to I*85x2'65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Among the most .abundant of the order on our coast, are the Velvet Ducks, or White- 
 winged Coots as they are called by sportsmen. They are much hunted, more for the ex- 
 citement of the sport, however, than because of their value, for as they are nearly worth- 
 less for culinary purposes, the prices which they bring in the markets, will scarcely pay 
 for the ammunition expended in killing them. As related, these birds fly into the mouths 
 of rivers to feed and the gunners taking advantage of this fact, range themselves along the 
 channel in the mouth of some stream, in boats, in order to shoot the birds as they fly past. 
 This pastime, although exciting, especially when the birds fly thick, is not unattended 
 with some risk to life, for as the men are obliged to pull up the anchor and row after the 
 birds that fall, there is danger of being swept out to sea with the swiftly flowing, out-going 
 tide which, at the mouths of some of our rivers, rushes seaward with a force, against which 
 the powers of man often prove unequal, especially when a strong wind is blowing with the 
 current. I have witnessed some hair-breadths escapes and was once fortunate enough to 
 pick up a man who had lost control of his skiff, just as he was being swept into the break- 
 ers. Then, although we had only gone about two hundred yards from our anchorage to 
 accomplish this, three of us were obliged to labor at the oars for two hours, before we re- 
 gained the lost ground. 
 
 <;KXUS xvi. ERISMATURA. THE STIFF-TAILED DUCKS. 
 
 CKV. Cn. Bill, shorter than head, rather hiyh at base, broad at lip, and t/iyhlly bent upward. Tail, stiffened, witk cov- 
 erts, short. Neck, short. 
 
 The trachea is slightly dilated near the middle bu' t!ie larynx is without special expansion. The stomach is muscu- 
 lar. Sexes, not similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ERISMATURA HUBIDA. 
 
 Ruddy Duck. 
 
 Erismatura ruhida BON. List, 1838. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, raiher robust. Size, not large. Top of head and nape, black. Sides of head below eyes and chin, 
 white. Neck all around, upper parts, and flanks, rlirstmit ml. Itcnenth, grayish-white, tinged with brown and trans- 
 versely banded with dusky. Wings and tail, dark-brown. Bi'l and fi;et, ashy-blue, and iris, brown. 
 
 Adult female, and unntrr tua/f. Upper surface, dark reddish-brown, finely sjxittcil and marked with wavy linesofdusk- 
 y; throat, ami line at base of bill, whitish. Otlierwi.sc as in male. Youny. Similar, but pulcr. 
 
4GO MERGUS MERGANSER. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar stiff tail feathers and short -coverts. Distributed in summer from Massachusetts, northward, 
 wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 15-10; stretch, 23 - 25; wing, 5'75; tail, 2'98; bill, 
 T40; tarsus, 1'75. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 2i'00; longest wing, 6' 10; tail, 3 35; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 
 2-00. Shortest specimen, 14 SO; smallest extent of wing, 22'50: shortest wing, 5 40; tail, 2'60; bill, 1'30; tarsus, 1'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 - On the marshes of Indian River, are little ponds, as I have before mentioned, varying 
 from ten to fifty yards in diameter, and many Ducks gathered in them to feed, but by far 
 the most common among them, was the little Ruddy. These birds were not only the most 
 abundant but were also much tamer than any other; indeed, it was difficult to force a flock 
 to leave a particular pond, even when shot at, as the survivors would merely rise, circle 
 about a moment, and then settle down again. They are exceedingly difficult to kill, be- 
 ing very tenacious of life, and when wounded, dive with the greatest ease, remaining un- 
 der water for a long time or, like other Ducks, will emerge in the overhanging grass on 
 the edge of the water, into which they creep for shelter. I found the Ruddy Ducks also 
 very common in Chesapeake Bay and they are not uncommon further north, in New Eng- 
 land. Mr. Ruthven Deane received some young which were unable to fly, from Cape Cod 
 some years since, thus it is probable that a few breed within the State, but the majority 
 pass northward to deposit their eggs. I have always found these birds very fat and, con- 
 trary to the rule with other Ducks, when capture in Florida, proved excellent eating. 
 
 GENUS XVII. MERGUS. TIIE TOOTH-BILLED DUCKS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, lonyer than head, very slender, and furnished with horny Uimellce which point backward. Neck, quite 
 lony. 
 
 Trachea, flattened and dilated in the middle, while the larynx of males is widely expanded and provided with a bony 
 frame-work. Head, more or less crested. Sexes, not similar. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 MERGUS MERGANSER. 
 
 Merganser. 
 Meryus meryanser LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, very large. COLOR. Adultmale. Head and upper neck all aroun-i, anterior back, srap- 
 ularies and tertiaries, black, glossed with green on first two and with purplish 6n the three last. Remainderof back, up- 
 per tail coverts, and rump, bluish-ash, the last finely banded with white. Primaries and tail, (J^rk-brown, with the latter 
 hoary. Secondaries, greater wing coverts, lower neck and entire under parts, w-hite, tinged with creamy on the two first 
 and with deep salmon on the last. Upper secondaries, grayish at tip which becomes black on outer edges, while there is a 
 black band on the white of wing. Iris, red, bill and feet, reddish-orange. Adult female. ( Head and upper neck, reddish- 
 brown. Remainder of upper parts, breast, sides, and flanks, bluish-ash with the feathers, especially of breast, edged with 
 whitish. Throat, patch on wing, and under parts not described, white, tinged with salmon. Youny, similar to female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the large size, white breast, and green gloss on head: the female by the deep red head and neck, 
 while the line of demarkation between this color and remainder of body is sharply defined. Distributed, in summer, from 
 Pennsylvania, northward; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 23 75;stretch, 35'50; wing, 10-35; tail, 4'73; bill, 
 T95; tarsus, T78. Longest specimen, 26-50; greatest extent of wing, 38-00; longestwing, U'OO; tail,4'85; bill, 2' 10; tarsus, 
 1 85. Shortest specimen, 2TOO; smallest extent of wing, :i3'00; shortest wing, 9'70; tail, 4'60; bill, 1'HO; tarsus, 1-70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of grass, weeds, feathers, etc. Eyys, six to ten in number, oval in form 
 and palcrbuff in color. Dimensions from I'80x280 to I'70x2'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Mergansers, or Shell-drakes, are more common in inland waters at all seasons 
 
MERGUS SEKHATOR. 461 
 
 than elsewhere, and breed in holes of trees. I have never been fortunate enough to find 
 one of their nests but observed the downy young following their parents, in the Susipie- 
 hanna River late in June, A week or two after, I came upon two broods in the same 
 stream and succeeded in securing several specimens, but the task was not easily accom- 
 plished, Cor although I was provided with a boat and accompanied by an assistant, the birds 
 which were but about a quarter grown, managed to elude us for a long time. The adult 
 female was present and always kept herself between us and her young which not only swam 
 exceedingly fast but also dived with ease, remaining under water for some time; then if 
 hard pushed, would raise their wings and flap along the water after the manner practiced 
 by domestic Ducks under similar circumstances. 
 
 MERGUS SEBBATOB. 
 
 ried-breaqfed Merganser. 
 
 Mergui serralor LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 208. 
 
 DESCIUPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Occipital feathers, lanceolate and elongated. COLOR. Adult male. 
 Head and upper neck all around, black , glossed with greenish. Lower neck, white. AboTe, and on sides and flank", black 
 with tlie two last and posterior portion above, finely banded with white. Greater wing coverts, secondaries, outer scupu- 
 larii-s, and under parts not described, white, the last tinged with creamy. Two bands across white of wings and outer mar- 
 gin c'l upper secondaries. Mack. Iris, red, bill and feet, reddish-orange. Adult female. Head and upper neck all nround, 
 reddish-brown, becoming dusky on crown, tipper portbns, sides, and flanks, bluish-ash, with edges of feathers, lighter. 
 Wings, brown, with secondaries and greater coverts, white, banded with brown. White beneath, tinged with dusky on the 
 brrast. Youny. Similar to adult female. Ncst/iny*. Brownabove, becoming reddish on head, and marked with patches 
 of whit;- ; and there is a white line passing through eye. Beneath, white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in the adult stages by the reddish breast and small size, and the female may be distinguished by the indistinct 
 line of dcmarkation between the color of lower neck and remainder of body. Nestlings of this and following species, are 
 indistinguishable. ^Distributed, in summer,- from Gulf of St. Lawrence, northward, wintering from Massachusetts, smith- 
 ward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 21'63; stretch, 32 25; wing, 8 85; tail, 3 95; hill, 
 221; tarsus, 1-70. Longest specimen, 23-25; greatest extent of wing, 33 00; longest wing, 9 111; tail, 4 10, bill, 224; tarsus, 
 1 80. Shortest specimen, Sd'OO; smallest extent of wing, 31'OH; shortest wing, 8'6<>; tail, 3 MO; bill, 2' 18; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near water, composed of weed-s, grass, feathers, etc. Eyys, six to twelve in number, oval 
 in form, and greenish-brown in color. Dimensions from I'70x2'50 to I'75x2 60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the Red-breasted Mergansers breeding on the Magdalen Islands about the mid- 
 dle of June, 1872. The nests were placed beneath the overhanging branches of some 
 dwarfed spruces, about fifteen or twenty yards from some small ponds of fresh water which 
 were, however, at no great distance from the shore. The trees were only about four feet 
 high, flat in form, with the branches long, and as the lowest were but a foot from the ground, 
 the birds were completely concealed. They also sit closely, not rising until nearly trod- 
 den upon, and therefore their eggs were not easy to find. When disturbed, the female 
 would fly silently, away, and I did not see the males at all; but a few weeks later, when 
 the downy young were swimming in the neighboring ponds, both parent birds were pres- 
 ent and exhibited considerable solicitude, flying distractedly about, often coming within a 
 few yards of me. The Red-breasted Mergansers migrate southward in November, when 
 they are abundant on our coast, feeding at such times, along the shores, and they arc es- 
 
402 HOODED MERGANSER. 
 
 pecially fond of swift tide-ways, where they display considerable agility in capturing small 
 fishes, which constitute the principle portion of their food. 
 
 MERGUS CUCULLATUS. 
 
 Hooded Merganser. 
 Mergus cucullatus LINN.. Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 207. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Head, provided with long hood or crest. COLOR. Adult male. Head 
 and neck all around anil upper parts, encroaching in a collar on lower neck, black with violet reflection* on nil but wing- 
 and tail which are brownish. Sides and flanks, chostnut-red finely banded with black. Remainder of under parts, triangu- 
 lar patch on side of head and crest, central stripe on tertiaries, outer margin of secondaries, and tips of greater wing 'V- 
 erts, white. Iris, orange, bill, black, and feet, dusky-orange. Adult female. Brown on head, neck, sides, and upperpor- 
 tions, and white beneath. Youny. Similar to the adult female. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar crest and colors as described. Distributed in summer in suitable localities 1'rom Florida, north- 
 ward ; wintering in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 18'25; stretch, 26-50; wing, 7'20; tail, 3'9*; bill, 
 1 60; tarsus, 1-30. Longest specimen, 19'25; greatest extent of wing, 27'50; longest wing, 7'90; tail, 4'55;bill, 1 "70; tarsus, 
 1-40. Shortest specimen, 17-25; smallest extent of wing, 25'5<); shortest wing, 6'50; tail, 3'40; bill, 1-50; tarsus, 1-20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in holes of trees, composed of sticks, weeds, down, etc. Eggs, six to ten in number, rather spherical in 
 form, and white in color. Dimensions from I'70x2'10 to 1'75 x2'15. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 There are, perhaps, few Ducks which are more noticeable on the water than the Hood- 
 ed Mergansers, especially when excited enough to raise the prominent crest, for when they 
 are at rest or feeding, these feathers are laid flat. Like all members of the genus, they 
 dive exceedingly well and swim under the water with ease. I found these fine Mergan- 
 sers abundant on Indian River, Florida, in winter, and also on the St. John's, late in May, 
 and thus concluded that they bred in the State, a hypothesis which was confirmed by Mr. 
 Brewster who informs me that he saw the young there in company with their parents; 
 hence it is probable that they breed throughout our eastern section in favorable localities, 
 from Florida, northward, but their favorite nesting site appears to be the woods of North- 
 ern New England, where the eggs are placed in holes of trees. 
 
 ORDER XVI. STEGANOPODES. PELICANS, ETC. 
 
 Toes, including posterior, connected by a membrane. Throat, provided with an exten- 
 sible gular sac. Marginal indentations, two, open. Keel, short and low, while thefurcula 
 is joined firmly to its tip. 
 
 Members of this order are remarkable on account of the totipalmate feet and exten- 
 sible sac on throat which is always present, and in some species, enormously developed. 
 External nostrils, very minute. The anatomical structure is also peculiar but somewhat 
 variable, the most constant character being the form of the furcula, as given, and the fact 
 that it is always joined firmly to tip of keel. Sterno-trachealis, present; other laryngcal 
 muscles, absent or weak. Sexes, generally similar. For further description, see family 
 characters. 
 
 FAMILY I. SULID^E. THE GANNETS. 
 
 Bill, about as long as head, quite thick at base, and pointed. Gular sac, quite small. 
 Sternum, twice as long as wide. Coracoids, about one half as long as sternum. 
 
SULA 8 ASS ANA. 4C3 
 
 The oesophagus is straight. Proventriculus, large and wide, with the "lauds arranged 
 iu a very wide, zonular bar.d Stomach, rather small and not muscular. Cocoa, quite 
 small. Keel, projected forward and occupies only about one hall' the length of the ster- 
 num. Furcula, quite vcrtiole in position. Posterior margin of sternum, deeply indented 
 in which are two small scallops. Tail, long and pointed. 
 
 CENUS I. SULA. THE GANNETS 
 
 GEN. Cll. Similar to those given under Family heading. Sexes, similar. There S^ two species within our limits. 
 
 SULA BASSANA. 
 
 Oannet. 
 Sula banana BRISS., Orn. 1760. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cii. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. White throughout, becoming huffy-yellow on head and hind 
 neck. Primaries and -|iurious wing, dark-brown. Bill, bluish, iris, bliiislwwhite, feet, brownish lined with greenish-blue, 
 and naked <|iaee about head, dark-bluish. Young. Dark-brown above, each feather terminating with a triangular patch 
 of white. Beneath, ashy-white mottled with dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size, pointed bill, and general white colors. Distributed in summer from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
 northward; wintering from Florida to the Carolina*. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 3H'25; stretch, 73'50; wing, 18-60; tail, 9-50; bill, 
 375; tarsus, S' 13. Longest specimen, 40'50; greatest extent of wing, 7a'00; longest wing, I9'50: tail. lO'OO; bill, 4'00: tarsus, 
 2"25. Shortest specimen, 38'UO; smallest extent of wing, 7<!'00; shortest wing, 17 - 50; tail, U'OO; bill, 3'50; tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on rocky cliffs, composed of sea-weeds. Egyi, one or two in number, oval in form, and greenish-blue 
 in color, covered with a calcareous deposit. Dimensions from I'80x3'00 Jo 2'lOx3'30. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Twelve miles to the northward of the Magdalen group, is a little islet known as Bird 
 Rock, while about half a mile to the south-west, is a rather smaller rock, called the Little 
 Bird, and a chain of submerged reefs extend between the two. As there is a strong cur- 
 rent sweeping across this hidden ledge at certain times, the place is considered very dan- 
 gerous by the rather timid Gshermen who sail from the neighboring ports. One day in 
 June, 1872, I stood on the northern end of Bryon Island and gazed with longing eyes at 
 a little white spot, twelve miles away, which I knew was the celebrated Bird Rock, but 
 owing to the disreputable name which these rocks have justly acquired among fishermen, 
 it was not until several days later, that in company with two friends, I found myself on 
 board a little schooner, bound for the spot whereon I had fixed my desires. We started ear- 
 ly in the morning but it was three o'clock in the afternoon before we reached the place, 
 for the wind was light. In spite of this, however, there was quite a surf dashing up the 
 clifts, which ;>o alarmed our timid captain that he would not allow the schooner to go very 
 near, but anchored a quarter of a mile away. 
 
 The fog through which we had hitherto been sailing, scaled off at this moment, dis- 
 closing to our gaze one of the grandest sights that we ever beheld, for directly in front of 
 us, rose a huge, rocky bastion, the precipitous sides of which were occupied by myriads of 
 Awks, Guillemots, and Pullins, thousands of snowy plumaged Gannets floated in air over 
 the high clifts, while the water below was thickly dotted with various species. After this 
 display, we were exceedingly anxious to land, but our skipper took his time, yet at last, 
 we >lood mi a sandy beach, at the foot of the perfectly perpendicular Hill's which rose a 
 hundred and fifty feet over our heads; thus we would have hud the utmost dilliciilty in 
 
404 GANNET. 
 
 reaching the top, had it not been for the kindness of the keepers of the light that had been 
 placed on the top of the island some three years previous. They having noticed our arriv- 
 al, had lowered a bucket which was suspended by a crane, arid we stepping into it, slow- 
 ly ascended, swinging back and forth as we went" upward, until we reached a narrow shelf, 
 some thirty feet from the top, on which we stepped, climbed a ladder, and found ourselves on 
 top of Bird Rock, which although only about an acre in area, furnished ground enough to 
 fully occupy my attention for some time, as shortly after our arrival the sea rose, and our 
 not very courageous captain, fearing for the safety of his ship, weighed anchor, sailed away, 
 and left us on this lonely islet, where we were obliged to remain ten days. 
 
 Among the most noticeable birds on the rock, were the Gannets, and they occupied a 
 considerable space on the north-west side of the upper portion. Here the soil was com- 
 pletely denuded of vegetation and4he bulky nests which were composed of sea-weed, were 
 placed in long rows, about a foot apart, reminding one strongly of hills of corn. This reg- 
 ularity was due to the fact, that the Gannets are quarrelsome birds and will not permit 
 another to approach within striking distance when they are sitting. Early in the morning, 
 when all the birds were on the nests, they presented a singular appearance, for there was 
 fully a quarter of an acre of Gannets. They were remarkably unsuspicious, allowing one 
 to approach within a few feet of them, but when fairly startled, they would all scramble 
 helter-skelter, to the edge of the cliff, when they would launch out into the air, with loud 
 cries. The hideous din made by this living cataract as it poured down from above, startled 
 those which nested on the shelves. of the cliffs beneath, causing them to take wing, thus 
 increasing their numbers to such an extent, that when we reached the edge of the preci- 
 pice, there were, at least, ten thousand Gannets before us, flying high over the surging 
 waves. A sight like this is rarely seen and strongly reminded one of a snow-storm, when 
 the countless flakes whirl in wild confusion. At first, the birds hovered directly about the 
 island but quickly assumed a systematic method of flight, which I afterward observed was 
 constantly practiced by them. They would approach the rock, coming so near that we 
 could almost feel the wind caused by their huge wings, and curving outward, would de- 
 scribe an immense circle of half a mile or more in diameter; as each followed its neighbor in 
 this singular course, the whole soon formed a huge wheel which whirled swiftly around for 
 some time, when the birds would disperse. 
 
 We found that the Gannets of Bird Rock deposited one, or rarely two, eggs, pure 
 white at first, but these soon became soiled, as the birds are far from being neat. When 
 disturbed, every bird would disgorge some fish before flying away, and thus the ground 
 was strewed with the half digested contents of their stomachs, which, when the hot sun 
 shown on it, soon gave out an intolerable stench. The Gannets were always repairing 
 their nests and frequently one would come flying in with a mass of dripping sea- weed which 
 it had taken from the water, and pitching heavily upon the shelf, would arrange it on its 
 nest. But no sooner had the bird placed it in a satisfactory manner, when perhaps it would 
 be seized by some neighbor (hat had been watching the opperation and now endeavored to 
 appropriate the material for its own use. The theft although boldly perpetrated, was not 
 always successfully accomplished, for the victim of this outrage would stoutly contest thu 
 prize by striking out fiercely with its powerful bill, often causing the plunderer to reliu- 
 guish its booty. A violent struggle would then ensue, during which many blows would 
 
SULA FIREK. 405 
 
 he rapidly exchanged, while each vociferously proclaimed its rights. The noise of the strife 
 frequently attracted (he attention of the birds which were in the immediate vicinity, aind 
 sometimes :i third, or even a fourth, evidently mates of the contesting parties, would join 
 in the fray, until two, locking bills, would pull and tug for a time, then, losing their foot- 
 ing, roll over and over, for the shel^was an inclined plane, until reaching the edge of the 
 elill, they would go down still clinging to each other. When falling, they seldom endeav- 
 ored to spread their wings, but striking violently upon some projecting rock, would bound 
 oil' and drop half stunned into the water far beneath. The Murres were breeding in close 
 proximity to this place and if one chanced to approach to near the irritable Gannets, it was 
 seized by the neck and unceremoniously dropped over the precipice. 
 
 I found that the Gannets which occupied the rocky shelves, were quite bold and when 
 I endeavored to make my way along the slippery ledgeg, supported by a rope, they would 
 attempt to dispute my passage, striking out fiercely at me with their strong bills. The 
 young Gannets, of which their were several on the shelves, are naked when hatched and 
 very helpless, being fed by regurgitation. Fishes are taken into the stomach of the parent 
 and reduced into a perfectly transparent fluid which is somewhat gelatinous, and which is 
 ejected in small quantities into the mouths of the offspring; then when a little older they 
 eat hall' digested fish. Mackerel appeared to form the principal diet of the Gannets while 
 I remained in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and the birds capture these agile fishes by flying 
 over the water to the height of fifty feet or more, then diving when they perceive one in 
 the proper position to secure, often becoming submerged for some minutes after the plunge. 
 Their prey which is swallowed whole and often living, is frequently very large, and I have 
 seen mackerel at least eighteen inches long, lying upon the rocks where they had been dis- 
 gorged. Although the Gannets are heavy birds, they ride lightly upon the water, as they 
 are provided with large air-cells that are situated along their sides, between the skin and 
 body, and can be inflated at will. Bird Rock is the southernmost breeding ground of this 
 species on our coast and probably the largest, for I estimated that there were, at least, 
 twenty thousand Gannets nesting on the great and lesser rocks. They winter along the 
 coast from New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 SULA- FIBER. 
 
 Booby Gannct. 
 
 Sulafiber law., Birds, N. A.; 1858,872. 
 
 I>ESCKIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, rather robust. Size, not large. COLOR. Adult. The head and neck all around and upper parts, 
 dork-brown, tinged with aby. White below. Iris, white, bill, naked space about head, and feet, yellow. Youny, ashy- 
 brown throughout, lighter beneath. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the small size, and brown, unspotted upper parts. Occurs on the coast of Florida. Constantly 
 resident on the Bahamas. Accidental as far north as Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSlnXS. 
 
 Average measurements of sprc'imeni. Length, 30 SO; stretch, 4TOO; wing, l. r > - 7. r >; tail, H'2. r >; hill, 3'75; tarsus, I'OO. 
 l.<>iii:<--t sTieeimen, :tl (HI; greatest extent of wing, 43'(K); longest wing. Ki'.'iO; tail. H 50; bill, 3'UO; tarsus, I'TJ. ShorUwt 
 specimen, :t<l-lM>; smallest extent of wing, 40'IKI; shortest wing. l.VOO; tail, H'lKI; bill, 3'tJO; tarsus, P48. 
 
 IMLSCKIITION OF NKSTS AND KliiiS. 
 
 Eyys, usually plan*! on the linked ground or rock, one or two in luinilicT, oval in fowl, greenish-blue in color. Di- 
 from l'50.\-' !."> to l'SH.\s2-65. 
 
 50 
 
466 WHITE PELICAN. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Booby Gannets occur on the coast of Florida in considerable numbers but do not 
 now breed anywhere on the west side of the Gulf Stream, though they nest abundantly on 
 the Bahamas. Those that I have seen on the Florida coast, had similar -habits to those of 
 the preceding species. These Gannets have been taken on one or two occasions as far north 
 as Massachusetts but this is much beyond their usual range. 
 
 FAMILY II. PELECANID^E. THE PELICANS. 
 
 Bill, excessively elongated and hooked at tip. Gular sac, very large. Sternum, but 
 little longer than wide. Coracoids, at least as long as sternum. 
 
 The oesophagus is straight and very wide. Proveirtriculus, large with glands arranged 
 in a zonular band, the internal surface of which is either rugose or in ridges. Stomach 
 small and not muscular. Coeca, moderately well developed. Sternum, well arched, with 
 the central posterior margin projected, and indented on either side with two wide scallops. 
 Keel projecting forward very slightly and occupies a little more than one half the length of 
 the sternum. Coracoids at least as long as sternum. Tail, short and rounded. Head, 
 crested. 
 
 GENUS I. PELECANUS. THE PELICANS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Similar to thosp given under family heading. Members of this genus are remarkable on account of the 
 long bill and enormous gular sac. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits.- 
 
 PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS. 
 
 White Pelican. 
 
 Pelecanus erythrorhynchus GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 571. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cii. Form, robust. Size, very large. Bill, with a central elevation on termini'.l half. COLOR. Adult. Pure 
 white with primaries and nearly all of secondaries, black. Center of scapularies and tail feathers, deep salmon. Spot on 
 brea-st and wing coverts, pale straw. Iris, white, bill, yellow strongly tinged with red, feet, orange, naked space about 
 head and gular sac, yellow. Youny, similar to adult ; the bright markings are paler and there is no central elevation on bill. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar form and white color After moulting in autumn the back of the head becomes quite gray, the 
 central elevation of bill falls off and the iris is brown. This stage of plumage, however, is exceedingly transient, but the 
 iris remains brown until the following spring. Distributed, in summer, throughout Western North America from Utah, 
 northward ; rare in Florida at this season. Winters in the South. Accidental on the Northern Atlantic coast. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 65'50; stretch, 102-50; wing, 24'38, tail, O'SOjbill, 
 14'00; tarsus, 4 63. Longest specimen, 70"00; greatest extent of wing, 105 25; longest wing, 24-75; tail, 7" Id: bill, I4'55: tar- 
 sus, 4'75. Shortest specimen, 6M5; smallest extent of wing, lOO'OO; shortest wing, 24MK); tail, 6'S5; bill, 13'50; tarsus, 4'50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nesti, placed on the ground near the water, composed of sticks, weeds, etc. Eyys, one or two in number, oval in form, 
 and white in color, covered with a calcareous deposit. Dimensions from 2'20 x 3- 15 to 2'35 x 3'20. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the magnificent birds, which form the subject of the present sketch, quite 
 common on Indian River in winter, but they only occupied the limited section of country 
 which lies between the Haulover Canal and Merritt's Island. The White Pelicans were, 
 however, remarkably abundant on the Gulf coast about Cedar Keys, but did not occur in 
 any numbers much south of this point. When feeding, these fine Pelicans swim along the 
 water and capture their prey by thrusting their long bill, and occasionally the entire head, 
 beneath the surface of the water, then the bill is raised, the pouch contracted, forcing the 
 
PELECANUS FLSCL'S. 4G7 
 
 water from among tlie fishes which are swallowed at once. During calm weather, they feed 
 in the open waters of the Gulf but when high winds occur, they visit the more quiet la- 
 goons and bayous among the flats. After satisfying their hunger, they will sit for a time 
 on the outer sand-bars or reefs, often gathering by thousands, but will shortly rise in small 
 companies, flying in wedge-shaped flocks, or in ranks like Geese or Swans, but move with 
 alternate flapping and sailing and thus rise to a great height, when they will circle about 
 an hour or more on motionless wings, not, however, in regular order but crossing and re- 
 crossing one another in eccentric gyrations. Later in the day, they return to roost, pass- 
 ing the night on the reefs. They are very shy at all times, equally so at night, for they 
 can see during the hours of darkness nearly or quite as well as Owls, and when approached 
 will rise and fly to the nearest reef. The only way in which I was successful in obtaining 
 a shot at them, was by sailing, when, as they always rise into the wind, I would some- 
 times manage to secure one. These birds, in spite of their large size, are exceedingly gen- 
 tle in disposition and easily tamed, and one that I brought north, he having been slightly 
 wounded in the wing, remained with me for three years, when he died. This bird never 
 attempted to injure any thing, even permitting young chickens to run about him, and as they 
 walked over his huge feet, he merely glanced down at them to see what they were doing. 
 Johnny, as he was called, was very intelligent and always knew those who were kind to 
 him, recognizing them with a grunt, his only note, while he would frequently take their 
 hands in his long bill and gently squeeze them. He allowed every one who came to see 
 him, to caress him, and was always ready to receive company. Johnny ate not only fish 
 but meat, and the quantity which he devoured was surprising, for he often consumed six 
 or eight pounds at a meal. Not that he was a glutton, for when he was satisfied, no temp- 
 tation would induce him to take another morsel. His favorite method of eating was to have 
 his food thrown to him, when he would catch it in his beak, slip it into his pouch, then he 
 would wait until I grasped him by the bill, when I would raise it and shake his head un- 
 til the food passed downward into his stomach. No confinement whatever was necessary 
 for Johnny as he never showed the slightest propensity to wander, excepting in autumn, 
 when, having some idea of migrating, he would waddle away from the house a few hun- 
 dred yards, then, evidently surprised to find himself on strange ground, would raise his 
 head, gaze about him distractedly, when preceiving hh home, would spread his long wings 
 and come back, half running and half flying. This performance would be repeated sever- 
 al times in a season, but always terminated as related. My bird had many quaint, inter- 
 esting habits and during his short life among us made many friends who will long remem- 
 ber Johnny Pelican. The late Captain Dummitt informed me, that upon one occasion, the 
 White Pelicans bred in considerable numbers on a small island, in the lagoon just south 
 of Mosquito Inlet, but this is unusual and they have never repeated it, the species gener- 
 ally migrating northward in April to nest on the inland waters of the North-west. 
 
 PELECAITUS PU3CUS. 
 
 Brown Pelican. 
 Pelecanusfuscui LINN-.. Syst. Nat., I, 1766,215. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill without central elevation. COI.OR. Adult. Head and stripe on neck ad- 
 joining giilnr sac, white, tlie fi inner stonily tinjri'd with yellow. Remainder of neck, dark choNtmit-hmwn. Alxno, lic.:try, 
 with Ihe leathers more or less edged whip dark-bniwu. Beneath, sooty-black, with the leathers olsidr.-. Hanks, 
 
4G8 BROWN PELICAN. 
 
 nnd under win? and tail coverts, centrally streaked with white. Patch on breast, pale straw color. Iris, white, bill, hoary 
 with edge* of lower mandible and tip of upper, red. Naked space about head, and gular sac. greenish-brown. Feet, slaty- 
 blue. Youny. biinilar, but lacks the brown on neck, and the colors throughout aro much paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the comparatively small size and dark colors. In winter the brown of the neck is replaced by white and the 
 iris is brown. Distributed as a constant resident in Florida. Rare a far north as Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 48-25; stretch, 79'25; wing, 20-25; tail, 6'13; bill, 12 00; 
 tarsus, 1'50. Longest specimen, 54'00; greatest extent of wing, 85'00; longest wing, 21-00; tail, 7 00; bill, 12-50; tarsus, 
 3 00. Shortest specimen, 44-50; smallest extent of wing, 73'50; shortest wing, 19'50; tail, 5'25; lull, 1T50; tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGUS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or in trees, composed of sticks, lined with weeds, grass, etc. Eiiyi, two in number, oval 
 form, and white in color, covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from l-80x2''*0 to 2' 15x3' 10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Brown Pelicans are exceedingly abundant in Florida, not only on the coast, but 
 among the Keys and jn the salt water lagoons. Their method of fishing is quite different 
 from that practiced by the preceding species, for they fly along some ten feet over the wa- 
 ter, then when they preceive a school of fish, will drop awkwardly among them, seizing as 
 many as they can, after which the water is forced from the pouch and the prey swallowed. 
 If the fishes which they are catching, chance to be small, some will escape, and the Laugh- 
 ing Gulls, taking advantage of this fact, will alight with half-spread wings, on the huge 
 heads of the Pelicans, in order to catch the escaping prey. The good-natured Pelicans ap- 
 pear to take this act as a matter of course, for I never saw one attempt to attack a Gull 
 when it was so engaged. Unlike the White Pelicans, the Brown do not soar after feed- 
 ing but sit quietly ou the sand bars or perch on the mangroves until the meal is digested, 
 and when thus resting, the bill is held quite perpendicularly as is the custom with other 
 Pelicans. When flying, these large birds move in ranks by alternate flapping and sailing, 
 all the members of a flock acting in concert. 
 
 When breeding, the Brown Pelicans select particular localities and will return to them 
 year after year to nest, gathering for this purpose from miles around. Thus I know of 
 but one breeding ground on the east coast of Florida, that is Pelican Island in Indian Riv- 
 er, near the inlet, where thousands congregate, and one or two on the west coast in about 
 the same latitude; but, singularly, those on the east side of the peninsula deposit their 
 eggs early in March, at least a month sooner than those on the west. The bulky nests aro 
 placed on the ground or in trees, and the birds are so unsuspicious when sitting, that they 
 may be easily captured. These breeding places are always in a filthy condition. 
 
 FAMILY in. GRACULIDA;. THE CORMORANTS. 
 
 Bill, shorter than head and hooked at tip. Gular sac, small. Sternum, considera- 
 bly lonyer than wide. Coracoids, not as as long as sternum. Keel, projected well forward. 
 The oesophagus is straight and somewhat dilated. Proventriculus, rather large, with 
 the glands arranged in an irregular, zonular band. Stomach, quite large but not muscu- 
 lar. Coeca, very small. Sternum, quite well arched, with the central posterior margin, 
 indented, but having a wide, shallow scallop on either side. Keel occupies only about one 
 half the leng;h of sternum. Furcula, quite long, at first ascending perpendicularly, then 
 bont backward to tip of keel. Tail, rather long, rounded, and stiffened. Head, crested. 
 
BLACK COKMORANT. 469 
 
 CKNTS I. GRACULUS. TIIE CORMORANTS. 
 
 <|IN. Cu. Resemble those given under Family heading. Bill, hooked at tip. Sezes, similar. There are two species 
 
 within our limits. 
 
 GHAOULUS DILOPHXJS. 
 
 Black Cormorant. 
 Gracului dilophui GRAY, Gen. Birds; 1845. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Narrow line of filamentous feathers behind eye, elongated. COI.OR. 
 Adult. Itlaok throughout, with greenish reflections, hemming ashy-brown on center of feathers of body above, glossed 
 with |iur]iUsli. Iri<, pale green, eyelids, blue, spotted with white, naked space about head, orange, bill, black, banded 
 with blue and white, feet, black. Ymmi and nestling*. Dark brown throughout. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Under the present heading is described both the formerly called dilophut et Floridanus, the former is stated to have 
 whitish feathers over the eye, but this is not constant and I consider it only a northern form of the species which is so com- 
 mon in the South. Known by the general dark colors. Distributed in summer from the Gulf of Mexico, northward; winter- 
 ing in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 26'38; stretch, 48-00; wing, 11 50; tail, O'lO; bill, 
 2'50; tarsus, -J-S-J. I, invest specimen, 3L'0;); greatest extent of wing, 53-00; longest wing, Id'(X); tail. 7'(Kt; bill, 3-00; tarsus, 
 2 55. .Shortest specimen, 2T75; smallest extent of wing, 43'00; shortest wing, ITOO; tail, 5-15; bill, 2'00; tarsus, 2-10. 
 
 INSCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nfsls. placed on trees or rocky clifls, composed of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. Eyyi, three or four in number, oval in form, 
 and greenish-blue in color, covered with a calcareous deposit. Dimensions from I'35x2'25 to I'50z2'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The collector in Florida soon learns the position of every buoy or stake that stands in 
 the water for they are generally ornamented by a Cormorant, but these wary birds know 
 how to take care of themselves and it is seldom that one can be approached near enough to 
 be shot. Even while nesting, they are very shy, and whenever a rookery is approached, 
 all the birds rise, circle about in confusion for a short time, then retreat a few hundred 
 yards and settle down in a compact body on the water, nor will they return until they are 
 sure that the intruder has departed. I found the newly deposited eggs of the Black Cor- 
 morants on the Florida Keys, about the twentieth of March, and the birds continued to lay 
 from that time until the middle of April. Late in May, the black, downy young are near- 
 ly fully grown but still remain in the nest as they are comparatively helpless, being una- 
 ble to fly, and are regularly led by the parents. When approached at this season, however, 
 they display all the wariness of the old birds, for after disgorging the contents of their stom- 
 achs, as is the custom with the young of many fish eating birds when disturbed, they will 
 drop from the nests or limbs oji which they perch, into the water, for the base of the trees 
 in which their homes are placed, are nearly always submerged, after which it is almost im- 
 possible to secure one as they dive and swim both beneath and on the surface with the 
 greatest ease. The Cormorants move with a steady, prolonged flight, during which the 
 mouth is held open as if for air. If shot at, when flying, and not injured or alarmed by a 
 sudden shout, they will very frequently drop into the water, diving as soon as they strike 
 it. When wounded, they are exceedingly fierce, biting with such force that it is danger- 
 ous to attempt to capture one; in fact, I have seen them seize an oar and not relinquish 
 their hold until lifted quite out of the water. In leaving a perch, it is noticeable that the 
 Cormorants fly downward, almost to the water, then rise again to pursue their course. I 
 found the Black Cormorants breeding on Shagg Rock, named from the local appellation of 
 
470 GRACULUS CAKBO 
 
 these birds, off Grindstone Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the last week in June. 
 The nests were placed on rocky cliffs, a hundred feet from the water, and contained not on- 
 ly fresh eggs but also newly hatched young, the latter being naked but black, and as shiny 
 as if polished with boot blacking. The adults were extremely shy, instantly leaving the 
 immediate vicinity when I ascended the rock. 
 
