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diff --git a/old/54169-0.txt b/old/54169-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2218c61..0000000 --- a/old/54169-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,39054 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A History of North American Birds; Land -Birds; Vol. 3 of 3, by Spencer Fullerton Baird and Thomas Mayo Brewer and Robert Ridgway - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: A History of North American Birds; Land Birds; Vol. 3 of 3 - -Author: Spencer Fullerton Baird - Thomas Mayo Brewer - Robert Ridgway - -Release Date: February 15, 2017 [EBook #54169] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS VOL. 3/3 *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Bergquist, Jennifer Linklater, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - -NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. - -LAND BIRDS. - -VOL. III. - -[Plate: PARAKEET. - -(Conurus carolinensis.) - -Adult.] - - - - - A HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS - - BY - S. F. BAIRD, T. M. BREWER, AND R. RIDGWAY - - LAND BIRDS - - _ILLUSTRATED BY 64 PLATES AND 593 WOODCUTS_ - - VOLUME III. - - [Illustration] - - BOSTON - LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY - 1905 - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, - BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY, - in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - Printers - S. J. PARKHILL & CO., BOSTON, U. S. A. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - Family STRIGIDÆ. The Owls 4 - - Family FALCONIDÆ. The Falcons 103 - - Subfamily FALCONINÆ 106 - - Family CATHARTIDÆ. The American Vultures 335 - - Family COLUMBIDÆ. The Pigeons 357 - - Subfamily COLUMBINÆ 357 - - Subfamily ZENAIDINÆ 374 - - Family CRACIDÆ. The Curassows 397 - - Subfamily PENELOPINÆ 397 - - Family MELEAGRIDIDÆ. The Turkeys 402 - - Family TETRAONIDÆ. The Grouse 414 - - Family PERDICIDÆ. The Partridges 466 - - Subfamily ORTYGINÆ 466 - - APPENDIX. - - I. Additions and Corrections 499 - - II. Explanation of Terms used in describing - the External Form of Birds 524 - - III. Glossary of Technical Terms 535 - - INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. - - INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES. - - INDEX TO THE PLATES. - - PLATES 57–64. - - - - -NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. - - - - -RAPTORES.[1]—THE BIRDS OF PREY. - - -The group of birds usually known as the _Raptores_, or Rapacious Birds, -embraces three well-marked divisions, namely, the Owls, the Hawks, -and the Vultures. In former classifications they headed the Class of -Birds, being honored with this position in consequence of their powerful -organization, large size, and predatory habits. But it being now known -that in structure they are less perfectly organized than the _Passeres_ -and _Strisores_, birds generally far more delicate in organization, -as well as smaller in size, they occupy a place in the more recent -arrangements nearly at the end of the Terrestrial forms. - -The complete definition of the order _Raptores_, and of its -subdivisions, requires the enumeration of a great many characters; and -that their distinguishing features may be more easily recognized by -the student, I give first a brief diagnosis, including their simplest -characters, to be followed by a more detailed account hereafter. - -COMMON CHARACTERS. Bill hooked, the upper mandible furnished at the base -with a soft skin, or “cere,” in which the nostrils are situated. Toes, -three before and one behind. _Raptores._ - - =Strigidæ.= Eyes directed forwards, and surrounded by radiating - feathers, which are bounded, except anteriorly, by a circle or rim of - differently formed, stiffer feathers. Outer toe reversible. Claws much - hooked and very sharp. Legs and toes usually feathered, or, at least, - coated with bristles. _The Owls._ - - =Falconidæ.= Eyes lateral, and not surrounded by radiating feathers. - Outer toe not reversible (except in _Pandion_). Claws usually hooked - and sharp, but variable. Head more or less completely feathered. _The - Hawks._ - - =Cathartidæ.= Eyes lateral; whole head naked. Outer toe not - reversible; claws slightly curved, blunt. _The Vultures._ - -The preceding characters, though purely artificial, may nevertheless -serve to distinguish the three families of _Raptores_ belonging to -the North American _Ornis_; a more scientific diagnosis, embracing -a sufficient number of osteological, and accompanying anatomical -characters, will be found further on. - -The birds of prey—named _Accipitres_ by some authors, and _Raptores_ -or _Rapaces_ by others, and very appropriately designated as the -_Ætomorphæ_ by Professor Huxley—form one of the most strongly -characterized and sharply limited of the higher divisions of the Class -of Birds. It is only recently, however, that their place in a systematic -classification and the proper number and relation of their subdivisions -have been properly understood. Professor Huxley’s views will probably -form the basis for a permanent classification, as they certainly point -the way to one eminently natural. In his important paper entitled -“On the Classification of Birds, and on the Taxonomic Value of the -Modifications of certain Cranial Bones observable in that Class,”[2] -this gentleman has dealt concisely upon the affinities of the order -_Raptores_, and the distinguishing features of its subdivisions. In the -following diagnoses the osteological characters are mainly borrowed -from Professor Huxley’s work referred to. Nitzsch’s “Pterylography”[3] -supplies such characters as are afforded by the plumage, most of which -confirm the arrangement based upon the osteological structure; while -important suggestions have been derived from McGillivray’s “History of -British Birds.”[4] The Monographs of the _Strigidæ_ and _Falconidæ_, by -Dr. J. J. Kaup,[5] contain much valuable information, and were they not -disfigured by a very eccentric system of arrangement they would approach -nearer to a natural classification of the subfamilies, genera, and -subgenera, than any arrangement of the lesser groups which I have yet -seen. - -The species of this group are spread over the whole world, tropical -regions having the greatest variety of forms and number of species. -The _Strigidæ_ are cosmopolitan, most of the genera belonging to both -continents. The _Falconidæ_ are also found the world over, but each -continent has subfamilies peculiar to it. The _Cathartidæ_ are peculiar -to America, having analogous representatives in the Old World in the -subfamily _Vulturinæ_ belonging to the _Falconidæ_, The _Gypogeranidæ_ -are found only in South Africa, where a single species, _Gypogeranus -serpentarius_ (GMEL.), sole representative of the family, is found. - -As regards the comparative number of species of this order in the two -continents, the Old World is considerably ahead of the New World, which -might be expected from its far greater land area. 581 species are given -in Gray’s Hand List,[6] of which certainly not more than 500, probably -not more than 450, are valid species, the others ranking as geographical -races, or are synonymous with others; of this number about 350 nominal -species are accredited to the Old World. America, however, possesses -the greatest variety of forms, and the great bulk of the Old World -Raptorial fauna is made up chiefly by a large array of species of a few -genera which are represented in America by but one or two, or at most -half a dozen, species. The genera _Aquila_, _Spizætus_, _Accipiter_, -_Haliætus_, _Falco_, _Circus_, _Athene_, _Strix_, and _Buteo_, are -striking examples. As regards the number of peculiar forms, America is -considerably ahead. - - - - -FAMILY STRIGIDÆ.—THE OWLS. - - -CHAR. Eyes directed forward, and surrounded by a radiating system of -feathers, which is bounded, except anteriorly, by a ruff of stiff, -compactly webbed, differently formed, and somewhat recurved feathers; -loral feathers antrorse, long, and dense. Plumage very soft and lax, -of a fine downy texture, the feathers destitute of an after-shaft. -Oil-gland without the usual circlet of feathers. Outer webs of the -quills with the points of the fibres recurved. Feathers on the sides -of the forehead frequently elongated into ear-like tufts; tarsus -usually, and toes frequently, densely feathered. Ear-opening very -large, sometimes covered by a lappet. Œsophagus destitute of a dilated -crop; cœca large. Maxillo-palatines thick and spongy, and encroaching -upon the intervening valley; basipterygoid processes always present. -Outer toe reversible; posterior toe only about half as long as the -outer. Posterior margin of the sternum doubly indented; clavicle weak -and nearly cylindrical, about equal in length to the sternum. Anterior -process of the coracoid projected forward so as to meet the clavicle, -beneath the basal process of the scapula. Eggs variable in shape, -usually nearly spherical, always immaculate, pure white. - -The Owls constitute a very natural and sharply limited family, and -though the species vary almost infinitely in the details of their -structure, they all seem to fall within the limits of a single -subfamily. - -They have never yet been satisfactorily classified, and all the -arrangements which have been either proposed or adopted are refuted by -the facts developed upon a close study into the true relationship of -the many genera. The divisions of “Night Owls,” “Day Owls,” “Horned -Owls,” etc., are purely artificial. This family is much more homogeneous -than that of the _Falconidæ_, since none of the many genera which I -have examined seem to depart in their structure from the model of -a single subfamily, though a few of them are somewhat aberrant as -regards peculiarities in the detail of external form, or, less often, -to a slight extent, in their osteological characters, though I have -examined critically only the American and European species; and there -may be some Asiatic, African, or Australian genera which depart so far -from the normal standard of structure as to necessitate a modification -of this view. In the structure of the sternum there is scarcely the -least noticeable deviation in any genus[7] from the typical form. The -appreciable differences appear to be only of generic value, such as a -different proportionate length of the coracoid bones and the sternum, -and width of the sternum in proportion to its length, or the height -of its keel. The crania present a greater range of variation, and, if -closely studied, may afford a clew to a more natural arrangement than -the one which is here presented. The chief differences in the skulls of -different genera consist in the degree of pneumaticity of the bones, -in the form of the auricular bones, the comparative length and breadth -of the palatines, and very great contrasts in the contour. As a rule, -we find that those skulls which have the greatest pneumaticity (e.g. -_Strix_ and _Otus_) are most depressed anteriorly, have the orbital -septum thicker, the palatines longer and narrower, and a deeper -longitudinal median valley on the superior surface, and _vice versa_. - -The following classification is based chiefly upon external characters; -but these are in most instances known to be accompanied by osteological -peculiarities, which point to nearly the same arrangement. It is -intended merely as an artificial table of the North American genera, -and may be subjected to considerable modification in its plan if exotic -genera are introduced.