 GEACULUS CAEBO. 
 
 Common Cormorant. 
 
 Graculus carbo GY., Gen. Birds, 1845. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Black throughout, glossed with green, becoming ashy-brown 
 on center of feathers of body above, tinged with bronze. Broad line around gular sac, filamentous feathers distributed 
 over head and neck, and patch on flanks, white. Iris, green, naked space about head, greenish-brown, gular sac, orange, 
 and feet, black. Young. Similar, but lack the white filamentous feathers and are paler. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size and white markings. Distributed, in summer, from Gulf of St. Lawrence, northward, win- 
 tering along the coast as far south as New Jersey. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 38'50; stretch, 61-00; wing, I4'50, tail. 6'50;bill, 
 3'25; tarsus, 2'25. Longest specimen, 40'00; greatest extent of wing, 62 - 00, longest wing, 15 - 00; tail, 7'00: bill, 3'50-. tarsus, 
 2-50 Shortest specimen, 37'00; smallest extent of wing, 6'J'OO; shortest wing, 14'00; tail, 6'00; bill, 3 00; tarsus, 2'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 ' Nests, placed on rocky cliffs, composed of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. Fyys, three or four in number, oval in form, and 
 bluish-green in color, covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from l'65x 2'60 to 1'75 x2'65_ 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have never met with the Common Cormorant living, and in spite of the name, con- 
 sider it much rarer than the preceding. I have often met with the Black Cormorants along 
 our coast during migrations but never saw a specimen of the larger species among them. 
 The Common Cormorants breed on the coast of Labrador and according to fishermen and 
 others whom I have questioned concerning these birds, who were familiar with them, they 
 do not differ much in habit from the Black when it is found in the North. 
 
 FAMILY IV. PLOTID.E. THE DARTERS. 
 
 Bill, longer than head, straight, slender, and pointed at tip. Gular sac, very small. 
 Sternum, longer than wide. Coracoids, equal in length to sternum. 
 
 The oesophagus is straight and wide. Proventriculus glands, arranged in a globular 
 sac on lower side of oesophagus. Stomach, quite muscular. Coeca, very small. Sternum, 
 well arched, with the central posterior margin indented and having a wide, deep scallop 
 on either side. Keel, projecting forward very slightly and occupies two thirds the length 
 of the sternum. Tail, long and rounded. Head, small, with neck long. 
 
 GENUS I. PLOTCS. THE ANHINGAS. 
 
 (!KN. CH. Similar to those given under family heading. Members of this genus are remarkable on account of the 
 long tail, the central feathers of which are corrugated. Sexes, not similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 PLOTUS ANHINGA. 
 
 Snake Bird. 
 Plotus anhinga LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 580. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si>. Cn. Form, slender. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Black throughout, glossed with greenish and violet, be- 
 coming brownish on wings and tail. Upper back, scapularies, and wing coverts, streaked and spotted with ashy-white, 
 and the greater wing coverts are edged with it. Tail, tipped with ashy-yellow, and head is provided with long, filamen- 
 tous feathers of ashy-white. Hill, dusky-yellow, feet, brownish-orange, iris, red. Adult female. Similar to male but the 
 head, neck, and breast, are ashy-yellow which becomes brownish above. Young. Similar to adult female but luck the 
 
SNAKE B1BD. 471 
 
 filamentous feathers ol'licail and neck, white markings, and corrugations of tail feathers. Kest/ings. Are covered with a 
 yellowish down. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Easily recognized by the peculiar form and color. Distributed, in summer, from the Carolintw, southward. Winters 
 in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Au-ra.ni 1 measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 34'50; stretcli, 44'25; wing, 12'75; tail, 10'08; bill, 2 95; 
 tarsus, 1-4S. Longest specimen, 33'75; greatest extent of wing, 46 00; longest wing, 13 75; tail, 10 75, hill, 3 10; tarsus, 1-70. 
 Shortest specimen, 33'25; smallest extent of wing, 43'OH; shortest wiug, 11'75; tail, 9' 40; bill, 2'tt5; tarsus, 1'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in trees, composed of sticks. Eyys, three to five in number, oval in form, and bluish-white in color, cov- 
 ered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimension-; from riOx2'l5 to r25x2'25. 
 
 I1A15ITS. 
 
 The Snake Birds, Anhingas, or Water Turkeys, as they are termed in various locali- 
 ties, arc among the most singular and interesting birds found in Florida, for they possess 
 habits which characterize several species, besides many which are peculiar to themselves. 
 They perch on trees like Cormorants but spread their wings in the sun when sitting, like 
 Vultures, and if fired at with a rifle, when at a distance, will not move. A near shot, how- 
 ever, whether it hits or not, always sends them tumbling end over end into the water, when 
 they will instantly disappear, diving and remaining under the surface as readily as Grebes, 
 which birds they also resemble in possessing the power of moving with the body submerged 
 and the head, and often the entire neck, above the surface. When thus engaged, the greaf- 
 ly elongated neck is twisted about in a manner which strongly reminds one of the writh- 
 ing of a serpent; hence the name of Snake Bird which is most often applied to them. Aft- 
 er eating, the Anhingas soar on motionless wings, high in air, like Pelicans, and often 
 gather in flocks at such times, but when sitting, it is rare to find more than three or four 
 together and they usually associate in pairs. During the breeding season, however, they 
 congregate in rookeries, often in company with other birds, and I have found them nesting 
 with the White and Night Herons. The domiciles are placed in trees, are rather bulky, 
 being about eighteen inches in diameter, deeply hollowed, and occasionally lined with the 
 downy catkins of the willow. The eggs, which are usually four but occasionally five in 
 number, are deposited about the middle of March. When their homes are approached, the 
 Snake Birds silently leave them but appear quite solicitous for the safety of their eggs, as 
 they will circle about, uttering aloud, grunting sound, their only note, often coming with- 
 in gun shot, but like all members of the present order, are very difficult to kill. 
 
 Chief Tiger brought me a young Anhinga, about half grown, from the Everglades, 
 about the middle of April. It possessed much more intelligence than one would suppose, 
 for it became very tame, fed readily, was not inclined to wander, and found its way every 
 night to its perch in the corner of a room, not attempting to roost outside. This bird was 
 very gentle in disposition; so much so, that it would never attempt to defend itself against 
 the attacks of a White Heron which I kept at the same time, and from which the Anhinga 
 at last received an injury which proved fatal. 
 
 FA.M1LYV. TACIIYPETID^K. TIIK FRIGATE BIRDS. 
 
 Bill, loiujir I han head wide, strung, and houki-il at lip. Cularsac, small. Slc.rnum, 
 much u-ii/iT titan IUIKJ. Curacoids, considerably lunger than sternum. Keel, nut projected 
 furward. 
 
472 TACHVPETES AQU1LVS. 
 
 The oesophagus is straight and somewhat dilated. Proventriculus, rather large, with 
 the glands arranged in a zonular band. Stomach, quite small but not muscular. Co3ca, 
 small. Sternum, deeply arched, with the central posterior margin, indented, but having 
 a wide, very shallow scallop on either side. Keel, high, well arched, and occupies the en- 
 tire length of sternum. Furcula, long, lying almost horizontal to coracoids and joined 
 firmly to them. Head, crested. Legs and neck, short. Tail and wings, long. 
 
 GENUS I. TACHYPETES. THE FORK-TAILED FRIGATE BIRDS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Similar to those given under Family heading. Tail, deeply forked. Sexes, not similar. There is but one 
 species within our limits. 
 
 TACHYPETES AQUILUS. 
 Man-of-war Bird. 
 
 Tachypetes aqui/us VIEILI,., Gal. des Ois. ; 1H25, 274. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Black throughout, with green and purple reflections, 
 especially on body. Naked space about head, and bill, black, iris, brown, gui.ir sac and feet, orange. Adult female. Sim- 
 ilar, but the sides of head and broad patch on breast are white, and the plumage is not as lustrous. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the deeply forked tail and dark colors. Constantly resident on the coast of Florida and on the Bahamas. 
 Accidental as far north as Nova Scotia. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 39*50; stretch, 85'00; wing, 24'50; tail, 17*5'*; bill, 5 25; 
 tarsus, -78. Longest specimen, 41 '00; greatest extent of wing, 86*00; longest wing, 25'00; tail, 18*00; bill, 5'50; tarsus, 
 80. Shortest specimen, 38 00; smallest extent of wing, 84*0l>; shortest wing, Sl'OO: tail, 17'00; bill, 5*00; tarsus, 75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or in trees, composed of sticks. E'/ys, one or two in number, rather elliptical in form, 
 and greenish-white in color, covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from 2 00x2 -iO to 2 11 x2 85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The noble birds which we now have in hand, are among the most noticeable that are 
 found in southern localities, for their majestic flight causes even the most casual observer 
 to gaze upon them with admiration. The Man-of-war, or Frigate, Birds are somewhat 
 parasitical in habit and may frequently be seen in pursuit of Terns and Gulls which have 
 recently captured a fish, when they display a variety of aerial evolutions that are ex- 
 tremely graceful. They easily outstrip the object of their pursuit, causing it to drop its 
 prey, when, diving downward, the Frigate seizes the fish before it reaches the water, and 
 devours it. These birds are highly gregarious, associating in flocks consisting of many 
 thousands, and will often gather in large numbers on the mangroves, for, in spite of the 
 small size of their feet, they perch well. The Man-of-war Birds are extremely shy, and 
 although I found many among the interior keys, was not able to procure specimens until I 
 discovered the fact that they are quite stupid at night; indeed, they return to roost long 
 before sundown and can be approached quite readily at twilight, at which time if disturbed, 
 they fly low, appearing quite confused. They breed late, about the first of June, placing 
 the huge nests on mangroves, at no great distance from the water. Thousands gather to 
 breed in one rookery, of which I know of but two in Florida, one near Cedar Keys and one 
 on one of the interior keys, quite difficult of access, in the vicinity of Capo Sable. 
 
 The Man-of-war Birds do not, as a rule, extend their range further north than Mid- 
 dle Florida but occasionally wander above this point. I once possessed a line male which 
 was killed in October, 187C, at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a letter, just received from Mr. 
 
PLATE XI. 
 
 SJ.H.LJ.k. 
 
 VIREO PHILADELPHICUS. 
 
 Philadelphia Viro .Adult. 
 
TROPIC BIRD. 473 
 
 John R. Beath of Philadelphia, informs me that he mounted a specimen of the Frigate 
 Bird which was taken at Capo May Court House, in the spring of 1877. It is difficult to 
 find words which will convey an idea of the magnificent flight of these fine birds, but a 
 glance at the sternum as described un'der Family heading, will give some impression of the 
 bony frame-work which is intended to support the birds in their untiring journey through 
 the air; and thus armed against the forces of nature, nothing can daunt them. I have seen 
 them, when the wind blew high, circling with motionless wings and calmly breasting the 
 rising gale. The storm bursts and the waves are lashed into fury by the raging hurricane; 
 great trees on the neighboring land, which have stood the blasts of a hundred years, totter 
 and fall; while the spray flies in clouds from the now mountainous breakers; even then, 
 when all else bows to the relentles Storm King, the noble Frigate Bird does not deign to 
 alight, but with a few strokes of his strong pinions, moves majestically into the very teeth 
 of the driving elements, or plunging downward, will sail as grandly above the tempestuous 
 billows, as the Swallow skims over the surface of the summer lake, showing that in the 
 Man-of-war Bird, the power of flight is developed in the highest degree. 
 
 FAMILY VI. PIL^TO-NID^E. THE TROPIC BIRDS. 
 
 Bill, about equal in length to head, strong, and pointed at tip. Gular sac, absent. 
 Sternum, longer than wide. Keel, projecting forward considerably. 
 
 The oesophagus is wide and somewhat dilated. Proveutriculus, large with glands ar- 
 ranged in a zonular band. Stomach, small and not muscular; Coeca, very small. Ster- 
 num, arched, with the central posterior margin concave. Keel, high. Furcula, short and 
 lying nearly perpendicularly. Head, not crested. Legs and neck, very short. 
 
 , CiENUS I. PILETON. TI1E LONG-TAILED TROPIC BIRDS. 
 
 GEN. Cu. Resemble those given under Family heading. Tail, wedge-shaped, with central feathers excessively elon- 
 gated. Sexes, similar. There is but one s|>ecies within our limits. 
 
 PH-3BTON FLAVIBOSTRIS. 
 Yellow-billed Tropic Bird. 
 
 Pfufton Jlavirostris BDT., Bull, So. Acad. Imp. St. Pet. I; 1837, 349. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. White throughout with a satiny gloss, tinged with pale 
 salmon which becomes deeper on elongated central tail feathers, the shafts of which are black. Curved patch on side of 
 Ix'inl, unc on scnpularies and secondaries, passing back war 1 in a line along wing coverts, and spot near terminal portion of 
 primaries, purplish-Mack. The feathers of flanks arc centrally streaked with dusky. Hill, tarsi and base of feet, orange, 
 remainder of latter, black, iris, brown. Young. Similar but paler, and the central tail feathers are nut as long. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the donated central tail feathers and orange bill. Constantly resident on ttie Bermuda and Bahama Is- 
 hni'is. Rare on the Florida coast. Accidental in the Northern Atlantic States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 30'75; stretch, 37'00; wing, 1T25; tail, 19'25; bill,2'10; tarsus, P08. 
 Longest specimen, 32'00; greatest extent of wing, :!8-<X); longest wing, ll'SO; tail, 21 '00; bill, 2'25; tarsus, T25. Shortest 
 specimen, 29-50; smallest extent of wing, SG'OO; shortest, wing, ll'OO; tail, 18'50; bill, 2'00; tarsus, -90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NKSTS AND KUG.S. 
 
 Efl'jf, usually placed in holes of rocks, one in numlier, rather oval in form, chalky-white in color, usually very thickly 
 spotted with reddish-chocolate of varying .shades. Dimensions IVom l-OOx'J'I/) to I'60x2'25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Some years ago, when sailing along the Gulf of Mexico, not far from the Florida Keys, 
 in little sleaiinT, early in November, I observed a Tropic, Bird flying high in air. Tin; 
 bird was pursuing the same course that we were and remained in sight lor several hour. 
 
 en 
 
474 STERNA ANOL1CA. 
 
 This is the only living specimen of the species that I ever saw and consider it very rare on 
 the coast of Florida. They are, however, not uncommon on both the Bahamas and Bermu- 
 das, where they breed, placing the single egg in a hole in the rocks. It is rather singu- 
 lar that the eggs of these birds should vary so much from those of other members of the 
 order, in being spotted, but many eggs of both of our Pelicans, show some indication of 
 markings in the form of streakings, which, at first sight, appear to be caused by blood, 
 but which is, I think, a regular pigment coloration. A specimen of the Yellow-billed 
 Tropic Bird, evidently a straggler, was, singularly enough, taken in the interior of New 
 York State, about the middle of November, 1870. 
 
 ' ORDER XVII. LONGIPENNES. LONG-WINGED BIRDS. 
 
 Wings, very long. Tail, short. Legs, moderatelly long with anterior toes webbed. 
 Hind toe, short and elevated. 
 
 The bill is variable in form, either curved, pointed, or laterally flattened. Sternum, 
 longer than wide, with keel equalling one half its width or higher. Marginal indenta- 
 tions, four or absent. Coracoids, longer than width of sternum. Furcula, well arched 
 and approximating closely to tip of keel which is projected forward. Sterno-trachealis, 
 present. There is a small bronchialis but no other laryngeal muscles. Oesophagus, straight 
 without dilatation. Proventriculus, not very large, with glands arranged in a zonular band. 
 Stomach, rather muscular. Cceca, short. Sexes, similar. 
 
 FAMLY I.' LAREDO. THE GULLS AND TERNS. 
 
 Bill, generally shorter than head, curved, pointed, or flattened laterally. Hind toe, 
 usually present. Marginal indentations, four. Keel, not perforated. 
 
 Members of this family are closely feathered, possess the power of swimming, and also 
 move with ease upon the ground. The young are covered with down at birth and run as 
 soon as hatched, but are fed by the parents until able to fly. 
 
 GENUS I. STERNA. THE TERNS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, about as lony as head, and pointed. Toes, webbed nearly, or quite, to lips. Legs, short. Tail, lony 
 and deeply forked. 
 
 Members of this genus are generally very light in color. Sexes, similar. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 STERNA ANGLICA. 
 
 Marsh Tern. 
 Sterna anylica MONT.. Orn. Diet. Sup., 1813. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, short and rather thick. COLOR. Adult. Above, pale bluish-ash. Outer 
 webs of primaries, hoary, inner, ashy-gray, becoming lighter toward base. Outer tail feathers, nearly white. Top of head 
 to lower eyelid and occiput, black. Line at base of upper mandible and under parts pure white. Iris, brown, bill and 
 feet, black. In winter, the anterior portion of head becomes more or less whits. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size, thick black bill and feet, nearly white outer tail feathers, and hoary primaries. Distribu- 
 ted, in summer, from New Jersey, southward. Rare in New England. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, I3'75; stretch, 34-00; wing, U'15, tail. 5'25;bill, 
 1'30; tarsus, 1-25. Longest specimen, 14'50; greatest extent of wing, 35'CO, longest wing, 12-50; tail, 5 50: bill, 1-40-. tarsus, 
 1-30. Shortest specimen, 13-00; smallest extent of wing, 33-00; shortest wing, 11'75; tail.S'OO; bill, 1-20; tarsus, 1'20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 F.ygs, placed on the ground in sandy places, three or four in number, oval in form, and varying from yellowish-bulf 
 to greenish in color, spotted and blotched with yellowish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from l'30x 1'75 to l'40x 1-8(1. 
 
CASPIAN TEKN. 476 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Terns! What a multitude of pleasant memories is conjured up at the sight of this short 
 word, for these graceful birds have always been special favorites of mine and I have spent 
 many delightful hours along our shores, studying their habits. The Marsh Tern is far from 
 bring very common anywhere, for although I have shot it in Massachusetts and Florida, 
 it is rare in both States. It breeds, however, in the intermediate districts, nesting on the 
 islands oil the coast of Virginia, late in June, depositing the eggs on sand hills. The 
 flight of this Torn is rather heavy and its cries are harsh, but it does not differ essentially 
 in habit from many other members of the genus. 
 
 STERNA CASPIA. 
 
 Caspian Tern. 
 Sterna cag/iia PALL., Nov. Com. Petr. ; 1770, 582. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, stout. COLOR. Adult. Above, pule bluish-ash with primaries dark-slaty 
 on inner webs. Tail and coverts ashy-white. Top of head and occiput, black, glossed with greenish. Beneath, white. 
 Bill, red, iris, brown, and feet, black. In winter, and Youny. Similar but paler, and the top of head is more or less white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size, ashy-gray inner webs of primaries, and red bill. Distributed, in summer, along our entire 
 coast; winters from Massachusetts southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 21*50; stretch, 50*50; wing, 16*3D;taiI, 5*60; bill, 
 2 (tf; tarsus, 1'63. Longest specimen, 22*00; greatest extent ofwing, 51*00; longest wing, 10*75; tail. 6'(X); bill, 2 75; tarsus, 
 1 75. Shortest specimen, 21-03; smallest extent of wing, SO'OO; shortest wing, 16'00; tail, 5-00; bill, 2*50; tarsus, 1-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 K/ys, placed on the ground, three or four in number, oval in form, and varying from whito to gresnish-buff in color, 
 spotted and blotched with brown and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from 1*85 x 2*70 to 1-90x2-75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The large and handsome Caspian Tern is, perhaps, the least agile on the wing of any 
 of the genus, moving in a similar manner to that of some of the smaller Gulls, but in hab- 
 its it closely resembles its other relatives and the note is extremely harsh. Former, the 
 Caspian Tern was supposed to breed only in the North but recently it has been found nest- 
 ing, though not in any numbers, on the islands off the coast of Virginia and further south 
 It is possible that this bird occurs in Florida in summer but I have never mot with speci- 
 mens there, although I have killed many of the succeeding species, which they closely re- 
 semble, in the State. 
 
 STERNA REGIA. 
 
 Royal Tern. 
 Sterna regia GAHB., Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil., 1848, 228. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, stout. COLOR. Adult. Pale bluish-ash above, with primaries darker on 
 outer webs and on a narrow line next the shaft of inner, the remainder of which being white. Tail and coverts, ashy- white. 
 Top of head ami ooriput, black, glossed with greenish White beneath, tinged with rosy. Iris, brown, feet, black, bill, 
 ri'd. Winter adult and Youny. Similar but paler, the primaries are overwashed with hoary, and the crown is partly white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 K::-iiy j r,'i,i'iii/j 1 liy the large size, red bill, and nearly white inner webs to primaries. Distributed, in summer, from 
 New Jersey, southward. Winters in Florida. Rare as far north :LS Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 19'88; stretch, 43*50; wing, 14-00; tail, fi'12; hill, 2'58; 
 tarsus, 1-30. Longest specimen, -JO'50; greatest extent of win:;, II 50; longest wing, 14*50; tail, 7'(H); bill, 2*90; tarsus, 1*40. 
 Shortest sjitriiiien, l'J'*25; smullust extent of wing, 4*J*50; shortest wiug, 13*50; tail, 5*25* bill. 2*25- tarsus 1*20 
 
476 SANDWICH TERN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in sandy places, two to three in number, rather pyriform in shape, varying from white to 
 greenish-buff in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, umber, and lilac of varying shades, and having an cc- 
 casional tinge of yellowish. Dimensions from I'70x2'70 to I'75x2'75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Royal Terns are common on the larger lakes and rivers throughout the interior of 
 Florida, as well as on the coast, during winter, but as spring approaches, they retire to the 
 sea-shore to breed. The eggs are deposited about the first of June and are placed on the 
 naked sand. These birds are very shy at all times; even when breeding, they will instant- 
 ly leave the immediate vicinity when it is approached, but like all other Terns, they are 
 always attracted by the cries of a wounded comrade, and at such times, appear to lose all 
 fear, for if repeatedly fired at, the survivors will continue to hover about, uttering pierc- 
 ing cries. The Royal Terns gather by thousands on the sand bars among the keys, at low 
 tide, but rise at high water to fish, at which craft they are very expert, diving downward 
 with the speed of an arrow to secure their prey. Mr. Brews ter and myself secured two 
 birds which were evidently breeding, at Nantucket, about the first of July, some five or six 
 years ago, but this is beyond their usual range. 
 
 STERNA CANTIACA. 
 Sandwich Tern. 
 
 Sterna cantiaca Gin., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 606. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, rather large. COLOR. Adult. Above light pearly blue, with the four first primaries 
 dusky-gray on outer webs, and in a narrow line next the shaft on inner, the remainder of which is white. Tail and cov- 
 erts, and under parts, white. Crown, occiput and nape, black. Bill, black, with terminal fourth, yellow, iris, brown, and 
 feet, black. Winter adult and Vouny, Similar but paler, with more or less white on top of head. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white tail and yellow terminal fourth to slender, black bill. Distributed as a constant resident in south- 
 ern Florida. Accidental, in summer, as far north as Massachusetts. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 15'39; stretch, 33'38; wing, 12'25; tail, 5'75; bill, 2-12; 
 tarsus, 1 -05. Longest specimen, 15-75; greatest extent of wing, 33'75; longest wing, 12-50; tail, 6'00; bill, 2'25; tarsus, 
 1-10. Shortest specimen, 15 00; smallest extent of wing, 33-QO; shortest wing, 12'00; tail, 5'50; bill, 2'00; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Et/ys, placed on the ground in sandy places, two or three in number, rather oval in form, varying from white to buff 
 in color, spotted and blotched with brown, umber, bluish, and reddish. Dimensions from 1-25x2 OO to I'30x2'15. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the beautiful Sandwich Terns common all winter among the Florida Keys and 
 they were not at all shy; consequently, I procured as many as I wanted. They breed on 
 a small, sandy key off Cape Sable, late in June, placing the eggs on the naked ground. I 
 have seen specimens of the Sandwich Tern, which were taken on Cape Cod, but consider 
 the species very rare so far north. 
 
 STERNA FLUVIATILIS. 
 Common Tern. 
 
 Sterna Jluvialilis NAUM., Isis; 1H19. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, medium. Form, rather slender. Bill, slender. COLOR. Adult. Back and wings, ashy-blue, with 
 primaries dusky on outer webs and white on inner two thirds of inner. Rump, upper coverts, and tail, white, with outer 
 webs of last, ashy, which becomes dusky on extreme outer webs. Crown and occiput sooty-black. Beneath, pale ashy- 
 blue. Incoming white on under wing and tail coverts. Iris, brown, feet, red, bill, red, dusky at tip. In winter, similar, 
 but paler, with crown more or less white. Youny, similar to winter adult, but are tinged with yellowish above where tho 
 feathers arc edged witli whitish ; ruinp and upper tail coverts, bluish ; shoulders, dusky. White beneath; bill, black. 
 
FORSTER'S TERN. 477 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the closely allied fonteri, by the dnrk color of the outer webs of outer tail feathers, and from adult mac- 
 roura by the black tip to bill and longer tarsus. See other species for further comparison. Distributed, in summer, form 
 Virginia to the far North. Winters, south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 14'60; stretch, 30'20; wins, 10'40; tail, 6'25; bill, 
 I 1-': tarsus, -HO. Longest specimen. 15'filt; greatest extent of wing, 31*9 I; Impost wing, ll'.lfl; tail,? 00; bill, 1-55; tarsus, 
 !)tl. Shortcut sperimcn, 13'W); smallest extent of wing, 28'50; shortest wing, !) 3.j; tail, 5-5:2; bill, 1'30; tarsus, -75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EUGS. 
 
 V N/.<, placed on the ground in sandy places, composed of grass, sea-weeds, etc. Eggs, from three to four in number, 
 oval in form, varying from white, through green, to deep brown in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, um- 
 ber, and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from 1 *05zl '40 to 1 '25x1*83. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Common Terns are by far the most abundant species on our coast, north of Vir- 
 ginia, and extend their range into the far North. I found them very abundant on the Mag- 
 dalen Islands, breeding, not only on the sand-bars, but also on the grassy tops of isolated 
 rocks, two hundred feet high, with precipitous sides, and which had become detached from 
 the cliffs on the western shores of Grindstone Island, but which were only separated from 
 the shore by a chajiu of a few yards in width. As the eggs of these Terns are much sought 
 after for food by fishermen and others, it is probable that they were driven to these nearly 
 inaccessible places by constant persecution. When nesting, these Terns are not re'marka- 
 bly shy, and if the breeding ground is approached, all the birds will rise and fly to meet 
 the intruder, uttering their loud, shrill notes which sound likete-arr te-arr; then will hov- 
 er over the head of the invader, often but a short distance from him, or will make frantic 
 dives at him, passing within a few feet of his head. If a shot be fired at them, every bird 
 will dash downward and, for a moment, become silent, only, however, to resume their cries 
 with greater vehemence. They gather around a wounded or dead companion, especially 
 if it chance to fall into the water, hovering directly over it, and displaying by their cries, 
 the most profound sympathy for its misfortunes. These Terns, when unmolested, breed 
 about the middle of June, and the young make their appearance during the first week 
 in July, running as soon as hatched, but are cared for by the parents until able to fly well, 
 which occurs in August. The young are easily tamed, and I once possessed one that dis- 
 played considerable intelligence. It fed readily on small fish and grew to be a fine, large 
 bird, when it was accidently killed. 
 
 STERNA FORSTEJII. 
 
 Forster's Tern. 
 Sterna Fonteri NUTT., Man. Orn., II; 1834,274. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Above, bluish-ash. Outer webs of primaries, hoary, 
 inner, dusky next the shaft. Rump anil outer web of outer tail feather, white, frown and occiput, deep black. White 
 beneath. Iris, brown, feet, yellow, and bill, blaek, yellow at extreme tip. Winter adult. Similar, but the forehead and 
 entire top of head with hind neck arc whitish, leaving a black patch around and behind eye. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 I'irds in winter dress were formerly considered u specie- an i "allud Hnnlli. Known by the black bill, yellow feet, and 
 white outer web to outer tail feathers which is always the reverse with the Common Tern. Distributed in summer through- 
 cm the West. Winters in Florida. Rare along the New Kii_ r l:iu<l c>>ast in autumn. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average m< asureinerits of speeimen from North America. Length, 14'5(p; stretch, 3I-.10; wing, 10'75, tail. 5'35;bill, 
 I '9!); tarsus, PIS. Longest s|<>eimen, 15'(K); .tent of wing, 37'00, longest wing, IT. 10; t:iil,4*f>;V. bill, S'lO-. tarsus, 
 
 1 SKI. Shortest . specimen, 1 J 00; smallest extent of wing, 3d'0(l; shortest wing, 10'05; tail, 3'0">; bill, l'*i; tarsus, 1'OsJ. 
 
478 STERNA MACROURA. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Egg*, placed on the ground in sandy places, three or four in number, oval in form, varying from nearly pure white, 
 through green, to deep-brown in color, spotted and blotcbed irregularly with brown, umber, and lilac of varying shades. 
 Dimensions from l'05x 1-40 to 1 -25 x 1-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Forster's Tern is very common in Florida in winter, frequenting the inland waters as 
 well as the coast. They are then in the dress which was formerly known as Ilavell's Tern, 
 but they moult in April, assuming the black head of the summer plumage. In spring, they 
 gather on the, sand-bars of Indian River, in great numbers, in company with other mem- 
 bers of the genus. The notes have some resemblance to those of the preceding species, but 
 are easily recognized, being somewhat harsher. Forster's Terns breed' on the Great Lakes 
 of the interior but are occasionally found on the New England coast in autumn. 
 
 STERNA MACROURA. 
 
 Arctic Tern. 
 
 Sterna macroura NAUH., Isis. 1819. 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. On. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. Bill, slender. Bottom of feet, roughened. COLOR. Adult. Rath- 
 er dark ashy-blue throughout, becoming lighter on throat. Under portion of wings, rump, and tail, white, the last har- 
 ing some of the outer webs dusky. Primaries, dusky, white on two thirds of inner webs. Top of head to lower eyelid and 
 occiput, black. Iris, brown, bill and feet, coral-red. In winter, the anterior portion of head becomes- more or less white. 
 Young. Similar to winter adult but with shoulders dusky, back obscurely banded with dusky and reddish, and white be- 
 neath. Bill, black, and feet, yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The young with the white forehead and dusky shoulders which were hatched late and which apparently failed to moult 
 the following spring have been described as Sterna Portlandica. Known in the adult stage by the medium size and slender 
 red bill and the young, by the abruptly white rump, short tarsus and roughened feet. Distributed, in summer, from Vir- 
 ginia to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 14'25; stretch, 27'95; wing, 10 - 88; tail, 6'85; bill, 1'30; tarsus, "65. 
 Longest specimen, 1700; greatest extent of wing, 32* 15; longest wing, 1V75; tail, 8'30, bill, l'3fi; tarsus, '71. Shortest 
 specimen, 11-50; smallest extent of wing, 23'75; shortest wing, lO'OO; tail, 6'00; bill, 1'25; tarsus, '60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed on the ground in sandy places, three or four in number, oval in form, varying from nearly pure white to 
 deep brown in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, umber, and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from 
 l-05x 1-40 to 1-25x1-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I think the name, Arctic Tern, has been misapplied to the present species, for as far 
 as my observations extend, it is not nearly as northern in distribution, at least on our side 
 of the Atlantic, as the Common Tern. Thus, I found these birds rare on the Magdalens, 
 where the others were abundant, and collections that I have examined, from Labrador and 
 northward, contained nothing but Common, although almost invariably labeled as Arctic. 
 The Arctic Terns breed along the coast of New England, almost always placing the eggs 
 on the naked sand, and appear especially fond of sand-bars that are entirely destitute of 
 vegetation. In habits and time of breeding, they closely resemble the Common Tern, and 
 the notes of the two species are nearly alike. 
 
 STERNA DOTJGALLI. 
 
 Roseate Tern. 
 Sterna Dougal/i MONT., Orn. Diet. Sup., 1813. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. She, medium. Bill, long and slender. COLOR. Aduh. Above, pale ashy-blue, lightest 
 on neck and tail. Outer tail feathers!, white. Primaries, dasky on outer webs and on inner next the shaft. Beneath. 
 
STERNA ANT1LLARUM. 479 
 
 white strongly tinged with rosy. Iris, brown, feet, orange, bill, black, orangeatbii.se. In winter, and Youny. Similar but 
 paler, anil tin 1 top of lirad Ls more or less white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the slender form, blnek bill, and wholly white outer tail feathers. Nestlings of this anil of the three pre- 
 ceding species are indistinguishable, being yellowish above mottled with black, and white beneath. Distributed, in sum- 
 mer, from Massachusetts, southward, Rare as far north as Maine. Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 15'15; stretch, 28'50; wing, 9'60; toil, fi-()5; bill, 
 1 '48: tarsus, '70. Lon^c-t -penmen. Hi-Jj; greatest extent of wing, 3U'4'I; longest wing, 10-3:); tail, 7 30; bill, 1'55; tarsus^ 
 8(). Shortest specimen, ll'OO; smallest extent of wing, 2<>'60; shortest wing, 8-90; tail, 4'80; bill, 1'40; tarsus, -60. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KOUS. 
 
 Nesls, placed on the ground in sandy places, composed of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. Ityys, from three to fyur in number, 
 oval in form, varying from white, through green, to deep brown in color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, um- 
 ber, and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from 1 '05 z 1*40 to l'25zl'8,2. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The flight of the Roseate Terns is exceedingly graceful, and I know of no finer sight 
 than a group of these lovely birds, moving along over the green water, pausing now and 
 then to hover for a moment, that they may peer into the depths below. Gazing upon their 
 perfectly symmetrical forms and elegant evolutions, one can scarcely consider them birds, but 
 rather, as beautiful Nereids of the sea, which have left their native element, to sport for a 
 time in the delightful summer air. The Roseate Tern is one among our birds, that I nev- 
 er care to shoot, for aside from a dislike to destroy a being so lovely, the delicate tints of the 
 plumage are so evanescent and so easily soiled, and there is such a marked difference be- 
 tween cabinet specimens, no matter how carefully prepared, and the living birds, that the 
 contrast is absolutely painful. The notes of the Roseate Terns are quite harsh, sounding, 
 when the birds are excited, like hoyet, hoyet, ending with a kind of prolonged cry. They 
 lay about the same time as the other Terns, and their principal breeding ground on our 
 mast is on Muskfeget, a small, sandy island with a slightly rolling surface, on which noth- 
 ing larger in the way of vegetation grows, than a few dwarf plum bushes. In the hol- 
 lows, however, is a somewhat luxuriant crop of ivy and beach grass, among which the Ro- 
 seate Terns build their nests of sticks. They arc very solicitous for the safety of their 
 young and in general habits resemble the preceding species. 
 
 STERNA ANTILLAHUM. 
 
 Least Tern. 
 Sterna antillarum LESS., Des. Mam. et Ois; 1848, 256. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, very small. Bill, long and slender. COLOR. Adult. Above, light pearly blue with 
 two or 'in-ee lirst primaries sooty-black, white on inner webs of inner. Outer webs of outer tail feather, white, Crown 
 and occiput, deep Mack, l.unatr spot on forehead and under parts, white. Bill, yellow, with terminal fourth, black, 
 iris, brown, and feet, yellow. Winter adult and Young. Similar but white of forehead more extended. Bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small size and white lunet on the forehead. Distributed, in summer, from Massachusetts, southward. 
 Winters south of the United States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 8'88; stretch, 19-40; wing, 6'65. tail, 2'95; bill, 
 I'll; tarsus, -7(1. Lonire<t spoci men, 9"<J5; greatest extent of wing, l'J'75, longest wing, 7 '(X); tail, 3 1 15: bill, I'lo. tarsus, -73. 
 Shortest specimen, 8'5il; smallest extent of wing, 1'J'lKl; shortest wing, 0'30; tail, sJ'75; bill, l'( (1; I;UMIS, '65. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OK NESTS AND ECCS. 
 
 Eijuf, placed .in the ground in sandy plan--, three or I'-ur in nunilirr, rather o\l in form, \ar\ini; from liilc to hull 
 ill color, spotted and blotched irregularly with brown, umber, und lilac of \arjingshades, and having an occasional tin.uc 
 of yellowish. Dimeasions from '75z TlK) to ''JOx 1-30. 
 
480 SOOTY TERN. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Least Terns differ somewhat in flight from the larger species, moving with a rai.Ii- 
 er jerking motion which is not very graceful. Their notes are shrill, quite short, and ab- 
 ruptly given, especially when the birds are disturbed. They place the eggs on the naked 
 sand, preferring, as breeding places, sandy beaches which are without a vestige of grass or 
 other vegetation. I procured eggs of the. Least Tern on the Florida Keys, early in May 
 but the^e birds do not nest on our New England coast until about the tenth of July. They 
 are expert at fishing, catching young mackerel and other small fish, and may frequently 
 be seen carrying their prey crosswise in their beaks, as they fly to their breeding grounds. 
 In being solicitous for the safety of their eggs, and in hovering about a dead or wounded 
 companion, they do not differ from other Terns, and may, like them, be decoyed within 
 shooting distance by waving a white handkerchief, at the same time imitating their cries. 
 
 STERNA FULIGINOSA. 
 Sooty Tern. 
 
 Sterna fuliginosa GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 605. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Size, large. Form, slender. Bill, rather slender. COLOR. Adult. Above, black. Lunate spot on top of 
 head, outer welis of the tail and basal half of inner, and under part-*, white. Iris, brown, bill and f'eot, black. Vouny. 
 Brownish throughout, paler beneath, with the feathers more or less edged with white and rufous. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size, dark color above, and white lunet on head. Distributed as a constant resident on the Flori- 
 da Keys and Bahamas. Accidental further north. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 16'00; stretch, 34'CO; wing, 11-50; tr.il, 7-5; bill, 1-62; 
 tarsus, 1-05. Longest specimen, 17'00; greatest extent of wing, 35'00; longest wing, IsJ'OO; tail, 7'50; bill, 1-75; tarsus, 
 MO. Shortest specimen, 15-00; smallest extent of wing, 33-00; shortest wing, ll'OO; tail, 7'00; bill, 1'50; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 s, placed on the ground in sandy places, two or three in number, oval in form, pinkish white in color, spitted and 
 blotched with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from l*45x 1'95 to 1*50 x<MX). 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Sooty Terns are now only found in any numbers on the small islands which lie to 
 the southward of Key West and which are known as the Dry Tortugas. Here they breed 
 on Bird Key which is about four miles from Fort Jefferson, depositing their eggs early in 
 May. The birds are extremely tame when nesting, insomuch so, that they may be killed 
 with sticks or even caught with the*hand, and they deposit the eggs on the naked sand, 
 There were thousands of these birds on this little key, in 1874, but as the soldiers of Fort 
 Jefferson had been in the habit of taking the eggs regularly every other day, but few or no 
 young were raised. The officer \vho had command of the post, prohibited shooting the birds 
 on the island, but the continual robbing of the eggs must ultimately drive the Sooty Terns 
 from this breeding ground. It is difficult to find a nesting site of either Terns or Gulls, 
 from Grand Menan to Florida, where the birds are not subject to systematic pillage, not by 
 scientific collectors but by fishermen and others, who simply want the eggs as an article of 
 diet, with which they could dispense without the slightest inconvenience; and as I have 
 had occasion to remark many times before, in other places, unless the General Government 
 interposes stringent laws for the protection of this class of birds, there will not be one left, 
 where there are thousands now, but where there were once millions. 
 
SHORT-TAILED TEPN 481 
 
 GENUS II. IIYDROCIIELIDON. THE BLACK TERNS. 
 
 Gf.v I'll. Bill, about as /any at /lead and pointed. Toe*, not webbed to lips. Leys, short. Tail, short <mJ not <//*- 
 lyfurkul. 
 
 Members of this genus an; generally very dark in color. Sexes, similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 HYDROCHELIDON NIGTIA. 
 
 Short -tailed Tern. 
 Sterna niyra LINN , Syst. Nat. ; 1766, 227. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Under portion, head, and neck, sooty-black, becoming dark 
 ashy-gray above, and hoary on primaries. Under wing coverts, nshv-blue, and under tail coverts, white. JrLs, brown, bill 
 ami left, black. Youny. Posterior portion of the head and patch around eye, dusky. Remainder of plumage, ashy-blue, 
 tinged with reddish above and becoming white on forehead, throat, ring around neck, and central under parts. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small si/.e, short tail, and dark colors. Distributed, in summer, throughout the West. Winters south 
 of the United States. .\..( uncommon on the coast of Massachusetts in autumn. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 9-50; stretch, 23'50; wing, 8'3!; tail, 3'50; bill, 
 T12; tarsus, -55. Limgest specimen, lO'OO; greatest extent of wing, 2VOO; longest wing, H'75; tail. 4'00; bill, 1'25; tarsus, 
 60. Shortest specimen, 9'00; smallest extent of wing, 23-00; shortest wing, 8'00; tail, 3'00; bill, 1'05; tarsus, -50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 ^<W7 X > placed on the ground, three or four in number, pyrifonn in shape, and varying from brown to greenish in color 
 spotted and blotched with brown and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from '90x 1'25 to 1'OOx 1'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Short-tailed Terns breed on the marshes in the vicinity of the Great Lakes, and 
 on the bodies of water throughout the West, but are not very uncommon along our New 
 England const, late in August, at which time all Terns are inclined to wander. These 
 birds, although fond offish, live largely upon insects and are very expert at catching them. 
 In manner of fliglit, they resemble the Least Tern. 
 
 GENUS III. ANGUS. - THE NODDYS. 
 
 GKX. Cu. Bill, lonyer than head, curved, and pointed. Toes, webbed to tips. Feet, large, Legs, short. Tail, long ana 
 roundf.it. 
 
 Members of this genus are very dark in color. Sexes, similar. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ANOiJS STOLIDUS. 
 
 Noddy Tern. 
 Anous sto/idus GY.. List Gen.; 1841, 100. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CM. Form, slender. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Sooty-brown throughout, becoming darker on wings, tail, and 
 patch before eye. Crown, yellowish-white becoming ashy posteriorly. Iris and feet, brown, bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 Easily recognized by the uniform dark colors and whitish crown. Coastantly resident on Florida Keys and Bahamas. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 15-50; stretch, 30'60; wing, 10 25; tail, 5'55; bill, 1-62; 
 ( tarsus, -9S. Longest specimen, 16'00; greatest extent of wing, 31 10; longest wing, HV55; tail, 6 05, bill, 1 75; tarsus, 1-05. 
 Shortest specimen, 13'00; smallest extent of wing, 30-00; shortest wing, 10'05; tail, 4 95; bill, 1-52 ; tarsus, -3. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nfft.i. placed in trees, composed of sticks. Kyys, two or three in number, oval in f,>rm, iisliy-yellow in color , spot- 
 ted and blotched with pale reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 1'4J.\ I'M! to 1 f>'J xii't'O. 
 
 II. VISITS. 
 
 The Noddy Tern is only found regularly on Hie west side of the Gulf Stream, on I In- 
 extreme southern Florida Keys, and breeds on Bird Key at the Dry Tortugos, in company 
 
482 RHYNCHROPS N1GRA. 
 
 with the Sooty Terns, but always places the nest in trees, and like the other species, is 
 so tame that the eggs may be removed from beneath the bird without causing it to leave 
 the nest. The eggs are deposited early in May. 
 
 GENUS IV. RHYN CHOI'S. THE SKIMMERS. 
 
 Bill, broad at base, much compressed laterally, with the lower mandible e.rtendiny considerably beyond upper. Lrys and 
 winijs, /any. 
 
 Members of this genus are remarkable on account of the peculiarly constructed bill, the elongated under mandible of 
 which has numerous oblique ridges along its sides. Tail, .short and forked. T?here is but one species within our limits. 
 
 RHYNCHOPS NIGRA. 
 Black Skimmer. 
 
 Khynchops niyra LI.NN., Syst. Nat.. I, 1766, 228. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above sooty-black, with tips of secondaries, forehead, outer 
 webs of tail feathers, and entire under parts, white. Bill, black, yellow at base, iris, brown, and feet, yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar bill. Distributed, in summer, from New Jersey, southward. Rare further north. Winters 
 in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 17'52; stretch, 41'95; wing, 14'75; tail, 5'25; bill, 3'72; tarsus, I 35. 
 Longest specimen, 20' 1C; greatest extent of wing, 44'05; longest wing, 15-52; tail, 6:12, bill,4'52: tarsus, 1-53. Shortest 
 specimen, 14 95; smallest extent of wing, 39'i>8; shortest wing, 14'05; tail, 4 38; bill, 2'88; tarsus, 1'20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in sandy places, two or three in number, oval inform, yellowish-white in color, spotted and 
 blotched rather coarsely with brown, umher, and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from l'35x 1'65 to l'40x 1 08. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 One night, late in December, after a long and stormy voyage from the cold, frozen 
 North, I was leaning over the rail of a. steamer which was lying at Fernandina, Florida, en- 
 joying the summer-like warmth of the air, and watching the play of the moonlight on the 
 water, when I was almost startled by hearing a harsh note, sounding like the bark of a 
 young dog. Turning quickly in the direction of the sound, I saw several shadowy forms 
 moving swiftly along the surface of the water, but they quickly disappeared in the sur- 
 rounding gloom, yet the singular note came to my ears several times from the distance. 
 What these mysterious birds were, I knew not at the time, but later, discovered that the note 
 I then heard, was produced by the Black Skimmers, and I found that the habit of flying by 
 night in order to feed, was regular; in fact, the species is almost wholly nocturnal in win- 
 ter. I have, however, frequently seen them on cloudy days, skimming along. in the usu- 
 al way, with the elongated under mandible beneath the water. They generally move in 
 small companies and fly up rivers or creeks. During the day, they gather in large flocks 
 on sand-bars to rest, but are exceedingly wild and very difficult to approach. They breed 
 late, about June first in Florida, but not until the last of the month, further north. The 
 handsomely marked eggs are deposited on the naked sand. 
 
 GENIS V. LARUS. THE GULLS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, shorter than head, usually slronr;, somewhat curved. Leys, tony, toes webbed to tips, while the tail is ei- 
 ther rounded, square, or cmaryinate. 
 
 Members of this genus are usually large in size and light in color. We have eight species within our limits. 
 
 LARUS GLATJCUS. 
 
 Glaucous Gull. 
 Larus ylaucus Brim., Orn. Bor. ; 1764,44. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, very large. COLOK. Adult. Buck aud upper portion of wings, very light pearly-blue. 
 
LAHUS LEVCOPTERUS. 483 
 
 Primaries and remainder of plumaire, white. Bill, yellow, iris white, and feet, pinkish. In winter, similar hut streaked 
 <;n lii-ail ami noek with nshy-hmwn. Young. Similar to winter adult hut streaked and spotted with ashy-brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Rcco.irni7.eil by tlio large si/o and white primaries. Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions, wander- 
 ing sisfar south a>; Ma->uriiusetts in winter. DIMENSIONS. Length, 30*00; stretch, 62-00; wing, 18'50, tail. 8'7fl; bill, 3*00; 
 tarsus, 3'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OP NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Wests, placed on rock.v cliffs, oomposvd of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. gg>, three or four in number, oval in form, vary- 
 ing from blui<li-white to dark brownish-yi-llow in color, spotted, blotched, and sprinkled with brown and lilac of varying 
 shades. Dimensions from 2'18x2-95 to 2*25x3'00. . 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The largo and handsome Glaucous Gull is extremely rare- on our New England coast 
 in winter, but is occasionally taken as far south as Massachusetts, both in the adult and 
 immature plumages. I learned, however, when on the Magdalen Islands, that it is quite 
 common there in winter. This bird has much the same habits as those of the larger Gulls. 
 
 LARUS LEUCOPTKRUS. 
 
 White-winged QulL 
 Larus leucopierus FAB., Prodr. Isl. Orn., J820, 91. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Size, medium. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult. Back and upper part of wings, pale pearly-blue, with prima- 
 ries nnd remainder of plumage, white. Iris, white, bill, greenish-yellow, and feet, pinkish. Winter adult. Similar but 
 with head and neck narrowly streaked with dusky. Young. Pale yellowish-brown throughout, faintly mottled with 
 darker, and with primaries dusky at tips. Bill, dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the medium size and pale color. Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions. Winters from 
 Massachusetts, northward. DIMENSIONS. Length, 24 '15; stretch, 52*00; wing, 16*75; tail; 6*55: bill, 1*9; tarsus, 2'55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on/rocky clifls, composed of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. F.yys, from three to four in number, ovul in form, 
 deep brownish-yellow in color, spotted and blotched with rather round marks of brown and lilac of varying shades. Di- 
 mensions from 1 -85x2-70 to 2-()Ox2-7li. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On the thirty-first day of January, 1880, an immature White-winged Gull was brought 
 to me by the Bangs Brothers for identification. It was killed while flying over the Mill- 
 dam, in Boston, near Charles River, and another was seen at the same tihie. This is the 
 only specimen of this rare bird that I ever saw in the flesh, and consider it of very uncom- 
 mon occurrence as far south as Massachusetts, as it breeds in the Arctic Regions. 
 
 LARUS MARINUS. 
 
 Great Black-backed Gull. 
 
 Larus marinus LINN., Syst. Nat.. I; 1766, 225. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Size, very large. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult. Back and win;?s. dark-slaty, becoming black on prima- 
 ries, which with secondaries and tertiaries are broadly tipped with white. Remainderof plumage, white. Iris, yellowish- 
 white, bill, yellow, with a vermilion spot near tip of under mandible, and feet, pinkish. Winter adult. Similar but with 
 lii-ail and neck streaked with dusky. Young. Ashy-brown throughout, more or less mottled with white. Primaries and 
 tail, dusky. Bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS, 
 
 Known by the larire size and dark colors above, in adult, and rather pale Colors iu young. Distributed in summer from 
 Bay of Fundy, northward. Winters from Maine to Florida 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 30'50; stretch, 65'00; wing, 19*2(1; toil, 8'4H;bill, 
 
 2*38: tarsus, -J s7. longest spceimcn. 31 -(Ml: irrisitiNt extent of wing.GTrlli); longest wing.20'25; tail,!* 05; hill/J-.W; tarmis, 
 3'05. Shortest -penmen, 30-lM), smallest e.Uent of wing. ti-l'(K); shortest wing, 17 8W; -tail, 7 !)H; hill,sJ-2f; tarsus, 2'7;i. 
 
484 HERRING GULL. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on rocky cliffs, composed of sticks, sea-weeds etc. Eggs, three or four in number, oval in form, varying 
 from bluish-white to deep yellowish-brown in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and lilac of varying shades. 
 Dimensions from 2'20x2'95 to 2'30 x 3-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Great Black-backed Gulls are quite common along our northern coast, becoming 
 rare, however, to the southward, but occur quite to Florida. Of all shy birds, these large 
 Gulls are the shyest, it being difficult to walk within rifle range, especially of mature 
 birds. They are fond of haunting sand-bars that are left exposed by the falling tide, .but 
 will rise at high water to fish. These Gulls, like many other species, are fond of the vari- 
 ous species of echinoderms, or sea urchins, as well as mollusks, and in order to break them 
 open, will fly with their booty to a great height, then let it fall upon the rocks below. The 
 notes of the Great Black-backs are not only harsh but loud, and are uttered most frequent- 
 ly, during storms, when their wild cries, coming to the ear amid the sounds of shrieking 
 winds and dashing breakers, produce a singularly weird effect, though in perfect keeping 
 with the fury of the elements. The southernmost breeding grounds of the Black-backs, is 
 a little, rocky island in the Bay of Fundy, the top of which is so high as to be almost in- 
 accessible. Perce Rock, in Gaspe Basin, is another resort for them, but I do not know 
 of any more this side of Labrador. 
 
 LAKXJS ABGENTATUS. 
 
 Herring Gull. 
 Larus aryentatus Brunn., Orn. Bor.; 1764, 44. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP CH. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Back and entire wings, light pearly blue. Primaries, tipped 
 with white which ispreceded and banded with black. Secondaries and tertiaries also tipped with white. Iris, yellowish- 
 white, bill, yellow, with a vermilion spot near tip of under mandible, and feet, pinkish. Inwinler. Similar but the head 
 and neck are streaked with dusky. Young, dark ashy-brown throughout, more or less mottled with white. Bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in the adult stage by the large .size and white tipped primaries which are black banded, and young by the dark 
 colors. Distributed, in summer, from Massachusetts, northward. Winters from Maine to Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 24'25; stretch, 56'50; wing, 17'00; tail, 6'50; bill, 2'38; tarsus, S'13. 
 Longest specimen, 26'00; greatest extent of wing, 59'CO; longest wing, 18'OC; tail, 7'00; bill, 2'75; tarsus, 2'25 Shortest 
 specimen, 22 50; smallest extent of wing, 54'00; shortest wing, lfi'00; tail, 6'00; bill, 2'05; tarsus, 2'05. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, plnced on the ground, on rocky cliffs, and in trees, composed of sticks, sea-weeds, etc. Eggs, three or four in 
 number, oval in form, varying from bluish-white to deep yellowish-brown in color, spotted and blotched with brown and 
 lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from P80 x 2'70 to 2'05 x2'9l). 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Herring Gulls are the most abundant of all the genus on our shores, frequenting 
 every harbor and river mouth along -the entire coast, and gathering by thousands on the 
 sand-bars to rest, or during storms, resorting to the flats. Their notes are not quite as 
 harsh as those of the preceding species, but resemble them somewhat. Herring Gulls are 
 very shy, and even when breeding, take good care to keep out of gun shot, although they 
 display considerable solicitude for the safety of their eggs. It is probable that these birds 
 formerly nested on the coast of Massachusetts, north of Cape Ann, but now they do not 
 breed nearer than the coast of Maine. The eggs are deposited about the first of June, and 
 the nests are placed on rocky cliffs, in marshes, or in trees. The habit of building their 
 
RING-BILLED GULL. )Sf> 
 
 domiciles in (he last named situation, is duo to the constant persecution to which the birds 
 arc subjected. Another peculiarity which is observable in the history of these Gulls, is that 
 they arc retreating from the coast to breed in the interior, where they are not as liable to 
 be molested. Some of these Gulls, mostly immature birds, linger about the northern coast 
 of Massachusetts all summer. 
 
 LARUS DELAWARENSIS. 
 
 Ring-billed QuU. 
 Larus De/awarensis Ord., Guth. (Jog., II; 1815, 319. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Back and entire wings, very light pearly-blue. Primaries, 
 very brnailly tipped with black, first quill broadly banded , second spotted and others, with secondaries and tertiaries, tipped 
 with white. Remainder of plumage, also white. Bill, greenish, crossed near tip with a band of dark-brown, iris, yellow, 
 and feet, greenish. In winter. Similar, but with head and neck spotei with dusky. .Young, ashy-brown throughout, 
 darkest above, mottled with lighter. Primaries, black. Tail, white with subterminal band of black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Kasily recognized by the ring around bill. Distributed, in summer, from Labrador and the Great Lakes, northward. 
 Winters f'ruiii Chesapeake Bay, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 19'50; stretch, 49'00: wing, 14'53; tail, 5'50; bill, 
 1 02; tarsus, 2' 12. I, m.nest specimen, 20'00; greatest extent of win?, 59'2'J; longest wing, 15* Is?: tail, 6'00; bill, I "75; tar- 
 sus, 2 25. Shortest specimen, 19'00; smallest extent of wing, 48-00; shortest wing, H'OO; tail, 5'00; bill, I'M; tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND BUGS. 
 
 Nests, placed en the ground or on clitfs, composed of sticks, etc. Eyys, three or four in number, oval in form, vary- 
 ing'from bluish-white to dark-brown in color, spotted and blotched with brown and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions 
 from 1 60x2-75 to I'75x2-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the Ring-billed Gulls more abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, during winter, 
 than I ever saw them elsewhere, but they occur on the east coast of Florida at this season, 
 and also further' north in autumn, though they are never very common in Massachusetts. 
 These Gulls which resemble the Laughing Gull in general habits, breed along the borders 
 of the Great Lakes, in Labrador, and northward. 
 
 LARUS ATRICILLA. 
 
 Laughing Gull. 
 Larus atrictlla LINN., Syst. Nat., I, 1766, 225. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si*. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adu/l. Back and wings, slaty-blue, becoming black toward termi- 
 nal portion of primaries, which with secondaries are tipped with white. Remainder of plumage, white, strongly tinged 
 with rosy beneath. Iris and feet, brown, bill, dark purplish-lake. In winter, and Yiruny. Similar, but lacks the dark 
 head which is replaced by white mottled with ashy. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the dark head, rosy tint, and slaty-blue color above. Distributed, in summer, from Maine, southward, win- 
 ters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 16-25; stretch, 4T50; wing, 12-50; tail, 5'45; bill, T62; tarsus, 1-88. 
 Longest specimen, 17-00; greatest extent of wing, 42'50; longest wing, 13-00; tail, 5-90; bill, 1 75; tarsus, 2-00. Shortest 
 specimen, 15'50; smallest extent of wing, 40'50; shortest wing, 12'00;itail, 5-00; bill, 1"52; tarsus, T75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KCfJS. 
 
 Nats, placed on the ground in >an'ly places, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eyyi, three or four in number, oval in 
 form, varying froih bluish-white to ii.-hy-grecn in color, spotted and blotched with brown, umber, and lilac of varying 
 shades. DiOMUiODI from 1-52x2-00 <.<> Hi5x2'30. 
 
 11. VISITS. 
 
 The notes of Gulls are loud and startling, but those of the Laughing arc the most sin- 
 gular of them all, (or their cries, especially when the birds are excited, sound like loud 
 
486 LARUS PHILADKLPHIA. 
 
 peals of prolonged, derisive laughter. These Gulls now breed in one or two localities on 
 the southern coast of Maine, on Muskeget island, and southward, depositing the eggs early 
 in July. On Muskeget, the nests are placed in the depressions among the ivy, and the eggs 
 are often concealed by the overhanging leaves. When I first visited this islet, about fif- 
 teen years ago, there were some fifty pairs breeding there, but now, only a quarter part of 
 this number resort to the island. When the nests are aproached, the Laughing Gulls si- 
 lently leave them, and rising, circle at a great height, uttering their oddly sounding notes, 
 or will occasionally plunge downward toward the intruder. The Gulls migrate early in 
 September, with the Terns. 
 
 LARUS PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Bonaparte's Gull. 
 'Sterna Philadelphia Ord. Guth., Oeog., II; 1815, 3W. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Back and wings, bluish-ash, with greater portion of two first, 
 and outer webs of two next, primaries, white. Outer webs of first and terminal portion of all, tipped with white. Ileiul, 
 sooty-Mack. Half ring around back of eye and remainder of plumage, white. Iris, brown, bill, black, and feet, yellow. 
 In winter, lacks the black head and there isaspot of dusky back of ear coverts. Youny. similar to winter adult, but witli 
 a line through wings, tips of secondaries, outer portion of three first primaries, and subterminal band on tail, dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small size and colors as described. Distributed in summer from the Great Lakes, northward. Win- 
 ters in Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 13'52; stretch, Sl'10; wing, 9'65; tail, 4'52; bill, 1-12; tarsus, l'38. 
 Longest specimen, M'OO; greatest extent of wing, 32'05; longest wing, 1(V25; tail, 5'05, bill, 1'25; tarsus, 1'53. Shortest 
 specimen, 12 95; smallest extent of wing, 29'S8; shortest, wing, 8'9H; tail, 4'05; bill, '98; tarsus, 1'25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground or rocky cliffs and composed of sea-weeds, etc. Eygs, three or four in number, oval in 
 form, varying from greenish to brown in color, spotted and blotched with brown, umber and lilac of varying shades. Di- 
 mensions from l'12x 1'38 to l'15x 1'45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The pretty, little Bonaparte's Gulls come to us on the coast of New England, in num- 
 bers, only in autumn, usually late in August. They are fond of flying in small companies, 
 along the beaches, low down, just over the water, when they somewhat resemble Terns. I 
 found them quite common on Indian River, Florida, in winter, where they have much the 
 same habits as further, north. They breed on the Great Lakes, in Labrador, and north- 
 ward. 
 
 LATIUS TRIDACTYLTJS. 
 
 Kittiwake Gull. 
 Larut tridactylus LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 224. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. Tail, slightly forked. Hind too, very short. COLOR. Adult. Back and 
 entire wing, rather dark ashy-blue, becoming lighter toward terminal portion of primaries which have the outer webs of 
 first, tips of three outer, and subterminal band on next two, black. Remainder of plumage, white. Iris, brown, bill, yel- 
 low and feet, black. In winter, similar but with posterior portion of head and upper neck overwashed with ashy-blue. 
 Youny, similar to winter adult hut with an indistinct collar on back of neck, line through wing, outer two thirds of four 
 or five outer primaries, tip of tail, and bill, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the very short hind toe, slightly forked tail and yellow bill. Distributed in summer from the Gulf of St. 
 Lawrence, northward, wintering from Massachusetts, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements. Length, 16-55; stretch, 36'53; wing. 12'55; tail, 5-56; bill, l'4. r >; tarsus, 1-25. Longest spec- 
 imen, 17-12: greatest extent of wing, 37-15: longest wing, 13-12: tail, 5'95:bill, 1'50: tarsus, 1'33. Shortest specimen, UVOO; 
 smallest extent of wing, 36'15; shortest wing, 12"05; tail, 4'95; bill, T40; tarsus, T25. 
 
XEMA SAB1N1. 487 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND E(!<iS. 
 
 ;Y'.<^., placed en rock.v dill's eimipn-ed nl' sen-weeds, etc. yys, two or three in number, oval in form, yellowish-huff 
 in color, spotted and<blotched with rounded murks of brown and lilac of varying shades. Dimensions from 1 OOx'2-JO to 
 1-70 x 2 \>5. 
 
 The southernmost breeding ground of the Kittiwake Gull, with which I am acquaint- 
 ed, is Bird Rock, where a few pairs make their homes, placing their nests in the most inac- 
 cessible portions of the rock. The eggs are deposited about the middle, of June, and both 
 birds sit persistently on them until they are hatched. Like other members of the genus, 
 the Kittiwakes are particularly active and noisy during severe storms, and when the huge 
 breakers were dashing against Bird Rock, with a fury which sent the salt spray flying over 
 the top of the island, producing a continuous thunder, the loud kittiwake, wake, wake, wak- 
 er of the Gulls, came distinctly to the ear, as they flew high over the storm-tossed waves. 
 Many Kittiwakes pass the winter in Massachusetts, frequenting the harbors along the coast. 
 
 GENLS VI. XEMA. THE FORK-TAILED GULLS. 
 
 GEN-. Cn. Dill, shorter than head and slender. Tail, forked. Hind toe. short. Members of this* genus are remark- 
 able on account of the forked tail. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 XEMA SABINI. 
 
 Fork-tailed Gull. 
 
 Xema sabini LEACH., App. Ross's Voy. ; 1819. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Size, small. Form, slender. COLOR. Adult. Head, back and upper part of wings, slaty-blue. Ringa- 
 ronnd neck, edge of wings, spurious quill, and first five primaries, black. Tipa of tertiaries, greater part of upper wing 
 diverts, and remainder of plumage, white. Bill, black toangleand then yellow to tip. Feet.black. Young. Upper parts, 
 slat.\-^ray w itli the feathers tipped with white. The under parts and tail are white, the latter baring a subtermiiial band 
 of black. Wings, similar to adult but with white more restricted. Bill, dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by th small sizeand forked tail. Distributed in summer throughout tho Arctic Regions. Wandering in win- 
 ter as far south as Massachusetts. DIMENSIONS. Length, 13'75 ; stretch, 33-00 ; wing, 10'75; tail, 5 00; bill, 1-00; tarsus, I -25. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground in sandy places, two in number, oval in form, deep greenish-brown in color, obscurely spot- 
 ted and blotched with darker. Dimensions from l'05x 1'45 to 1'lOx 1'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Fork-tailed Gull has been taken on the coast of Massachusetts several 
 times, it is extremely rare and only reaches us in winter, as it breeds in the Arctic Re- 
 gions, where it is said to nest like the Terns and to have similar habits. 
 
 GENUS VII. PAGOPIIILA THE WHITE GULLS. 
 
 (ihv. Cn. Bill, shorter than head and very stout . Tail, square. Feet, larye and leys stout. Members ol this genus 
 are very light in color. We have but one species within our limits. 
 
 PAGOPHILA EBUENEA. 
 
 Ivory Gull. 
 Pagophila eburnea KAUP., Sk. Ent. Eur. Thier., 1829, 69. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Size, medium. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult. White throughout, with shafts of primaries pale yellowish. 
 Youny. Similar but mottled with dusky on head, neck, and tips of primaries and tail. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Ki-eoirni/rd I-y tin- -tout liill and while color Distributed throughout the Arctic Regions, wandering a little ^>,ith 
 wan! in winter. DIMIA-IU\>. Length, lll-.'Ki; itMteh, -11-00; wing, i:i'">0, tail, 6 i r >; bill, 1'40, tarsus, 1'45. 
 
 II A KITS. 
 
 The handsome Ivory Gull is an exceedingly rare visitor, even to the coasl of New- 
 
488 POMARINE SKUA. 
 
 foundland and Labrador, and never, so far as I can learn, extending its range to our New 
 England shores. This Gull is described as inhabiting the open ocean and feeding upon the 
 blubber of whales, walruses, etc., keeping on the edge of the ice in winter, which thus lim- 
 its its southern range. 
 
 GENUS VIII. STERCORAR1US. THE SKUAS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, strony and curved at tip, with nostrils linear. Central tail feathers , projecting. Tarsus and feet, stout. 
 Members of this genus are usually dark in color. There are three species with-in our limits. 
 
 STERCORAKIUS POMATORHINUS. 
 
 Pomarine Skua. 
 Slercorarius pomatorhinus VIEILI,., Nov. Diet.; 1819, 158. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Bill, stout. Central tail feathers, rounded at tip and projecting about three in- 
 ches. Color. Adult. Above and on under tail coverts, dark-brown. Beneath, white. Sides of neck, pale yellow. Iris, 
 brown, bill, greenish, and feet, black. Youny. Sooty-brown throughout, sometimes quite dark, but generally with the 
 feathers edged with whitish and rufous. Central tail feathers, short. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In some intermediate stages of plumage, there is a band of spots, of greater or less width, across breast. Known by 
 the large size, the wing being at least one inch longer than that of the preceding species, and the rounded tips to elonga- 
 ted central tail feathers. Distributed in summer throughout the Arctic Regions; wintering as far south as New Jersey. 
 DIMENSIONS. Length, -20-00; stretch, 48'00; wing, 13'50; tail, 8'50; bill, 1'75: tarsus, 2-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Poinarine Skua breeds in high, northern latitudes, only coming south during au- 
 tumn and winter. Like all the Skuas, they are parasitical in habit, pursuing Gulls and 
 Terns in order to force them to drop their prey, which is snatched up by the Skuas before 
 it reaches the water. The Pomarine Skuas are very shy birds and keep well out to sea. 
 
 STERCORARIUS CREPIDATUS. 
 
 Richardson's Skua. 
 Stercorarius crepidatus VEILL., Nov. Die.; 1819, 155. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, rather small. Bill, rather slender. Central tail feathers, acutely pointed at tip and pro- 
 jecting about four inches. COLOR. Adult. Above and under tail coverts, dark sooty-brown with a slaty tinge, and be- 
 coming bluish on wings and tail. Sides of neck, pale yellow. White beneath. Iris, brown, bill, yellowish and feet, black. 
 Young. Dusky brown throughout, sometimes very dark but usually with the feathers edged with whitish and rufous. 
 The central tail feathers are short. DIMENSIONS; length, 21-00; stretch, 45-00; wing, 12-00; tail,8'50; bill, 1-_30; tarsus, 1-75. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known from the preceding species by the smaller size, the wing measuring only about twelve inches in length; and 
 from the succeeding, when adult, by the shorter central tail feathers; and in young by the shaft of all the primaries being 
 mostly white. This species passes though many variations between the young and adult. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS, 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground, two or three in number, oval in form, deep yellowish or greenish-brown in color, spotted 
 and blotched with brown and uiubur of varying shades. Dimensions from 1-53 x 2'12 to 1 '60x2-35. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Richardson's Skua is much more common than any of the genus which occur with us, 
 frequenting the bays and harbor mouths, where it may often be seen in pursuit of Gulls, a 
 habit which has earned for it the name of Gull Chaser. Although very shy when with us 
 in autumn, Mr. Howard Saunders writes me, that he found them so tame on their breeding 
 grounds on the Shetlands, that they frequently struck his head in their downward swoops, 
 
 sTERCORAnras BTTPPONI. 
 
 Buflbn's Skua. 
 Sierairarius BuffoniCuvts., Pr. Phil. Acad. ; 1863, 136. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr.Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, small. Central tail feathers, long and slender, projecting from eight to ten ini-h- 
 
PLATE XAXI. 
 
 DENDRdCA CASTANE.A 
 
 Ba- breasted WarVle r 
 
FULMAR PETKEL 489 
 
 cs. ('OU>R. Adult, Above, dnrk slaty-blue. White beneath to breat, tlicn gradually becoming dusky until the under 
 tail coverts arc us dark as back. Sides of head and neck all nruiind, pale yellow. Shaftnof primaries. brown, esctptnig the 
 first two which are white. Iris, brown, bill, greenish, and feet, black. Young, smoky-brown throughout, mottled with 
 ashy, and the central tail feathers only project slightly. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the long central toil feathers, which are acuminate even in the young, small size, And white shads to two 
 outer primaries. Distributed, in summer, throughout the Arctic Regions, wandering as far south aa Massachusetts in win- 
 ter. DIMENSIONS. Length, 2tr(>0; stretch, 40-00; wing, 12'<iO; tail, 12'00; bill, 1-15; tarsus, I'55. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on the ground, two or three in number, rather pointed oval inform, deep yellowish-brown in color, pot- 
 ted, blotched, and lined with redJish-brown and umber of varying shades. Dimensions from I'50x3'l& to 1 56x2'25. 
 
 II. U5ITS. 
 
 Buffon's Skua is by far the rarest of the three species of the genus, which are of reg- 
 ular occurrence with us, as it appears to spend the greater portion of its time far out to sea. 
 On account of the peculiar, long tail, this species is called Whip-tail by sailors. 
 
 FAMILY II. PROCELLARID^E. THE PETRELS. 
 
 Bill, generally shorter than head and strongly curved at tip. Nostrils, tubular. Hind 
 toe, present or absent. Marginal indentations, four or absent. Keel, usually perforated. 
 Primaries, long and secondaries, short. 
 
 Members of this family are closely feathered, fly remarkably well, .and possess the pow- 
 er of swimming, but do not move with ease upon the ground. The bill is made up of sev- 
 eral parts. The young are covered with down at birth, but are helpless and ure fed by the 
 parents until able to fly. 
 
 GENUS I. PROCELLARIA. THE FULMARS. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Bill, strong, rather short, and somewhat compressed near tip. Tarsus, short and strong. Toes, fully webbed 
 and with a spur in place of the hind toe. Tatl, rounded. Members of this genus are generally largo and of varying color. 
 There are two s|*des within our limits. 
 
 PBOCELLARIA GLACIALIS. 
 
 Fulmar Petrel. 
 Procellaria ylacialis LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1760, 213. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Back and wings, pale bluish-ash, becoming brownish on 
 primaries. Remainder of plumage, white, strongly tinged with ashy on tail. Iris, bill, and fe:t, yellow. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Ivi^ily recognized by the pure white head. Occurs in the Northern Atlantic. DIMENSIONS. Length, 19'95; stretch, 
 32-00; winj;, l.'J-00; tail, 4'25; bill, 1'85; tarsus, 2'00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed m holes of rocky cliffs, one in number, elliptical in form, pure white in color, with the shell very brittle 
 Dimensions from 2'00x2'75 to2'05x2'80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Fulmar Petrels are found far out to sea, often accompanying whaling ships, for 
 they are fond of feeding upon blubber. They breed in holes of rocky cliffs, in the far North, 
 :ind the young are at first fed by regurgitation, upon oil, with which the stomachs of the 
 adults are so filled, that they vomit it upon the slightest provocation, and thus are extreme- 
 ly disagreeable birds to handle. 
 
 PROCELLARIA ILffiSITATA. 
 
 Black-capped Fulmar. 
 Procellaria htesilata Krni.. MOD. Proc. Beit. Zool.; 1820, 14-J. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CM. Form, slender. Size, smaii. COUJK. Adult, llnck, wiiys, terminal lialioftail, a fuw of its up|icrcoViTls 
 
490 LEACH'S PETREL. 
 
 and spot on top of head, dark-brown. Remainder of plumage, white. Bill, black, iris, brown, feet, pinkish. Youny, sim- 
 ilar, but with white of head more extended. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the wliite head and dark crown. Occurs off the Atlantic Coast from New York, southward. Dimensions; 
 length, 16-00; stretch, 39'00; wing, 12 00; tail, 5'45; bill, 1'50; tarsus, 1'50. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Black-capped Fulmar inhabits the Southern Atlantic but does not appear to be 
 very common, though specimens are occasionally taken off the coast. Its habits are simi- 
 lar to those of the preceding species. 
 