[8] - - -Genera and Subgenera. - - =A.= Inner toe equal to the middle in length; inner edge of middle - claw pectinated. First quill longer than the third; all the quills - with their inner webs entire, or without emargination. Tail - emarginated. Feathers of the posterior face of the tarsus recurved, or - pointed upwards. - - 1. =Strix.= No ear-tufts; bill light-colored; eyes black; - tarsus nearly twice as long as middle toe; toes scantily - haired. Size medium. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of - the skull, with an anterior operculum for only a portion of - its length; symmetrical. - - =B.= Inner toe decidedly or much shorter than the middle; inner edge - of middle claw not pectinated. First quill shorter than the third; one - to six outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Tail rounded. - Feathers of the posterior face of the tarsus not recurved but pointed - downwards. - - I. Nostril open, oval, situated in the anterior edge of the cere, - which is not inflated. - - _a._ Cere, on top, equal to, or exceeding, the chord of the - culmen; much arched. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of the - skull, with the operculum extending its full length; asymmetrical. - - 2. =Otus.= One or two outer quills with their inner webs - emarginated. With or without ear-tufts. Bill blackish; iris - yellow. Size medium. - - Ear-tufts well developed; only one quill emarginated … - - _Otus._ - - Ear-tufts rudimentary; two quills emarginated … - - _Brachyotus._ - - _b._ Cere, on top, less than the chord of the culmen; gradually - ascending basally, or level (not arched). Ear-conch nearly the - height of the skull, with the operculum extending only a part of - its full length, or wanting entirely. - - † Anterior edge of the ear-conch with an operculum; the two ears - asymmetrical. - - 3. =Syrnium.= Five to six outer quills with their inner webs - emarginated. Top of cere more than half the culmen. Without - ear-tufts. Bill yellow; iris yellow or black. Size medium or - large. - - Six quills emarginated; toes densely feathered, the terminal - scutellæ concealed; iris yellow. Size very large … - - _Scotiaptex._ - - Five quills emarginated; toes scantly feathered, the - terminal scutellæ exposed; iris black. Size medium … - - _Syrnium._ - - 4. =Nyctale.= Two outer quills with inner webs emarginated. - Top of cere less than half the culmen, level. Without - ear-tufts. Bill yellow or blackish; iris yellow. Size small. - - †† Anterior edge of the ear-conch without an operculum. The two - ears symmetrical. Tail slightly rounded, only about half as long - as the wing. - - 5. =Scops.= Two to five quills with inner webs emarginated; - second to fifth longest. Bill weak, light-colored. Ear-conch - elliptical, about one-third the height of the head, with - a slightly elevated fringed anterior margin. Size small; - ear-tufts usually well developed, sometimes rudimentary. - - 6. =Bubo.= Two to four outer quills with inner webs - emarginated; third to fourth longest. Bill robust, black. - Ear-conch elliptical, simple, from one third to one half the - height of the skull. Size large. Ear-tufts well developed or - rudimentary. - - Ear-tufts well developed. Two to three outer quills with - inner webs emarginated; lower tail-coverts not reaching end - of the tail. Toes covered with short feathers, the claws - exposed, and bill not concealed by the loral feathers … - - _Bubo._ - - Ear-tufts rudimentary. Four outer quills with their inner - webs emarginated; lower tail-coverts reaching end of the - tail. Toes covered with long feathers, which hide the claws, - and bill nearly concealed by the loral feathers … - - _Nyctea._ - - ††† Similar to the last, but the tail graduated, nearly equal to - the wing. - - 7. =Surnia.= Four outer quills with inner webs emarginated. - Third quill longest. Bill strong, yellow; ear-conch simple, - oval, less than the diameter of the eye. Size medium; no - ear-tufts. - - II. Nostril, a small circular opening into the surrounding inflated - membrane of the cere. Ear-conch small, simple, oval, or nearly - round, without an operculum. - - First quill shorter than the tenth. - - 8. =Glaucidium.= Third to fourth quills longest; four - emarginated on inner webs. Tarsus about equal to the middle - toe, densely feathered. Tail much more than half the wing, - rounded. Bill and iris yellow. Size very small. - - 9. =Micrathene.= Fourth quill longest; four emarginated on - inner webs. Tarsus a little longer than middle toe, scantily - haired. Tail less than half the wing, even. Bill light - (greenish ?); iris yellow. Size very small. - - First quill longer than sixth. - - 10. =Speotyto.= Second to fourth quills longest; three - emarginated on inner webs. Tarsus more than twice as long as - middle toe, closely feathered in front to the toes, naked - behind. Tail less than half the wing, slightly rounded. Bill - yellowish; iris yellow. Size small. - -In their distribution, the Owls, as a family, are cosmopolitan, and -most of the genera are found on both hemispheres. All the northern -genera (_Nyctea_, _Surnia_, _Nyctale_, and _Scotiaptex_), and the -majority of their species, are circumpolar. The genus _Glaucidium_ is -most largely developed within the tropics, and has numerous species -in both hemispheres. _Otus brachyotus_ and _Strix flammea_ are the -only two species which are found all over the world,—the former, -however, being apparently absent in Australia. _Gymnoglaux_, _Speotyto_, -_Micrathene_, and _Lophostrix_ are about the only well-characterized -genera peculiar to America. _Athene_, _Ketupa_, and _Phodilus_ are -peculiar to the Old World. The approximate number of known species -(see Gray’s Hand List of Birds, I, 1869) is about two hundred, of -which two, as stated, are cosmopolitan; six others (_Surnia ulula_, -_Nyctea scandiaca_, _Glaucidium passerinum_, _Syrnium cinereum_, _Otus -vulgaris_, and _Nyctale tengmalmi_) are found in both halves of the -Northern Hemisphere; of the remainder there are about an equal number -peculiar to America and the Old World. - -As regards the distribution of the Owls in the Nearctic Realm, a -prominent feature is the number of the species (eighteen, not including -races) belonging to it, of which six (_Micrathene whitneyi_, _Nyctale -acadica_, _Syrnium nebulosum_, _S. occidentale_, _Scops asio_, and -_S. flammeola_) are found nowhere else. _Speotyto cunicularia_ -and _Bubo virginianus_ are peculiarly American species found both -north and south of the equator, but in the two regions represented -by different geographical races. _Glaucidium ferrugineum_ and _G. -infuscatum_ (var. _gnoma_) are tropical species which overreach -the bounds of the Neotropical Realm,—the former extending into the -United States, the latter reaching to, and probably also within, -our borders. Of the eighteen North American species, about nine, or -one half (_Strix flammea_ var. _pratincola_, _Otus brachyotus_, _O. -vulgaris_ var. _wilsonianus_, _Syrnium cinereum_, _Nyctale acadica_, -_Bubo virginianus_, and _Scops asio_, with certainty, and _Nyctea -scandiaca_ var. _arctica_, and _Surnia ulula_ var. _hudsonia_, in -all probability), are found entirely across the continent. _Nyctale -tengmalmi_, var. _richardsoni_, and _Syrnium nebulosum_, appear to be -peculiar to the eastern portion,—the former to the northern regions, -the latter to the southern. _Athene cunicularia_ var. _hypugaea_, -_Micrathene whitneyi_, _Glaucidium passerinum_ var. _californicum_, -_Syrnium occidentale_, and _Scops flammeola_, are exclusively western, -all belonging to the southern portion of the Middle Province and Rocky -Mountain region, and the adjacent parts of Mexico, excepting the more -generally distributed _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _hypogæa_, before -mentioned. Anomalies in regard to the distribution of some of the -species common to both continents, are the restriction of the American -representative of _Glaucidium passerinum_ to the western regions,[9] -and of _Strix flammea_ to the very southern and maritime portions of -the United States, the European representatives of both species being -generally distributed throughout that continent. On the other hand, the -northwest-coast race of our _Scops asio_ (_S. kennicotti_) seems to be -nearly identical with the Japanese _S. semitorques_ (Schlegel), which is -undoubtedly referrible to the same species. - -As regards their plumage, the Owls differ most remarkably from the -Hawks in the fact that the sexes are invariably colored alike, while -from the nest to perfect maturity there are no well-marked progressive -stages distinguishing the different ages of a species. The nestling, or -downy, plumage, however, of many species, has the intricate pencilling -of the adult dress replaced by a simple transverse barring upon the -imperfect downy covering. The downy young of _Nyctea scandiaca_ is plain -sooty-brown, and that of _Strix flammea_ immaculate white. - -In many species the adult dress is characterized by a mottling of -various shades of grayish mixed with ochraceous or fulvous, this -ornamented by a variable, often very intricate, pencilling of dusky, and -more or less mixed with white. As a consequence of the mixed or mottled -character of the markings, the plumage of the Owls is, as a rule, -difficult to describe. - -In the variations of plumage, size, etc., with differences of habitat, -there is a wide range, the usually recognized laws[10] applying to most -of those species which are generally distributed and resident where -breeding. Of the eight species common to the Palæarctic and Nearctic -Realms, all but one (_Otus brachyotus_) are modified so as to form -representative geographical races on the two continents. In each of -these cases the American bird is much darker than the European, the -brown areas and markings being not only more extended, but deeper in -tint. The difference in this respect is so tangible that an experienced -ornithologist can instantly decide to which continent any specimen -belongs. Of the two cosmopolitan species one, _Otus brachyotus_, is -identical throughout; the other is modified into geographical races in -nearly every well-marked province of its habitat. Thus in the Palæarctic -Realm it is typical _Strix flammea_; in the Nearctic Realm it is var. -_pratincola_; while Tropical America has at least three well-marked -geographical races, the species being represented in Middle America -by the var. _guatemalæ_, in South America by var. _perlata_, and in -the West Indies by the var. _furcata_. The Old World has also numerous -representative races, of which we have, however, seen only two, namely, -var. _javanica_ (Gm.), of Java, India, and Eastern Africa, and var. -_delicatula_ (Gould) of Australia, both of which we unhesitatingly refer -to _S. flammea_.