 GENUS II. TilALASSIDROMA. THE STORMY PETRELS. 
 
 GEN. CH. Bill, not stout but short. Tail, forked. Members of this genus are small in size and rather dark in color. 
 Legs, long with feet as in preceding. We have three species within our limits. 
 
 THALASSIDROMA LEUCORRHOA. 
 
 Leach's Petrel. 
 Thalassidroma leucorrhoa VIEH,., Nov. Die,; 181H. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Sooty-brown throughout, darkest on wings and tail, and 
 ashy in a line through wing. The upper tail coverts and base of lower are white. Iris, brown; bill, feet and webs, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Nestlings are covered with black down. Known by the lougish bill, short legs, and brack webs to feet. Distributed, 
 in summer, from the coast of Maine, northward. Winters off the coast of the Southern States. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 8'45; stretch, 18'50; wing, 6'25; tail, 3'25; bill, '72; 
 tarsus, 1'02. Longest spacitnsa, 8'1) ); greatest extant of wing, 19'OJ; bags-it wing, 6'5,); tail. 3 - 5D; bill, '75; tarsus, 1 05. 
 Shortest specimen, 8'00; smallest extent of wing, 18'00; shortest wing,6'00; tail, 3-00; bill, '70; tarsus, 1-00. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Egys, placed in burrows, one in number, elliptical in form, chalky-white in color, with the shell brittle, dotted finely 
 on larger end, often in a ring, with purplish-red and lilac. Dimensions from '90 x 1'25 to I'OO x 1'36. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 On the fifteenth of July, some years ago, in company with some ornithological friends, 
 I stood on a small, low island, just off Grand Menan. As this spot of land contained only 
 some two or three acres, we could see over its entire surface, and to all appearances, there 
 was not a living thing on it, larger than a beetle; yet really, it was tenanted by hundreds 
 of interesting birds, and a closer inspection soon disclosed their whereabouts. Walking 
 toward the middle of the island, we distinctly perceived the peculiar, oily odor which is so 
 characteristic of Petrels of all species, and looking down among the little hummocks at our 
 feet, we observed numerous holes among the somewhat luxuriant growth of grass, each of 
 which was the entrance to a burrow of a Leach's Petrel. The holes were about four inches 
 in diameter and of varying depths, from six inches to four feet, straight or crooked, some 
 with two or even three entrances, and all had been drilled in the peculiar soil, which con- 
 sisted of a light, black loam, by the birds. The extremity of the burrows was slightly en- 
 larged and the single egg was placed in it, frequently on a little dried grass. It was rare 
 to find an egg which did not have a bird over it, while in a few holes, there were two birds, 
 but then there were never any eggs. Usually the birds would bite quite fiercely and strug- 
 gle when they were being removed, then, almost as soon as they saw daylight, up would 
 come about two tea-spoonfuls of clear, yellow oil, filling the air with its peculiar odor. If 
 the birds were placed on the ground, they would run away and conceal themselves among 
 the grass; if thrown in air, would mount upward, though invariably disgorging the oil be- 
 fore going far, circle about the spot a few times, then fly out to sea. If not forcibly re- 
 
WILSON'S PETREL. 491 
 
 moved, they would never attempt to leave (ho burrows, and when first brought out, ap- 
 peared very stupid, for they could often be thrown from hiind to hand like balls, without 
 flying. When one nest was being disturbed, the Petrels in neighboring burrows, of which 
 there were often eight or ten within a few square yards, kept up a constant squeaking like 
 mice. At this time, the eggs were in an advance stage of incubation, but I found fresh 
 ones on the southern end of Bryon Island, the first of July, a year later. Here Leach's 
 Petrels were nesting in burrows on the face of a sandy bank, in a similar manner to that 
 practiced by Bank Swallows. When not breeding, these Petrels are found on the open 
 ocean, running lightly over the waves, with extended wings, like other allied species. 
 
 THALASSIDROMA WILSON!. 
 
 Wilson's Petrel. 
 Thalassidroma Wilsoni Bon. Syn.; 1828. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cu. Size, medium. Form, slender. COLOR. Adult. Dark Booty-brown throughout, becoming blackish on pri- 
 maries and tail and ashy in a line through wings. Upper tail coverts, basal third of under, and base of tail, white. Iris, 
 brown, bill and feet, black with webs yellow, excepting at margin. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Recognized by the short bill, long legs, and yellow webs to feet. Distributed in summer from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
 northward, wintering off the Atlantic Coast 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 7'25; stretch, 13'30; wing. 5'75; tail, 5'50; bill, '58; tarsus, T45. Long- 
 e<t specimen, 7'50; greatest extent of wing, 13'65: longest wing, 6' 10; tail, 5'75; bill, 'GO; tarsus, 1 50. Shortest specimen, 
 7'00; smallest extent of wing, 12'95; shortest wing, 5'50 tail, 5'25; bill, '50; tarsus, 1'40. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 gyt, placed in burrows, one in number, elliptical in form, chalky white in color, occasionally spotted with purplish, 
 sometimes in a ring around larger end. Dimensions from '80x 1*10 to '85 x 1'15. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 A portion'of the surface of the Magdalen Islands, is covered with a thick growth of 
 low, scrubby spruces and hemlocks which often approach quite near the edge of the high 
 cliffs that form a large part of the coast. There was a dwarf forest of this description, on 
 the western side of Bryon Island, which grew so near the brink of a cliff, some two hundred 
 feet high, that there was only about twenty feet between the margin of the wood and edge 
 of the precipice. There were, however, some small, straggling spruces growing in this 
 intervening section, and under these, I was informed, Wilson's Petrels, or Long-legged 
 Mother Gary's Chickens as they were there called, made their burrows. I visited the place 
 repeatedly in search of their nests, but although I could perceive the unmistakable odor of 
 Petrels, I was not fortunate enough to find a hole. It is probable that I was too early 
 and that the burrows were not dug until later, although it was the first week in July, when 
 I made the last search. I found these birds very abundant in the neighboring waters of 
 the Gulf, feeding on floating garbage. They were very tame, often coming so near the 
 boats, that several were killed with oars. I have also met with this species off thu coast 
 in winter. 
 
 THALASSIROMA PELAGICA. 
 
 Stormy Petrel. 
 Tha/assidnima pelayica Vic., Zoo). Jour., II; 1825, 405. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult. Dusky-brown throughout, lighter beneath. Hand on rump, 
 base of up|>er mid under tail coverts aud tail, uiillaries, and some under wing coverts, white. Iris, brown, bill and feet, 
 bl:vck. 
 
492 PUFFIN US MAJOR. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the white axillaries. Distributed off the Northern Atlantic Coast. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5-75; stretch, 
 13-50; wing, 5-10, tail, 2'25; bill, "60; tarsus, '80. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed in holes of cliffs, one in number, elliptical in form, white in color, obscurely dotted with reddish on the 
 larger end. Dimensions from -75 x 1-10 to -78 x 1-12. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The small Stormy Petrel is said by Audubon and others, to occur on the Banks of New- 
 foundland and off the coast, but I have never met with it, although it is doubtlessly occa- 
 sionally found with us. This species breeds in a few localities on the islands north of Scot- 
 land, placing the eggs in holes of cliffs, and does not differ in general habits from other 
 Petrels. 
 
 GENUS III. PUFFINUS THE SHEARWATERS. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, about as long as head and strongly curved at the tip. Tail, short and rounded. Primaries, very wide. 
 Members of this genus are rather large and usually dark in color. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 PUFFINUS MAJOR. 
 
 Greater Shearwater. 
 
 Puffinus major Bon., Con. Avi. ; 1855, 203. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above, dark-brown becoming lighter on occiput and margin 
 of feathers, and darker on primaries and tail. Inner webs of secondaries and beneath, white which nearly encircles neck. 
 Lower tail coverts, ashy. Iris, brown; bill and feet, yellowish. Young, similar but with white overwashed wiih sooty. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size and dusky color above. Occurs off the coast. DIMENSIONS. Length, 20'00; stretch, 45'00; 
 wing, 13-25; tail, 5 00; bill, 2'25; tarsus, 2'25. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Greater Shearwaters appear to be quite common on the Banks of Newfoundland 
 and northward, especially in autumn, when they migrate southward. They have all the 
 light, graceful movements of the smaller Petrels, and swim, as well as dive, with ease. 
 They accompany the fishing vessels to feed upon the offal, and are called Hagdons by sail- 
 ors. The Greater Shearwaters breed far north. 
 
 PUFFINUS OBSCURUS. 
 
 Dusky Shearwater. 
 Puffinus obscurus LATH., Ind. Orn., II; 1790, 828. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above, sooty-brown, becoming white beneath. Iris, brown; 
 bill, bluish, black at tip; and feet, pinkish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small size, blue bill, and white beneath. Occurs off the Florida Coast. DIMENSIONS. Length, 11 '00; 
 stretch, -20-50; wing, 7'8(); tail, 3'50; bill, 1'30; tarsus, 1-50. See last part of Appendix for description of other Petrels. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGa 
 
 Eggs, placed in holes of rocks, one in number, elliptical in form, pure white in color. Dimensions from J'20x 1'85 
 to 1-25x1-90. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Sooty Shearwater occurs in the Southern Atlantic and consequently, off the coast 
 of Florida. It has similar habits to those of other Petrels, but occasionally associates with 
 Gulls, Terns, etc. It breeds on the Bahamas and Bermudas in March, placing the single- 
 egg in holes of rocks. 
 
COLYM8US TOKQl'ATUS. 493 
 
 ORDER XVIII. PYGOPODES, DIVING BIRDS. 
 
 Wings, not very long. Tail, short. Tibia, inclosed within skin of body. Anterior 
 toes, fully' webbed, or lobcd. Hind toe, short and elevated. 
 
 The bill is variable in form, being either pointed or flattened laterally. Sternum, at 
 lens), twice as long us wide, but with keel low, rarely equalling in height one half its width. 
 Marginal indentations, two or four. Coracoids, short, about equalling width of sternum. 
 Kurcula, short, rather rounded, and well arched. Sterno-trachealis, present, and there is 
 a small bronchialis, but no other laryngeal muscles. Sexes, similar. 
 
 FAMILY I. COLYMBID^l. THE LOONS. 
 
 Bill, about as long as head and pointed. Legs and feet, long. Toes, fully webbed. 
 Members of this family have the neck rather long. The legs are placed very far back in 
 the body, so that the birds cannot stand in a perpendicular position with ease; and there 
 is quite a long, bony process at basal extremity of tibia, which greatly assists in swim- 
 ming, at which art these birds are very expert. The young are covered with down at birth 
 and enter the water at once. Sternum, long with two marginal indentations. 
 
 GEN'.S I. COLYMBUS. TIIE LOONS. 
 
 (IKS. 1'n. Similar to those given under Family heading. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 COLYMBXJS TORQUATTJS. 
 
 Great Loon. 
 Colymbtu lorquatus lirun. Orn. Bor.; 1764. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Size, rery large. Form, robust. COLOR. Adult. Upper parts, sides and flanks, brownish-black, spotted 
 with .rounded marks of white which become larger on back, and linear near neck. Head and neck black, glossed with 
 greenish and purple, .with evelated lines of white in crescent-shnped spots on throat and sides of neck. White beneath, 
 with band across base of tail and tips of under coverts, dusky spotted with white. Iris, ruby-red, bill, black, and feet, 
 greenish. Young, brownish above with the feathers edged with lighter, and white below, with iris, brown, bill, bluish. 
 Nestlinys. A specimen kindly sent me by Mr. J. C. Mead is dark sooty-brown throughout, lightest on neck and gradual- 
 ly changing to white beneath. Bill and feet, black. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 Known by the large size. Distributed, in summer, from Maine, northward; wintering from Massachusetts to Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Avcnige measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 32'00; stretch, 50'50; wing, li'55; tail,3'50; bill, 
 2'75; tarsus, 2'fi5. Longest spec! men, 3R-00; greatest extent of wing, 52'00; longest wing, 13'10; tail. 4*00; bill, 3 (K); tar- 
 su-, .' 80. Shortest specimen, 28-00; smallest extent of wing,' 49'00; shortest wing, 12-00; tail, 3-00; bill, 2*50; tarsus, 2-50. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGOS. 
 
 Westi, placed on the ground near water, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eggs, two or three in number, rather point- 
 ed oval in form, deep greenish-brown in color, spitted and blotched with very dark-brown. Dimensions from 2'15x3'50 
 t> i "J 35x3-85. 
 
 1 1. \IiITS. 
 
 The Great Loons are very abundant in Chesapeake Bay in winter, especially during 
 storms, but many fly out to sea in pleasant weather; then as soon as there is an indication 
 of a change, back they come into land-locked waters. Just before bad weather, they sound 
 their loud, peculiarly long-drawn cry which has a singular effect, especially when heard 
 at nijrht on the open ocean, and when sailors hear this note, they say that the Loous are 
 crying for wind. The flight of these birds is steady and rapid, while their power of swim- 
 ming and diving has become proverbial. The Loons breed on inland ponds and lakes, from 
 Massachusetts, northward, and the nests are placed on low islands, marshy shores, or occa- 
 sionally on banks, though at no great distance from the water. The eggs are deposited 
 
494 RF.D-THROATED LOOiV. 
 
 the second or third week in June, and, as I am informed by Mr. J. C. Mead, the young 
 may be seen in company with their parents, by the first of August, not only swimming but 
 diving well, even at this early age. Mr. Mead also states that the adults are extremely 
 solicitous for the safety of their offspring, and if their young chance to be captured, they 
 will follow the boat, crying loudly, and often remaining about the spot where the dospoiler 
 left the water, for some days. The Great Loons are migratory and I have shot them in 
 Middle Florida, but they are not common so far south. 
 
 COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALI8. 
 
 Red-throated. Loon. 
 Colymbus septentrion<ilii LINN., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 220. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CH. Form,'robut. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Sides and upper parts, brownish-black, thickly spotted with 
 oval marks of white and the tail is tipped with it. Top of head, greenish-black narrowly streaked with wliite. Sides of 
 head and throat, bluish-ash, with a large triangular patch of chestnut on latter. Beneath, white. Bill, black, iris, ruby- 
 red, and feet, greenish. Young, ashy-brown above, each feather having two subterminal spots of white. White beneath, 
 occasionally tinged with ashy on throat. Iris, brown; bill, bluish. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in adult stage by the red throat; in young by the suhterininal spotting to feathers above. Distributed in sum- 
 mer, from Labrador, northward. Winters from Grand Menan, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 25'50; stretch, 42 - 00; wing, 11-30; tail, 2'25; bill, 1'87; tarsus, 2'88. 
 Longest specimen, 27'CO; greatest extent of wing, 43'00; longest wing, 1 1 65; tail, 2 - 55; bill, 2 - 00; tarsus, 3'M. Shortest 
 specimen, 24'00; smallest extent of wing, 41'00; shortest wing, ll'OO; tail, 1-95; bill, 1'75; tarsus, 2'75. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground near water, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Egys, two or three in number, pointed oval 
 in form, deep greenish-brown in color, spotted and blotched with very dark-brown. Dimensions from T75x2'65 to T90 
 X3-00. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I procured a pair of adult Red-throated Loons at the Magdalen Islands in June, but 
 did not see any more, nor do I think that they usually breed there. These Loons are, how- 
 ever, very abundant in the coast waters of Massachusetts and southward, in autumn and 
 winter, behaving much like the larger species. I do not think that either of these Loons 
 when adult, assume a winter dress different from that worn in summer, but that the birds 
 found with us are merely immature specimens, for I have met with the present species in 
 full spring dress, in December. These birds are not very common in the interior but are 
 occasionally found on small ponds. None of the Loons can rise from the ground, nor from 
 shallow water, nor from deep water, if it be only a few yards in diameter, as they are 
 obliged to swim rapidly for some distance, before flying, in order to gain headway. 
 
 COLYMBUS ARCTICUS. 
 
 Black-throated Loon. 
 Colymbus Arcticus Linn., Syst. Nat., I; 1766, 221. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. ' 
 
 SP. CH Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Chin, throat, and neck in front, black with purplish reflec- 
 tions, becoming ashy-blue above, and separated from the black by a series of white lines. Body above and sides, black. 
 Crescent of short lines on throat, spots in bands on back and upper wing coverts, streaks on sjdes of breast, and under parts, 
 wliite. Line across base of tail beneath and lower coverts, dusky. Iris, ruby-red, bill, black, and feet, slaty. \oung, 
 very dark-brown above, the feathers having broad ashy-gray margins. Side of head, ashy very finely streaked with brown. 
 Beneath wliite becoming ashy on neck. Sides of body and tips of lower tail coverts, dusky. Bill, bluish and iris, brown. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Recognized in the adult stage by the black throat, and in young, by the broad, bluish-gray margin to feathers above. 
 Distributed in summer throughout the Arctic Regions, wandering southward in winter. DIMENSIONS. Length, 2900: 
 stretch, 39'50; wing, 12'00; tail, 2'75; bill, 2'45; tarsus, 2'90. 
 
RED-NECKED GREHE. 496 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 A-</., placed on the ground nenr water, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eygs, two or three in numl>er. pointed ovnl 
 in form, deep greenish-brown in color, spotted and blotclied with very dark-brown. Dimensions from 1 '90 x2'!)0 to 2'0u 
 x300. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 From reading Audubon's account of the Black-throated Loon, one would expect it to 
 occur, at least, occasionally on our coast, but according to my experience, such is not a fact 
 at present, for although I have examined hundreds of Loons in the flesh and in collections, 
 and seen thousands living, I have yet to met with a single specimen taken on our coast, 
 and it is with some hesitation that I admit it among our birds. It may, however, reach 
 our western borders from the Pacific side, where it is not at all rare. 
 
 FAMLY II. PODICIPID^E. THE GREBES. 
 
 Bill, equal in length to head or shorter, and pointed. Legs and feet, long, with toes 
 lubed. 
 
 Members of this family have the neck rather short. The legs are placed far back in 
 the body, so that the birds cannot stand in a perpendicular position with ease. Tail, rudi- 
 mentary. Sternum, short and wide, with four marginal indentations. The young are cov- 
 ered with down at birth and enter the water as soon as hatched. 
 
 GENUS I, PODICEPS. THE CRESTED GREBES. 
 
 GEN. Cn. Bill, rather strong and usually shorter than head and not curved at lip. head, ornamented with tufts and 
 crests. Members of this genus are remarkable on account of the elongated feathers on head which are, however, only 
 worn during the breeding season. There are three species within our limits. 
 
 PODICEPS GRISEIGEHA. 
 
 Bed-necked Grebe. 
 Podtceps griseigena Gray, Gen. ; 1855. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above, black, glossed with greenish, with feathers of lurk 
 edged with whitish and becoming brown on wing coverts and primaries. Secondaries, white tipped with brown. Neck, 
 excepting above, deep brownish-red extending interruptedly on to breast, with a broad patch of 8ilvery-ash on throat that 
 extends up on sides of head and is edged with lighter. Beneath, silky-white, each feather having central line and termi- 
 nal spot of dusky. Iris, red; bill, black and feet, greenish. Young, Dark-brown above, with the feathers slightly edged 
 with whitish. Edge of wing and patch on secondaries, white. Silky-white beneath, with neck all around tinged with 
 ashy and reddish. Iris, yellow; bill, brown, yellow at base. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size and reddish neck. Occurs in summer throughout the Arctic Regions, wintering as far south 
 as Pennsylvania. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, lv)'62; stretch, 31 "50; wing. 7'00; tail, 1 '56; bill, 2'00; tnrsus, 2-53. Long- 
 o<t specimt-n, JO-xi.); greatest extent of wing, 32'25: longest wing, 7'60; tail, 1'65; bill, "210; tarsus, 2'4i). Shortest speci- 
 men, 19-00; smallest extent of wing, 2'J"J5; shortest wing, C'40; tail, 1'55; bill, I "90; tarsus, 2'30. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed on the ground in marshy plnces, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eggs, eight to ten in number, oval in 
 form, yellowish-white in color, covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from 1'35 x 2-00 to I'40x2-10. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The large Red-necked Grebes are found in autumn and winter, on the salt, land- 
 locked waters of the coast of the New England and Middle States, and I have even seen 
 thorn far out at soa, but, they prefer the mouths of rivers. They arc omnium as far south 
 as Pennsylvania but occur to the Carolina*. These Grebes resemble the following species 
 in general habits but breed in the Arctic Regions. 
 
496 POD1CEPS CORNUTUS. 
 
 PODICEPS CORNUTUS. 
 Horned Grebe. 
 
 Podiceps cornulus LATH., Ind. Orn.; 1790, 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Size, small. Form, slender. Head, furnished with elongated plumes. COLOR. Adult. Throat, crown, and 
 upper parts, black, becoming brownish on latter where the feathers are edged with lighter. Stripe from base of bill to 
 occiput through eye, front of neck, hides, and flanks, yellowish-chestnut, mixed with dusky on latter. Patch on seconda- 
 ries, white. Silky-white beneath. Iris, yellow, bill, black, and feet, greenish. In winter and Young, Ashy-brown above 
 and on sides. Silky-white beneath but lacks the black and chestnut; otherwise as in the summer adult. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known in adultstageby the red markings, and in young, by the small size, slender bill, and white throat and front of 
 neck. Distributed in summer throughout the North-west and North. Winters in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 14'25; stretch, 24'55; wing, 4*65; tail, 1-35; hill, '93; tarsus, T75. 
 Longest specimen, 15'25; greatest extent of wing, 25-10; longest wing, 5'75; tail, 1-45; bill, '95; tarsus, 1-85. Shortest 
 specimen, 13-25; smallest extent of wing, 24-15; shortest wing, 4'55, tail, 1'25; bill, '90; tarsus, 1'70. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Nests, placed in marshes or on floating debris, composed of grass, weeds, etc. Eggs, four to six in number, elliptical 
 in form, yellowish-white in color. Dimensions from l'15x 1'70 to l'2()x 1'75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The pretty, little Horned Grebes are very common in the mouths of our New England 
 rivers which empty into the sea, in autumn, when on their way south, but are rare here in 
 spring; yet in April, they are very abundant in the Susquehanna River, in Pennsylvania, 
 when they are in full plumage. Like all members of the Family, these Grebes possess the 
 power of diving with remarkable quickness, and can remain under water for a great length 
 of time, or will project the bill above the surface, the body -remaining concealed. Accord- 
 ing to writers, they breed in the North-west and North, about the last week in June, nest- 
 ing like the succeeding species. 
 
 GENUS II. PODILYMBUS. THE THICK-BILLED GREBES. 
 
 (jen. Ch. Bill, itrony, much shorter than head, and curved at tip. head, without crest. Members of thLs genus ha?e 
 the wings very short. We have but one species within our limits. 
 
 PODILYMBUS PODICEPS. 
 Pied-billed Grebe. 
 
 Podilymbus podiceps LAW., B. N. A.; 1858, 898. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Upper parts, breast, "and sides, brown , darkest on crown 
 and two latter where it is mixed with the silky-white of the lower surface. Sides of head and neck in front, reddish-ash, 
 with a broad patch of black on throat. Secondaries, tipped with white. Iris, brown, feet and bill, greenish, the latter 
 crossed midway by a broad band of black. In winter and Young. Similar, but tipped with reddish and lacks the black of 
 throat, which is replaced by white, and band on bill. Nesl/inys. Blackish above, marked with red on head and streaked 
 with white on neck and body. White beneath. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Recognized by the short, thick bill and brown breast. Distributed ia summer from Pennsylvania, northward; winter- 
 ing in the South. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 13 75; stretch, 23'50; wing, 5-25; tail, 1'40; bill, -85; tarsus, 1-49. 
 Longest specimen, 14'50; greatest extent of wing, 2400; longest wing. 5'50; tail, 1'60; bill, '95; tarsus, 1-58. Shortest 
 specimen, 13'00; smallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 5 -00; tail, 1-5(1; bill, '75: tarsus, T42. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 jVf.-/., placed in marshes or on floating debris, composed of gross, weeds, etc. Eyys, four to six in number, elliptical 
 in form, yellowish-white in color. Dimensions from l'15x T65 to l'25x 1'85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Pied-billed Grebe is one of the best known species of the gonus, as it is remark- 
 
ALCA TOKDA.^ 497 
 
 ably common, especially during migrations, throughout our section. They winter from the 
 Garotinas, southward, but are particularly common in Florida at this season, where, per- 
 haps, a few remain to breed. As do all the members of the family, the Pied-billed Grebe 
 places its nest on a mass of floating debris in some quiet, reedy cove of a pond or river, 
 depositing the eggs early in June. The young follow their parents as soon as hatched and 
 are cared for by them with great assiduity. All the Grebes possess the power of inflat- 
 ing the space between the skin and body, and thus they can ride lightly on the water, or 
 by contracting the skin and feathers, are enabled to sink slowly beneath the surface, often 
 'swimming with only the head exposed; or they will remain hidden in the reeds, with the 
 bill alone projecting. This Grebe migrates with the other species in September and October. 
 
 FAMILY I. ALCID.E. THE AUKS, PUFFINS, ETC. 
 
 Bill, usually short and more or less compressed. Legs, short, with toes fully webbed. 
 Members of this family have the neck quite short. The legs are placed far back in the 
 body, yet the birds can generally stand in a perpendicular position with ease. Sternum, 
 long and narrow, with two marginal indentations. The outer covering of the bill is moult- 
 ed in some species. The young are covered with down at birth but do not enter the wa- 
 ter until fully fledged, being fed by the parents by regurgitation. 
 
 GENUS I. ALGA. THE AUKS. 
 
 (EN. Cu. Bill, shorter than Head, feathered at bate, compressed , but not as hiyh as long. The bill is ridged transvereo- 
 ly. There is but one species within our limits. 
 
 ALCA TORDA. 
 
 Razor-billed Auk. 
 
 Alca torda LI.NN., Syst. Nat., 1; 1766, 210. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Si*. Cn. Form, rather slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Head, upper neck, and upper piirtH, sooty-brown, 
 lightest anteriorly. Very Harrow line from bill to eye, tip of secondaries, and beneath, white. Iris and feet, brown, bill, 
 K-ick, crossed with a curved line of white. In winter. Similar, but white beneath to bill. Youny, .similar to the winter 
 adult, but with hill weaker. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the peculiar bill and white line in front of eye. Distributed, in summer, from Maine, northward; winter- 
 ing from Massachusetts to Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens from North America. Length, 17 00; stretch, 26'flO; wing, 7-65; tail, 3-35; bill, 
 T-15; tarsus, T15. Longest specimen, 18-00; greatest extent of wing, 27'00; longest wing, 7'75: tail, 3-50; hill, 1'30; tarsus, 
 1 via. Shortest specimen, 15'00; smallest extent of wing, 25'00; shortest wing, 7'20; tail, 3'25; bill, 1'40; tarsus, TOO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyyf, placed in holes of clifts. one or two in number, rather oval in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with 
 very dark-brown and umber. Dimensions from <HOx3 - 10 to 2'15x3'15. 
 
 II A KITS. 
 
 The southernmost locality from which I have ever received eggs of the Razor-billed 
 Auk, is a cluster of rocks, about twenty miles from Grand Menan, but the favorite breed- 
 ing ground of the species, is further north, and I found them very abundant on the Mag- 
 dalen Islands. Here, they place their eggs in holes of rocky cliffs or beneath slabs on the 
 surface. On Bird Rock, where the Razor-bills abound, they were quite tame, allowing 
 me to approach within a few feet of them as they sat on the rocks, but they always managed 
 to elude my grasp, even when incubating, and each bird usually deposits but one <, 
 though I have occasionally found tsvo. 
 
498 . COMMON PUFFIN. 
 
 When living, these Auks are particularly trim and elegantly formed birds, for they sit 
 upright, resting upon the tarsi, and keep themselves very clean with the feathers perfectly 
 smooth and glossy. The Razor-bills are inclined to be quarrelsome birds, especially with 
 other species, and they would seldom allow a Puffin or Murre to alight very near them, 
 opening their bills at the intruder, and disclosing the bright orange mouth. The eyes of 
 the Razor-bills, when examined carefully, are peculiar, as the edge of the iris, next the 
 pupil, is scalloped, not perfectly circular as ordinarily. The Razor-billed Auks not only 
 dive but swim well, and ride lightly on the water. The eggs are deposited during the last 
 week in July, and the birds migrate southward late in October. 
 
 GENUS II. MORMON. THE PUFFINS. 
 
 Bill, shorter than head, much compressed, and hiyher than long. The bill is crossed by several ridges. There is but a 
 single speuies within our limits. 
 
 MORMON ARCTICA. 
 
 Common Puffin. 
 Mormon Arctica ILL., Prod. ; 1811. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Broad collar around neck, upper parts, and sides, bruwnisli- 
 black, lightest on latter and crown. Sides of head and chin, ashy. White beneath. Iris, brown; bill, bluish, with ridg- 
 es orange, and feet, coral-red. Youny. similar, but the bill is small, without prominent ridges, and is du.sky. Ashy of sidi-s 
 of head, obscured with dusky. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the compressed, triangular bill and small size. Distributed in summer from the Golf of St. Lawrence, north- 
 ward; wintering from Grand Menan, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 13-35; stretch, 23'50; wing, 6'35; tail, T95; bill, 1 85; tarsus, 1'05. 
 Longest specimen, 13-75; greatest extent of wing, 2VOO; longest wing, 6'50; tail, 2-03; bill, 2'00; tarsus, I'M. Shortest 
 specimen, 13-00; smallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 6'25; tail, 1'90; bill, 1'75; tarsus, I'OO. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed in burrows, one in number, oval in form, white in color, occasionally mottled with greenish. Dimen- 
 sions from 1-60x2-30 to l'70x 2-80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found these odd, little Puffins nesting on the face of the high cliffs on Bryon Is- 
 land, but on Bird Rock, they dug their burrows on the surface, often excavating beneath 
 aflat slab of limestone, with which a portion of the rock was strewed. The burrows were 
 about six inches in diameter, usually turned either to the right or left, and were from two 
 to six feet long; but the terminus which was slightly enlarged, was never very far from the 
 surface. The single egg was placed in this chamber and was always covered by either 
 the male or female Puffin, which bravely resisted my efforts to remove the egg, biting 
 fiercely; and as these birds are endowed with the same tenacity of purpose which charac- 
 terizes a snapping turtle, I would frequently withdraw my hand with a Puffin attached to 
 one finger. When brought to the surface, however, and allowed to escape, they would 
 mount into air, and darting downward, would fly out to sea; but if held in the hand, would 
 struggle constantly, uttering a croaking sound. 
 
 The Puffins are quite unsuspicious, and during foggy mornings, when all the species 
 which inhabit the Rock, are much tamer than at other times, they would permit me to ap- 
 proach very near them. Indeed I have often seated myself upon a rock on the breeding 
 ground, when several of the little red-beaked fellows would alight within three or four feet 
 of me, and I could thus observe their habits very closely. They fly with exceeding swil't- 
 ' ness, but when about to settle, the speed is checked, the feet which in air are held hori- 
 
LITTLE AUK. 409 
 
 zontal with the tail, :ire brought straight forward and spread out; then the bird perches 
 upon the Rock. When down, they assumed a perpendicular position, resting upon the feet, 
 not touching the tarsi, and after regarding me attentively for a moment, would gape once 
 or twice, and then proceed leisurely to arrange their feathers. The eyelids of the Puffins 
 are provided with a singular appendage which gives the birds the appearance of wearing 
 glasses, thus producing a quizzical expression while they were scrutinizing me. 
 
 They are of affectionate disposition, and I have frequently seen two of them rubbing 
 their bills together or playfully pecking each other. They are also very peaceful; indeed, 
 I never saw them quarrel with other birds or among themselves, and when an individual 
 attempted to alight on a shelf of the rock, which was so crowded with his fellows, that it 
 seemed impossible for him to find space on which to settle, they would endeavor to make 
 room for him, and would often permit him to stand upon their backs until he had obtained 
 a footing. The Puffins subsist upon small fishes which they catch by diving and swim- 
 ming beneath the surface of the water. 
 
 GENUS III. MERGULUS. THE LITTLE ADKS. 
 
 I'n-n. Ch. Bill, strony, much shorter than head, and with upper mandible curved at tip. Winys, short. Members of 
 tliis i;rmis are very small in size and the bill is notcomprassed. We have but one species within our limits. 
 
 MERGULUS ALLE. 
 
 Little Auk. 
 Meryulus atle VIEILL., Anal; 1816. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Head and neck nil around, and upper parts, black, glossed 
 with blui>h. Tips of .secondaries and scnpularies, and lower surface, white. Lower wing coverts, dusky. Iris, brown; 
 bBI and feet, black. In winter. Similar, but the white beneath extends to bill, and is dusky on sides of neck and throat. 
 Young. Similar to winter adult, but lacks the dusky on sides of neck and throat. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Recognized by the short, thick bill and small size. Distributed in summer from Labrador, northward; wintering off 
 toe coast from Massachusetts, southward. 
 
 DIMENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of .specimens. Length, 8'00; stretch, 16'50; wing, 4'25; tail, T55; bill, -63; tarsus, .92. Long- 
 est specimen, 9'00; greatest extent of wing, IT'OO; longest wing. 4'50; tail, 1'60; bill, '65; tarsus, -95. Shortest speci- 
 men, 7-00; smallest extent of wing, 16-00; shortest wing, 4flO; tail, 1'50; bill, '60; tarsus, '90. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eyys, placed on shelves of rocky cliffs, one in number, pyriform in shape, bluish-white in color. Dimensions from 
 l-a5x 1-80 to 1-30x1-85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Little Auks, or Dovekies, come to us from the North, late in autumn, and dur- 
 ing severe storms, are frequently driven inland for some distance. At such times, they 
 may be found on ponds and rivers, or even in small pools left by the rain, and are quite 
 helpless, being apparently in an exhausted condition; insomuch so that they can be easily 
 captured, but specimens which I have possessed, although quite gentle, have always re- 
 fused all food and soon died. The Little Auks appear to be incapable of standing upright 
 without making a strenuous effort, moving along a level surface without the aid of the 
 wings, or rising from it, but in order to take flight, are obliged to launch out from some 
 elevated situation or rise from the water. A specimen of the Little Auk once (low within 
 a few yards of me, when I was on Indian River, Florida, but this is much south of their 
 usual range. 
 
500 LRIA GKYLLE. 
 
 GENUS IV. URIA. T11E GUILLEMOTS. 
 
 GKX. CH. Bill, rather slenJcr, usually shorter than head, pointed at tip, md not much compressed. The bill is not 
 ridged and only slightly curred at tip of upper mandible. There are two species within our limits. 
 
 URIA GRYLLE. 
 
 Black Guillemot. 
 
 Uria gtylle Brnn. , Orn. Bor; 17B4, S8, 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Sooty-black throughout, with patch on wing, which is rarely 
 crossed liy a black band, under wing coverts, and axillaries, white. Iris, brown; bill, black; feet, coral-red. 
 
 Winter adult. Wings and tail a* in summer; remainder of plumage, white, more or less mottled with Mack above and 
 in a collar around neck. Ymmy, quite similar but darker above and with white of wing and beneath mottleJ with dusky. 
 ffesl/intfs are covered with a sooty -black down. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the small size and dark colors in summer; white moldings above in winter. Occurs in summer from Maine, 
 northward, wintering from Grand Menan, southward. 
 
 DD1ENSIONS. 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 12-50; stretch, 23'50; wing. 5'25; tail, 1'93; bill-. T35; tarsus, 1-25. Long- 
 est specimen, 13-00; greatest extent of wing, 24 - 0:>: bngest wing, 6'35; tail, 2'0:>; bill, T40; tarsus, 1 3(1. Shortest speci- 
 men, 12-00; smallest extent of wing, 23'00; shortest wing, 5'50; tail, 1'90; bill, I "30; tarsus, 1'20. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 
 
 Eggs, placed in holes of cliffs, three or four in number, oval in form, white, creamy, or greenish in color, spotted and 
 blotched with very dark-brown and umber. Dimensions from I'55x2'25 to I'65x2'40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the Little Black Guillemots very common on Grand Menan, nesting in fis- 
 sures of the high cliffs on the northern end of the island. Here the eggs were fresh as late 
 as the thirteenth of July, but this was owing to the fact that the birds had been robbed, 
 for I found young, as well as fresh eggs, the last week in June, on the Magdalens; yet it 
 is safe to say, that these birds, even if not molested, lay from the middle of June until the 
 first week in July. The eggs are deposited on the naked rock or earth and are constantly 
 covered by. the male or female. When the entrances of their holes are approached, the 
 birds scramble out and take wing, then they will fly distractedly about, uttering a mourn- 
 ful whistle, besides which they emit a chuckling note. The Black Guillemots sit lightly 
 on the water and, like the larger species, dive with ease, remaining under the surface for 
 a great length of time. They have the habit, shared with many aquatic birds, of dipping 
 the bill into the water when excited. They migrate southward in November. 
 
 URIA TROILE. 
 
 Murre. 
 Uria troile LATH., Ind. Orn. II; 1790, 796. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 SP. CB. Form, rather slender. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Head and neck all around, upper parts, and sides. 
 sooty-brown. Tips of secondaries, and nndor parts, white. Iris and feet, brown; bill, black. 
 
 In winter, and Young. Similar, but beneath, white to bill, with throat occasionally dusky. Nestlings. BInck 
 throughout, sprinkled with yellowish-white. 
 
 OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Known by the large size and pure white beneath. Distributed in summer from Gulf of St. Lawrence, northward. 
 W inters from Maine to Florida. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 
 
 Average measurements of specimens. Length, 17'5O; stretch, 29-50; win>:. 7-25; tail, 2-25; hill, 1-60; tarsus, 1-45. 
 bmgest specimen, 18-110; greatest extent of wing, 30'(Ki; longest winjr, 8'(X); tail, 2 50; hill, 1'75; tarsus, 1-55. Shortest 
 specimen, 17-00; smallest extent of wing, 29-00; shortest wing, 7'50. tail, 2 X>; bill, 1'ftj; tarsu>. 1'40. 
 
MUKRE. 501 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND KGGS. 
 
 F.'/t/s, plncoil on shelves of rocky cliffs, one in number, pyriform in shape, varying from white, through blue, to green 
 in color, spotted and blotolied with dark-brown and umber. Dimensions from l-75xsJ'90 to 2'15x3'50. 
 
 II A HITS. 
 
 I did not find the Mnrres on any of the Magdalen Islands, excepting Bird Rock, but 
 they were remarkably abundant there, thousands nesting on the rocky shelves, sitting side 
 by side on the narrow parapets, and, although often crowded together, never making the 
 least uHcnipt to quarrel. When we descended the cliffs and approached the ledges on 
 which the Murres were nesting, they would crowd together or press against the wall be- 
 hind them; as we went nearer, the birds would bow the head forward until the bill almost 
 touched the surface upon which they stood, and utter a curious, gutteralnote which sound- 
 i'd almost exactly like the syllable murre. This opperation was repeated frequently, until 
 at last the males would fly, leaving the females with the eggs or young. When we were 
 within a few feet of them, the poor birds would turn their heads right and left, open their 
 mouths to pant for breath, shrink as far from us as they could without exposing their charges, 
 in fact, evincing by every movement, extreme fear. If taken in the hand, they never at- 
 tempted to defend themselves, but simply gazed at us piteously with their beautiful, almond 
 shaped eyes, or cast imploring glances at their helpless charge left unprotected. The Murres 
 migrate southward in November and I have seen them off the coast of Northern Florida. 
 
 My readers will naturally wonder how we succeeded in getting away from this lonely 
 islet, for we had not been on the Rock more than forty-eight hours, when, having collect- 
 ed quite a supply of birds and eggs, we became anxious to leave, that we might take prop- 
 er care of our specimens. We therefore asked the light-keeper what signals he used when 
 IK- wanted assistance from vessels. He replied, that he raised the British flay at half-mast. 
 Thus we kept this signal flying whenever it was possible for a boat to land, but it was not 
 until the ninth day, that we perceived signs on any of the fishing vessels, which indicated 
 that they had observed our call for aid. On this day there had been a slight breeze from 
 the west, bringing several small schooners down from Bryon. We waited patiently until one 
 of the vessels came within hailing distance, when with the flag still half-mast, we gathered 
 together on that side of the rock and discharged our guns simultaneously, at the same time 
 displaying a red flag. All this, at last, produced the desired effect and they came to anch- 
 or. A boat was lowered, and after some delay, we boarded the vessel with our speci- 
 mens. We did not leave the locality, however, until nearly night, and the last view I had 
 of the island, was by the light of the setting sun, when the huge, rocky bastion stood out 
 in strong relief against the western sky, with a circling coronet of Gannets over it, form- 
 ing a picture which will never be effaced from my memory. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 SPECIES OF REGULAR OCCURRENCE PREVIOUSLY OMITTED. 
 
 The following species were omitted from the first one hundred and twenty-eight pag- 
 es of the body of the Work, for reasons given in the Preface. 
 
 TURDUS MTJSTELINTJS. 
 Wood Thrush. 
 
 Ttirdus fmtsteltniu (in , Syst. Nat.. I ; 1788. 
 
 Description. Sr. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Above, cinnnmon-brown, brightest on crown, 
 :md liceumiiii; greenish on rump, tail, and wings. White beneath, with maxillary line und large rounded spots on breast 
 and sides, brown. Iris, brown; bill, brown, yellow at base of lower mandible; and feet, yellow. Youny. similar, but with 
 droj>-sliaped marks of yellowish on crown and tips of wing coverts, and tinged with yellowish on breast. 
 
 Observations. Known by the large size, and rounded spots beneath. Distributed in summer from the Carolina* to 
 Northern Massachusetts; wintering in the South. DIMENSIONS. Length, 8'25; stretch, 13'50; wing, 4'50; tail, 2'85; bill, 
 7d; liii-sus, I'lO. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed on bushes, composed of grots, leaves, and mud. EGGS, three or four in number, oval 
 in form, bluish-green in color, unspotted. Dimensions from - 65x TOO to '75 x 1'05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Wood Thrushes make their appearance in New England, about the second week 
 in May, and shortly after, the deeply wooded dells which these birds love, are ringing 
 morning and evening, with the clear, bell-like melody which has rendered these birds fa- 
 mous. So fond are these Thrushes of the woodlands, that they seldom leave them, and the 
 nests are usually placed in a bush, at no great height from the ground, beneath the shel- 
 terof some tree. The eggs are deposited in Pennsylvania about the last of May, and a lit- 
 tle later further north. The young are fledged by the first of August, and all depart for 
 the South early in October. 
 
 SEIXTRUS LUDOVIC1ANUS. 
 
 Large-billed Water Thrush. 
 
 SeiuruA Ludovicanus, BON., List.; 1838. 
 
 Description. SP. Cn. Form, rather robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above, uniform dark greenish-brown. 
 Super, iliary -11 i)>e and beneath, white, the latter tinged with buff posterially. Maxillary line and arrow-siiaped spots on 
 breast ami side-., dusky. Iris and bill, brown; feet, very pale brown. 
 
 Observations. For comparisons with allied species see observations on page 14. Breeds from Southern Connecticut Ugtlio 
 Carolinas; winters south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'30 stretch, lO'OO; wing, 3'25; tail, 2-30; bill, '75 tursus, -CO. 
 .V </. anil l'';;n*. JS'K^TS, placed on the ground, composed of grass, leaves, etc. Eccs, four or five in number, oval in 
 form, creamy-white in color, spotted with pale reddish-brown. Dimensions from '55 x '75 to '60 x 'HO. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Large-billed Water Thrush is found along the coast of Connecticut, it is 
 much more common further south, especially along the rivers and creeks of Pennsylvania, 
 for, like its northern representative, it appears to prefer the neighborhood of water. It 
 places the nest on the ground at the base of a tree or stump, or near a prostrate log, and 
 the eggs arc deposited early in June. The alarm note of this species is similar to that of 
 the Short-billed, but the song is quite different, being loud and clear, and though some- 
 what short, is delivered with energy. 
 
 503 
 
504 APPENDIX. 
 
 PARUS CAROLINENSIS. 
 
 Carolina Titmouse. 
 
 Parus Carolinensis AUD. Orn. Biog.; 1834, 341. 
 
 SP. CH. Precisely like alricapil/us, described on page 30, excepting that usually the lice of demarkation between the 
 black and white of breast is more decided, and the size is smaller. 
 
 Observations. Resident from Virginia, southward. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'50; stretch, 7'00; wing, 2'45; tail, 2 25; 
 bill, '30; tarsus, -50. Nests and Eggs, similar to those of the Black-cap, but the latter are usually, but not always, smaller. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although I was, at one time, not inclined to consider the Carolina Tit as a species, 
 upon becoming more familiar with the bird, I have decided to give it specific rank, for it 
 appears to differ considerably in habits from the northern species, even when it is found 
 with them. The Carolina Titmouse has a more feeble call note than that given by the 
 Black-cap, though it is a little harsher, but both sing equally well and, as far as I can per- 
 ceive, nearly alike. The present bird, however, is not as active nor as tame, neither is it 
 as vociferous as the Black-cap, and I never found it in large flocks. In breeding habits, 
 the two species are quite similar and the eggs of each are deposited about the same time. 
 
 PARUS HUDSONICUS. 
 
 Hudsonian Titmouse. 
 Parus Hudsonicus Fors., Philos. Trans.; 1772. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Upper parts, yellowish-hrown, becoming darker on crown. 
 Sides of head and lower surface, white, tinged with chestnut on sides, and with patch on throat sooty-brown. Iris, brown; 
 bill, black; feet, bluish. Youny and Nest/ings. Quite similar but paler than adults. 
 
 Observations. Known by the brown head. Breeds from Northern New England, northward, wandering a littlesouth- 
 ward in winter, rarely to Massachusetts. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'25; stretch, 7' 10; wing. 2'60; tail, 2' 40; bill, '35; tarsus, '65. 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed in holes of trees, composed of hair, feathers, etc. EGGS, six to ten in number, rather 
 spherical in form, white in color, finely spotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '50 x '60 to '53 x '66. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the Hudsonian Titmice very common about Errol, New Hampshire, late in 
 autumn, when they have similar habits to the Black-caps, excepting that the note is short- 
 er and harsher, and is easily recognized. Some years after, near th<: fifteenth of July, I 
 met with them on the Magdalen Islands; then the parents were accompanied by the newly 
 fledged young, and the little families behaved almost exactly as I have seen the Black- 
 caps under similar circumstances, the young uttering a continuous begging note, as they 
 flew after the adults. This species deposits its eggs about the second week in May. 
 
 SITTA CANADENSIS. 
 
 Red-bellied Nuthatch. 
 
 Silta Canadensis Linn., Syst. Nat; 17H6, 177, 
 
 %Si>. CH. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult mule. Above, ashy-blue, becoming brown on wings. Top of 
 head, line through eye, and base of tail, black. Superciliary line, subterminal band on tail, excepting on central feathers 
 which are bluish throughout, and beneath, white, tinged on breast, sides and flanks with reddish. Adult female, similar, 
 but the crown is tinged with slaty. In winter, lower parts, suffused with deep yellowish-red. Wesi/inys. Like summer 
 female but more ashy on crown. Iris and feet, brown; bill, black, bluish at bae of lower mandible. 
 
 Observations. Known by the small size and reddish tints beneath. Breeds from Northern New England, northward. 
 Winters in the South. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'60; stretch, 8'40; wing, 2'70; tail, 1-50; bill, -60; tarsus, '55. 
 
 Nests and Eyy*. NESTS, placed in holes of trees, composed of fine grass. EGGS, four to sis in number, oval in form, 
 white in color, spotted and dotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '50 x '60 to '55 x '64. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Red-bellied Nuthatches, although not rare birds, appear to be somewhat irregu- 
 larly distributed, especially during the migrations. Thus I have found them very common 
 in certain portions of Newton, in September of somo years, and then, perhaps, I would 
 not find a specimen in the same localities for several seasons, while they would occur plen- 
 tifully in other districts. These birds emit a harsh note, not unlike that of the White-bellied, 
 
APPENDIX 505 
 
 smtl have similar habits to (his species. They build their nests in holes of trees, in North- 
 ern New England, often some distance from the ground, and they are said to place pitch 
 around the entrance, but lor what reason, it is uncertain. The eggs are deposited the flrst 
 or second week in May, and though a few of the birds probably remain in Massachusetts 
 to breed, the majority go north. 
 
 CEHTHIA FAMILlARIS. 
 
 Brown Creeper. 
 
 Certhia familiaris Linn., Sys. Nat.; 1735. 
 
 Si>. Cu. Form, slender. Size, small. Bill, long and curved. Tail feathers, long and acuminate. COLOR. Adult. 
 Above, dark-brown, becoming rufous posteriorly. Streaks above, tips of wing feathers, band across all but three outer, 
 and beneath, white with under tuil coverts rusty. Ms, bill, and feet, brown. Young, similar, but more rufous above. 
 
 Otiserratians. Recognized by the curved bill and acuminate tail feathers. Breeds from Massachusetts northward; 
 wintering from this point, southward. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5-50; stretch, 7'90: wing, 2'60; tail, 2'3ll; bill, "65; tarsus, '55. 
 Nests anil Eyys. NESTS, generally placed behind loose strips of bark on trees, composed of fine strips of burk, moss, etc. 
 Kta:s, four to six in numl>er, rather elliptical in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown. Dimen- 
 sions from -50x -70 to '52 x "73. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Brown Creepers are quite common in Massachusetts during winter, the 
 majority go north to breed. The nests, according to Mr. Brewster and others, are almost 
 always placed behind loose strips of bark which so often are found in the woods of Maine, 
 and the eggs are laid about the first week in June. These birds have the habit of alight- 
 ing at the base of a tree, in search of insects, and winding upward, something after the 
 manner of the Nuthatches. In winter, the Brown Creepers emit a sharp, rather low, whis- 
 tling note, but in summer, they have a remarkably sweet song. 
 
 TROGLODYTES BEWICKI. 
 
 Bewick's Wren. 
 Trogloditex Beiaicki AUD., Orn. Biog. I; 1831, 96. 
 
 Si- Cu. Form, rather robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Reddish-brown above, with the wings handed with 
 dusky. Tail, dark-brown, banded with white on outer webs of outer feat hers and on tips of all, but eentral pair which are 
 barred throughout with reddish-ash. Beneath ashy, barred on under tail coverts with dusky. Superciliary line, white 
 edged above with dark-brown. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. 
 
 Observations. Recognized by the ashy under parts and white bandings on tail. Breeds from Pennsylvnia, south- 
 ward anil westward. Winters in the South. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'00; stretch, 7'(>0; wing, 2'12; tail, 2 15; bill, -55; 
 tarsus, -60. 
 
 Nesti and f'f/ys. NESTS, placed in holes or houses, composed of sticks, grass, etc. Eccs, four to six in number, oval 
 in form, white in color, spotted and dotted with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from "55 x '70 to '57 x ^. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Bewick's Wren is quite local in distribution, being very common in some sections of 
 its range, and rare in others. I never found it in Pennsylvania, but Mr. Koch sent me a 
 specimen taken at Williamsport in April, and it doubtless occurs throughout the State. It 
 resembles the common House Wren in general habits, nesting in houses, breeding in early 
 May, and frequenting towns and villages. 
 
 EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS. 
 
 Horned Lark. 
 
 Eremophila a/]tcstn.< Hoie, Hs, 183ft, 322. 
 N-. Cu. Bill, shorter than head tod rounded. Tufla of featbora on xidee of orown, ekmgttad. Form, robust Size, 
 
 me'liiim. Coi.ou. Atlult. Above and on sides, pinki.-h-lirown, brightest on nape and rump, .-trcaked wit h dark-brown. 
 
 and tail, brown, edged with pinkish and tipped with \\ hite. I'Wcliead, line OUT eye. -ides of the head, and 
 sulphury-yellow. Crescent on crown, line from base of bill through ear and broad shield on brcn-t, Mark. l!> nmndrr 
 of tinder parts, white. Iri^, bill, and feet, In-own. In winter and Youny. Similar but the color.-, are olix -un-d and the 
 breast is frequently tinged, more or less, with dusky. 
 
 *. Known by the yellowish of head, and tul't- on erowr.. Breed- from WcMern New York, e i >, 
 
506 APPENDIX. 
 
 and north to Labrador, coining to the coast in winter as far south as the Carolinas. DIMENSIONS. Length, 7 55; > tietch, 
 13'35; wing, 4"31; tail, 2'ttO; bill, "50; tarsus, -90. 
 
 Nests and Eggs. NESTS, placed on the ground, composed of grass, weeds, etc. EGGS, four or five in number, oval in 
 form, ashy in color, thickly spotted with yellowi.sh-brown and bluish. Dimensions from '65x '82 to '70x '5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Horned or Shore Larks are very common along our coast in November, remain- 
 ing all winter, but depart westward and northward in spring, none breeding nearer to us 
 than Western New York. These birds are highly gregarious and often accompany the 
 Snow Buntings and Longspurs. They are not shy, but have the habit of squatting behind 
 stones or tufts of* grass when they perceive an intruder; then, if approached, will rise sud- 
 denly, with a loud, shrill cry. The Horned Larks breed in April, being among the earli- 
 est of the insessorial birds, to deposit their eggs. 
 
 PROTONOTARIA C1TREA. 
 
 Prothonotary Warbler. 
 Protonotaria citrea BD., Birds N. A. ; 1858, 239. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Bill, large and as long as head. COLOB. Adjilt male. Head, neck, and 
 beneath, rich yellow, becoming white on abdomen and under tail coverts. Back, greenish-yellow. Rump, upper tail cov- 
 erts, tail, and wings, bluish, white on inner webs of two last. Femiile. similar but duller throughout. 
 
 Observations. Known by the yellow head and neck. Breeds West and South; wintering south of our limits DIMEN- 
 SIONS. Length, 5 50; .stretch, 8'50; wing, 'J'30; tail, 2' 12; bill, '55; tarsus, '75. 
 
 Nests and Eggs. NESTS, placed in holes of trees, composed of grass, leaves, 'and moss. EGGS, four to six in number, 
 elliptical in form, white in color, spotted with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from "55 x '66 to 60s -70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I have recently learned from several collectors, that the Prothonotary Warbler occurs 
 in Florida, though I never met with it there, nor elsewhere in the South, but it appears to 
 be somewhat widely distributed, as it is found in considerable numbers in Illinois, breeding 
 from the middle to the last of May, and the nests are placed in holes of trees. In gen- 
 eral habits, it agrees closely with other Warblers. 
 
 DENDRCECA VIRENS. 
 
 Black-throated Green Warbler. 
 
 Dendraeca virens BD., Birds N. A. ; 1858, 267. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male. Above, clear yellowish-green. Wings and tail, brown 
 with tips of greater coverts and inner webs of three outer tail feathers, white. Sides of head and neck, yellow, with green- 
 ish stripe through eye and one below it. Chin, throat, and upper breast, black, continuing along sides in spottings. Re- 
 mainder of under parts, creamy white. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. Adult female. Similar, but the upper part of throat 
 js yellow, and the black is obscured with whitish. In autumn, similar to summer, but the green above and markings be- 
 low are obscured with whitish. Young. Similar to winter adult but duller, the female having only a trace of black. 
 
 Observations. Known by the green back and yellow sides of head. Distributed in summer from Pennsylvania, at 
 least to Canada; wintering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'00; stretch, 8'00; wing, 2 75; tail,-2'25; bill, '45; 
 tarsus, '70. 
 
 Nests and Eggs. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of fine grass, rootlets, strips of cedar bark, etc., lined with hair and 
 fine moss. EGGS, three or four in number, oval in form, creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched with brown of vary- 
 ing shades and lilac. Dimensions from '50 x -60 to '54 x '66. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The peculiar, plaintive notes of the Black- throated Green Warblers, may be heard in 
 New England, from early. May until late in summer, for they are one of the most persistent 
 songsters that haunt the deeply wooded valleys. These pretty Warblers prefer woods in 
 which there is a plentiful sprinkling of white pines, and are always found in or near these 
 trees. During the breeding season, the males emit a peculiar, continuous note which sounds 
 almost exactly as if it were given by a young bird, but they will pause every now and then 
 to give the long-drawn melody which is so easily distinguished. These birds breed early 
 in June, often placing the nest in a low cedar or pine. 
 
607 
 
 DENDRCEOA CCERULEA. 
 
 Blue Warbler. 
 
 Dendraeca carulea BD. Birds N. A. ; IH58. 280. 
 
 SP. CM. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adu/tma/e. Above, bright blue, dnrkest on crown, and nsliy on rump 
 with lack, sides of crown, and upper tail coverts, streaked with black. Two Imntls on wings, patcli on inner wol)s of tail 
 leathers, excepting central, anil hene.Uh, white. Lores, line through eye, hand across hrcust, and streakson sides, dusky- 
 liKie. t'niui/i-, similar, but greenish-blue above and tinged wit'i greenish beneath and also on a superciliary line, and the 
 stri]>es on sides are duller. 
 
 Olistrvations. Known by the hlue and white colors. Breeds from New York and Pennsylvania, westward, wintering 
 south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. length, 4 '60; stretch, 7'00; wing, 2'40: tail. r5; bill, '40; tai-sus, 64. 
 
 Nats and Kyys, NESTS, placed in trees, composed of grass, mosses, stri|>s of bark, etc. Ecas, three or four in number, 
 oval in form, creamy-white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '45 x '5H to '4Sx '60. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The only time that I ever met with the beautiful, little Blue Warbler was at Williams- 
 port, Pennsylvania, about the tenth of May. There was a large migration of Warblers 
 passing at the time, and this species was among them, but was rather rare. In general 
 habits, this bird resembled other Warblers, and I was not fortunate enough to hear the 
 song. 
 
 DENDRCECA BLACKBURNI^J 
 
 Blackbumian Warbler. 
 
 Dendrceca Blackhurnut BD., Birds N. A.; 1858, 274. 
 
 Si-. On. Eorm, slender. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Above, sides of head and neck, and streaks on sides, 
 black. Outer edge of secondaries, large patch on wings and one on inner webs of three outer tail feathers, white. Sjxit 
 on crown, superciliary stripe, patch on neck, throat, and upper breast, bright orange, becoming creamy on remainder of 
 lower surface. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. Female, himilar but duller, and the white patch on wings in divided into two 
 bands. Young, like adulfc female but very much paler, the yellow on the breast and streaking* above in young females 
 being nearly obsolete. 
 
 Observations. Known by the dark colors above, orange throat and supercil iary line, which are discernible in all stag- 
 es. Occurs in summer from Maine, northward; wintering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5 25; stretch, 8 20; 
 wing, 2-65; tail, 1'85; bill, '75; tarsus, -38. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I .shot a female Blackburnian Warbler at Williainsport, Pennsylvania, that exhibited 
 unmistakable evidences of having recently deposited her eggs, and afterward saw several 
 other specimens there, so I have no doubt but what these. Warblers breed in that section, 
 though as a rule, they nest much further north, in the evergreen woods of Maine, where they 
 are very abundant. The Blackburnians are rare in Eastern Massachusetts during migra- 
 tions, but are remarkably abundant in the valley of the Susquehanna at this time, insomuch 
 so, that I have counted upward of twenty in sight at once. I have never met with the nest 
 and eggs of this species, but am confident that it breeds in high evergreen trees. 
 
 DENDRCECA CASTANEA. 
 
 Bay-breasted Warbler. 
 Dendrceca castanca BD., Birds N. A.; 1858, 276. 
 
 SP. Cii. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Sides of head and upper part", sooty black with the feath- 
 ers of all but head, edged with greenish-ash. Two bands on wing* am) patch on inner webs of tl.ree outer tail feathers, 
 white; hack part of frown, thr.ial, and sjde-. dark-chestnut; patch on side of neck and under tail coverts, buff; remainder 
 of under parts, creamy; iris and bill, brown; feet, bluish. Female, .similar to male but the chestnut is not as extended ami 
 the top of the head is greenish. In autumn, and Youni/. Above, where there are streakings of dusky, and sides of head 
 and neck, greetii-h hemming huffy-yellow below; there is often only a trace of chestnut on flanks, and this occasionally 
 
 nt in youn 
 
 Observation. Known by the chestnut marking-; also see observations on page 30. Occurs in summer from Maine, 
 
 northward; winters south of our limits. DIMES- MS -. Length, 5 55; stretch, 8'75; wing, 2'85; tail, v! 05; bill, "73; tarsus, '40. 
 
 Ntsts and Eyys. NESTS, placed in trees and romju.sed of small twigs and moss, lined with fine roots and a little hair. 
 
 EGGS, four to six in number, ovul in form, bluish-green in Color, spotted with browu and lilac. Dimensions from '50 x '70 
 
 to -55x-75. 
 
508 APPENDIX. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 During migrations, both in spring and fall, the Bay-breasted Warblers are common 
 in Pennsylvania, but are rare in Eastern Massachusetts, reaching their breeding grounds 
 iii Maine, by the way of New York and the valley of the Great Lakes. The song is not 
 unlike that of the Black-poll, to which species they have similar habits, but ends in an ab- 
 ruptly given warble. They breed in early June, placing the nest on a horizontal branch 
 of a spruce or hemlock, at some distance from the ground. 
 
 DENDRCECA PENNSYLVAWICA. 
 Chestnut-sided Warbler. 
 
 Dendrxca Pennsy/vanica BD,. Birds N. A.; 1858, 270. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male. Above, bluish-ash streaked with black, and becoming 
 greenish on back. Wings and tail, brown edged with bluish. Topof head, yellow. Forehead, line over eye. square patch 
 on occiput, two bands on wing tinged with greenish, patch on inner websof three outer tail feathers, and beneath, white. 
 Lores and line above and below eye, black. Stripe on sides, deep chestnut. Iris, bill, and fcot, brown. Female, similar, 
 but yellowish-green above streaked with black, and the markings below are not as extended. Vouny. Quite similar to 
 adults but lack the black markings and there is only a trace of chestnut in males and none in females. 
 
 Obscrration.1. Known by the white and chestnut beneath. Breeds from Pennsylvania to Canada; winters south of 
 our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5-15; stretch, 8'10; wing, 2;55; tail, 2'00; bill, '75; tarsus, -35. 
 
 Nesli and Eyys. NESTS, placed in bushes, composed of fibrous bark of weeds and cedars, lined with fine grass, horse- 
 hair, etc. EGGS, three or four in number, oval in form, ashy-white in color, spotted and mottled with yellowish-I>n>wn 
 and lilac. Dimensions from '50 x '00 to '55x65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The song of the Chestnut-sided Warbler somewhat resembles that of the common Yel- 
 low Warbler, but is readily distinguished, and the former species is not unlike the latter 
 in general habits, while both are now equally abundant. The Chestnut-sided are, how- 
 ever, more often fond of wooded thickets, and usually desert the nest when disturbed. 
 They make their appearance a few days later than the Yellow Warblers. 
 
 DENDRCECA KiriTLANDI. 
 
 Kirtland's Warbler. 
 
 Dendraeca Kirtlandi Bd., Birds. N. A. ; 1859, 286. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Above, bluish-ash narrowly streaked on crown and more 
 broadly on back, with black. Forehead, lores, and space beneath eye, black. Eyelids, two narrow hands across winus, 
 und patch on inner webs of two outer tail feathers, white. Under parts, clear yellow, becoming nearly white on under 
 tail coverts, with spots in band across breast and streaks on sides, black. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. Femile, similar, 
 but much paler beneath, slightly overwa-shed above with reddish, and the dark markings are much more restricted. 
 
 Cbfervations. Known by the large size and yellow colors beneath. Tl:e tongue is short, rather fleshy, and provided 
 with coarse cilia at extreme tip. Occurs in summer in certain sections of the West; winters on the Bahamas. DIMENSIONS. 
 Length. 5'50; wing, 2'75; tail, 2'58; bill, '45; tarsus, -H5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The first specimen of Kirtland's Warbler, brought to the notice of science, was shot 
 in 1851, near Cleveland, Ohio, but one had been taken at sea, off the Bahamas, some ten 
 years before, though it was not identified until after the type specimen was discovered. 
 Since then, five have been taken in Ohio, one on the Bahamas, and two in Ann Arbor, Mich- 
 igan, both of the last being females, one of which was kindly loaned me by its captor, 
 Mr. A. B. Covert, to figure in plate XVII. The ovaries of this specimen, portions of the 
 body of which are now in my possession in alcohol, were slightly advanced, indicating that 
 the bird would have laid in about two weeks. Mr. Covert states that these birds do not 
 differ in general habits from other Warblers, but are not at all shy. I think this species 
 will prove common and probably breeding on the Bahamas and adjacent islands. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA PINUS. 
 Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. 
 
 Helminth:) phaya pinus BD., Birds N. A.; JH58, 254. 
 SP. Cu. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male. Upper parts, yellowish-green, brightest on rump, with 
 
PLA i 
 
 HELMINTHCPHACA LETUCOBRONCHIALIS ET LAWRENCE I. 
 tto md L iwrenee'e \'.' jfci.-rs. 
 it. 
 
APPRND1X. 500 
 
 wings, upper tail covert* and tail, bluish-ash. Two hands across wings, under wing and tail coverts, patch on inner \\vl> 
 of four outer tail feathrrs, white. Anterior crown, sides of head, and under parts, rich orange-yellow. Iris, bill, and 
 feet, drown. Female. Similar hut tlie crown is overwashed with greenish. 
 
 Clarrrations . Known by the continuous yellow beneath. Breeds throughout the Middle and Western sections, win- 
 tering south ofour limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'50; stretch, 7'50; wing, 2'4ll; tail, 2'W; bill) '45; tarsus, -05. 
 
 Next* and Eyyx. NKSTS, placed on the ground, composed of line strips of bark, moss, gross, etc. KGUS, four or live 
 in numlier, oval in form, white in color, finely spotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '50 x '63 to '52 x (!?. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Rue-winged Yellow Warbler has been taken once or twice in Massachusetts but 
 is extremely rare so far east, being confined to the middle and western districts, where it 
 has similar habits to other members of the genus, arriving and departing about the same 
 time as the Golden -winded. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA LAWRENCEI. 
 
 Lawrence's Warbler, 
 
 Heiminthophaya Lawrencei Herrick, Pro. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil.; 1874, 2-.JO. 
 
 Si'. CH. Similar in form nnd size to the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, but differs in being darker and richer in color, 
 and in having a large black patch on throat and upper breast. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 In 1874, Lawrence's Warbler was first described as new- by Mr. Harold Herrick, from 
 a specimen taken in New Jersey, and in 1877, another was obtained by Mr. Geo. N. Law- 
 rence, from a dealer who stated that it was taken at Iloboken, New Jersey, in the spring. 
 This specimen was kindly loaned me by Mr. Lawrence to figure in plate XXII. These 
 two specimens are all that have yet been taken and nothing is known of the habits uf the 
 species. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA CHRYSOPTEBA. 
 
 Golden-winged Warbler. 
 
 Hflniinthi>i>haya chrysoptera CAB., Mus. Ilein.; 1850, 3<l. 
 
 Si>. CIT. Form, slender. Si/.e, small. COLOR. Adult male. Ab;>ve, bluish-ash. Crown and patch on wing, bright 
 yellow. Streak from bill through eye and large patch on throat and upper breast, black. Margin of crown, patrh on 
 side of nap-.-, maxilliary stripe, elongated patch on outer webs of outer tail feathers, and remainder of under parts, white, 
 frequently tinged with yellow below and with ashy on sides. Iris and feet, brown; bill, black. Female, and Youny, sim- 
 ilar but duller, with throat often tinged with dusky, and the young are greener above. 
 
 Observation*. Itecognized by the white lower surface and dark throat. Bree-ls from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. 
 Winters s,,uth ofour limits. DIMENSION'S. Length, 5'00; stretch, 7*60; wing, 2'42; toil, 1 05; bill, '50; tarsus, -ti5. 
 
 fieits anil Eyyi. NESTS, placed on the ground, composed of leaves and grape-vine bark, lined with line grass and 
 horse-hair Kuos, thrt or four in number, oval in Conn, white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-'jrown. I)i- 
 int-n-ions from '50x 'Co' to '55 x '(>7. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Golden-winged Warbler appears to be somewhat local in distribution, but has the 
 general habits of other members of the genus. The song, as appears to be the fact with 
 all the allied species, is characteristic, being a lisping warble. I found the first nest of 
 this species ever described, in Newton, on the twelfth of June, 18G9, since which time, 
 however, several have been taken. These birds appear to prefer grassy places in the 
 neighborhood of thickets, as nesting sites. 
 
 HELMINTIIOPIIAGA LEtTCOBRONCllIALIS. 
 
 \Vhito-throated Warbler. 
 
 Helminthiiphaya leucobronchialii Brewster, Am. Sportsman.; Oct. 17, 1874, 33. 
 
 Sp. Cn. Similar in form and si/.e to the (iolilen-winged Warbler but there in no black patch on throat, theunderpor- 
 ti'ms Iwing wholly white tinged with greenish. 
 
 HA 111 IS. 
 
 On the eighteenth of May, 1870, Mr. Win. Brewster obtained the type specimen o!' 
 the White-throated Warbler in West Newton, Massachusetts, and since then, some ten 
 
510 APPENDIX. 
 
 specimens have been taken in several localities in the New England and Middle Slates. 
 Nothing special is known of the habits of this species. The specimen figured in plate XXII 
 was obtained for me by Mr. Purdie, and w;is killed at Saybrook, Connecticut, by Mr. J. 
 N. Clark, on the thirtieth of May, 1879. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA BACHMANI. 
 
 Bachman's Warbler. 
 
 Helminthophaya Bachmani CAH., Jour. Orn., Ill; 1855, 475. 
 
 Si'. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adull. Above, and on sides of head and neck, yellowish-green, tinged 
 with ashy on crown. Patch on forehead, and beneath, deep yellow. Band across crown, throat, and upper breast, black. 
 Patch on inner webs of two outer tail feathers, white. 
 
 Observations. Known by the black throat and band on top of head. Kare on coast of South Carolina DIMENSIONS. 
 Length, 4'50; stretch, 6-25; wing, 2'35; tail, 2'05; bill, "40; tarsus, -65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 As far as I can ascertain,- Audubon is the only ornithologist who records the actual 
 capture of this very rare Warbler, in the United States, and his specimens were obtained 
 in South Carolina, in July, 1833, near Charleston; therefore it is rather doubtful whether 
 this bird should now be considered a bird of our section. Bachmau's Warbler is said to 
 occur in Cuba. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA PEREGRINA. 
 
 Tennessee Warbler. 
 
 Helminthuphaya pereyrina CAB., Mus. Hein.; 1851, 20. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male. Top and sides of head and neck, bluish-ash; remainder 
 of upper parts, yellowish-green. Beneath, white slightly tinged witn greenish-yellow. Inner webs of outer tail feathers, 
 edged with white. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. Female, more yellow beneath and the ash of head is obscured by greenish. 
 In autumn, and Young. Similar to summer female but much more yellow beneath, and the ash of head is quite obscured 
 with greenish. There is a short, dusky line bnck of eye, and the wing feathers are tipped with white. 
 
 Observations. Known by the absence of any chestnut or black markings. Distributed in summer from Northern 
 Maine, northward; winters south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'75; stretch, 8'35; wing, 2'55; tail, T65; bill, '90; 
 tarsus, '40. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The plainly colored, little Tennessee Warbler was quite abundant in Northcn Maine, 
 some years ago, but has always been very rare in Massachusetts. It is, however, very 
 common in Pennsylvania during autumn, but is not met with so frequently in spring, in 
 this section. For other habits of this and allied species, see remarks on page 64. 
 
 GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Mourning Warbler. 
 
 Geothlypis Philadelphia BD., Birds N. A. ; 1858, 243. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Above, and on sides, yellowish-green. Bright yel- 
 low beneath, with head and neck all aronnd and upper breast, black, overwashed with ashy, female, similar but with 
 the head tinged with greenish. Young. Similar to female, but overwaslied with greenish on ashy. 
 
 Observations. Known by the dark head and neck. Occurs in summer from Maine, northward; wintering south of 
 our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'50; stretch, 7'80; wing, 2'45; tail, T90; bill, "75; tarsus, -45. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Mourning Warbler is quite rare, both in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, in 
 spring and fall, but is not uncommon in Maine, frequenting thorny thickets, and behaving 
 much like the Maryland Yellow-throat. The song is, however, much finer than that of 
 the latter named species, being a long, clear warble, and is given early in the morning, 
 while the bird is perched in some slightly elevated situation. 
 
 OPORORN1S AG1LIS. 
 Connecticut Warbler. 
 Opornrnis ayi/is BD., Birds N. A. ; 1858. 246. 
 SP. Oil. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. . Above and on sides of neck and sides, dark yellow 
 
APPENDIX. 511 
 
 isli-green, tinged with ash on crown and sides of head. Yellow beneath, with throat and upper breast, ashy, becoming 
 darker posteriorly. Ring around eye, white. F?m>i/e. and Younij, similar but much duller throughout. 
 
 Observations. Known by the square tail, white ring around eye, and ashy throat. Occurs in summer from Maine, 
 northward, wintering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'25; stretch, 9'00; wing, 3'00; tail, 2'28; bill, '40; tar- 
 sus, -80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The munitions of (he Connecticut Warblers are quite singular, for although it is one 
 of the rarest birds which are to be found in Eastern Massachusetts, during spring, in au- 
 tumn, it is quite common, frequenting swampy thickets, when it lias much the same hab- 
 its as the Water Thrush. At this time, the note is a low chirp, and I have never met with 
 this species in spring. 
 
 OPORORNIS FORMOSUS. 
 Kentucky Warbler. 
 
 Oporornisformosus Bo., Birds N. A. ; 1858, 247. 
 
 SP. CM. Form, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult male. Above and on sides, yellowish-green. Crown and sides 
 of head and patch on side of neck, black with feathers on top of head narrowly tipped with dark ash. Superciliary line 
 and under part*, bright yellow. Female, similar but duller, and with less black on lieud. 
 