[11] - -On the North American continent the only widely distributed species -which do not vary perceptibly with the region are _Otus brachyotus_ and -_O. vulgaris_ (var. _wilsonianus_). _Bubo virginianus_, _Scops asio_, -and _Syrnium nebulosum_ all bear the impress of special laws in the -several regions of their habitat. Starting with the Eastern Province, -and tracing either of these three species southward, we find it becoming -gradually smaller, the colors deeper and more rufous, and the toes -more scantily feathered. _Scops asio_ reaches its minimum of size and -maximum depth of color in Florida (var. _floridana_) and in Mexico (var. -_enano_). - -Of the other two I have not seen Florida specimens, but examples of -both from other Southern States and the Lower Mississippi Valley region -are much more rufous, and—the _S. nebulosum_ especially—smaller, with -more naked toes. The latter species is darkest in Eastern Mexico (var. -_sartori_), and most rufescent, and smallest, in Guatemala (var. -_fulvescens_). In the middle region of the United States, _Scops asio_ -(var. _maccalli_) and _Bubo virginianus_ (var. _arcticus_) are more -grayish and more delicately pencilled than from other portions. In the -northwest coast region they become larger and much more darkly colored, -assuming the clove-brown or sooty tints peculiar to the region. The var. -_kennicotti_ represents _S. asio_ in this region, and var. _pacificus_ -the _B. virginianus_. The latter species also extends its range around -the Arctic Coast to Labrador, and forms a northern _littoral_ race, the -very opposite extreme in color from the nearly albinescent examples of -var. _arcticus_ found in the interior of Arctic America. - -A very remarkable characteristic of the Owls is the fact that many -of the species exist in a sort of _dimorphic_ condition, or that two -plumages sufficiently unlike to be of specific importance in other -cases belong to one species. It was long thought that these two phases -represented two distinct species; afterwards it was maintained that -they depended on age, sex, or season, different authors or observers -entertaining various opinions on the subject; but it is now generally -believed that every individual retains through life the plumage which it -first acquires, and that young birds of both forms are often found in -the same nest, their parents being either both of one form, or both of -the other, or the two styles paired together.[12] The normal plumage, -in these instances, appears to be grayish, the pattern distinct, the -markings sharply defined, and the general appearance much like that -of species which do not have the other plumage. The other plumage is -a replacing of the grayish tints by a bright lateritious-rufous, the -pencillings being at the same time less well defined, and the pattern of -the smaller markings often changed. This condition seems to be somewhat -analogous to _melanism_ in certain _Falconidæ_, and appears to be more -common in the genera _Scops_ and _Glaucidium_ (in which it affects -mainly the tropical species), and occurs also in the European _Syrnium -aluco_. As studied with relation to our North American species, we find -it only in _Scops asio_ and _Glaucidium ferrugineum_. The latter, being -strictly tropical in its habitat, is similarly affected throughout -its range; but in the former we find that this condition depends much -upon the region. Thus neither Dr. Cooper nor I have ever seen a red -specimen from the Pacific coast, nor do I find any record of such an -occurrence. The normal gray plumage, however, is as common throughout -that region as in the Atlantic States. In the New England and Middle -States the red plumage seems to be more rare in most places than the -gray one, while toward the south the red predominates greatly. Of over -twenty specimens obtained in Southern Illinois (Mt. Carmel) in the -course of one winter, only one was of the gray plumage; and of the total -number of specimens seen and secured at other times during a series of -years, we can remember but one other gray one. As a parallel example -among mammals, Professor Baird suggests the case of the Red-bellied -Squirrels and Foxes of the Southern States, whose relationships to the -more grayish northern and western forms appear to be about the same as -in the present instance. - - -GENUS STRIX, SAVIGNY. - - _Strix_, SAVIGNY, 1809 (_nec_ LINN. 1735). (Type, _Strix flammea_, - LINN.) - _Stridula_, SELLYS-LONGCH, 1842. - _Eustrinx_, WEBB & BERTH. 1844. - _Hybris_, NITZSCH. - -[Illustration: =6885= ⅓ - -_Strix pratincola._] - -GEN. CHAR. Size medium. No ear-tufts; facial ruff entirely continuous, -very conspicuous. Wing very long, the first or second quill longest, -and all without emargination. Tail short, emarginated. Bill elongated, -compressed, regularly curved; top of the cere nearly equal to the -culmen, straight, and somewhat depressed. Nostril open, oval, nearly -horizontal. Eyes very small. Tarsus nearly twice as long as the middle -toe, densely clothed with soft short feathers, those on the posterior -face inclined upwards; toes scantily bristled; claws extremely sharp and -long, the middle one with its inner edge pectinated. Ear-conch nearly as -long as the height of the head, with an anterior operculum, which does -not extend its full length; the two ears symmetrical? - -The species of _Strix_ are distributed over the whole world, though -only one of them is cosmopolitan. This is the common Barn Owl (_S. -flammea_), the type of the genus, which is found in nearly every -portion of the world, though in different regions it has experienced -modifications which constitute geographical races. The other species, of -more restricted distribution, are peculiar to the tropical portions of -the Old World, chiefly Australia and South Africa. - - -Synopsis of the Races of S. flammea. - - =S. flammea.= Face varying from pure white to delicate claret-brown; - facial circle varying from pure white, through ochraceous and rufous, - to deep black. Upper parts with the feathers ochraceous-yellow - basally; this overlaid, more or less continuously, by a grayish wash, - usually finely mottled and speckled, with dusky and white. Primaries - and tail barred transversely, more or less distinctly, with distant - dusky bands, of variable number. Beneath, varying from pure snowy - white to tawny rufous, immaculate or speckled. Wing, 10.70–13.50. - - Wing, 10.70–12.00; tail, 4.80–5.50; culmen, .75–.80; tarsus, - 2.05–2.15; middle toe, 1.25–1.30. Tail with four dark bands, and - sometimes a trace of a fifth. Hab. Europe and Mediterranean region - of Africa … - - var. _flammea_.[13] - - Wing, 12.50–14.00; tail, 5.70–7.50; culmen, .90–1.00; tarsus, - 2.55–3.00. Tail with four dark bands, and sometimes a trace of a - fifth. Colors lighter than in var. _flammea_. _Hab._ Southern North - America and Mexico … - - var. _pratincola_. - - Wing, 11.30–13.00; tail, 5.30–5.90; tarsus, 2.55–2.95. Colors of - var. _flammea_, but more uniform above and more coarsely speckled - below. _Hab._ Central America, from Panama to Guatemala … - - var. _guatemalæ_.[14] - - Wing, 11.70–12.00; tail, 4.80–5.20; tarsus, 2.40–2.75. Tail more - even, and lighter colored; the dark bars narrower, and more sharply - defined. Colors generally paler, and more grayish. _Hab._ South - America (Brazil, etc.) … - - var. _perlata_.[15] - - Wing, 12.00–13.50; tail, 5.60–6.00; culmen, .85–.95; tarsus, - 2.70–2.85; middle toe, 1.45–1.60. Colors as in var. _perlata_, - but secondaries and tail nearly white, in abrupt contrast to the - adjacent parts; tail usually without bars. _Hab._ West Indies (Cuba - and Jamaica, Mus. S. I.) … - - var. _furcata_.[16] - - Wing, 11.00; tail, 5.00; culmen, about .85; tarsus, 2.05–2.45; - middle toe, 1.30–1.40. Colors of var. _pratincola_, but less of the - ochraceous, with a greater prevalence of the gray mottling. Tail - with four dark bands _Hab._ Australia … - - var. _delicatula_.[17] - - Wing, 11.00–11.70; tail, 5.10–5.40; culmen, .85–.90; tarsus, - 2.30–2.45; middle toe, 1.35–1.45. Same colors as var. _delicatula_. - Tail with four dark bands (sometimes a trace of a fifth). _Hab._ - India and Eastern Africa … - - var. _javanica_.[18] - - -Strix flammea, var. pratincola, BONAP. - -AMERICAN BARN OWL. - - _Strix pratincola_, BONAP. List, 1838, p. 7.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, - 1844, 31, pl. xiii. f. 28.—GRAY, Gen. B., fol. sp. 2.—CASSIN, B. - Cal. & Tex. 1854, p. 176.—NEWB. P. R. Rep. VI, IV, 1857, 76.—HEERM. - do. VII, 1857, 34.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 47.—COUES, Prod. Orn. - Ariz. (P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866), 13.—SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 390 - (Oaxaca).—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas).—? BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. - 1867, 65 (Bahamas). _Strix perlata_, GRAY, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1848, - 109 (not _S. perlata_ of LICHT. !).—IB. Hand List, I, 1869, 52.—KAUP, - Monog. Strig. Pr. Zoöl. Soc. Lond. IV, 1859, 247. _Strix americana_, - AUD. Synop. 1839, 24.—BREWER, Wilson’s Am. Orn. 1852, 687. _Strix - flammea_, MAX. Reise Bras. II, 1820, 265.—WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. l, - f. 2.—JAMES, ed. Wilson’s Am. Orn. I, 1831, 111.—AUD. B. Am. 1831, pl. - clxxi.—IB. Orn. Biog. II, 1831, 403.—SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 21.—VIG. Zoöl. - Jour. III, 438.—IB. Zoöl. Beech. Voy. p. 16.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. - II, 38.