 Observations. Known by the black crown and yellow under parts. Breeds from New York, westward and south- 
 ward; wintering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5"36; stretch, 8-85; wing, 2'85; tail, 2'20; bill, '43; tarsus, '82. 
 slestf and Eyys. NESTS, placed on grass stalks, composed of fine grass, rootlets, "trips of hark, etc. EGGS, four tu six 
 in number,- oval in form, white in color, dotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '50 x '70 to - 55x'72. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Kentucky Warbler is quite rare in the Eastern of the Middle States, and does 
 not occur in New England at all, but the great strong-hold of the species appears to be 
 in the West, along the Mississippi River. I have never met with this bird living, so can 
 give nothing new relative to its habib. 
 
 ICTERIA VIRIDIS. 
 
 Yellow-breasted Chat. 
 
 Icteria uiridis Bon., Obs. Wils.; ISiffi. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, large. Bill, slightly curved. Color. Adult male. Above, ashy-green; beneath to 
 middle of lirc:i-t, liglit-vellow; ring around eye and line from it to bill, and remainder of under part", white. Spot in front 
 of eye, dusky; iris and fret, brown; bill, black. Female, similar, but duller. 
 
 Cliserttaliuns. Known by the large size and yellow breast. Breeds from Pennsylvania, southward; wintering south 
 of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, G'75; stretch, 9'75; wing, 2 93; tail, 3'l(i; bill, '58; tnrsus, TOO. 
 
 Neils and ffyys. NESTS, placed in bushes and composed of grass, grape-vine bark, weeds, etc. EGGS, three or f,mr in 
 number, elliptical in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 'GOx'HO 
 to -07 x <J5. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-breasted Chats appear to be somewhat local in distribution; thus, I did 
 not find them common in the valley of the Susquehanna, between Williamsport and Wat- 
 sontown, a distance of some thirty miles, but they are abundant in some sections of the 
 State, while the only place that I know in Massachusetts, where they occur regularly, is 
 in the neighborhood of Lynn. I did, however, shoot a specimen in Newton, some years 
 ago. These birds frequent thickets, much after the manner of the Cat Bird, and breed about 
 the same time. They sing very sweetly, 
 
 MYIODIOCTES CANADENSI8. 
 Canada Plycatching Warbler. 
 
 Myioiiiort/:* Canailrniis Al'D. Syn.; 18:}9, 4'J. 
 
 Si . Cu. Form, slender. Si/,e, medium. Color. Adult male. Above, bluish-ash. Line from bill to eye, ring a- 
 lound it, and under parts, yellow; under wing and tail eoxerts, white. .S|N>ttin:_ r s on crown and in band across breast, and 
 maxilliary line Ix-LMiinini; in fn'iiL of eye, Mack, t'unale, and Yauny, similar, but lack the black on heiid and are duller. 
 
 Otnurratiunx. Known by the flattened bill and spotting ac.-oss yellow breast. Occur* in summer from Maine, north- 
 ward; winters south of our limit*. DIMLNSIU.VS. Length, .V<IO; stretch, 7'85; wing, ;.'.">."); tail, 2' 15; bill, "75; tarMi-, In 
 
512 APPENDIX. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed on or near the ground, composed of pine leaves, fine roots, and grass. EGGS, four in 
 number, oval in form, ashy-white in color, spotted with brown and lilac. Dimensions from '45 x '60 to 48 x 05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 ' The Canada Flycatching Warblers are very abundant during some seasons, in Eastern 
 Massachusetts, when migrating, and a few doubtless remain to breed, though the majority 
 go north to nest. This species, like all members of the genus, are expert fly-catchers, and 
 frequent swampy thickets, but when migrating, are more generally distributed. 
 
 MYIODIOCTES MITBATUS. 
 Hooded Warbler. 
 
 Myiodioctes mitratus Aun., Syn.; 1839, 48. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Above and on sides, yellowish-green. Head and neck 
 all around, and upper hreast, black. Patch on forehead, extending around to ear coverts, and under parts, bright yellow. 
 Patch on inner webs of three outer tail feathers, white. Female, similar, but with the crown like the back, and the sides 
 of head are tinged with greenish. 
 
 Observations. Known by the broad bill and black throat. Breeds from New York, west and south; winters south of 
 our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'25; stretch, 8'flO; wing, 2 - 75; tail, 2'58; bill, "77; tarsus, -38. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed in bushes, composed of grass, moss, and fibrous roots. EGGS, three or four in num- 
 ber, oval in form, white in color, spotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '46 x '62 to '50 x '68. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The favorite resort of the Hooded Warblers are the thickets formed by the great laur- 
 el, or rhododendron, and wherever this grows wild, these pretty Warblers are i'ound; and 
 they usually place their nests among the glossy green leaves of their favorite bhrubbery. I 
 have always found the Hooded Warblers very retiring in habit, even giving the loud, clear 
 song while in concealment. 
 
 MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS. 
 
 Wilson's Black-cap. 
 Myio dioctes pus'Mus Bon. Con.; 185<>, 315. 
 
 SP. Cii, Form, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult mate. Above, yellowish-green, becoming brownish on wing and 
 tail. Forehead, sides of head, and under parts, bright golden-yellow. Square patch on crown, bluish-black. Female, sim- 
 ilar but the black of crown is not as extended. Youny, similar to adult, but there is no black patch on crown. 
 
 Observation*, llecognized by the flattened bill and continuous yellow beneath. Breeds from Canada, northward, win- 
 tering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'60; stretch, 7'00; wing, 2'25; tail, 2 2fi; bill, "35; tarsus, -70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Wilson's Black-cap resembles the Yellow Warbler somewhat, when among the bush- 
 es, but is much more active and may readily be distinguished upon a nearer view. They 
 are fond of thickets which border streams, and are common during some seasons, in our 
 eastern section, from Pennsylvania, northward, while I found them rather numerous in 
 that state in autumn. Adults of the members of this genus, appear to be as bright in au- 
 tumn as in spring. 
 
 HIKTJNDO LUNIPRONS. 
 
 Cliff Swallow. 
 
 Hirundo lunifrons SAY, Long's Exp. II; 1823, 47. 
 
 SP. GH. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Above and spot on throat, steel-blue, streaked on back with 
 ashy. Wings and tail, brown. Forehead, creamy-buff. Hump, pale chestnut. Sides of head and throat, deep chestnut. 
 Beneath, brownish, becoming nearly white centrally. Iris, bill, and feet, brown. Youny. Quite similar but duller. 
 
 Obserralions. Known by the chestnut rump. Breeds throughout our section. Winters south of our limits. DUIE.V- 
 SIGNS. Length, 5'75; stretch, 12-15; wing, 4'30; tail, 2'00; bill, '58; tarsus, -30. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed under cliffs or eaves of buildings, globular in form, and composed of mud. EGG?, 
 four to six in number, oval in form, white in color, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 
 50 x "75 to '56 x '85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Eave Sw.illows are among the most common of our Swallows, but are somewhat 
 
APPENDIX. 513 
 
 local in distribution, ;is they brood in colonies; and in the settled districts, they place their 
 Bmgnlar, globular-shaped nests under the eaves of buildings. They arrive later than tbe 
 
 majority of the Swallows and are noticeably the slowest of flight. The note is a ruther 
 harsh twitter and is not as musical as that of the Barn Swallow, but is enlivening whuti 
 heard about the farm buildings. 
 
 AMPELK3 GARRULUS. 
 Bohemian Wax- wing. 
 
 Ampelis yarrulus Linn., S.vst. Nat.. 1; 1766, 297. 
 
 Si-. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. Color. Adult. Yellowish-brown throughout, becoming chestnut-red on fore- 
 licail and sides of head, ashy on rum|> and upper tail coverts, yellowish on abdomen, and darkest on wings and tail. Sec- 
 ondaries tipped on outer wel>s with white, and centrally, with red sealing-wax-like expansions. Primaries, broadly tip- 
 ped on outer webs with yellow, tail, also tipped with yellow. Forehead, line through eye, cliin, and upper throat, black. 
 l'nder tail coverts, chestnut. Youny. Similar but duller, and the sealing-wax tippings are absent. 
 
 Qlisi-r rations. This species varies in plumage like the Cedar Bird, but differs from other of our Oscines in having the 
 tympaniform membrane represented by a narrow line and in having no sterno-trachealis proper; in its place, however, is a 
 weak, transparent muscle which arises between the divisions of the broncho-trachealis and joins the tissue* of the neck. 
 Known by the large size and chestnut lower tail coverts. Breeds in the far North; winters in the North-we;t; rare as far 
 east as Massachusetts. DIMENSIONS. Length, 8-00; stretch, 13'75; wing, 4'50; tail, 2'60; bill, '45, tarsus, '70 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Although the Bohemian Waxwings were obtained in considerable numbers in New 
 York, during the winter of 1879-80, they are quite rare birds so far east, yet they have 
 been taken in Massachusetts. They occur quite regularly in Minnesota, however, where 
 they are known as Hoopes. 
 
 VIREO PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Philadelphia Vireo. 
 
 Virto Philadelphia CASS., lr. A. N. ; 1851, 153. 
 
 SP. Cu. Form, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult. Above, brownish-green, l>c,coiiiing ashy on crown and si.lesof 
 head and brown on win^s; superciliary line and beneath, whitish, becoming sulphury-yellow on breast and sides. Youny, 
 similar, but duller above and more yellow beneath. 
 
 Observations. Known by the small size and absence of spurious quill. Bree- Is from Maine, northward; winters south 
 of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 4'80; wing, 2'65; tail, 2-20; bill '54; tarsus, -65. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 This pretty, little Vireo is quite common in Pennsylvania during migrations, and has 
 been taken in Massachusetts, and it has recently been ascertained by Mr. Brewster, to 
 breed in Northern Maine. In general habits, the Philadelphia Vireo resembles the War- 
 bling, but *he song is somewhat like that of the Red-eye. 
 
 VIREO GILVUS. 
 Warbling Vireo. 
 Vireo gilvus Bon., Obs. Wils.; Ift25. 
 
 Sr. Cu. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Brownish-green above, becoming ashy on crown and dark- 
 e-t on wind's and tail, with superciliary line and beneath, white tinged with greenish on side. Iris and bill, brown, and 
 feet, bluish. Yjuny, similar, but duller above and greener beneath. 
 
 Observations. See above for comparison with nearest ally. Occurs in summer from Pennsylvania to Maine; wintering 
 south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'55; stretch, -<K>; wing, 2'70: tail, 2'20: bill, '47; tarsus, -74. 
 
 Nats anrl Eijijf. NK>TS, placed in trees, composed of mosse<, strips of bark, etc. EGGS, three or four in numlicr, oval 
 in limn, white in color, finely spotted with black. Dimensions from -53x '75 to - 56x '83. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Warbling Vireo is, next to the Red-eye, the best known of the genus in our sec- 
 tion, for it frequents the streets of villages and public parks of cities in preference to tin- 
 more unsettled districts. It can be easily recognized by the song which is a continuous 
 warble, quite diU'erent from that of the other Vireos. Their favorite nesting tree is the 
 poplar, and their domiciles are often him-- at a considerable height from the ground. This 
 species arrives early in May and departs in September. 
 
514 APPENDIX. 
 
 VIREO FLAVIFRONS. 
 Yellow -throated Vireo. 
 
 Vireo Jlavifrom VIELL., Ois. Am., I; 1807, 85. 
 
 SP. Cn. Fonn, robust. Size, large. COLOR, Adult. Above and on sides of head, yellowish-green, becoming ashy 
 posteriorly and brown on wings and tail; with feathers of latter, tertiaries, tips of wing coverts, under wing coverts and 
 posterior portion of body below, white. Anterior portions beneath, ring around eye, and line from it to bill, yellow. li-Ls 
 nnd bill, brown; feet, bluish. Young, similar, but the white markings above are more extended. 
 
 Observations. Known by the yellow throat. Breeds from Pennsylvania, northward; winters south of our limits. 
 DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'60; stretch, 9'75; wing, 311; tail, 2'Oft; bill, '50; tarsus, -55. 
 
 Nests and Egys. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of moss, grass, strips of bavk, etc. EGGS, four in number, oval in 
 form, creamy in color, spotted and blotched with dark reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from '56x - 80 to '02 x 83. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Yellow-throated Vireos are more often found in the woods than elsewhere, but 
 during migrations, will occasionally venture into the orchards. The song is loud and clear 
 but not as prolonged as that of other Vireos, nor is it uttered as frequently. The favorite 
 nesting tree of the Yellow-throat is the oak, and the nest is not usually placed very high. 
 
 COLLUBIO BOREALIS. 
 
 Great Northern Shrike. 
 
 Collurio borealii BD., Birds N. A. ; 1858, 324. 
 
 SP. Cn. For, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Above, pale slaty-blue slightly tinged witn reddish. Stripe 
 through eye, wings and tail, black, with patch on base of primaries, tips of outer tail feathers, and under parts, white. 
 Forehead, sides of crown, scapularies, and upper tail coverts, hoary. Young. Similar, but strongly overwa-shed with red- 
 dish above and finely banded on under parts with dusky. 
 
 Observations. Known by the white forehead. Occurs in summer from Canada, northward; wintering from Maine 
 to Pennsylvania. DIMENSIONS. Length, 9'80; stretch, 14'50; wing, 4'53; tail, 4'H5; bill, '58; tarsus, '48. 
 
 Nests and Eggs. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of fine grass, rootlets, etc. EGGS, four to six in number, oval in 
 form, ashy-white in color, spotted and blotched with yellowish-brown and bluish. Dimensions from '75 x -95 to '85 x 1-05. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Great Northern Shrike comes to us most abundantly when there is a migration of 
 small birds from the North, for these form a large portion of the food of this rapacious bird. 
 In spite of its predatory disposition, this Shrike sings well, though it also has a harsh scream, 
 but in other respects, this species resembles the Loggerhead, described on page 83. 
 
 PYRANGA RUBRA. 
 
 Scarlet Tanager. 
 Pyramja rubra VIELL., Ois. Am.; 1807. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult. Bright scarlet, with wings arid tail black, the former oc- 
 casionally having a patch of scarlet. Female. Greenish throughout; brownish on wings and tail, and lighter beneath. 
 In autumn, and Younr/. Similar to summer female but the wings and tail of males are black. 
 
 Observations. Known by the black wings and tail. See observations on page 85 for further comparison. Breeds from 
 the Carolina* to Maine; winters south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'7s?; stretch, 11'75; wing, 3'75; tail, 2'80; bill, 
 '55; tarsus, '70. 
 
 Nests and Egys. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of twigs. EGGS, three to five in number, oval in form, bluish-green 
 in color, spotted and blotched with purplish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from '60 x '85 to '65 x '95. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The well-known Scarlet Tanager is not uncommon in Eastern Massachusetts, and is 
 very abundant in Pennsylvania, where the color is deeper than further north. They breed 
 in early June, often placing the nest in the top of some sapling, and I have found the dom- 
 iciles on limbs which overhung a public road. The song of this fine bird resembles thfifr 
 of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak somewhat, but has a peculiar quaver which is, however, 
 more noticeable in Pennsylvania than with us. The alarm note sounds like the syllables, 
 chip churr, and is readily recognized when once heard. The Scarlet Tanager frequents 
 open oak woods, and migrates early in September. 
 
APPENDIX. 516 
 
 CYANOSPIZA OYANEA. 
 
 Indigo Bird. 
 
 Cyanospiza ryanra Bu., Birds N. A. ; 1>158, 505. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult male, (jrecnish-blua tnrnughout, darkest anteriorly. AVin-j; 
 iui'1 tail, lirownLsh. Female, reddish-brown lightest beneath, and morn or less tinged with blue. In autumn, and Youni/, 
 similar to la-t liut dark throughout and old males are strongly tinged with blue. 
 
 Observations. Known by the nearly uniform blue or brownish colors. Occurs in summer from Pennsylvania, north 
 to Canada, wintering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'75; stretch, 8-50; wing, 2'62; tail, 2'10; bill, '75; tar- 
 sus, '65. 
 
 Nests and Kgt/t. NESTS, placed in hushes, composed of grass, leaves, etc. Boos, four or five in number, oval in form, 
 pale bluish-gre^n in color, very rarely dotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '50x 70 to '60s '80. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The song of the Indigo Bird in Massachusetts, is a lisping warble, ending so abrupt- 
 ly as to appear half finished, but in Pennsylvania, this lay is so much clearer and longer, 
 that I did not, at first, recognize the author. These birds are fond of thorny thickets that 
 border old fields grown up to bushes, and the males may be seen perched on the top-most 
 limb of some tree, giving the peculiar song. The nests are placed low, often only a few 
 inches from the ground, and the eggs are deposited early in June. 
 
 -SJGIOTHUS LINARIA. 
 
 Red Poll. 
 
 JSgiothus linaria CAB., Mus. llein.; 1851. 161. 
 
 SP. Cii. Form, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult male. Above, and onsides of headandsides, yellowish-brown, 
 often hoary on rump. White beneath, with crown bright crimson and cheeks, throat, breast, andrumpare tinged with it. 
 Two bands on wings, yellowish-white. Femiite and Young, similar but lack the crimson beneath and on rump. 
 
 Observations. Known by the crimson crown. Breeds in the far North; wintering from Canada to Pennsylvania. 
 DIMENSIONS. Length, 5 00; stretch, 8'55; wing, 3'10; tail, 2'75; bill, -35; tarsus, '50. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of grass, moss, etc. F-GGS, four or five in number, oval in form, and 
 pale greenish in color, spotted near large end with yellowish-brown and dotted and lined with umber. Dimensions from 
 ;VJx-67 to - 55x'7u. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The little Red Polls come to us from the North in immense numbers, certain winters, 
 and are not found at all during others. While with us, they have very much the same 
 habits as the Gold and Pine Finches, and frequently associate with them. The call note 
 is, however, somewhat barsher than that of the latter named species, and the song which is 
 occasionally given in spring, is a continuous warble. 
 
 PINICOLA ENUCLEATOB. 
 
 Pine Grosbeak. 
 
 Pinicula er,uclcalor CAB. Mus. llein ; 1851, 167. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. Color. Adult male. General color, crimson-red with the feathers showing 
 darker centers; lores, sides of head and body, and under tail coverts, ashy; and there are two white bands on wings. Female 
 and Youny. Ashy, tinged with greenish-yellow on top of head, rump, and breast. 
 
 Observations. Known by the large size and short, thick bill. Breeds in the far North; winter? from Canada to Penn- 
 sylvania. DIMENSIONS. Length, H-50; stretch, ll'HS; wins;, 4'50; tail, 4'00; bill, "57; tarsus, -85. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NE--TS, placed in trees, composed twigs, grass, etc. EGGS, three or four in number, oval in form, 
 pale bluish-green in color, spotted, dotted and lined with drown and umber. Dimensions, from '70 x '95 to - 75 x TOO. 
 
 IIABITS. 
 
 The Pine Grosbeaks are quite regular in their visits to us, the extent of their migra- 
 tions being governed wholly by the food supply. They are highly gregarious in habit, one 
 seldom being seen alone, and arc very tame; insomuch so, that I have frequently caught 
 them with a noose attached to a pole. When kept in confinement, they become very fa-i 
 miliar, making interesting pets. They feed on seeds of weeds and of pine and other cones, 
 :.* well as upon the berries of the cedar, savin, and mountain ash, and will even eat froz- 
 en apples. 
 
51G APPENDIX. 
 
 PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS. 
 
 Snow Bunting. 
 
 Plectrophanes nivalis Meyer, Tasch.; 1810. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult. Pure white, with middle of back, terminal half of tertiaries 
 and primaries, and under tail feathers, black. In winter, and Youny, Similar, but with the black more extended, and 
 the white above and black of back overwashed with reddish-brown which extends in a collar around neck. The females 
 are smaller and have less white. Iris, brown, bill and feet, black. 
 
 Observations. Known by the black and white colors. Breeds in the far North; winters from Canada to Pennsylva- 
 nia. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'75; stretch, 10'7o; wing, 4'15: tail, 2 P 85: bill, "40; tarsus, 'S5. 
 
 Nests and Eygs. NESTS, placed on the ground, composed of grass, moss, etc. EGGS, four or five in number, oval in 
 form, ashy-white in color, spotted with yellowish-brown and lined and dotted with umber. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Snow Buntings are very abundant in winter on barren tracts along our coast, as 
 far south as New Jersey, wandering inland during storms. They are gregarious but are 
 exceedingly restless birds, seldom remaining in one spot any length of time. The call note 
 is loud and sharp, not unlike the chirp of a young chicken. They remain with us until 
 April, when they depart on their northward journey. 
 
 PLECTJIOPHANES LAPPONTCUS. 
 Lapland Longspur. 
 
 Plectrophanes Lapponicus "SELBY." Bon., List.; 1838. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, slender. Size, medium. Color. Adult male. Above, yellowish-brown streaked with dark-brown, 
 with collar on back of neck, chestnut. Head and neck all around, and semi-circular patch on breast, black. Outer tail 
 feathers, excepting basal portion of inner web, and under parts, white, streaked on sides with black. Short line over eye, 
 yellow. In winter, Female, and Young. Similar but much duller, being overwashed above with whitish; and in some young 
 the throat is scarcely black at all. 
 
 Observations. Known by the black throat and white under parts. Breeds in the far North; winters in the Middle 
 Districts. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'50; stretch, 1T25; wing, 3'45; tail, 2'45; bill, '45; tarsus, -75. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Lapland Longspurs are found most commonly in early autumn, in company with 
 the Shore Lark, and with us, are seldom met with far from the shore, but they do not re- 
 main through the winter, evidently passing down our coast on their way to the West, 
 where they are abundant during the cold season. -In general habits, they resemble the 
 Snow Buntings, but seldom associate with them, at least, while in Eastern Massachusetts. 
 
 SPIZELLA MONTIOOLA. 
 Tree Sparrow. 
 
 Kpizella monticola BD., Birds N. A.; 1858 472. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. Color. Adult. Ashy-hrowa above, becoming darker on the wings and tail. 
 Crown, maxillary spot, middle back which is streaked with whitish, wing coverts, and edge of tertiaries, bright rufous. 
 Beneath, ashy-white, tinged, especially on sides, with yellowish, with a single brown spot on breast. Young, similar but 
 duller. 
 
 Observations. Known by the rufous erown and brown spot on breast. Breeds from Northern New England, north- 
 ward, wintering from Massachusetts to the Carolinas. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'50; stretch, U 50; wing, 300; tail; 2 60; 
 bill, '45; tarsus, -85. 
 
 Nesti and Eggs. NESTS, placed in bushes, composed of mud, grass, and hair. EGGS, four or five in number, oval in 
 firm, greenish-ash in color, spotted with reddish-brown. Dimensions from '55 x - 70 to '56 x '74. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Tree Sparrow is among the most abundant of our spring and autumn migrants, 
 and during some winters, is very common in Eastern Massachusetts, but usually the great- 
 er portion go south of us. In general habits, this species resembles other Sparrows. 
 
 ZQNOTRACHIA LEUCOPHRYS. 
 
 White-crowned Sparrow. 
 
 Zonotrachia leucophrys Sw. F. B. Am., II; 1831, 255. 
 
 3i>. CH. Form, size and general coloration, similar to those of the White-throated Sparrow, described on page 98, hut 
 la'^ks the yellow on head and edge of wing, while the throat and entire plumage is more ashy, and the young have the 
 crown overwashed with reddish. DIMENSIONS. Length, 7 08; stretch, 10'50; wing,3'25; tail, 2 86; bill, '46; tarsus, -82. 
 
APPENDIX. 517 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The White-crowned Sparrows are not common cither in spring or fall in Massachu- 
 setts, hni arc quite abundant in Pennsylvania and westward when migrating. In general 
 habits they resemble the White-throated Sparrows, but breed from Labrador, northward. 
 The song is, however, quite different, being short, loud, and clear. 
 
 GUIRACA LUDOVICIANA. 
 
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 
 Guiraca ludoviciana Sw., Phil. Mag., I; )H7, 438. 
 
 Si-. Cn. P. >rm, robust. Size. 1 sir no. Color. Adult male. Head and neck all around, and upper parts, black, with 
 mi, Idle wini: coverts spot" on tertiaries, patch on inner webs of outer tail feathers, greater wing coverts, rump, upper tail 
 coverts siml Iiciieatli, white. Triangular patch on breast, SJinetimes extending from throat to middle of body, under wing 
 coverts, and axillnries, bright rosy-red. Female, brown above streaked with yellowish, with central stripe on head, super- 
 cilisiry line, spots on UTtinries :;ml secondaries, tipsof'wing coverts and beneath, ashy, the last being strenked with brown. 
 The under wing coverts are salmon. Youny. Similsir to female but the males have the rose-colored under wing coverts. 
 
 Observations, liivoiini/ed by the large size and highly colored under wing coverts. Breeds from Pennsylvania to 
 Canada; winters south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6-00; stretch, 12'75; wing, 4'00; tail, 3' 10; bill, '65, tarsus, 75. 
 Nesti and R/i/s NESTS, placed in trees or bushes, composed of small twigs and grass. EGGS, four or five in number, 
 oval in form, bluish-green in color, spotted and blotched with brown and lilac. Dimensions from '(W x '9-2 to '75 x 1 110. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is very fine and, when once heard, can be 
 easily recognized. These birds are remarkably unsuspicious, allowing one to approach 
 quite near them without exhibiting any fear. This is especially noticeable in the females 
 when sitting, and I once turned a nest completely upside down, while bending down a 
 branch on which it was placed, and righted it again, without the old bird leaving it. These 
 Grosbeaks are fond of deeply wooded glens but are occasionally found in orchards. The 
 nest is often placed in a thicket near water. 
 
 GUIRACA CCERULEA. 
 
 Blue Grosbeak. 
 
 Guiraca azrulea Sw., Birds Mex.; 1827. 
 
 SP. CH. Korm, slender. Size, small. Color. Adult male. Brilliant blue throughout, darkest on b:ick. Space a- 
 round bill, black, and two bands on winits, reddish-brown. Femtilc, yellowish-brown becoming lighter beneath and faint- 
 ly tinged with bluish on cro n aiid the young are similar. 
 
 Observation*. Known by th large size and uniform blue or brown color. Breeds from Pennsylvania southward; win- 
 tering south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 7'25; stretch, 1T50; wing, 3'50; tail, 2'80; bill, '58; tarsus, -95. 
 
 Nests and Eyys. NESTS, placed in trees, composed of strips of bark, grass, otc. EGGS, three or four in numlx-i-, oval in 
 form, and pale bluish-green in color. Dimensions from '60x P 90 to '65 x '98. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Blue Grosbeak breeds in the South and is only accidental in New England, a 
 specimen having been obtained some years ago in Maine, and one during the pass sum- 
 mer, (1880) by Mr. Gordon Plunimer, near his residence in Brookline. I have never seen 
 a living specimen of this fine bird. 
 
 HELOSPIZA LINCOLN!. 
 
 Lincoln's (Sparrow. 
 
 Helas/,iza Lincolni BD., Birds. N. A.; 1858, 177 
 
 Sr. C'n Korm. slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Above and on sides, yellowish-ash becoming buff in a band 
 aoro< breast and on under wing and tail coverts and rufous on two bands on crown; streaked with dark- brown. Koinsiiii- 
 der of umler pi>rts. white. Yimny. Similar but with the colors below darker. 
 
 Clarrrationf. Keeognizi-d by the huffhsind across breast. Occurs in summer from IfMMtthnMfH, north and west. 
 Winters south of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'59; stretch, 8'75; wing. 2 65; tail, 2'(l(); bill, -15; tarsus, 7">. 
 
 II A HITS 
 
 Lincoln's Sparrows aro not common, as a rule, in New England, but occur regularly in 
 certian localities; thus, they are not uncommon near the Fresh Pond marshes, Cambridge , 
 
518 APPENDIX. 
 
 but I have never met with a specimen in Newton. They were, however, nearly as abun- 
 dant as the Swamp Sparrows, in the autumn, in Pennsylvania, and had much the same 
 habits, frequenting the rank herbage along streams. 
 
 LOXIA AMERICANA. 
 
 Jled Crossbill. 
 littxi.i Americana Bon., List.; 1838. 
 
 SP. On. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Dull red. Wings and tail brownish. Female, ashy- 
 brown, tinged with greenish. Young, similar to last. 
 
 Observations. Known by the crossed mandible, and absence of white on wings. Breeds frcm Massachusetts, north- 
 ward; wintering from Canada to Pennsylvania. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6-00; stretch, 10's!5; wing, 335: tail, '2'20; bill, 
 '70; tarsus, 'fri. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Red Crossbills breed in Maine, in February and also again in August, for Mr. 
 Will Perham informs me that a number nested in a grove in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, 
 during this latter named month, a few years ago, and he has a nest with eggs in his pos- 
 session, which he obtained at the time. In general habits, the Crossbills resemble the 
 Pino Grosbeak, being very unsuspicious, and during spring, they sing very sweetly. 
 
 LOXIA LETJCOPTERA. 
 
 White-winged Crossbill. 
 
 Loxia leucoptera GM., Syst. Nat., I; 1788, 540. 
 
 SP. CH. Form, robust. Size, medium. COLOR. Adult male. Purplish-red, becoming dusky on back. Wings and 
 tail, black, the former with two bands and a few spots of white. Female. Ashy-brown, tinged with greenish-yellow and 
 streaked with dusky. Youny. Similar to female. 
 
 Observations. Known by the white on wings. Breeds from Canada, northward; winters from this point to Pennyl- 
 vania. DIMENSIONS. Length, 6'40; stretch, 10'25; wing, 3'40; tail, 2'40; bill, (&; tarsus, -55. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 I found the White-winged Cross-bills on the Magdalen Islands in July, at which time 
 the males were singing a singular, disconnected song. In general habits, -however, this 
 species resembles the Red Crossbill, but is more northern in distribution, consequently 
 does not visit us as often; yet I once killed a specimen in Newtonville in June, 
 
 COTURNICULUS HENSLOVI. 
 
 Henslow's Bunting. 
 Coturniculus Benslovi Hon., List.; 1838. 
 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, small. COLOR. Adult. Above, yellowish-brown tinged with greenish with the feath- 
 ers showing darker centers and edged on scapularies and tail with chestnut-red. Crown, with two spotted brown hands 
 which continue to hack. Buffj-ycllow beneath. Two narrow maxillary lines, a spot on sides of head, streaks on breast 
 and sides, dark-brown. Edge of wing, yellow. Nestlinys. Generally similar but paler, with no chestnut above nor are 
 there any streaks on breast. 
 
 Observations. See page 137 for comparison with nearest ally. Breeds from Massachusetts, westward; winters south 
 of our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, 5'25; stretch, 7' 12; wing, 2~17; tail, 2' 15; bill, '48; tarsus, -70. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 Ilenslow's Bunting is far from being common anywhere in our section, as it is exceed- 
 ingly local in distribution; and it is fond of grassy meadows, breeding in them. The song 
 is peculiar, consisting of two syllables, sounding like see-wick, the first being dwelt upon, 
 and the second given quickly, and both are uttered in a shrill, grasshopper-like tone. This 
 little Sparrow is retiring in habit and, if started from the tall grass to which it retreats 
 when alarmed, will rise quickly, fly with a very eccentric movement, a short distance, and 
 again seek concealment. 
 
 EUSPIZA AMERICANA. 
 Black-throated Bunting. 
 F.itfpiza Americana Bon. List.; 1838. 
 SP. Cn. Form, slender. Size, medium. Tail feathers, acuminate. Above, yellowish-ash tinged with greenish and 
 
APPENDIX. 519 
 
 streaked with dusky, becoming chestnut on upper part of wings then brown on remainder and tail. White beneath, witli 
 superciliary and maxillary lines, middle of breast, under wing coverts, and edge of w ing, yellow, with a triangular spot 
 on throat and n small one on breast, black. Female, similar, but duller and the black of throut is not us extended. 
 
 Observations. Known by the yellow and black beneath. Occurs in summer in the middle districts; winters south of 
 our limits. DIMENSIONS. Length, ti'7-J; stretch, 10'25; wing, 3'35; tail, 2'60; bill, '55; tarsun, -90. 
 
 Wests and Kyys. NETS, placed in bashes, composed of line grass, rootlets, etc. EGOS, three or four in number, oval 
 in form, rather pale bluish-green in color. Dimensions from 'GOx'75 to '65x'85. 
 
 HABITS. 
 
 The Black-throated Bunting probably breeds very rarely in Massachusetts, but this 
 is much east of its usual range, as it occurs in the middle districts during summer, where 
 its habits are well known. The song is peculiar and easily recognized. 
 
 ACCIDENTAL, OR IRREGULAR, VISITORS AND STRAGGLERS. 
 The following species have been taken within our limits but are not of regular occur- 
 rence, excepting, in some instances, in limited localities along our western border. 
 
 Turdus nocvius. Varied Thrush. About the form and size of Robin, but lias dark band on breast and ycl- 
 lowi.-h markings on wings. Pacific Coast to Utah; accidental as far east as Mass. 
 
 S a x i c o 1 a cenanthe. Stone Chat. Size of Bluebird. Ashy above; beneath and tail, white with the tip and 
 wings, black. Europe; accidental on our Northern Coast. 
 
 Dendrceca Auduboni. Audubon's Warbler. Like the Yellow-rump, but with throat yellow. West; ac- 
 cidental in Eastern Mass. 
 
 llelminthophaga Cincinnatiensis. Cincinnati Warbler. Greenish above ; yellow beneath, patch 
 before eye and on ear and line on sides of crown , black. Length, 4'75; wing, 2' 50: tail, 1'85. A single specimen obtained 
 by its describer, F. W Langdon, at Mailisonville, Ohio, May, 1, 1880. 
 
 Vireo Belli. Bell's Vireo. Similar to Warbling, but smaller. Length, 4 25; wing, 2 - 25. West; Ills, in sum- 
 mer. (RlDCWAT.) 
 
 Linota Brewstori. Brewster's Linnet. Form and size of Red Poll, but lacks the crimson crown. Only a 
 single specimen has l>eea obtained, by Mr. Brewstcr at Concord, Mass., a few years ago. 
 
 Junco Oregonus. Oregon Snowbird. Size and form of the Black, but with back and sides reddish. Occurs 
 wct; accidental in Mass. 
 
 Spizclla Breweri. Brewer's Sparrow. Size and form of Chipping, but lacks the rufons on crown. Occurs 
 west; accidental in Mass. 
 
 Plectrophanes p ictus. Painted Longapur. Form, size, and general c;>lor of the Lapland, but buffy be 
 low. Ills, in winter. 
 
 Plectrophanes Maccowni. Me. Cowin's Longspur. Like the above, but white below with black cres- 
 cent on breast. Ills, in winter. 
 
 Coturniculus Leconti. Leconte's Bunting. Tail, much graduated and feathers acuminate. Above, 
 brown streaked with white, buff, and rufous. Line over eye, throat, breast, and sides, buff, streaked with black; abdo- 
 men, white. Length, 5'30; wing, 2'10; tail, 2 - 30. Occurs west; rare in Coosada, Cen. Ala., in winter. (N. C. BROWN.) 
 
 Calamospiza bicolor. Lark Bunting. Black, with white band on wing. Length, 6'50; wing, 3'50. 
 Occurs west; accidental in I'astern Mass. 
 
 Ilesperiphona vespertina. Evening Grosbeak. Bill, very stout; ashy-green; yellow on rump and un- 
 der wing coverts; crown, wings, and upper tail coverts, black. Length, 7'30; wing, 4'30. West; rare to N. Y. in winter. 
 
 Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Blue-headed Blackbird. Size and color of Kusty Grackle, but with 
 bill stouter and the head strongly glossed with bluish. West, accidental in Ills (RiDCWAr.) 
 
 Pica caudata. Magpie. Bkick, glossed with greenish and bluish, with posterior portion of body and mark- 
 ings on wings, white. Length, 1'J'OO; wing, 8'50: tail. ll'OO. West; rare in Mich, and adjacent State-. 
 
 Mivulus tyrannus. Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Tail, extremely long and deeply forked. Above, greenish, 
 with topofhead, black; and beneath, white. Length, 1 1 00; wing, 4'9">; tail. 10 00. South-west; accidental in N J. 
 
 Tyrannus verticalis. Arkansas Flycatcher. Similar in size and color to Kingbird, yellow beneath. W<--t; 
 aeridnntal as far east a.- N. Y. 
 
 Sayornis sayus. Say's Flycatcher. Brown; pale cinnamon mi anterior lower parts. Length, T'OO; wing, 
 3-50; tail, 2'80. Occurs west; accidental in Wit. (Fox.) 
 
 I, a in p o r n i s m a n g o . Mango Hummer. Male, green i-h alxive. and Mack In-iieath; 1,-maIu, similar but wliite 
 beneath. Length, 1'50; wing, 2'G-l; tail, 170. Key West. ( A u i>u IION . ) 
 
520 APPENDIX. 
 
 Crotophaga ani. Ani. Feet, Cuckoo-like. Bill, much compressed. Black throughout. Length, 12'00; 
 wing, G'10; tail, 775. Bahamas; accidental in Fla., and near Phil., Penn. 
 
 Falco laharius. Lanier Falcon. Similar to Duck Hawk but very much paler. Occrrs west; rare in South- 
 ern Ills. 
 
 Falco fflsalon. Merlin. Similar tj Pigeon Hawk, but larger, paler, and with at least six white bands on 
 tail. North-west; accidental in Mich. 
 
 Asturina nitida. Prairie Hawk. Dark-slaty above; beneath and upper tail coverts, white, banded on first 
 with darker. Length, 18'00; wing, lO'OO. South-west; accidental in Ills. (RinGWAY.) 
 
 Pediocaetes phasianellus. Sharp-tailed Grouse. Size and general color of Prairie Hen, but with 
 no neck tuffs, and central tail feathers elongated. North-west to Northern Ills. 
 
 Scolopax rusticola. European Woodcock. Form, similar to American, but about a third larger and the 
 outer primaries are not attenuated. Europe; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Totanus glottis. Greenshanks. General colors white; binds on tail, spots on breast, and anterior upper 
 parts, brown. Length, ITCH); wing, 7 '00. Europe; accidental in Florida. (AuDUBON.) 
 
 Ibis rubra. Sarlet Ibis. Size of Ibis alba. Scarlet. S. A.; accidental in L>u. (AuDU)\.) 
 
 Crex pratensis. Corn Crake. Dark-brown; primaries, upper and under wing coverts, rufous. Length, 10 
 inches. Europe; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Bernicla leucopsis. Barnacle Goose. Size and general color of White Front, but white beneath. Eu- 
 rope; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Querquedula crecca. English Teal. Size and color of Green-wing, but has no white in front of wing. 
 Europe; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Querquedula. cyanoptera. Red-breasted Teal. Size and color of Blue-wing, but chestnut beneath. Oc- 
 curs west; accidental in Lou. and Fla. 
 
 Dendrocygna fulva. Tree Duck. Legs, long. Cinnamon, with back black. Length, SO'OO; wing, 9' 10; 
 tail, 2'20. South-west; accidental in Lou. 
 
 Erismatura doininica. Black-masked Duck. Above, reddish, with speculum white; head, black in 
 front. Accidental on Lake Champlain and in Wis. 
 
 Sterna Trudeaui. Trudeau's Tern. Size and general color of Forster's, but with top of head pure white. 
 S, A.; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Sterna anaastheta. Bridled Tern. About the size and color of Sooty, but with head and hind neck, white. 
 Bahamas; accidental on Florida Keys. 
 
 Hydro chelidon leucoptera. White-wingaJ Tern. Size and color of niyra, but with wings partly 
 white. Europe; aceidental in Wis. 
 
 Larus canus. Mew Gull. Not unlike Ring-bill, but darker and lacks band on bill. Europe; accidental in 
 Labrador. 
 
 Larus Franklini. Franklin's Gull. Like the Laughing, but not as dark above and with primaries broad- 
 ly tipped with white. North-west; rare in Ills, and Lou. in winter. 
 
 Rhodostethia rosea. Wedge-tailed Gull. Pearly on mantle, white elsewhere, tinged with rosy beneath, 
 and with black ring around neck. Length, H'OO; wing, 10'50. Arctic Ocean ; very rare, only 13 specimens known. 
 
 Stercorarius catarractes. Skua. General color, brown, with white on wings. Length, 22'00; wing, 
 15'00. Europe; accidental on our coast. 
 
 Puffinus borealis. Cory's Shearwater. About thirty specimens of a Shearwater were obtained by Clms. 
 B. Cory, its describer, at Chatham, in the autumn of 1880, which are much larger than major; sooty above, white below. 
 
 -flistrelata gularis. Peal's Petrel. Plumbeous, with throat, upper breast, and under tail coverts, white; 
 wing, 9-80. One specimen taken in the Antarctic Ocean, years ago, by T. R. Peal, but redescribed by Mr. Brewster from 
 a specimen, now in his collection, singularly, caught in a ploughed field in Livingstone Co., N. Y.., April, 1880. 
 
 Fregetta Lawrenci. Lawrence's Petrel. Tail, even: body plumbeous; wings and tail, black, base of lat- 
 ter, excepting on central feathers, abdomen, and under wing coverts, white. Length, 8'00; wing, 6'00. "Seven speci- 
 mens * * * were captured * * * in the harbor of St. Marks, Florida." (LAWRENCE, 1851.) None now known to exist. 
 
 Dendroeca Townsendi. Townsend's Warbler. Bright yellowish-green above; superciliary stripe, spot 
 before eye, and anterior under parts, yellow; remainder, two bars on wing, and outer tail feathers, white; streaks on breast, 
 sides, and under tail coverts, black. West; a single specimen obtained in Chester Co., Penn., May 12, 1808. (TURN-BULL.) 
 
 G u i r a c a m e 1 a n o c e p h a 1 a . Black-headed Grosbeak. Size of Rose-breasted; head, back, wings, and tail, 
 stripe on crown, rump, and beneath, brownish-orange. Occurs west; accidental in Mich. (Fox.) 
 
 M i 1 v u 1 us forficatus. Swallow-tailed Flycatcher. Like the Fork-tailed, but with crown ashy and space un- 
 der wings and part of tail, rosy-red. South-west; accidental in Lou. ( AUDUUON.) The last three species were inadvert- 
 ently omitted from their proper places. 
 
APPENDIX. 521 
 
 EXTINCT SPECIES. 
 
 The following species have been described by authors, as inhabiting our section, but 
 have not been taken recently anywhere. 
 
 R e g u 1 u s Cuvieri. Cuvier's Kinglet. Similar to the Golden-crown, but has two black bands on crown. A 
 siiiirlc specimen was obtained by Audubon, in June, 1812, in Penn., which has been lost. 
 
 D e n d r 05 c a in o n t a n a. Blue Mountain Warbler. Greenish above and yellow heneath, streaked on breast 
 and sides with dusky. Tail and wings, black. One specimen obtained by Wilson in the Blue Mountains, Vir., years ago. 
 
 Hyiodiootea in i n u t u s . Small-headed Flycatcher. Greenish above, nnd pale yellow beneath, with wings 
 (winded, and outer tail leathers patched, with white. Found by Audubon and others, in the Middle States. There arc no 
 specimen* <>t cither this or the alx>ve now in existence. 
 
 K u s p i z a T o w n s e n d i . Townsend's Bunting. Similar to the Black-throated, but with throat white. One 
 specimen obtained, May 11, 1KJ3, near New Garden, Penn. None have been seen since. 
 
 Tringa Cooperi. Cooper's Sandpiper. Bill, straight. Ashy above, and white beneath. Upper tail cov- 
 erts, white with V-shaped marks of black. Length, 9'50; wing, S-75; bill, ra3. A single specimen obtained by Wm. 
 CVmper, at Raynor South, L. I., May 24. 1833. 
 
 Alca i in ii c 11 ii i s . Great Auk. Form of Razor-bill. Above, black, with large spot in front of eye, and be- 
 neath, white. Length, 30*00; wing, 5'50. Formerly abundant on our coast, but last seen thirty-eight years ago. 
 
 DOUBTFUL SPECIES. 
 
 Myiodioctes Bonaparti. Bonaparte's Flycatcher. Probably the young of M. Canadensis. 
 
 Dendrceca carbonata Carb-mated Warbler. Probably a form of plumage of theCape May. 
 
 yKgiothus oanescens. Mealy Rad Poll is what [ consider only a large, p^le fi>rin of linaria. 
 
 1 1 a I i a e t u s Washington!. Washington Eagle, of Audubon. Probably a large specimen of an immature 
 \Vhite-head. 
 
 Lagopus Americanus. This is, doubtless, a plumage of one of our Ptarmigans. 
 
 (Edemia bimaculata. Huron Scoter. A Duck described by Frank Forester, as occurring in number* on 
 Lake Huron, during fall and winter, which has a bill like that of the Surf Duck, but is black. The plumage is also black 
 with spot in front of eye, and patch on wing, white. It is a matter of question, as to what this species is, for no one ap- 
 pears to have taken it since. 
 
 Larus chalc.opterus. Gray-winged Gull, t'ndouhtedly the young of the White- wing. 
 
 Larus cuculatus. Hooded Gull is the young of Franklin's Gull. 
 
 Pagophila brachytarsi. Short-legged Gull. This is, without doubt, an Ivory Gull with shorter tarsi 
 than usual. 
 
 Larus Hutchinsi. Hutchins' Gull. White, no pearly mantle, but mottled with pale yellowish-brown on 
 neck, back, and under tail coverts, and more faintly on tail ; tinged beneath with a darker shade of the same, while the 
 bill is pinkish, tipped with dusky. Length, 26'fX); wing, 17'60. Since writing my article on the Glaucous Gull, a 
 Gull, shot in Bos-ton, April 1, 1H81, answering to the above description, has come into my possession, and I should unhesi- 
 tatingly pronounce it, as remarked by Mr. Howard Saunders in his incomparable Work on the Lariiut, "An immature L. 
 g/mtcus in the stage where the mottled brown of the immature stage has passed away and the pearly gray mantle has not 
 begun to show", were it not for the fact that it is moulting, and the new feathers indicate that hod the bird lived a short 
 time lunger, it would have been pale yellowish-brown banded and mottled with darker, excepting on wings and tail which 
 not being moulted in the spring, would have remained pure white. This presents a change of plumage quite unique a- 
 inong inemljers of this Family, where none are described as passing from a pale winter dress to a darker one in summer, and 
 if it does not re-open the question of the validity of Hutchinsi, certainly shows a new phase of plumage for y/avcus. My 
 bird is a female, and a careful examinaton of the ovaries shows that it has never deposited an egg, for 1 counted upward of 
 one hundred ovules and could detect no ruptured capsules 
 
 I'uffinus fuliginosus. Sooty Shearwater. Size of Greater, but sooty-brown throughout, lighter beneath. 
 Although considered by nearly all writers, as a species, it may prove to be the young of the Greater Shearwater. 
 
 U r i a r i n g v i a . Kinged Guillemot. Size and color of the Murre, but has a ring around eye, and line behind it, 
 white. I found these birds mated un Bird llock, among thousands of Murres, there being, however, only about one pair 
 of the Ringed to every hundred of the others, and consider that they have a good claim to specific rank, though they are 
 not so regarded by ornithologists generally. 
 
 U r i a a r r a . Thick-bille 1 Guillemot. Similar to the Murre, but with bill stouter and colors darker. I do not 
 consider this a species, as 1 am confident that I have seen all gradations between it and troile. 
 
INDEX OF PLATES. 
 
 I -I. ATK T. 
 
 Myiodioctes p u s i I 1 u s , Black-capped War- 
 bler. Adults; upper fig., male; lower, female. Shrub, 
 Common Alder. Frontspieoe. 
 
 PLATK II. 
 
 Phonipara zena. Black-headed Finch. Ad- 
 ults; upper tiir., male; lower, female. Plant, Wild Lan tana. 
 Faces page 328. 
 
 I'l.ATK III. 
 
 P a s s e r c u 1 u s p r i n c e p s. Pallid Sparrow. A- 
 dult in spring. View, Northern sea coast. Plants, Common 
 ( 'in. Hie foil and Field Sorrel. Faces page 102. 
 I'l.ATK IV 
 
 P i p i 1 o 1 e u c o p i a . White-eyed Towhee. Adult, 
 male. Shrub, Dwarf Oak. Faces page 144.* 
 
 PLATE V. 
 
 A m m o d r o m u s m e 1 a n o 1 e u c u s . Biackand 
 White Shore Finch. Adult, male. Plant, Rush. Faces 
 page -1 M. 
 
 PLATE VI. 
 
 Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, Inferior Larynx of a Crow. See page 
 109 for further explanations. 5, Sternum of a Robin; 
 Sc. Scapula, C, Coracoid, F, Furcula; T, Terminal 
 expansion of Furcula; Cp, Costal process; S, Body 
 of Sternum; K, Keel; 1, Marginal indentation. 6, Front 
 \ lew of same Sternum, M, Manubrium. 7. Foot of an 
 Insessorial Bird, T. Tibia; 'is, Tarsus. 8, Head, 9, Up- 
 per Mandible, of Olive-backed Thrush. lO.Hend, 11, Up-, 
 per Mandible of Golden-crowned Thrush. 12, 13, Sternum- 
 of Moeking Ilinl. 11. Head, 15, C, Foot, B; Sternum, and 
 A. 1. ppcr Mandible of Golden-crowned Wren. Hi, Head, 
 17, Upper Mandible of Mocking Bird. 18, 19, Sternum of 
 Bluebird. 20, Sternum, 21, Upper Mandible, 22, Head, 23^ 
 Tarsus of Thrasher. Faces p.ige 20. 
 
 . PLATE VII. 
 
 I !<_' 1. Sternum of Orange-crowned Warbler. 2, Head. 
 3, Upper Mandible; I. Sternum and Foot of Blue- Yellow- 
 backed Warbler. 5. Upper Mvindible; 6, He'id; 7, Sternum: 
 10, Foot of Maryland Yellow-Throat; 8. Head; 9, Upper 
 Mandible; 11, Foot; 24, Sternum of Redstart; 12, Head;. 
 13, Upper Mandible; II, Foot; 27, Sternum, of Rough- 
 winged Swallow, 15, Foot; 10, l'p|>or Mandible; 17, Head 
 25 and 20, Sternum; of Black and AVhite Creeper. 18, 
 Sternum; 29, Head, 3D, Upper Mandible of Logger-head 
 Mil ike 19, Sternum of Scarlet Tanayer 20, Sternum of 
 Warbling Vireo. 21, Upper mandible, 22, Head; 23, Tip 
 . I 'Secondary; 28. Sternum of Cedar Bird. 31, Head: 47, 
 Sternum, ol White-throated Sparrow. 32, Upper mandi- 
 ble. 33, Head of Summer Red Bird. 31, Head; 35, L p- 
 iier Mandible; 43, Sternum of Indigo Bird. 3tt, Head; 37, 
 'pper Mandible of Field Sparrow. 38, Upper Mandible; 
 39. Head; of Snowbird. 40, Upper Mandible; 41. Head; 
 ..lCol.lliTi.il. 42 Sternum of Black-headed Finch. 41. 
 Sternum of Yellow-winged Sparrow. 46, Sternum of Tree 
 Sparrow. 48, Sternum of Pallid Sparrow. Faces page 
 76. 
 
 I'l.ATK VIII. 
 
 Dendroeea Dominica. Yellow - throated 
 Warbler. Adults. Vine., A Southern Suiilax. I 
 
 page lio. 
 
 I'l.ATK IX. 
 
 1, Tail, 9, Upper Mandible. S, Head of Bluebird. I. 
 
 m lion. !':i.;.- llu, mi.l'T ]i.-.i'iin_' r. 
 
 All the Figures, unless otherwise stated, are the size of Nature. 
 
 ]> 
 
 Foot. 5, Tail, 6, Head, 7, Upper Mandible, 8, Sternum of 
 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 9, Tail of Ituby-crowned Wren. 
 10, Sternum, 11, Upper Mandible, IS, Head of Chickadee. 
 1 3, He-id, 14, Upper mandible, 15, Tail, 18, Foot of Grent 
 Cariolina Wren. 16, Upper mandible, 17, Head, 25, Foot, 
 26, Sternum of Worm-eating Warbler. 19, Tongue, (twice 
 life-size,) 20, Sternum, 21, Upper Mandible, 22, Head of 
 Crested Titmouse. 23, Sternum, 24, Tongue (twice life- 
 size,) df AVhite-bellied Nuthatch. 27, Head, 2*, Upper 
 Mandible Blackburnian Warbler. 29, Sternum of Yel- 
 low-rumptd Warbler. 30, Upper Mandible, 31, Head, 
 37, Foot of Long-billed Marsh Wren. 32, Sternum of 
 llou^c Wren (A, side, B, front view.) 33, Foot, 34, Wing, 
 35, Head. 36, Upper Mandible, 38, Sternum of Titlark. Fa- 
 ces page 40. 
 
 PLATE X. 
 
 I. I lead; 5, Sternum; of Bay-winged Sparrow. 2, 
 Head; 7, Sternum; of Lark Finch. 3, Head: 11, Sternum; 
 of Fox-colored Sparrow. 4, Head; 6, Sternum; of Song 
 Sparrow. 9, Head; 22, Sternum; of Cardinal Grosbeak. 
 8, Sternum; ot Swamp Sparrow. 14, Head; 10. Sternum; 
 of Purple Finch. 12, Sternum; of White-eyed Towhee. 
 13, Sternum: of Biackand White Shore Finch. 15, Head; 
 16, Upper Mandible; 21, Sternum; of Bobolink. 17, 
 Head; 27, Sternum; of Cow Bunting. 18, Head; of Yel- 
 low-winged Sparrow- 19, Head; 20, Sternum; of Itcd- 
 winged Blackbird. 23, Head; 28, Sternum; of Yellow- 
 headed Blackbird. 24, Sternum; 25, Up|>er Mandible; 2(1, 
 Head; of Meadow Lark Faces page 124. 
 
 PLATE XI. 
 
 Vireo Philadelphicus. Philadelphia Vir- 
 eo. Adult. Vine, Yellow Jessamine. Faces page 472. 
 
 PLATE XII. 
 
 Sternum of Canada Jay. Faces page 160. 
 
 PLATE XIII. 
 
 Certhiola B a h a m e n s i s Yellow-rumpcd 
 Creeper. Adult. Plant, Scarlet Sage from Key West. 
 Faces page 84. 
 
 PLATK XIV 
 
 I, Larynx of King Bird, (enlarged.) O, Oesophagus; 
 St, Stsrno-trachealis. (elevated); Ba, Bronclio-tnichealis 
 anticus; B B, Bronchialis; B. Bronchial Tube. 2, Head of 
 
 Canada Jay. 3. C..r:u-oid, 4, I 'p|H.-r Mandihle, G, Head of 
 (J real Crested Flycatcher. 7, Sternum of Acadian Fly- 
 catcher, 8. Head; 10, Upper Mandihle of (.Jray Kingbird. 
 9 Head, 11, 12, Sternum of Belted Kingfisher. 13, I], per 
 Mandible. II Head of Yeilow-l>elliod Flycotcher. 15,10, 
 Sternum. 29 I'pprr Mandible, 30 Head of Night Hawk. 
 17 I It-ad, 1H Sternum, i-'.'i I'pper Mandible of l'.ii.li;c I'ewee. 
 Ill Sternum. 20 Head, v>l Upper Mandible ,,( \\", d I'ewee. 
 J-J Pectinated mid. Id- toe nail, 24. Head, 251'pjKT mandible, 
 2(i. '-7, Sternum, -JS, Scapula of Whippoorwill. Faces pane 
 170. 
 
 PLATE XV. 
 
 A egi ft 1 i t i* m o n t a n u s , Mountain 1'lowT. 
 Adult. A e g i a I i t i s i o < i I C r o u s . Killdeer 1'loV- 
 cr. Young. Fa. i - |.a^e !!<>0. 
 
 -.i.li.H iu;l.:" i.lnlt ;in.i t.'ln:il.- Ill . 
 
524 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PLATE XVI. 
 
 1, Salivary Glands (6 ,one enlarged) and Tongue. 2, 
 
 es, 5, Intes- 
 same (en- 
 
 . , , , , , , , Upper 
 
 Mandible, 15, 16, Sternum of Chimney Swift. 17, 18, Ster- 
 num. 19 Egg, 20 Larynx, 21. Tongue, (enlarged) of Ruby- 
 tbroatedllumming Bird. 22, Foot, 23, Upper Mandidle, 24, 
 Head of Mangrove Cuckoo. 25, 26, Sternum, 27, Egg of 
 Black-billed Cuckoo. Faces page 208. 
 
 1, Salivary Glands (6 ,one enlarged) and Tong 
 Stomach, 3 Flayed body, 4, Back of Wing muscles, 5, 
 tines, 7, Front, 8, Side view of Tongue, 9, 10, same 
 larged.) 11, Esg, 12, Tail Feather, 13, Head, 14, 
 
 PLATE XVH. 
 
 Dondrooca 
 bler. Adult female. 
 page 408. 
 
 Kirtlandi. 
 Plant, Dwarf 
 
 Kirtland's 
 Wild Rose. 
 
 War- 
 Faces 
 
 PLATE XVIII. 
 
 1, 2, Sternum, 3, Tongue, 4, same (enlarged) 5, Top of 
 Head, 6, Head of Yellow-b ;llied AVoodpecker. 7, Tail 
 feather, 8, 9, Sternum, H, Head, 18, Tongue, 19, same (en- 
 larged) 20, Stomach of Red-bollied AVoodpcckor. 10, Head 
 11, Id, Sternum, 14, Section of Stomach, 15, Stomach, 16, 
 Tongue, 17. same (enlarged) of Red-headed AVoodpecker. 21, 
 Stomach, 22, Proventriculus gland, (enlarged,) 23, Pro- 
 ventriculus, opened, 24, Il< ad, 25, Salivary gland, 26, 27 
 Sternum of Golden-winged Woodpecker. Faces page 224 
 
 PLATE XIX, 
 
 1, 2, Sternum, 3 , Head, 4, Upper Mandible of Pileated 
 Woodpecker. 5, Upper Mandible, 6, 8, Sternum, 7, Head 
 of Ivory-billed AVoodpecker. 9, 10, Sternum of Hairy 
 Woodpecker. 11, Foot, 12, Head of Black-backed three- 
 toed Woodpecker. 13, Head of Cockaded Woodpecker. 
 Faces page 236. 
 
 PLATE XX. 
 
 Ilelospiza Lincoln!. Lincoln's Sparrow'.. 
 Adult. Plant, Spotted Touch-me-not. Faces page 392. 
 
 PLATE XXI. 
 
 1, Sternum, 2, Inside of Upper Mandible, 3, Head, 4, 
 Foot of Carolina Parokeet. 5, Sternum, 6, Head, 7, Foot, 
 9, Side view of Bill of Barn Owl. 8, Side view of Bill, 10, 
 Foot, 11, Head of Barred Owl. Faces page 248. 
 
 PLATR XXII. 
 
 Upper fig. .Helminthophaga leueobron 
 c h i a 1 i s . AVhite-throated AVarbler. Lower fig. , H e 1 - 
 minthophaga Lawrenci, Lawrence's AA r ar- 
 bler. Adult, males. Plant, Spray of White Birch. Fa- 
 ces page 508. 
 
 PLATE XXIII. 
 
 1, Sternum, 8, Head, 9, Furcula, 13, Side view of Bill 
 of Great Horned Owl. 2, Furrula of Carolina I'arokeet. 
 
 3, Furcula; 6, 7, Sternum, 14, Coracoid <-f Barred Owl. 
 
 4, Furcula, 15, Coracoid of Burn Owl. 10, 11, Sternum, 
 12, Furcula of Lung-eared Owl. 16, Furcuia of Snowy 
 Owl. Faces page 260. 
 
 PLATE XXIV. 
 
 1, Head of Snowy Owl, 2, Sternum, 3, Furcula, 10, 
 Head of Mottled Owl. 4, Furcula, 5, Sternum, , Side 
 view of Mandibles, 11. Head of Acadian Owl. 7, Furcula, 
 8, 9, Sternum of Hawk Owl, Faces page 276. 
 
 PLATE XXV. 
 
 1, Head, 2, 3, Sternum of Short-eared Owl. 4, Foot, 
 
 5, Head of Burrowing Owl. 6. 7, Sternum, 8, Head of 
 Marsh Hawk. 9, Head of Swallow-tailed Kite. 10, Head 
 of Mississippi Kite. 11, Head of Black Kite. Faces pa^e 
 292. 
 
 PLATE XXVI. 
 
 1, Head of Hawk Owl. 2, Head of Long-eared Owl. 3, 
 Head of Rough-legged Hawk. 4, Head, 5, 6, Sternum of 
 Broad-winged Hawk 7, Sternum, 8, Head of Sharp- 
 shinned Hawk. 9, Head of Sparrow Hawk. 10, Head of 
 Goshawk, Faces page 312. 
 
 PLATE XXVII. 
 
 Dondrocca discolor. Prairie Warbler. 
 Adult. Plant, Canada Thistle. Faces page 440. 
 
 PLATE XXVIIt 
 
 Dendroaca maculosa. Black 
 Warbler. Adult, male. Twig of Hickorv. 
 344. 
 
 and Yellow 
 Faces page 
 
 PLATE XXIX. 
 
 Dendrooca tigrina. 
 Adult, male. Faces page 376' 
 
 PLATE XXX. 
 
 E in p i d o n a x A c a d i o u s . Acadian 
 catcher. Adult. Twig of White Maple. Faces 
 188. 
 
 Cape May Warbler. 
 
 Fly- 
 page 
 
 PLATE XXXI. 
 
 Dendro3ca 
 bier. Adult, male. 
 
 c as t an e a . 
 
 Faces page 488. 
 
 Bay-breasted War- 
 
 PLATE XXXII. 
 
 1. Head, 3, 4, Sternum of Sandhill Crane. 
 5, Head of Tropic Bird. Faces page 424 
 
 2, Foot, 
 
 
 "Correction. On page 188, under heading for Plate X, read Plate XXX; and after "Adult in spring," omit "with the nest and eggs." 
 
INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES. 
 
 Awipiter a 
 
 Bernicln 438 
 
 Jistothorus stcllaris 43 
 
 Cm, JUT! 304 
 
 brenta 440 
 
 Jlamatores 169 
 
 fusous 3<i3 
 
 I'nnadun-is 438 
 
 Jnc-eygida; 215 
 
 Aooipitridn 3d2 
 
 leucupsis 520 
 
 Coccygua 21G 
 
 Actitiirus 388 
 
 I5ona.'ia35l 
 
 Ainericanus 218 
 
 Bartrnmius 388 
 Jl-'ialitis 359 
 
 unibelliis 351 
 Botaurus 419 
 
 erythropthalmus 216 
 minor 220 
 
 melixlus 303 
 
 minor 419 
 
 Coorebidaj 84 
 
 nipiitamis 359 
 
 Brachyotus 262 
 
 Colaptea 231 
 
 sciiii|i;iliii;\nis 363 
 
 palustris 262 
 
 auratus231 
 
 fMUerasMO 
 
 Bubi 260 
 
 hybridus 231 
 
 \Vilsonius361 
 
 Vir^ininniis 260 
 
 'Mexicanus 231 
 
 ^DgilltllUS CIIIII'MVIIS j'Jl 
 
 Bubonidte 856 
 
 Collurio 82 
 
 linnriu 51.) 
 
 Uucepliala 452 
 
 borealis 514 
 
 .I'.^trrlata gularis 520 
 
 albinla 453 
 
 Ludovicianus 82 
 
 Agelsetus 134 
 
 clangulu 452 
 
 excuJ>itoroit/e.i 82 
 
 plincniceus 134 
 
 I-landica 453 
 
 Columba 333 
 
 Alca 4! 17 
 
 Buteo 3(18 
 
 leucocephala 333 
 
 impennis 521 
 
 borealls 308 
 
 Col u ml 'ao 333 
 
 torda 497 
 
 Harlani 310 
 
 Culumhidic 333 
 
 Alrrdini 183 
 
 lineatu.s 311 
 
 Colymbidaj 493 
 
 Aleidaa4U7 
 
 Pennsylvanicus 315 
 
 Colymbus 493 
 
 A!ect.irides422 
 
 iSwainsoni 313 
 
 Arcticus 494 
 
 Aiuiiiodriuuiis 1 19 
 
 Buteonida3 308 
 
 septentriniiiili^lOl 
 
 caudaeutus 122 
 
 Calnmospiza biculor 519 
 
 torquatu^ 493 
 
 maritiimis !_'! 
 
 Calidris 386 
 
 Contopus 176 
 
 melanoli'iH'iis 11!) 
 
 arenaria 386 
 
 borealis 176 . 
 
 Am pel iila: 77 
 
 Campephilus 837 
 
 virens 178 
 
 Ampeli-. 77 
 
 principal is 237 
 
 Conurus 248 
 
 ccdroruui 77 
 
 Caprimulgi 197 
 
 Carolinensis 248 
 
 garrulus 513 
 
 Caprimulgidae 198 
 
 Corvidse 153 
 
 ADM i n> 
 
 Cardinalis 108 
 
 COITUS 153 
 
 boschas 440 
 
 Virginianus 108 
 
 Americnnus l. r ;5 
 
 uliscura 441 
 
 Carpodacus 110 
 
 carnivoru.s 153 
 
 Anatid;e 436 
 
 C'ali/'ornicus 110 
 
 ossifmgus l r :9 
 
 Anous 4N1 
 
 Cqssini 110 
 
 Coturniculus 127 
 
 stnl idus4Hl 
 
 purpurcus 110 
 
 ilenslovi 518 
 
 Anser 437 
 
 CathartidiB 327 
 
 Leconti 519 
 
 albifrons 438 
 
 Catharista 331 
 
 pa.-serinus 127 
 
 hyperboreus 437 
 
 atrata S31 
 
 Crex pratensis 520 
 
 Anthus li 
 
 Cathartes 328 
 
 Crotnphaga ani 520 
 
 Ludovicianus 44 
 
 eura 328 
 
 Cupidona 349 
 
 Antrustoinus 202 
 
 Centurus 2'J(i 
 
 cupido 350 
 
 Carnlincnsis 205 
 
 Carolinus226 
 
 Cuculi 215 
 
 vociferus 202 
 
 Certliia fatniliaris 505 
 
 Cyanocitta 164 
 
 Aquihi 319 
 
 Oerthiola84 
 
 Floridana 164 
 
 chrysnetus 31!) 
 Aquilidao3l8 
 
 flaveola 84 
 Ceryle 194 
 
 Cyanospiza 86 
 cins 86 
 
 Arainidao 425 
 
 alcyon 194 
 
 cyanca 515 
 
 Aiamus425 
 
 Cerylidac 193 
 
 Cyanurus 161 
 
 soiloparrus 425 
 
 Chsetura 208 
 
 cristatus Ki2 
 
 Archibuteo 310 
 
 pelasgia 208 
 
 Cygnus 436 
 
 IngopuH 317 
 
 Chjeturidas 208 
 
 Ameriranu-^ 436 
 
 Arden 405 
 
 Clianiicpelin 340 
 
 buccinator 437 
 
 caerulea 414 
 
 pas-rina 310 
 
 Cypseli 208 
 
 camlidisMtmi 410 
 
 i'Jharadridas 357 
 
 Datila 443 
 
 citretta 409 
 
 Charadrius 358 
 
 aciita 443 
 
 herodins 405 
 
 fulvus 358 
 
 Dendrocygna fulva 520 
 
 Ludoviciana 413 
 
 Chaulelasmus 1 1 1 
 
 Oendroeca 48 
 
 iii'cidcntalis 406 
 
 streperus 444 
 
 estiva 58 
 
 Peali411 
 
 Chondestes 104 
 
 Auduboni 519 
 
 rufa 412 
 
 graminata 104 
 
 Blnckburniii! 507 
 
 virescens 415 
 
 Cbordeiles 198 
 
 carbonata 521 
 
 Wurdcinanni 407 
 
 popetue 198 
 
 castnnen 5(i7 
 
 Ardeidaj 405 
 
 Chrysomitri- h9 
 
 eocrulea . r >(i7 
 
 Ardi'tta 420 
 
 pinus 91 
 
 ciironata 51 
 
 exUix490 
 
 tri<tis 89 
 
 di-O'lur ,J!> 
 
 Astur :>6 
 
 Circi: 
 
 dniiiinica 60 
 
 atricapillus 3(ili 
 
 cyanm* 282 
 
 Kinliin.li 5(is 
 
 A-liii-ina nil ida .Wil 
 
 l.uru- 42 
 
 maciilosa .111 
 
 Atbcnite978 
 
 piilu.-tri- 42 
 
 niiintana .'jjl 
 
 Dendrncca 1'cnnsylvanicn 508 
 pica 48 
 
 caorulcscenn 54 
 
 striata 49 
 
 tigrina 55 
 
 Tpwnsondi 520 
 
 virens 506 
 Dolichonyx 12!) 
 
 ury/ivorus 129 
 Ectopistes 335 
 
 migratoria 335 
 Klanus 293 
 
 leucurus 293 
 Empidonnx 183 
 
 Acndicus 188 
 
 flaviventris 191 
 
 minimus 183 
 
 Irailli 1P6 
 
 Ercmophila nlpcstris 505 
 Krisimitura 459 
 
 Dominica 520 
 
 rubida 459 
 Eusniza Amori'-ana 518 
 
 Townsendi 521 
 Falco 295 
 
 se^alon 52<1 
 
 candicans ail 
 
 columliarius 297 
 
 communis 299 
 
 lanarius 520 
 
 Fp:irverius295 
 r'alnmi 2H1 
 Kalconida) 294 
 Fulica 434 
 
 Americana 434 
 Fuligiila 449 
 
 affinis4EO 
 
 collaris 450 
 
 ferina !'! 
 
 marila 449 
 
 viillisncria 451 
 Fregetta Lnwrenci 520 
 GallinaB 344 
 GallinHgo 375 
 
 Wilsoni 375 
 Gallinula 432 
 
 galeata 432 
 
 marl inii-a 433 
 Geothlypi.s 66 
 
 Philadelphia 510 
 
 trichas66 
 (jeotrygon 341 
 
 mart mini 3-11 
 (Jraculidae 468 
 Gn.culiiH 469 
 
 carbo 470 
 
 diloplms 469 
 (Jruidu- I-J-J 
 Grus 422 
 
 Americana 424 
 
 Cana<lcnsis 422 
 (Juiraca ijocrulca 517 
 
 Ludoviciana 517 
 
 melamici'pl'ala 520 
 Efomatupodkue :i(i"i 
 
 llil'llial'ipli- .'if,.', 
 palliatus :;ii:, 
 
 Elaliaetidee 
 
 llaliai-lii- 320 
 
 |riH',K!rplmIus 32I 
 
INDEX OF COMMON NAMES. 
 