—IB. Isis, 1832, 1140; Consp. Av. p. 55.—GRAY, List Birds Brit. - Mus. 1844, 54.—NUTT. Man. 1833, 139. _Ulula flammea_, JARDINE, ed. - Wilson’s Am. Orn. II, 1832, 264. _Strix flammea_, var. _americana_, - COUES, Key, 1872, 201. - -CHAR. _Average plumage._ Ground-color of the upper parts bright -orange-ochraceous; this overlaid in cloudings, on nearly the whole -of the surface, with a delicate mottling of blackish and white; the -mottling continuous on the back and inner scapulars, and on the ends -of the primaries more faint, while along their edges it is more in the -form of fine dusky dots, thickly sprinkled. Each feather of the mottled -surface (excepting the secondaries and primaries) has a medial dash of -black, enclosing a roundish or cordate spot of white near the end of the -feather; on the secondaries and primaries, the mottling is condensed -into obsolete transverse bands, which are about four in number on the -former and five on the latter; primary coverts deeper orange-rufous -than the other portions, the mottling principally at their ends. Tail -orange-ochraceous, finely mottled—most densely terminally—with dusky, -fading into whitish at the tip, and crossed by about five distinct bands -of mottled dusky. Face white, tinged with wine-red; an ante-orbital spot -of dark claret-brown, this narrowly surrounding the eye; facial circle, -from forehead down to the ears (behind which it is white for an inch or -so) soft orange-ochraceous, similar to the ground-color of the upper -parts; the lower half (from ears across the throat) deeper ochraceous, -the tips of the feathers blackish, the latter sometimes predominating. -Lower parts snowy-white, but this more or less overlaid with a tinge -of fine orange-ochraceous, lighter than the tint of the upper parts; -and, excepting on the jugulum, anal region, and crissum, with numerous -minute but distinct specks of black; under surface of wings delicate -yellowish-white, the lining sparsely sprinkled with black dots; inner -webs of primaries with transverse bars of mottled dusky near their ends. - -_Extreme plumages._ Darkest (No. 6,884, ♂, Tejon Valley, Cal.; -“R. S. W.” Dr. Heermann): There is no white whatever on the plumage, the -lower parts being continuous light ochraceous; the tibiæ have numerous -round spots of blackish. Lightest (No. 6,885, same locality): Face and -entire lower parts immaculate snowy-white; facial circle white, with the -tips of the feathers orange; the secondaries, primaries, and tail show -no bars, their surface being uniformly and finely mottled. - -_Measurements_ (♂, 6,884, Tejon Valley, Cal.; Dr. Heermann). Wing, -13.00; tail, 5.70; culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.25. -Wing-formula, 2, 1–3. Among the very numerous specimens in the -collection, there is not one marked ♀. The extremes of a large series -are as follows: Wing, 12.50–14.00; tail, 5.70–7.50; culmen, .90–1.10; -tarsus, 2.55–3.00. - -HAB. More southern portions of North America, especially near the -sea-coast, from the Middle States southward, and along the southern -border to California; whole of Mexico. In Central America appreciably -modified into var. _guatemalæ_. In South America replaced by var. -_perlata_, and in the West Indies by the quite different var. _furcata_. - -Localities: Oaxaca (SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 390); Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, -1865, 330); Arizona (COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 49); ? Bahamas (BRYANT, -Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 65). Kansas (SNOW, List of B. Kansas); Iowa (ALLEN, -Iowa Geol. Report, II, 424). - -[Illustration: =6885= ½ NAT. SIZE. - -_Strix pratincola._] - -The variations of plumage noted above appear to be of a purely -individual nature, since they do not depend upon the locality; nor, as -far as we can learn, to any considerable extent, upon age or sex. - -HABITS. On the Atlantic coast this bird very rarely occurs north of -Pennsylvania. It is given by Mr. Lawrence as very rare in the vicinity -of New York, and in three instances, at least, it has been detected in -New England. An individual is said, by Rev. J. H. Linsley, to have been -taken in 1843, in Stratford, Conn.; another was shot at Sachem’s Head in -the same State, October 28, 1865; and a third was killed in May, 1868, -near Springfield, Mass. - -In the vicinity of Philadelphia the Barn Owl is not very rare, but is -more common in spring and autumn than in the summer. Its nests have been -found in hollow trees near marshy meadows. Southward it is more or less -common as far as South Carolina, where it becomes more abundant, and its -range then extends south and west as far as the Pacific. It is quite -plentiful in Texas and New Mexico, and is one of the most abundant birds -of California. It was not met with by Dr. Woodhouse in the expedition -to the Zuñi River, but this may be attributed to the desolate character -of the country through which he passed, as it is chiefly found about -habitations, and is never met with in wooded or wild regions. - -[Illustration: _Strix flammea._] - -Dr. Heermann and Dr. Gambel, who visited California before the present -increase in population, speak of its favorite resort as being in the -neighborhood of the Missions, and of its nesting under the tiled roofs -of the houses. The latter also refers to his finding numbers under -one roof, and states that they showed no fear when approached. The -propensity of the California bird to drink the sacred oil from the -consecrated lamps about the altars of the Missions was frequently -referred to by the priests, whenever any allusion was made to this Owl. -Dr. Gambel also found it about farm-houses, and occasionally in the -prairie valleys, where it obtains an abundance of food, such as mice and -other small animals. - -Dr. Heermann, in a subsequent visit to the State, mentions it as being -a very common bird in all parts of California. They were once quite -numerous among the hollow trees in the vicinity of Sacramento, but have -gradually disappeared, as their old haunts were one by one destroyed -to make way for the gradual development and growth of that city. Dr. -Heermann found a large number in the winter, sheltered during the day -among the reeds of Suisun Valley. They were still abundant in the old -Catholic Missions, where they frequented the ruined walls and towers, -and constructed their nests in the crevices and nooks of those once -stately buildings, now falling to decay. These ruins were also a shelter -for innumerable bats, reptiles, and vermin, which formed an additional -attraction to the Owls. - -Dr. Cooper speaks of finding this Owl abundant throughout Southern -California, especially near the coast, and Dr. Newberry frequently met -with it about San Francisco, San Diego, and Monterey, where it was -more common than any other species. He met with it on San Pablo Bay, -inhabiting holes in the perpendicular cliffs bordering the south shore. -It was also found in the Klamath Basin, but not in great numbers. - -Mr. J. H. Clark found the Barn Owl nesting, in May, in holes burrowed -into the bluff banks of the Rio Frio, in Texas. These burrows were -nearly horizontal, with a considerable excavation near the back end, -where the eggs were deposited. These were three or four in number, -and of a dirty white. The parent bird allowed the eggs to be handled -without manifesting any concern. There was no lining or nest whatever. -Lieutenant Couch found them common on the Lower Rio Grande, but rare -near Monterey, Mexico. They were frequently met with living in the sides -of large deep wells. - -Dr. Coues speaks of it as a common resident species in Arizona. It was -one of the most abundant Owls of the Territory, and was not unfrequently -to be observed at midday. On one occasion he found it preying upon -Blackbirds, in the middle of a small open reed swamp. - -It is not uncommon in the vicinity of Washington, and after the partial -destruction of the Smithsonian Building by fire, for one or two years -a pair nested in the top of the tower. It is quite probable that the -comparative rarity of the species in the Eastern States is owing to -their thoughtless destruction, the result of a short-sighted and -mistaken prejudice that drives away one of our most useful birds, and -one which rarely does any mischief among domesticated birds, but is, on -the contrary, most destructive to rats, mice, and other mischievous and -injurious vermin. - -Mr. Audubon mentions two of these birds which had been kept in -confinement in Charleston, S. C., where their cries in the night never -failed to attract others of the species. He regards them as altogether -crepuscular in habits, and states that when disturbed in broad daylight -they always fly in an irregular and bewildered manner. Mr. Audubon -also states that so far as his observations go, they feed entirely on -small quadrupeds, as he has never found the remains of any feathers or -portions of birds in their stomachs or about their nests. In confinement -it partakes freely of any kind of flesh. - -The Cuban race (var. _furcata_), also found in other West India islands, -is hardly distinguishable from our own bird, and its habits may be -presumed to be essentially the same. Mr. Gosse found the breeding-place -of the Jamaica Owl at the bottom of a deep limestone pit, in the middle -of October; there was one young bird with several eggs. There was not -the least vestige of a nest; the bird reposed on a mass of half-digested -hair mingled with bones. At a little distance were three eggs, at -least six inches apart. On the 12th of the next month he found in the -same place the old bird sitting on four eggs, this time placed close -together. There was still no nest. The eggs were advanced towards -hatching, but in very different degrees, and an egg ready for deposition -was found in the oviduct of the old bird. - -An egg of this Owl, taken in Louisiana by Dr. Trudeau, measured 1.69 -inches in length by 1.38 in breadth. Another, obtained in New Mexico, -measures 1.69 by 1.25. Its color is a dirty yellowish-white, its shape -an oblong oval, hardly more pointed at the smaller than at the larger -end. - -An egg from Monterey, California, collected by Dr. Canfield, measures -1.70 inches in length by 1.25 in breadth, of an oblong-oval shape, and -nearly equally obtuse at either end. It is of a uniform bluish-white. -Another from the Rio Grande is of a soiled or yellowish white, and of -the same size and shape. - - -GENUS OTUS, CUVIER. - - _Otus_, CUV. Reg. An. 1799. (Type, _Strix otus_, LINN.) - _Asio_, SWAINS. 1831 (_nec_ BRISSON, 1760). - _Brachyotus_, GOULD, P. Z. S. 1837, 10. (Type, _Stryx brachyotus_.) - _Ægolius_, KEYS. & Bl. 1840 (_nec_ KAUP, 1829). - -CHAR. Size medium. Ear-tufts well developed or rudimentary; head small; -eyes small. Cere much arched, its length more than the chord of the -culmen. Bill weak, compressed. Only the first, or first and second, -outer primary with its inner web emarginated. Tail about half the -wing, rounded. Ear-conch very large, gill-like, about as long as the -height of the skull, with an anterior operculum, which extends its full -length, and bordered posteriorly by a raised membrane; the two ears -asymmetrical. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =A.= OTUS, Cuvier. Ear-tufts well developed; outer quill only with - inner web emarginated. - - Colors blackish-brown and buffy-ochraceous,—the former predominating - above, where mottled with whitish; the latter prevailing beneath, - and variegated with stripes or bars of dusky. Tail, primaries, and - secondaries, transversely barred (obsoletely in _O. stygius_). - - 1. =O. vulgaris.= Ends of primaries normal, broad; toes feathered; - face ochraceous. - - Dusky of the upper parts in form of longitudinal stripes, - contrasting conspicuously with the paler ground-color. Beneath - with ochraceous prevalent; the markings in form of longitudinal - stripes, with scarcely any transverse bars. _Hab._ Europe and - considerable part of the Old World … - - var. _vulgaris_.[19] - - Dusky of the upper parts in form of confused mottling, not - contrasting conspicuously with the paler ground-color. Beneath - with the ochraceous overlaid by the whitish tips to the - feathers; the markings in form of transverse bars, which are - broader than the narrow medial streak. Wing, 11.50–12.00; tail, - 6.00–6.20; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.20–1.25; middle toe, 1.15. - Wing-formula, 2, 3–4–1. _Hab._ North America … - - var. _wilsonianus_. - - 2. =O. stygius.=[20] Ends of primaries narrow, that of the first - almost falcate; toes entirely naked; face dusky, or with dusky - prevailing. - - Above blackish-brown, thinly relieved by an irregular sparse - spotting of yellowish-white. Beneath with the markings in form - of longitudinal stripes, which throw off occasional transverse - arms toward the edge of the feathers. Wing, 13.00; tail, 6.80; - culmen, .90; tarsus, 1.55; middle toe, 1.50. Wing-formula, 2, - 3–4, 1. _Hab._ South America. - - =B.= BRACHYOTUS, Gould (1837). Similar to _Otus_, but ear-tufts - rudimentary, and the second quill as well as the first with the inner - web emarginated. - - Colors ochraceous, or white, and clear dark brown, without shadings - or middle tints. Beneath with narrow longitudinal dark stripes - upon the whitish or ochraceous ground-color; crown and neck - longitudinally striped with dark brown and ochraceous. - - 3. =O. brachyotus.= Wings and tail nearly equally spotted and - banded with ochraceous and dark brown. Tail with about six bands, - the ochraceous terminal. Face dingy ochraceous, blackish around - the eyes. Wing, about 11.00–13.00; tail, 5.75–6.10; culmen, - .60–.65; tarsus, 1.75–1.80; middle toe, 1.20. _Hab._ Whole world - (except Australia?). - -Though this genus is cosmopolitan, the species are few in number; two -of them (_O. vulgaris_ and _O. brachyotus_) are common to both North -America and Europe, one of them (the latter) found also in nearly every -country in the world. Besides these, South Africa has a peculiar species -(_O. capensis_) while Tropical America alone possesses the _O. stygius_. - - -Otus vulgaris, var. wilsonianus, LESS. - -LONG-EARED OWL; LESSER-HORNED OWL. - - _? Strix peregrinator_ (_?_), BART. Trav. 1792, p. 285.—CASS. B. Cal. - & Tex. 1854, 196. _Asio peregrinator_, STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, - 207. _Otus wilsonianus_, LESS. Tr. Orn. 1831, 110.—GRAY, Gen. fol. sp. - 2, 1844.—IB. List Birds Brit. Mus. p. 105.—CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. - 1854, 81.—IB. Birds N. Am. 1858, 53.—COOP. & SUCK. 1860, 155.—COUES, - Prod. 1866, 14. _Otus americanus_, BONAP. List, 1838, p. 7.—IB. Consp. - p. 50.—WEDERB. & TRISTR. Cont. Orn. 1849, p. 81.—KAUP, Monog. Strig. - Cont. Orn. 1852, 113.—IB. Trans. Zoöl. Soc. IV, 1859, 233.—MAX. Cab. - Jour. VI, 1858, 25.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, No. 540, p. 50. _Strix - otus_, WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. li, f. 1.—RICH. & SW. F. B. A. II, - 72.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. II, 37.—IB. Isis, 1832, 1140.—AUD. Orn. - Biog. IV, 572.—IB. Birds Am. pl. ccclxxxiii.—PEAB. Birds, Mass. 88. - _Ulula otus_, JARD. ed. Wils. Am. Orn. I, 1831, 104.—BREWER, ed. - Wils. Am. Orn. Synop. p. 687.—NUTT. Man. 130. _Otus vulgaris_ (not - of Fleming!), JARDINE, ed. Wils. Am. Orn. 1832, II, 278.—AUD. Synop. - 1831, 28.—GIRAUD, Birds Long Island, p. 25. _Otus vulgaris_, var. - _wilsonianus_ (RIDGWAY), COUES, Key, 1872, 204. _Bubo asio_, DE KAY, - Zoöl. N. Y. II, 25, pl. xii, f. 25. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Upper surface transversely mottled with -blackish-brown and grayish-white, the former predominating, especially -on the dorsal region; feathers of the nape and wings (only), ochraceous -beneath the surface, lower scapulars with a few obsolete spots of white -on lower webs. Primary coverts dusky, with transverse series of dark -mottled grayish spots, these becoming somewhat ochraceous basally; -ground-color of the primaries grayish, this especially prevalent on the -inner quills; the basal third (or less) of all are ochraceous, this -decreasing in extent on inner feathers; the grayish tint is everywhere -finely mottled transversely with dusky, but the ochraceous is plain; -primaries crossed by a series of about seven quadrate blackish-brown -spots, these anteriorly about as wide as the intervening yellowish or -mottled grayish; the interval between the primary coverts to the first -of these spots is about .80 to 1.00 inch on the fourth quill,—the -spots on the inner and outer feathers approaching the coverts, or even -underlying them; the inner primaries—or, in fact, the general exposed -grayish surface—has much narrower bars of dusky. Ground-color of the -wings like the back, this growing paler on the outer feathers, and -becoming ochraceous basally; the tip approaching whitish; secondaries -crossed by nine or ten narrow bands of dusky. - -Ear-tufts, with the lateral portion of each web, ochraceous; this -becoming white, somewhat variegated with black, toward the end -of the inner webs, on which the ochraceous is broadest; medial -portion clear, unvariegated black. Forehead and post-auricular disk -minutely speckled with blackish and white; facial circle continuous -brownish-black, becoming broken into a variegated collar across the -throat. “Eyebrows” and lores grayish-white; eye surrounded with -blackish, this broadest anteriorly above and below, the posterior half -being like the ear-coverts. Face plain ochraceous; chin and upper part -of the throat immaculate white. Ground-color below pale ochraceous, -the exposed surface of the feathers, however, white; breast with -broad longitudinal blotches of clear dark brown, these medial, on the -feathers; sides and flanks, each feather with a medial stripe, crossed -by as broad, or broader, transverse bars, of blackish-brown; abdomen, -tibial plumes, and legs plain ochraceous, becoming nearly white on the -lower part of tarsus and on the toes; tibial plumes with a few sagittate -marks of brownish; lower tail-coverts each having a medial sagittate -mark of dusky, this continuing along the shaft, forking toward the -base. Lining of the wing plain pale ochraceous; inner primary coverts -blackish-brown, forming a conspicuous spot. - -[Illustration: =38256= ½ ½ - -_Otus wilsonianus._] - -♂ (51,227, Carlisle, Penn.; S. F. Baird). Wing formula, 2, 3–1, 4, etc. -Wing, 11.50; tail, 6.20; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.15. - -♀ (2,362, Professor Baird’s collection, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing formula, -2, 3–4–1. Wing, 12.00; tail, 6.00; culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.25; middle -toe, 1.15. - -_Young_ (49,568, Sacramento, Cal., June 21, 1867; Clarence King, Robert -Ridgway). Wings and tail as in the adult; other portions transversely -banded with blackish-brown and grayish-white, the latter prevailing -anteriorly; eyebrows and loral bristles entirely black; legs white. - -HAB. Whole of temperate North America? Tobago? (JARDINE). - -Localities: Tobago (JARDINE, Ann. Mag. 18, 116); Arizona (COUES, -P. A. N. S. 1866, 50). - -The American Long-eared Owl is quite different in coloration from the -_Otus vulgaris_ of Europe. In the latter, ochraceous prevails over the -whole surface, even above, where the transverse dusky mottling does -not approach the uniformity that it does in the American bird; in the -European bird, each feather above has a conspicuous medial longitudinal -stripe of dark brownish: these markings are found everywhere except -on the rump and upper tail-coverts, where the ochraceous is deepest, -and transversely clouded with dusky mottling; in the American bird, no -longitudinal stripes are visible on the upper surface. The ochraceous -of the lower surface is, in the _vulgaris_, varied only (to any -considerable degree) by the sharply defined medial longitudinal stripes -to the feathers, the transverse bars being few and inconspicuous; in -_wilsonianus_, white overlies the ochraceous below, and the longitudinal -are less conspicuous than the transverse markings; the former on the -breast are broader than in _vulgaris_, in which, also, the ochraceous -at the bases of the primaries occupies a greater extent. Comparing -these very appreciable differences with the close resemblance of other -representative styles of the two continents (differences founded on -shade or depth of tints alone), we were almost inclined to recognize in -the American Long-eared Owl a specific value to these discrepancies. - -[Illustration: _Otus vulgaris._] - -The _Otus stygius_, Wagl., of South America and Mexico, is entirely -distinct, as will be seen from the foregoing synoptical table. - -HABITS. This species appears to be one of the most numerous of the -Owls of North America, and to be pretty generally distributed. Its -strictly nocturnal habits have caused it to be temporarily overlooked in -localities where it is now known to be present and not rare. Dr. William -Gambel and Dr. Heermann both omit it from their lists of the birds of -California, though Dr. J. G. Cooper has since found it quite common. It -was once supposed not to breed farther south than New Jersey, but it -is now known to be resident in South Carolina and in Arizona, and is -probably distributed through all the intervening country. Donald Gunn -writes that to his knowledge this solitary bird hunts in the night, both -summer and winter, in the Red River region. It there takes possession of -the deserted nests of crows, and lays four white eggs. He found it as -far as the shores of Hudson’s Bay. Richardson states it to be plentiful -in the woods skirting the plains of the Saskatchewan, frequenting the -coast of the bay in the summer, and retiring into the interior in the -winter. He met with it as high as the 16th parallel of latitude, and -believed it to occur as far as the forests extend. - -Dr. Cooper met with this species on the banks of the Columbia, east of -the Dalles. The region was desolate and barren, and several species -of Owls appeared to have been drawn there by the abundance of hares -and mice. Dr. Suckley also met with it on a branch of Milk River, in -Nebraska. It has likewise been taken in different parts of California, -in New Mexico, among the Rocky Mountains, in the valley of the Rio -Grande, at Fort Benton, and at Cape Florida, in the last-named place by -Mr. Würdemann. - -Dr. Cooper found this Owl quite common near San Diego, and in March -observed them sitting in pairs in the evergreen oaks, apparently not -much troubled by the light. On the 27th of March he found a nest, -probably that of a Crow, built in a low evergreen oak, in which a female -Owl was sitting on five eggs, then partly hatched. The bird was quite -bold, flew round him, snapping her bill at him, and tried to draw him -away from the nest; the female imitating the cries of wounded birds with -remarkable accuracy, showing a power of voice not supposed to exist in -Owls, but more in the manner of a Parrot. He took one of the eggs, and -on the 23d of April, on revisiting the nest, he found that the others -had hatched. The egg measured 1.60 by 1.36 inches. Dr. Cooper also -states that he has found this Owl wandering into the barren treeless -deserts east of the Sierra Nevada, where it was frequently to be met -with in the autumn, hiding in the thickets along the streams. It also -resorts to caves, where any are to be found. - -Dr. Kennerly met with this bird in the cañons west of the Aztec -Mountains, where they find good places for their nests, which -they build, in common with Crows and Hawks, among the precipitous -cliffs,—places unapproachable by the wolf and lynx. - -On the Atlantic coast the Long-eared Owl occurs in more or less -abundance from Nova Scotia to Florida. It is found in the vicinity of -Halifax, according to Mr. Downes, and about Calais according to Mr. -Boardman, though not abundantly in either region. In Western Maine, and -in the rest of New England, it is more common. It has been known to -breed at least as far south as Maryland, Mr. W. M. McLean finding it in -Rockville. Mr. C. N. Holden, Jr., during his residence at Sherman, in -Wyoming Territory, met with a single specimen of this bird. A number of -Magpies were in the same bush, but did not seem either to molest or to -be afraid of it. - -The food of this bird consists chiefly of small quadrupeds, insects, -and, to some extent, of small birds of various kinds. Audubon mentions -finding the stomach of one stuffed with feathers, hair, and bones. - -The Long-eared Owl appears to nest for the most part in trees, and also -frequently to make use of the nests of other birds, such as Crows, -Hawks, or Herons. Occasionally, however, they construct nests for -themselves. Audubon speaks of finding such a one near the Juniata -River, in Pennsylvania. This was composed of green twigs with the -leaflets adhering, and lined with fresh grass and sheep’s wool, but -without feathers. Mr. Kennicott sent me from Illinois an egg of this -bird, that had been taken from a nest on the ground; and, according -to Richardson, in the fur regions it sometimes lays its eggs in that -manner, at other times in the deserted nests of other birds, on low -bushes. Mr. Hutchins speaks of its depositing them as early as April. -Richardson received one found in May; and another nest was observed, in -the same neighborhood, which contained three eggs on the 5th of July. -Wilson speaks of this Owl as having been abundant in his day in the -vicinity of Philadelphia, and of six or seven having been found in a -single tree. He also mentions it as there breeding among the branches of -tall trees, and in one particular instance as having taken possession -of the nest of a Qua Bird (_Nyctiardea gardeni_), where Wilson found it -sitting on four eggs, while one of the Herons had her own nest on the -same tree. Audubon states that it usually accommodates itself by making -use of the abandoned nests of other birds, whether these are built high -or low. It also makes use of the fissures of rocks, or builds on the -ground. - -As this Owl is known to breed early in April, and as numerous instances -are given of their eggs being taken in July, it is probable they have -two broods in a season. Mr. J. S. Brandigee, of Berlin, Conn., found -a nest early in April, in a hemlock-tree, situated in a thick dark -evergreen woods. The nest was flat, made of coarse sticks, and contained -four fresh eggs when the parent was shot. - -Mr. Ridgway found this Owl to be very abundant in the Sacramento Valley, -as well as throughout the Great Basin, in both regions inhabiting dense -willow copses near the streams. In the interior it generally lays its -eggs in the deserted nests of the Magpie. - -The eggs of this Owl, when fresh, are of a brilliant white color, with a -slight pinkish tinge, which they preserve even after having been blown, -if kept from the light. They are of a rounded-oval shape, and obtuse -at either end. They vary considerably in size, measuring from 1.65 to -1.50 inches in length, and from 1.30 to 1.35 inches in breadth. Two -eggs, taken from the same nest by Rev. C. M. Jones, have the following -measurements: one 1.60 by 1.34 inches, the other 1.50 by 1.30 inches. - - -Otus (Brachyotus) brachyotus, STEPH. - -SHORT-EARED OWL; MARSH OWL. - - _Strix brachyotus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. 289, 1789.—FORST. Phil. Trans. - LXII, 384.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxiii, f. 3.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. - ccccxxxii, 1831.—IB. Orn. Biog. V, 273.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, - 75.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 37.—THOMPS. N. H. Vermont, p. 66.—PEAB. - Birds Mass. p. 89. _Ulula brachyotus_, JAMES. (WILS.), Am. Orn. I, - 106, 1831.—NUTT. Man. 132. _Otus brachyotus_, (STEPH.) JARD. (WILS.), - Am. Orn. II, 63, 1832.—PEALE, U. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 75.—KAUP, Monog. - Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 114.—IB. Tr. Zoöl. Soc. IV, 1859, 236.—HUDSON, - P. Z. S. 1870, 799 (habits). _Asio brachyotus_, STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, - 259, 1855. _Otus brachyotus americanus_, MAX. Cab. Jour. II, 1858, 27. - _Brachyotus palustris_, BONAP. List. 1838, p. 7.—RIDGW. in COUES, Key, - 1872, 204. _Otus palustris_, (DARW.) DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 28, pl. - xii, f. 27, 1844. _Brachyotus palustris americanus_, BONAP. Consp. Av. - p. 51, 1849. _Brachyotus cassini_, BREWER, Pr. Boston Soc. N. H.—NEWB. - P. R. Rep’t, VI, IV, 76.—HEERM. do. VII, 34, 1857.—CASSIN (in BAIRD) - Birds N. Am. 1858, 54.—COOP. & SUCKL. P. R. Rep’t, XII, ii, 155, - 1860.—COUES, P. A. N. S. (Prod. Orn. Ariz.) 1866, 14.—GRAY, Hand List, - I, 51, 1869. _Brachyotus galopagoensis_, GOULD, P. Z. S. 1837, 10. - _Otus galopagoensis_, DARW. Zool. Beag. pt. iii, p. 32, pl. iii.—GRAY, - Gen. fol. sp. 3; List Birds Brit. Mus. 108.—BONAP. Consp. 51. _Asio - galopagoensis_, STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 211. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Ground-color of the head, neck, back, scapulars, -rump, and lower parts, pale ochraceous; each feather (except on the -rump) with a medial longitudinal stripe of blackish-brown,—these -broadest on the scapulars; on the back, nape, occiput, and jugulum, -the two colors about equal; on the lower parts, the stripes grow -narrower posteriorly, those on the abdomen and sides being in the form -of narrow lines. The flanks, legs, anal region, and lower tail-coverts -are always perfectly immaculate; the legs most deeply ochraceous, the -lower tail-coverts nearly pure white. The rump has obsolete crescentic -marks of brownish. The wings are variegated with the general dusky and -ochraceous tints, but the markings are more irregular; the yellowish in -form of indentations or confluent spots, approaching the shafts from -the edge,—broadest on the outer webs. Secondaries crossed by about -five bands of ochraceous, the last terminal; primary coverts plain -blackish-brown, with one or two poorly defined transverse series of -ochraceous spots on the basal portion. Primaries ochraceous on the basal -two-thirds, the terminal portion clear dark brown, the tips (broadly) -pale brownish-yellowish, this becoming obsolete on the longest; the -dusky extends toward the bases, in three to five irregularly transverse -series of quadrate spots on the outer webs, leaving, however, a large -basal area of plain ochraceous,—this somewhat more whitish anteriorly. -The ground-color of the tail is ochraceous,—this becoming whitish -exteriorly and terminally,—crossed by five broad bands (about equalling -the ochraceous, but becoming narrower toward outer feathers) of -blackish-brown; on the middle feathers, the ochraceous spots enclose -smaller, central transverse spots of blackish; the terminal ochraceous -band is broadest. - -Eyebrows, lores, chin, and throat soiled white, the loral bristles with -black shafts; face dingy ochraceous-white, feathers with darker shafts; -eye broadly encircled with black. Post-orbital circle minutely speckled -with pale ochraceous and blackish, except immediately behind the ear, -where for about an inch it is uniform dusky. - -Lining of the wing immaculate delicate yellowish-white; terminal half of -under primary coverts clear blackish-brown; under surface of primaries -plain delicate ochraceous-white; ends, and one or two very broad -anterior bands, dusky. - -♂ (906, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing-formula, 2–1, 3. Wing, 11.80; tail, 5.80; -culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe, 1.20. - -[Illustration: =6888= ½ ½ - -_Otus brachyotus._] - -[Illustration: =6883= ⅓ - -_Otus brachyotus._] - -♀ (1,059, Dr. Elliot Coues’s collection, Washington, D. C.). -Wing-formula, 2–3–1–4. Wing, 13.00; tail, 6.10; culmen, .65; tarsus, -1.80; middle toe, 1.20. - -HAB. Entire continent and adjacent islands of America; also Europe, -Asia, Africa, Polynesia, and Sandwich Islands. - -Localities: Oaxaca (SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 390); Cuba (CAB. Journ. III, -465; GUNDL. Rept. 1865, 225, west end); Arizona (COUES, P. A. N. S. -1866, 50); Brazil (PELZ. Orn. Bras. I, 10); Buenos Ayres (SCL. & SALV. -P. Z. S. 1868, 143); Chile (PHILIPPI, Mus. S. I.). - -In view of the untangible nature of the differences between the American -and European Short-eared Owls (seldom at all appreciable, and when -appreciable not constant), we cannot admit a difference even of race -between them. In fact, this species seems to be the only one of the -Owls common to the two continents in which an American specimen cannot -be distinguished from the European. The average plumage of the American -representative is a shade or two darker than that of European examples; -but the lightest specimens I have seen are several from the Yukon region -in Alaska, and one from California (No. 6,888, Suisun Valley). - -Not only am I unable to appreciate any tangible differences between -European and North American examples, but I fail to detect characters -of the least importance whereby these may be distinguished from South -American and Sandwich Island specimens (“_galopagoensis_, Gould,” and -“_sandwichensis_, Blox.”). Only two specimens, among a great many -from South America (Paraguay, Buenos Ayres, Brazil, etc.), are at all -distinguishable from Northern American. These two (Nos. 13,887 and -13,883, Chile) are somewhat darker than others, but not so dark as No. -16,029, ♀, from Fort Crook, California. A specimen from the Sandwich -Islands (No. 13,890) is nearly identical with these Chilean birds, the -only observable difference consisting in a more blackish forehead, and -in having just noticeable dark shaft-lines on the lower tail-coverts. - -[Illustration: _Otus brachyotus._] - -In the geographical variations of this species it is seen that the -average plumage of North American specimens is just appreciably darker -than that of European, while tropical specimens have a tendency to be -still darker. I know of no bird so widely distributed which varies -so little in the different parts of its habitat, unless it be the -_Cotyle riparia_, which, however, is not found so far to the south. The -difference, in this case, between the American and European birds, does -not correspond at all to that between the two easily distinguished races -of _Otus vulgaris_, _Nyctale tengmalmi_, _Surnia ulula_, and _Syrnium -cinereum_. - -A specimen from Porto Rico (No. 39,643) is somewhat remarkable on -account of the prevalence of the dusky of the upper parts, the unusually -few and narrow stripes of the same on the lower parts, the roundish -ochraceous spots on the wings, and in having the primaries barred to the -base. Should all other specimens from the same region agree in these -characters, they might form a diagnosable race. The plumage has an -abnormal appearance, however, and I much doubt whether others like it -will ever be taken. - -HABITS. The Short-eared Owl appears to be distributed, in varying -frequency, throughout North America, more abundant in the Arctic regions -during the summer, and more frequently met with in the United States -during the winter months. Richardson met with it throughout the fur -countries as far to the north as the 67th parallel. Professor Holböll -gives it as a bird of Greenland, and it was met with in considerable -abundance by MacFarlane in the Anderson River district. Mr. Murray -mentions a specimen received from the wooded district between Hudson’s -Bay and Lake Winnipeg. Captain Blakiston met with it on the coast of -Hudson’s Bay, and Mr. Bernard Ross on the Mackenzie River. - -Mr. Dresser speaks of it as common at times near San Antonio during the -winter months, keeping itself in the tall weeds and grass. It is given -by Dr. Gundlach as an occasional visitant of Cuba. - -Dr. Newberry met with it throughout Oregon and California, and found -it especially common in the Klamath Basin. On the level meadow-like -prairies of the Upper Pitt River it was seen associating with the Marsh -Hawk in considerable numbers. It was generally concealed in the grass, -and rose as the party approached. He afterwards met with this bird on -the shores of Klamath Lake, and in the Des Chutes Basin, among grass -and sage-bushes, in those localities associated with the Burrowing Owl -(_A. hypogæa_). In Washington Territory it was found by Dr. Cooper on -the great Spokane Plain, where, as elsewhere, it was commonly found in -the long grass during the day. In fall and winter it appeared in large -numbers on the low prairies of the coast, but was not gregarious. Though -properly nocturnal, it was met with, hunting on cloudy days, flying low -over the meadows, in the manner of the Marsh Hawk. He did not meet with -it in summer in the Territory. - -Dr. Heermann found it abundant in the Suisun and Napa valleys of -California, in equal numbers with the _Strix pratincola_. It sought -shelter during the day on the ground among the reeds, and, when startled -from its hiding-place, would fly but a few yards and alight again upon -the ground. It did not seem wild or shy. He afterwards met with the same -species on the desert between the Tejon Pass and the Mohave River, and -again saw it on the banks of the latter. Richardson gives it as a summer -visitant only in the fur countries, where it arrives as soon as the snow -disappears, and departs again in September. A female was killed May 20 -with eggs nearly ready for exclusion. The bird was by no means rare, -and, as it frequently hunted for its prey in the daytime, was often -seen. Its principal haunts appeared to be dense thickets of young pines, -or dark and entangled willow-clumps, where it would sit on a low branch, -watching assiduously for mice. When disturbed, it would fly low for a -short distance, and then hide itself in a bush, from whence it was not -easily driven. Its nest was said to be on the ground, in a dry place, -and formed of withered grass. Hutchins is quoted as giving the number of -its eggs as ten or twelve, and describing them as round. The latter is -not correct, and seven appears to be their maximum number. - -Mr. Downes speaks of it as very rare in Nova Scotia, but Elliott Cabot -gives it as breeding among the islands in the Bay of Fundy, off the -coast, where he found several nests. It was not met with by Professor -Verrill in Western Maine, but is found in other parts of the State. It -is not uncommon in Eastern Massachusetts, where specimens are frequently -killed and brought to market for sale, and where it also breeds in -favorable localities on the coast. Mr. William Brewster met with it on -Muskeget, near Nantucket, where it had been breeding, and where it was -evidently a resident, its plumage having become bleached by exposure -to the sun, and the reflected light of the white sand of that treeless -island. It is not so common in the interior, though Mr. Allen gives it -as resident, and rather common, near Springfield. Dr. Wood found it -breeding in Connecticut, within a few miles of Hartford. - -Dr. Coues gives it as a resident species in South Carolina, and Mr. -Allen also mentions it, on the authority of Mr. Boardman, as quite -common among the marshes of Florida. Mr. Audubon also speaks of finding -it so plentiful in Florida that on one occasion he shot seven in a -single morning. They were to be found in the open prairies of that -country, rising from the tall grass in a hurried manner, and moving in -a zigzag manner, as if suddenly wakened from a sound sleep, and then -sailing to some distance in a direct course, and dropping among the -thickest herbage. Occasionally the Owl would enter a thicket of tangled -palmettoes, where with a cautious approach it could be taken alive. He -never found two of these birds close together, but always singly, at -distances of from twenty to a hundred yards; and when two or more were -started at once, they never flew towards each other. - -Mr. Audubon met with a nest of this Owl on one of the mountain ridges -in the great pine forest of Pennsylvania, containing four eggs nearly -ready to be hatched. They were bluish-white, of an elongated form, and -measured 1.50 inches in length and 1.12 in breadth. The nest, made in -a slovenly manner with dry grasses, was under a low bush, and covered -over with tall grass, through which the bird had made a path. The parent -bird betrayed her presence by making a clicking noise with her bill as -he passed by; and he nearly put his hand on her before she would move, -and then she hopped away, and would not fly, returning to her nest as -soon as he left the spot. The pellets disgorged by the Owl, and found -near her nest, were found to consist of the bones of small quadrupeds -mixed with hair, and the wings of several kinds of coleopterous insects. - -This bird was found breeding near the coast of New Jersey by Mr. Krider; -and at Hamilton, Canada, on the western shore of Lake Ontario; Mr. -McIlwraith speaks of its being more common than any other Owl. - -A nest found by Mr. Cabot was in the midst of a dry peaty bog. It was -built on the ground, in a very slovenly manner, of small sticks and a -few feathers, and presented hardly any excavation. It contained four -eggs on the point of being hatched. A young bird the size of a Robin was -also found lying dead on a tussock of grass in another similar locality. - -The notes of Mr. MacFarlane supply memoranda of twelve nests found by -him in the Anderson River country. They were all placed on the ground, -in various situations. One was in a small clump of dwarf willows, on the -ground, and composed of a few decayed leaves. Another nest was in a very -small hole, lined with a little hay and some decayed leaves. This was on -a barren plain of some extent, fifty miles east of Fort Anderson, and on -the edge of the wooded country. A third was in a clump of Labrador Tea, -and was similar to the preceding, except that the nest contained a few -feathers. This nest contained seven eggs,—the largest number found, and -only in this case. A fourth was in an artificial depression, evidently -scratched out by the parent bird. Feathers seem to have been noticed in -about half the nests, and in all cases to have been taken by the parent -from her own breast. Nearly all the nests were in depressions made for -the purpose. - -Mr. Dall noticed the Short-eared Owl on the Yukon and at Nulato, -and Mr. Bannister observed it at St. Michael’s, where it was a not -unfrequent visitor. In his recent Notes on the Avi-fauna of the Aleutian -Islands, (Pr. Cal. Academy, 1873,) Dall informs us that it is resident -on Unalashka, and that it excavates a hole horizontally for its -nesting-place,—usually to a distance of about two feet, the farther end -a little the higher. The extremity is lined with dry grass and feathers. -As there are no trees in the island, the bird was often seen sitting -on the ground, near the mouth of its burrow, even in the daytime. Mr. -Ridgway found this bird in winter in California, but never met with -it at any season in the interior, where the _O. wilsonianus_ was so -abundant. - -The eggs of this Owl are of a uniform dull white color, which in -the unblown egg is said to have a bluish tinge; they are in form an -elliptical ovoid. The eggs obtained by Mr. Cabot measured 1.56 inches in -length and 1.25 in breadth. The smallest egg collected by Mr. MacFarlane -measured 1.50 by 1.22 inches. The largest taken by Mr. B. R. Ross, at -Fort Simpson, measures 1.60 by 1.30 inches; their average measurement is -1.57 by 1.28 inches. An egg of the European bird measures 1.55 by 1.30 -inches. - - -GENUS SYRNIUM, SAVIGNY. - - _Syrnium_, SAVIGNY, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I, 112; 1809. (Type, _Strix - aluco_, L.) - _Scotiaptex_, SWAINS., Classif. B. II, 1837, p. 216. (Type, _Strix - cinerea_, GMEL.) - _? Ciccaba_, WAGL. Isis, 1831. (Type, _Strix huhula_, DAUD.) - _? Pulsatrix_, KAUP, 1849. (_Strix torquatus_, DAUD.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size varying from medium to very large. No ear-tufts. Head -very large, the eyes comparatively small. Four to six outer primaries -with their inner webs sinuated. Tarsi and upper portion, or the whole -of the toes, densely clothed with hair-like feathers. Tail considerably -more than half as long as the wing, decidedly rounded. Ear-orifice very -high, but not so high as the skull, and furnished with an anterior -operculum, which does not usually extend along the full length; the two -ears asymmetrical. Bill yellow. - -[Illustration: =4357= ⅓ - -_Syrnium nebulosum._] - - -Subgenera. - - =Scotiaptex.= Six outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. Toes - completely concealed by dense long hair-like feathers. Iris yellow. - (Type, _S. cinereum_.) - - =Syrnium=, SWAINSON. Five outer quills with their inner webs - emarginated. Toes not completely concealed by feathers; sometimes - nearly naked; terminal scutellæ always (?) exposed. Iris blackish. - (Type, _S. aluco_.) - -The typical species of this genus are confined to the Northern -Hemisphere. It is yet doubtful whether the Tropical American species -usually referred to this genus really belong here. The genera _Ciccaba_, -Wagl., and _Pulsatrix_, Kaup, have been instituted to include most of -them; but whether these are generically or only subgenerically distinct -from the typical species of _Syrnium_ remains to be decided. - -Our _S. nebulosum_ and _S. occidentale_ seem to be strictly congeneric -with the _S. aluca_, the type of the subgenus _Syrnium_, since they -agree in the minutest particulars in regard to their external form, and -other characters not specific. - -[Illustration: =4337= ½ ½ - -_Syrnium nebulosum._] - - -Species and Varieties. - -_a._ _Scotiaptex_, SWAINS. - - 1. =S. cinereum.= Iris yellow; bill yellow. Dusky grayish-brown - and grayish-white, the former prevailing above, the latter - predominating beneath. The upper surface with mottlings of a - transverse tendency; the lower surface with the markings in the - form of ragged longitudinal stripes, which are transformed into - transverse bars on the flanks, etc. Face grayish-white, with - concentric rings of dusky. Wing, 16.00–18.00; tail, 11.00–12.50. - - Dark markings predominating. _Hab._ Northern portions of the - Nearctic Realm … - - var. _cinereum_. - - Light markings predominating. _Hab._ Northern portions of the - Palæarctic Realm … - - var. _lapponicum_. - -_b._ _Syrnium_, SAV. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Liver-brown or umber, variously spotted and barred - with whitish or ochraceous. Bill yellow; iris brownish-black. - - 2. =S. nebulosum.= Lower parts striped longitudinally. Head and neck - with transverse bars. - - Colors reddish-umber and ochraceous-white. Face with obscure - concentric rings of darker. Wing, 13.00–14.00; tail, 9.00–10.00. - _Hab._ Eastern region of United States … - - var. _nebulosum_. - - Colors blackish-sepia and clear white. Face without any darker - concentric rings. Wing, 14.80; tail, 9.00. _Hab._ Eastern Mexico - (Mirador) … - - var. _sartorii_.[21] - - Colors tawny-brown and bright fulvous. Face without darker - concentric rings (?). Wing, 12.50, 12.75; tail, 7.30, 8.50. _Hab._ - Guatemala … - - var. _fulvescens_.[22] - - 3. =S. occidentale.= Lower parts transversely barred. Head and - neck with roundish spots. Wing, 12.00–13.10; tail, 9.00. _Hab._ - Southern California (Fort Tejon, XANTUS) and Arizona (Tucson, Nov. - 7, BENDIRE). - - -Syrnium (Scotiaptex) cinereum, AUDUBON. - -GREAT GRAY OWL. - - _Strix cinerea_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 291, 1788.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. - 58, 1790; Syn. I, 134; Supp. I, 45; Gen. Hist. I, 337.—VIEILL. Nouv. - Dict. Hist. Nat. VII, 23, 1816; Enc. Méth. III, 1289; Ois. Am. Sept. - I, 48.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, pl. xxxi, 1831.—BONAP. Ann. - Lyc. N. Y. II, 436; Isis, 1832, p. 1140.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. cccli, - 1831; Orn. Biog. IV, 364.—NUTT. Man. p. 128.—TYZENHAUZ, Rev. Zoöl. - 1851, p. 571. _Syrnium cinereum_, AUD. Synop. p. 26, 1839.—CASS. - Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 184, 1854; Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 56.—BREW. - (WILS.) Am. Orn. p. 687.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 26, pl. xiii, f. 29, - 1844.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 188, 1855.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. VI, IV, - 77, 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, II, 156, 1860.—KAUP, Tr. - Zoöl. Soc. IV, 1859, 256.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, 1869, - 173.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 48, 1869.—MAYNARD, Birds Eastern Mass., 1870, - 130.—_Scotiaptex cinerea_, SWAINS. Classif. Birds, II, 217, 1837. - _Syrnium lapponicum_, var. _cinereum_, COUES, Key, 1872, 204. _Strix - acclamator_, BART. Trans. 285, 1792. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Ground-color of the upper surface dark vandyke-brown, -but this relieved by a transverse mottling (on the edges of the -feathers) of white, the medial portions of the feathers being scarcely -variegated, causing an appearance of obsolete longitudinal dark -stripes, these most conspicuous on the scapulars and back. The anterior -portions above are more regularly barred transversely; the white bars -interrupted, however, by the brown medial stripe. On the rump and -upper tail-coverts the mottling is more profuse, causing a grayish -appearance. On the wing-coverts the outer webs are most variegated by -the white mottling. The alula and primary coverts have very obsolete -bands of paler; the secondaries are crossed by nine (last terminal, and -three concealed by coverts) bands of pale grayish-brown, inclining to -white at the borders of the spots; primaries crossed by nine transverse -series of quadrate spots of mottled pale brownish-gray on the outer -webs, those beyond the emargination obscure,—the terminal crescentic -bar distinct, however; upper secondaries and middle tail-feathers with -coarse transverse mottling, almost forming bars. Tail with about nine -paler bands, these merely marked off by parallel, nearly white bars, -enclosing a plain grayish-brown, sometimes slightly mottled space, just -perceptibly darker than the ground-color; basally the feathers become -profusely mottled, so that the bands are confused; the last band is -terminal. Beneath with the ground-color grayish-white, each feather of -the neck, breast, and abdomen with a broad, longitudinal ragged stripe -of dark brown, like the ground-color of the upper parts; sides, flanks, -crissum, and lower tail-coverts with regular transverse narrow bands; -legs with finer, more irregular, transverse bars of dusky. “Eyebrows,” -lores, and chin grayish-white, a dusky space at anterior angle of -the eye; face grayish-white, with distinct concentric semicircles of -blackish-brown; facial circle dark brown, becoming white across the -foreneck, where it is divided medially by a spot of brownish-black, -covering the throat. - -♂ (32,306, Moose Factory, Hudson Bay Territory; J. McKenzie). -Wing-formula, 4=5, 3, 6–2, 7–8–9, 1. Wing, 16.00; tail, 11.00; culmen, -1.00; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.50. - -♀ (54,358, Nulato, R. Am., April 11, 1868; W. H. Dall). Wing-formula, -4=5, 3, 6–2, 7–8–9, 1. Wing, 18.00; tail, 12.50; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, -2.20; middle toe, 1.70. - -HAB. Arctic America (resident in Canada?). In winter extending into -northern borders of United States (Massachusetts, MAYNARD). - -The relationship between the _Syrnium cinereum_ and the _S. lapponicum_ -is exactly parallel to that between the _Otus vulgaris_, var. -_wilsonianus_, and var. _vulgaris_, _Surnia ulula_, var. _hudsonia_, and -the var. _ulula_, and _Nyctale tengmalmi_, var. _richardsoni_, and the -var. _tengmalmi_. In conformity to the general rule among the species -which belong to the two continents, the American race of the present -bird is very decidedly darker than the European one, which has the -whitish mottling much more prevalent, giving the plumage a lighter and -more grayish aspect. The white predominates on the outer webs of the -scapulars. On the head and neck the white equals the dusky in extent, -while on the lower parts it largely prevails. The longitudinal stripes -of the dorsal region are much more conspicuous in _lapponicum_ than in -_cinereum_. - -[Illustration: _Syrnium cinereum._] - -A specimen in the Schlütter collection, labelled as from “Nord-Europa,” -is not distinguishable from North American examples, and is so very -unlike the usual Lapland style that we doubt its being a European -specimen at all. - -HABITS. The Great Gray or Cinereous Owl appears to be confined to the -more northern portions of North America. It is rarely met with in any -part of the United States, and only in winter, with the exception of -Washington Territory, where