 Acadian 
 
 Flycatcher 188 
 
 Owl 274 [02 
 
 Acuminate-billed Warblers 
 American 
 
 Avocet 308 
 
 Bittern 4 lit 
 
 Cuckoos 210 
 
 Parokeets 248 
 
 Haven 153 
 
 Swifts 208 
 
 Vultures 327 
 
 Widgeon 444 
 
 Woodcock 373 
 Anhingas 470 
 Ani 520 
 Appendix 503 
 Arctic 
 
 Owls 266 
 
 Tern 478 
 
 Arkansas Flycatcher 519 
 Audubon's Wai bier 519 
 Avocets 368 
 Auk, 
 
 Great 521 
 
 Little 499 
 
 Razor-billed 497 
 Auks, 497 
 
 Little 499 
 
 Puffins, etc. 497 
 Bachman's Warbler 510 
 Baird's Sandpiper 380 
 Baltimore Oriole 142 
 Banded three-toed 
 
 Woodpecker 247 
 Bank Swallow 75 
 Barnacle Goose 520 
 Barn 
 
 Owl 254 
 
 Swallow 73 
 Barred Owl 256 
 Bartram's Sandpiper 388 
 Barrow's Golden-eye 453 
 Bay-breasted Warbler 507 
 Bay Ducks 449 
 Hay-winged Sparrow 103 
 Bell's Vireo 519 
 Belted Kingfisher 194 
 Bewick's Wren 505 
 Bird, 
 
 Blue 23 
 
 Butcher 82 
 
 Cat 19 
 
 Cedar 77 
 
 Indigo 515 
 
 King 172 
 
 Man-of-war 472 
 
 Mocking 16 
 
 Oven 12 
 
 Rice 12!l 
 
 Snake 470 
 
 Summer Red 85 
 Bird Owls 269 
 Birds, 
 
 Diving 493 
 
 Frigate 471 
 
 Humming 212 
 
 {long-winged 171 
 
 Perching 1 
 
 Shore :;;><; 
 
 Birds, Singing 1 
 
 Snow 92 ' 
 
 Songless 169 
 
 Tropic 473 
 Bittern, 
 
 American 419 
 
 Least 420 
 Bitterns, 419 
 
 Little 420 
 Black and White 
 
 Creeper 67 
 
 Shore Finch 119 
 
 Woodpeckers i'39 [56 
 Black and Yellow Warbler 
 Black-backed Three-toed 
 
 Woodpecker 245 
 Black-bellied Plover 357 
 Black-hilled Cuckoo 210 
 Blackbird, 
 
 Blue-headed 519 
 
 Cow 131 
 
 Crow 148 
 
 Red-winged 134 
 
 Rusty 146 
 
 Yellow-headed 137 
 Blackbirds, 
 
 Boat-tailed 147 
 
 Parasitical 131 
 Blackhurnian Warbler 507 
 Black-capped 
 
 Titmice 3(1 
 
 Titmouse 30 
 
 Fulmar 489 
 Black 
 
 Cormorant 409 
 
 Duck 441 
 
 Guillemot 500 
 
 Sea Ducks 457 
 
 Skimmers 482 
 
 Terns 481 
 
 Woodpeckers: 234 
 Black-head, 
 
 Greater 449 
 
 Little 450 
 Black-headed 
 
 Buzzard 331 
 
 Finch 87 
 
 Grosbeak 520 
 Black-masked Duck 520 
 Black-necked Stilt 368 
 Black-polled Warbler 49 
 Black-shouldered Kite 293 
 Black-throated 
 
 Blue Warbler 54 
 
 Bunting 518 
 
 Green Warbler 506 
 
 Loon 494 
 Blue 
 
 Bird 23 
 
 Gray Gnatcatcher 28 
 
 Grosbeak 517 
 
 Hawks 306 
 
 Jay 162 
 
 Jays 161 
 
 Mountain Warblor 521 
 
 Sparrows 86 
 
 Warbler 507 [G5 
 
 Yellow-backed AVarbler 
 Blue-headed 
 
 Blackbird 519 
 
 Blue-headed Dove 343 
 
 Vireo 81 
 Blue-Winged 
 
 Teal 446 
 
 Yellow Warbler 508 
 Boat-tailed 
 
 Blackbirds 147 
 
 Grackle 151 
 Bobolink 129 
 Bohemian Waxwing 513 
 Bonaparte's 
 
 Flycatcher 521 
 
 Gull 486 
 
 Sandpiper 382 
 Booby Gannet 465 
 Brant Goose 440 
 Brewer's Sparrow 519 
 Brewster's Linnet 519 
 Bridge Pewee 181 
 Bridled Tern 520 
 Broad-winged Hawk 315 
 Brush Grouse 351 
 Brown 
 
 Creeper 505 
 
 Pelican 467 
 
 Thrush 21 
 
 Brown-headed Nuthatch 33 
 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 390 
 Buffon's Skua 488 
 Buffle-hend 453 
 Buffy Sandpipers 390 
 Bunting, 
 
 Black-throated 518 
 
 Henslow's 518 
 
 Lark 519 
 
 Leconte's 519 
 
 Snow 516 
 
 Townsend's 21 
 Buntings, 
 
 Ground 112 
 
 Rice 129 
 
 Burrowing Owl 279 
 Bush Jays 164 
 Butcher 'Birds 82 
 Buzzard Hawks 308 
 Buzzard, 
 
 Black-beaded 331 
 
 Turkey 328 
 Canada 
 
 Flycatcher 511 
 
 Goose 438 
 
 Jiiy 167 
 
 Canv.is-backed Duck 451 
 Cape May Warbler 55 
 Caracara Eagle 326 
 Caracaras 326 
 Carbonated Warbler 521 
 Cardinal Grosbeak 108 
 Carolina 
 
 Dove 338 
 
 Parokeet 248 
 
 Titmouse 504 
 Caspian Tern 475 
 Cat Bird 19 
 Cedar Bird 77 
 Chat, 
 
 Stone 519 
 
 Yellow-breasted 511 
 Chatterers 77 
 Chestnut-sided Warbler 508 
 
 Chickadee 30 
 Chimney Swift 208 
 ChiT.ping .Sparrow ftr> 
 Cincinnati Wnrbler 519 
 Chuck-will's Wi'l..w L05 
 Clapper Rail 4<j7 
 Cliff Swallow 512 
 Cwkaded Woiulprckcr '.Ml 
 Common 
 
 American Goldfinch Hi) 
 
 Crow 155 
 
 Cormorant 470 
 
 Puffin 498 
 
 Tern 470 
 
 Connecticut Warbler 510 
 Cooper's 
 
 Hawk 304 
 
 Sandpiper 521 
 Coot 434 
 Cormorant, 
 
 Black 469 
 
 Common 470 
 Cormorants 468 
 Corn Crake 520 
 Cory's Shearwater 52<) 
 Courlan 425 
 Crane, 
 
 Sandhill 422 
 
 White Whooping 424 
 Cranes, etc. 422 
 Creeper, 
 
 Black and White 07 
 
 Brown 505 
 
 Yellow-rumped 84 
 Creepers, 
 
 Yellow-rumped 84 
 
 Honey 84 
 
 Creeping Warblers 67 
 Crested 
 
 Flycatchers 170 
 
 Grebes 495 
 
 Kingfishers 191 
 
 Titmice 32 
 
 Titmouse 32 
 Crestless Quail 354 
 Crossbill 
 
 Red 518 
 
 White-winged 518 
 Crow Blackbird 148 
 Crow, 
 
 Common 155 
 
 Fish 159 
 Crows 153 
 Crows and Jays 153 
 Cuckoo, 
 
 Black-billed 216 
 
 Mango 220 
 
 Yellow-billed 218 
 Cuckoos, 215 
 
 American 216 
 
 White-breasted 215 
 Curlew, 
 
 Esquimaux 400 
 
 Hudson ian 399 
 
 Long-billed 398 
 Curlews 397 
 Curlew Sandpiper 385 
 Curved-billed 
 
 Hawks -JKt 
 
 Thrushes Ul 
 
INDEX 
 
 529 
 
 Currier's Kinglet 521 
 Darter- 170 
 Disked Owl- .Vi3 
 Diving Birds 493 
 Dove, 
 
 Blue-headed 313 
 
 ( .miuiii :t::s 
 
 Ground : 
 Key West 311 
 White-beaded 333 
 Zenaida339 
 
 Doves, 333 
 
 Ground 3-11 
 
 Little 340 
 
 Quail 313 
 
 Mourning 337 
 
 Short-tailed 339 
 
 Turtle 337 
 
 Downy Woodpecker 212 
 Duck. 
 
 Black 111 
 
 Blaoked-manked 520 
 
 Canvas-hack 451 
 
 Kider 450 
 
 Cii.lw.ill -Ml 
 
 ( ioldeii-cyed 452 
 
 Harlequin -151 
 
 Labrador 455 
 
 Mallard 440 
 
 Pin-tail 4-13 
 
 King-necked 450 
 
 Ruddy 459 
 
 Shoveller 448 
 
 Surf 458 
 
 Tree 520 
 
 Velvet 459 
 
 Ducks Geese, etc. 435 
 Ducks, 
 
 Bay 449 
 
 Black Sea 455 
 
 Kresli Water 440 
 
 Cray 444 
 
 Sea 455 
 
 Short-billed Sea 434 
 
 Spoon-hilled 1 17 
 
 Sprig-tailed 443 
 
 Si ill- tailed 459 
 
 Tooth-billed 400 
 
 Tree 452 
 
 Dusky Shearwater 492 
 Basic, 
 
 Carneara 326 
 
 (i olden 319 
 
 Washington 521 
 
 White-headed 3S1 
 Eagles, 319 
 " Fish 320 
 
 True 318 
 
 Sea 320 
 
 Vulture 300 
 Eared Owls 262 
 Egret, 
 
 Peal's 411 
 
 llrddish 412 
 Eider Duck 450 
 English 
 
 Teal 520 
 
 Widgeon 445 
 Esquimaux Curlew <100 
 European Woodcock 520 
 Evening Grosbeak 519 
 
 Everglade Kite 284 
 Fnlcon, 
 
 JcrSOl 
 
 Lanicr 520 
 
 Peregrine 299 
 K Icons 'Jill 
 
 True 2!).", 
 
 Feather-!, L'ge.l Hawk- :;i(i 
 Field Spiirrow U7 
 
 Finch, [119 
 
 Black and White Shore 
 
 Black-headed 87 
 
 Cray Shore 121 
 
 Lark 104 
 
 Pine \V ..... 1 125 
 
 Purple 110 
 
 Sharp-tailed 122 
 Pinches, Sparrows, etc. 86 
 Finches, 
 
 Little 87 
 
 Crass 125 
 
 Purple 110 
 
 Shore 119 
 Fish 
 
 Crow 159 
 
 Eagles 220 
 
 Iliiwk 324 
 Flamingos 435 
 Flamingo, Scarlet 435 
 Florida 
 
 Gallinule 432 
 
 Heron 407 
 
 Jay 164 
 Flycatcher, 
 
 Acadian 188 
 
 Arkansas 519 
 
 Bonaparte's 521 
 
 Foik- tailed 519 
 
 Great-crested 170 
 
 Least 183 
 
 Olive-sided 176 
 
 Say's 519 
 
 Small-headed 521 
 
 Swallow-tailed 520 
 
 Traill'.s 186 
 
 Yellow-bellied 191 
 Flycatchers, 
 
 Crested 170 
 
 Little 183 
 
 Tyrant 169 
 Fork-tailed 
 
 Flycatcher 519 
 
 Frigate Birds 472 
 
 Gull 4H7 
 
 Humming Birds 212 
 
 Kites'290 
 Foster's Tern 477 
 Four-toed Plovers 357 
 Fox-<-olored Sparrow 100 
 Franklin's Gull 520 
 Fresh Water Ducks 440 
 Frigate Birds, 472 
 
 Fork-tailed 472 
 Fulmar. Black-capped 489 
 Fulmar Petrel 489 
 Fulmars 489 
 Ca.lwall Duck 444 
 Calliniile. 
 
 Florida 432 
 
 Purple 433 
 Gallinulcs 432 
 Gannet, 463 
 
 Booby 465 
 Gannets 462 
 Geese, etc, 434 
 
 Long-billed 437 
 
 Short-billed i:;-i 
 Glaucous Cull 482 
 
 C lossy Ibis 402 
 Coat-suckers 197 
 
 God wit, 
 
 llud<ni,ian 390 
 Marbled 396 
 God wits .Tin 
 
 Golden Eiigle 31!! 
 Gulden-rye, Harrow's 453 
 Golden-eyed Duck 452 
 Golden Plover 358 
 
 lolden-winged 
 
 Wi'.rbler 5d<> 
 
 Woodpecker 231 
 lolden-crowned 
 
 Kinglet 25 
 
 Thrush 12 
 
 Wren 25 
 roldfinob, 
 
 Common American 89 
 ioose, 
 
 Barnacle 520 
 
 Brant 440 
 
 Canada 438 
 
 Snow 437 
 
 White-fronted 430 
 Goshawk 306 
 Grackle, 
 
 Boat-tailed 151 
 
 Purple 148 
 
 Rusty 146 
 Grass 
 
 Finches 125 
 
 Sparrows NX) 
 Gray Ducks 444 
 
 Jays 167 
 
 Kingbird 174 
 
 Owls 256 
 
 Shore Finch 121 
 Cray-winged Gull 521 
 Great 
 
 Auk 521 
 
 Black-backed Gull 483 
 
 Blue Heron 405 
 
 Carolina Wren 37 
 
 Crested F lycatcher 170 
 
 Gray Owl 258 
 
 Horned Owl 200 
 
 Loon 493 
 
 Northern Shrike 514 
 
 White Heron 408 
 Greater Black-head 449 
 
 Shearwater 492 
 
 Yellow-legs 394 
 Grebe, 
 
 Horned 496 
 
 Pied-billed 496 
 
 Red-necked 495 
 Grebes, 495 
 
 Crested 495 
 
 Thick-billed 4<J6 
 Green-backed Hummers 212 
 Gre?nleta 7H 
 Greenshanks 520 
 Green-winged Teal 447 
 Grosbeak, 
 
 Blue 517 
 
 Blue-headed 520 
 
 Cardinal 108 
 
 Evening 519 
 
 Pine 515 
 
 Rose-brensted 517 
 Grosbeaks, Cardinal 108 
 
 Ground 
 
 Buntings 112 
 Dove 340 
 Dora Ml 
 
 Warblers 66 
 
 Owls 278 
 
 (rouse, etc. 344-340 
 Grouse, 
 
 Brush 351 
 
 Prairie 
 
 Kulled251 
 
 Sharp-tailed 520 
 
 Spruce 347 
 
 Wood 347 
 Guillemot, 
 
 Btiick 500 
 
 Ringed 521 
 
 Thick-billed Ml 
 
 Guillemots 500 
 Gull. 
 
 Bonaparte's 486 
 
 Franklin's 520 
 
 Fork-tailed 487 
 
 Glaucous 4>-2 
 
 Gray-wiiiired 521 
 
 Great Black-backed 483 
 
 Herring 484 
 
 Hooded521 
 
 Hutch ins 521 
 
 Ivory 487 
 
 Kitt'iwake 486 
 
 Laughing 485 
 
 Mew 520 
 
 Ring-billed 485 
 
 Short-legged 521 
 
 Wedge-tailed 520 
 
 White-winged 483 
 Gulls, 482 
 
 Fork-tailed 487 
 
 White 487 
 Gulls and Terns 474 
 Upland's Hawk 310 
 I liirle.] u in Duck 454 
 Harriers 282 
 Hairy Woodpecker 239 
 Iliiwk, Brad-winged 315 
 
 Cooper's 304 
 
 Fish 324 
 
 Harland's 310 
 
 Marsh 282 
 
 Prairie 520 
 
 Pigeon 297 
 
 Red-shouldered 311 
 
 Red-tailed 3(18 
 
 Rough-legged 317 
 
 Sparrow 2!l."i 
 
 Swains. iifs 313 
 Hawk Owl 277 
 Hawks, 
 
 Blue 306 
 
 Buzzard 308 
 
 Curved-billed 284 
 
 Feather legged 316 
 
 Fish 324 
 
 Naked-legged 3T.8 
 
 Night I9n 
 
 Sharp-shinned 303 
 
 Short-winged 302 
 Hawks, etc. 2M1 
 Henslow's Bunting 518 
 Hermit Thrush 8 
 lleron, 
 
 Florida 407 
 
 Great Bluc4(>5 
 
 (ireat White 408 
 
 Little Blue 111 
 
 Little Green 415 
 
 Louisana 413 
 
 Night 410 
 
 Siiuwy 410 
 
 White 409 [418 
 
 Yellow-crowned Night 
 Herons, 405 
 Herons, etc. 400 
 Herons, True 4(15 
 llcn-ingGull484 
 Highland Sandpipers 388 
 
 1 'reepersfcH 
 Hooded 
 
 M.TL'ilP.MT KiJ 
 
 Golf 081 
 
 Warbler 512 
 Hooting Ow, 
 Homed 
 
 Grebe 496 
 Lu k 505 
 
 Owhaoo 
 
 House Wren li'.i 
 
530 
 
 INJ)KX. 
 
 Hudson inn 
 
 Curlew 399 
 
 (iodwit 396 
 
 Titmouse 504 
 Hummer, Mango 519 
 Hummers, Green-bucked 212 
 Humming Bird, 
 
 Ruby-throated 212 
 Humming Birds, 212 
 
 Pork-tailed 212 
 Huron Scoter 521 
 Hutchin's Gull 521 
 Ibis, 
 
 Glossy 402 
 
 Scarlet 520 
 
 White 401 
 
 Wood 404 
 
 Ibises and Spoonbills 401 
 Ibises, 401 
 
 Wood 404 
 Indigo Bird 515 
 Ivory-hilled Woodpecker 237 
 Ivory Gull 487 
 lay, 
 
 Blue 161 
 
 Canada 167 
 
 Florida 164 
 Jays, 
 
 Bush 164 
 
 Gray 167 
 Jer Falcon : 01 
 Kentucky Warbler 511 
 Key West Dove 341 
 King Bird, 172 
 
 Gray 174 
 King Birds 172 
 K ing Eider 457 
 Kingh'sher, 
 
 Crested 193 
 
 Belted 194 
 Kingfishers, 193 
 
 Belted 194 
 Kinglet, 
 
 Curvier's 521 
 
 Golden-crowned 25 
 
 Ruby-crowned 27 
 Kinglets 25 
 King Rail 428 
 Killdcer Plover 360 
 Kirtland's Warbler 508 
 Kite, 
 
 Black-shouldered 293 
 
 Everglade 2H4 
 
 Mississippi 292 
 
 Swallow-tailed 290 
 Kites,"281 
 
 Fork-tailed 290 
 
 Prairie 291 
 
 White-tailed 293 
 Kittiwake Gull 486 
 Labrador Duck 455 
 Lanier Falcon 520 
 Upland Longspur 516 [503 
 Large-billed Water Thrush 
 Lark 
 
 Bunting 519 
 
 Kinch 104 
 Lark, 
 
 Horned 505 
 
 Meadow 139 
 Lnuuhing Gull 485 
 Lawrence's 
 
 Petrel 520 
 
 Warbler 509 
 loach's Petrel 490 
 Least Bittern 420 
 
 Flycatcher 183 
 
 Sandpiper 380 
 
 Tern 479 
 
 Leconte's Bunting 515 
 Lesser Yellow-legs 393 
 Lincoln's Sparrow 517 
 Linnet, Brewster's 519 
 Little 
 
 Auk 499 
 
 Bitterns 420 
 
 Black-hcmd 450 
 
 Black Rail 432 
 
 Blue Heron 414 
 
 Doves 340 
 
 Finches 87 
 
 Flycatchers 183 
 
 Green Heron 415 
 
 Warblers 65 
 Logger-head Shrike 82 
 Long-billed 
 
 Curlew 39R 
 
 Geese 437 
 
 Marsh Wren 42 
 
 Rails 426 
 Long-eared 
 
 Owl 265 
 
 Owls 264 
 Long-legged 
 
 Owls 279 
 
 Sandpipers 378 
 Longspur, 
 
 Lapland 516 
 
 MeCowin's 519 
 
 Painted 519 
 Long-tailed 
 
 Duck 455 
 
 Owls 277 
 
 Parrots 248 
 
 Tropic Birds 473 
 Long-winged Birds 474 
 Loon, 
 
 Black-throated 494 
 
 Great 493 
 
 Red-throated 494 
 Loons 493 
 Louisana Heron 413 
 Mallard Duck 440 
 Mango Hummer 519 
 Mangrove Cuckoo 220 
 Man-of-war Bird 472 
 Marbled Godwit 396 
 Maryland Yellow-throat 66 
 Marsh 
 
 Hawk 282 
 
 Snipes 376 
 
 Tern 474 
 
 Wrens 42 
 
 MeCowin's Longspur 519 
 Meadow Lark 139 
 Mealy Red Poll 521 
 Merganser. 460 
 
 Hooded 462 
 
 Red breasted 461 
 Merlin 520 
 Mew Gull 520 
 Mocking Bird 16 
 Mottled Owl 270 
 Mountain Plover 359 
 Mourning 
 
 Warbler 510 
 
 Doves 337 
 
 Migratory Thrush 2 
 Mississippi Kite 292 
 Murre GOO 
 
 Naked-breasteii Vultures 328 
 Naked-Iegired Hawks 308 
 Nashville Warbler 63 
 Night Heron 416 
 Night-jars 198 
 Noddy* 481 
 Noddy Tern 481 
 Nonpareil 86 
 
 Northern Phalnropc 371 
 Nuthatch, 
 
 Brown-headed 3 
 
 Red-bellied 504 
 
 White-bellied 35 
 Nuthatches 33 
 
 Proper 33 
 Olive-barked Thrush 6 
 Olive-sided Flycatcher 176 
 Orange-crowned Warbler 62 
 Orchard Oriole 144 
 Oregon Snowbird 519 
 Oriole, 
 
 Baltimore 142 
 
 Orchard 144 
 Orioles 142 
 
 Orioles and Starlings 129 
 Osprey 324 
 Oven Bird 12 
 Owl, 
 
 Acadian 274 
 
 Barn 254 
 
 Barred 256 
 
 Burrowing 279 
 
 Great Gray 258 
 
 Great Horned 2fiO 
 
 Hawk 277 
 
 Long-eared 265 
 
 Mottled 270 
 
 Richardson's 276 
 
 Short-eared 262 
 
 Snowy 267 
 Owls, 253 
 
 Arctic 266 
 
 Barn 234 
 
 Bird 2o9 
 
 Disked 253 
 
 Eared 2f!2 
 
 Gray 256 
 
 Ground 278 
 
 Hooting 256 
 
 Horned 260 
 
 Long-legged 279 
 
 Long-tailed 277 
 
 Small 274 
 
 Small Eared 269 
 
 White 267 
 Oyster Catcher 365 
 Painted Longspur 519 
 Pallid Sparrow 101 
 Parakeet, Carolina 248 
 Parokeets, American 248 
 Parrots, 248 
 
 Long- tailed 248 
 Parasitical Blackbirds 131 
 Partridge 355 
 Peale's 
 
 Egret 411 
 
 Petrel 520 
 Pectoral Sandpiper 381 
 Pelican, 
 
 Brown 467 
 
 \V Lite 466 
 Pelicans, etc. 462 
 Perching Birds 1 
 Peregrine Falcon 299 
 Petrel, 
 
 Lawrence's 520 
 
 Leach's 490 
 
 Peale's 520 
 
 Stormy 491 
 
 Wilson's 491 
 Petrels, 489 
 
 Stormy 490 
 Pewee, 
 
 Bridge 181 
 
 Wood 178 
 Pewees 176 
 Phalarope, Northern 371 
 
 Phalarope, Red 372 
 
 Wilson's 270 
 Phalaropes 370 
 Miiladelpfaia Vireo 513 
 'hffibe 181 
 hashes 180 
 'ied-billcd Grebe 496 
 'igeon Hawk 297 
 Pigeon, Wild 335 
 Pigeons 335 
 Piireons, etc. 332 
 Piieated Woodpecker 234 
 Pine 
 
 Goldfinch 91 
 
 Grosbeak 515 
 
 Wood Finch 125 
 
 Warbler 48 
 Pintail Duck 443 
 Piping Plover 363 
 Plover, 
 
 Black-bellied 357 
 
 Golden 358 
 
 Killdeer 360 
 
 Mountain 359 
 
 Piping 363 
 
 Ring-neck 363 
 
 Wilson's 361 
 Plovers, 357 
 
 Four-toed 357 
 
 liinged 359 
 
 Three-toed 358 
 Pomarine Skua 488 
 Prairie 
 
 Grouse 349-350 
 
 Hawk 520 
 
 Kites 291 
 
 Sparrows 104 
 
 Warbler 59 
 
 Prothonotary Warbler 506 
 Ptarmigan, 
 
 Rock 349 
 
 White 348 
 Ptarmigans 348 
 Puffin, Common 498 
 Puffins 4!)8 
 Purple 
 
 Finch 1 10 
 
 Gallinule433 
 
 Crackle 148 
 
 Martin 71 
 
 Sandpiper 383 
 Qjuail 355 
 
 Quails, Crestless 354 
 Quails, etc. 354 
 Rail. 
 
 Carolina 430 
 
 Clapper 427 
 
 Little Black 433 
 
 King 428 
 
 Virginia 428 
 
 Yellow 431 
 Rails, etc. 426 
 Rails, 
 
 Long-billed 426 
 
 Short-billed 430 
 Razor-billed Auk 497 
 Red-Backed Sandpiper 385 
 Red-bellied 
 
 Nuthatch 504 
 
 "\V.>,,clpecker226 
 Red-breasted 
 
 Merganser 461 
 
 Sandpiper 385 
 
 Snipe 376 
 
 Teal 520 
 Red 
 
 Crossbill 5H 
 
 Phalarope 372 
 
 Poll 515 
 
 
INDEX 
 
 531 
 
 Red Poll, Meaiv 521 
 
 Reddish Kuret H-J 
 
 Red-eved 
 
 Towhee 112 
 Yireo 73 
 Ked-llead l.'.l 
 
 Red-headed Woodpecker 289 
 Bed-necked Grebe 495 
 
 Red-shouldered Hawk 311 
 Redstart G'. 
 Red-tailed Hnwk 308 
 Red-throated Loon lill 
 K /d-winged Blackbird 134 
 Rice 
 
 Bird 129 
 
 Buntings 129 
 Richardsi in's 
 
 Skua 488 
 
 Owl 276 
 
 Ring-billed Cull 485 
 Ringed 
 
 'Guillemot 521 
 
 ]' lovers 35!) 
 Rinir-neck Plover 303 
 King-necked Duck 450 
 Robin 2 
 Bock 
 
 Inhabitcrs 23 
 
 Ptarmigan 34'J 
 Roseate 
 
 Spoonbill 403 
 
 Tern 478 
 
 Roue-breasted (irosbcak 517 
 Rough-legged Hawk 317 
 Rough-winged Swallow 76 
 Royal Tern 475 
 Ruby-oi'owm d 
 
 Kinglets? 
 
 Wren 97 
 Ruby-throated 
 
 Humming Bird 212 
 Ruddy Duck 459 
 Kull'387 
 
 Ruffed Grouse 351 
 Kuf, us Sparrow 106 
 Rusty 
 
 Blackbirds 110 
 
 Grackle 1 Hi 
 Sanderling 386 
 Sandhill Oranc422 
 Sandpiper, 
 
 I!iiird's380 
 
 Bartram's 388 
 
 Bonaparte's 3*2 
 
 Buff-breasted 390 
 
 Curlew 385 
 
 Least 380 
 
 1 'etoral 381 
 
 Purple 383 
 
 Red-baeked 384 
 
 Red-breasted 3H5 
 
 Semipalmatfd 379 
 
 Spotted 391 
 
 Stilt 398 
 Sandpipers, 379 
 
 Buffy 390 
 
 EigfatandMB 
 
 Long-legged 3*8 
 
 Three-toed 380 
 
 Tilting 391 
 
 Savannah Sparrow 100 
 Say's Flycatcher 519 [237 
 Scarlet-crested Woodpeckers 
 Scarlet 
 
 Flamingo 435 
 
 1 his 520 
 
 Tanager 514 , 
 
 Scoter. 457 
 
 Huron 521 
 Sea Ducks 451 
 
 Sea Eagles 320 
 tanipoiiaateu Sandpiper :'".'.> 
 
 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3i>3 
 
 Sharp-tailed 
 
 Finch 1-J-J 
 
 Grouse 520 
 Sliearwater, 
 
 Cory's 520 
 
 Husky 492 
 
 Greater 403 
 
 Sooty 521 
 Shearwaters 492 
 Shore 
 
 Birds 356 
 
 Finches 119 
 Short-billed 
 
 Creese 438 
 
 Marsh Wren 43 
 
 Rails 430 
 
 Sea Ducks 454 
 Short-eared Owls 262 
 Short-legged Gull 521 
 Sliorl-tailed 
 
 Dora 330 
 
 Tern 481 
 Short-winged Hawks 302 
 Shoveller Duck 418 
 Shrike 
 
 Great Northern 514 
 
 Loggerhead 82 
 Shrikes 8:? 
 Silvery Warbler 28 
 Singing Birds 1 
 Skimmer, Black 482 
 Skua 520 
 
 Puffon'i48 
 
 Pumarinc 4f^8 
 
 Richardson's 48S 
 Skuas 488 
 
 Small-eared Owls i.'69 
 Smaller 
 
 Owls 274 
 
 Thrushes 12 
 Small-headed Flycatcher 521 
 Snake Bird 47o 
 Snipe, 
 
 Red-breasted 376 
 
 Wilson's 375 
 Snipes 375 
 Snipes, etc. 373 
 Snowbird, 
 
 Black 73 
 
 Oregon 519 
 Snowbirds 92 
 Snow 
 
 Buntins 516 
 
 Goose 437 
 Snowy 
 
 Heron 410 
 
 Owl27 
 Solitary 
 
 Tattler 393 
 
 Vireo 81 
 
 Songless Birds 169 
 Song Sparrow 115 
 Sooty 
 
 Shearwater 521 
 
 Tern 480 
 Sparrow. 
 
 Bay-winged 103 
 
 Brewer's 519 
 
 Chipping 95 
 
 Field 97' 
 
 Fox-colored 106 
 
 Lincoln's 517 
 
 I'ailid 101 
 
 Savannah lr,0 
 
 Song 115 
 
 Swamp 117 
 
 TreeT. Hi 
 
 Sparrow, 
 
 White-crowned 51(5 
 
 Yellow-winged l-'7 
 Sparrow Hawk .i5 
 Sparrows, 
 
 Bay-winged 103 
 
 Blue 86 
 
 ( ', rass 100 
 
 Prairie 104 
 
 Rufous 106 
 
 Song 115 
 
 Swamp 117 
 
 True 94 
 
 Yellow-shouldered 127 
 
 Zone-throated 98 
 5poonbilled Duck 447 
 Spoonbill, Roseate 4i 3 
 Spotted W(X>dpeckcrs 231 
 S|->rig-tailed Duck 443 
 Square-tailed Vultures 331 
 Stiff-tailed Ducks 459 
 Stilt, Black-necked 368 
 Stilts 367 
 Stone Chat 519 
 Stormy Petrel 490 
 Summer Redbird 85 
 Surf Duck 458 
 Swainson's 
 
 Hawk 313 
 
 Warbler 47 
 Swallow, 
 
 Bank 75 
 
 Barn 73 
 
 Cliff512 
 
 Rough-winged 76 
 
 White-bellied 72 
 Swallows 70 
 
 Swallows and Martins 70 
 Swallow-tailed 
 
 Flycatcher 520 
 
 Kite 290 
 
 Swamp Sparrow 117 
 Swan, 
 
 Trumpeter 437 
 
 Whistling 436 
 Swcns 436 
 
 Swans, Ducks, etc. 436 
 Swift, Chimney 2C8 
 Swifts, 208 
 
 American 208 
 Tannger, Scarlet 514 
 Tanagers, 85 
 
 Tooth-billed 85 
 Tattlers 392 
 Tawny Thrash 10 
 Teal. 
 
 Blue-winged 446 
 
 English 5iO 
 
 Green-winged 447 
 
 Red-breasted 520 
 Teals 446 
 
 Tennessee Warbler 510 
 Tern, 
 
 Arctic 478 
 
 Bridled 520 
 
 Caspian 475 
 
 ( 'oimnon 476 
 
 Foster's 477 
 
 I ml 479 
 
 Marsh 474 
 
 Noddy 4KI 
 
 Roseate 478 
 
 Royal 475 
 
 Sandwich 476 
 
 Short-tailed 481 
 
 Sooty 480 
 
 Trudeau's 520 
 
 White-winged E20 
 Terns, 471 
 
 Black 4M 
 
 Thick-billed 
 
 Grebes 496 
 
 Guillemot 521 
 Thiasher 21 
 Thrush, 
 
 Golden-crowned 12 
 
 Hermit 8 
 
 Large-billed Water 503 
 
 Migratory 2 
 
 Olive-breasted 6 
 
 Tawny 10 
 
 Water 14 
 
 Wilson's 10 
 
 Wood 503 
 
 Varied 519 
 Thrushes, 
 
 Brown 21 
 
 Curve-hilled 21 
 
 Smaller 12 
 Thrushes Proper 3 
 Three-toed 
 
 Plovers 328 
 
 Sandpipers 386 
 
 Woodpeckers 246 
 Tilting Sandpipers 391 
 Titlark 44 
 Titmice, 30 
 
 Black-headed 30 
 
 Crested 32 
 Titmouse, 
 
 Biaek-capped 30 
 
 Carolina 504 
 
 Crested 32 
 
 Hudsonian 504 
 Tooth-billed 
 
 Ducks 460 
 
 Tanagers 85 
 Tow bee. 
 
 Red-eyed 112 
 
 White-eyed 113 
 Townsend's 
 
 Bunting 521 
 
 WarMer 520 
 Traill's Flycatcher 186 
 Tree 
 
 Duck 520 
 
 Ducks 452 
 
 Sparrow 516 
 Tropic Bird, 
 
 Long-tailed 473 
 
 Yellow-hilled 473 
 Tropic Birds 473 
 Trudcau's Tern 520 
 True 
 
 Cranes 422 
 
 Eagles 318 
 
 Falcons 295 
 
 Hawks 302 
 
 Herons 405 
 
 Upamiws 94 
 
 Woodpeckers 223 
 Trumpeter Swan -137 
 Turkey Buzzard 328 
 Turkey, Wild 345 
 Turnstone 366 
 Turtle Doves 337 
 Tyrant Flycatchers 109 
 Varied Thrush 519 
 Velvet Duck 459 
 Vireo, 
 
 Bell's 519 
 
 Blue-headed 81 
 
 Philadelphia 513 
 
 Red-eyed 78 
 u-y 81 
 
 Warbling 513 
 
 White-eyed 80 
 
 .w-throat.-d 511 
 VirerM 7H 
 Virginia Rail 428 
 
532 
 
 1NDKX 
 
 Vultures, 
 
 American 327 
 Naked-breasted 328 
 Square-tailed 331 
 
 Wagtail 14 
 
 Wagtails 44 
 
 Warhler, 
 
 Audubons 519 
 Bay-breasted 507 
 Black and Yellow 56 
 Blackburnian 507 
 Black-polled 49 
 Black-throated Blue 54 
 Black-throated Green 
 Blue 507 [5C6 
 
 Blue Mountain 521 
 Blue-winged Yellow 40S 
 Blue Yellow-back 65 
 Canada Flycatching 511 
 Cape May 55 
 Carbonated 521 
 Chestnut-sided 508 
 Cincinnati 519 
 Connecticut 510 
 Golden- winged 509 
 Hooded 512 
 Kentucky 511 
 Kinlanu''s 50H 
 Lawrence's 509 
 Mourning 510 
 Nashville 63 
 Orange-crowned 62 
 Pine 48 
 Prairie 59 
 Prothonatory 506 
 Silvery 28 
 Swainson's 47 
 Tennessee 510 
 Townst nd's 520 
 White-throated 509 
 Worm-eating 45 
 Yellow 85 
 
 Warbler, 
 
 Yellow Red-Polled 52 
 
 Yellow-rumped 51 
 
 Yellow-throated 60 
 Warblers 28 
 
 Acuminate-hilled 62 
 
 Ground 66 
 
 Little 65 
 
 Wood 45 
 
 Warbling Vireo 513 
 Washington Eagle 521 
 Water Thrush 14 
 Wax wing, Bohemian 513 
 Waxwings 47 
 Wedge-tailed Gull 520 
 Whippoorwill 202 
 Whistling Swan 436 
 White-bellied 
 
 Nuthatch 35 
 
 Swallow 72 
 White-b'reasted Cuckoos 215 
 White-crowaed Sparrow 516 
 White-eyed 
 
 Towhee 113 
 
 \ 7 ireo 78 
 White-fronted Goose 438 
 White 
 
 Gulls 487 
 
 Heron 409 
 
 Ibis 401 
 
 Owls 267 
 
 Pelican 466 
 
 Ptarmigan 348 
 
 Whooping Crane 424 
 White-headed 
 
 Dove 333 
 
 Eagle 321 
 
 White-tailed Kites 293 
 White-throated Warbler 509 
 White-winged 
 
 Crossbill 518 
 
 Gull 483 
 
 White-winged Tern 520 
 Widgeon, American 111 
 
 English 445 
 Widgeons 444 
 Wild 
 
 Pigeons 335 
 
 Turkey 345 
 Willet 394 
 Wilson's 
 
 Black-cap 512 
 
 Petrel 491 
 
 Phalarope 370 
 
 Plover 361 
 
 Snipe 375 
 
 Thrush 10 
 Winter Wren 40 
 Woodcock, 
 
 American 373 
 
 European 520 
 Wood 
 
 Grouse 347 
 
 Ibis 404 
 
 Inhabited 48 
 
 Pewee 178 
 
 Thrush 503 
 
 Warblers 45 
 Woodpecker, 
 
 Banded Three-toed 247 
 
 Black-backed 245 
 
 Cockaded 244 
 
 Downy 242 
 
 Golden-winged 231 
 
 Hairy 239 
 
 Ivory-billed 237 
 
 Pileated 234 
 
 Red-bellied 226 
 
 Red-headed 229 
 
 Yellow-bellied 223 
 Wo >dpecker*, 'J22 
 
 Black 234 
 
 Black and White 239 
 
 Scarlet-crested 237 
 
 Wood-peckers, 
 
 Spotted a:u 
 
 Three-toed 545 
 
 True 223 
 
 Worm-eating Warbler 45 
 Wren, 
 
 Bewick's 504 
 
 Golden-crowned 25 
 
 Great Carolina 37 
 
 House 39 
 
 Long-billed Marsh 42 
 
 Ruby-crowned 25 
 
 Short-billed Marsh 43 
 
 Winter 40 
 Wrens, 37 
 
 Marsh 42 
 Yellow-bellied 
 
 Flycatcher 191 
 
 Woodpecker 223 
 Yellow-billed 
 
 Cuckoo 218 
 
 Tropic Bird 273 
 Yellow-breasted Chat 511 
 Yellow-crowned Night 
 
 Heron 418 
 
 Yellow-hened Blackbird 137 
 Yellowlegs, 
 
 Greater 394 
 v Ijesser 393 
 Yellow 
 
 Rail 431 
 
 Red-polled Warbler 52 
 
 Warbler 58 
 
 Yellow-rumped Creeper K4 
 Yellow-shouldered 
 
 Sparrows 127 
 Yellow-throated 
 
 Warbler 60 
 
 Virtu 614 
 
 Yellow-winged Sparrow 127 
 Zenaida Dove 339 
 Zone-throated Sparrows 98 
 


 
 
 7**] 
 
 
 
 
 .A 
 
 

 
 The birds 
 -North 
 
 of eastern 
 
 JUL 8 
 
 Biology I 
 Library 
 
 M192558 
 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA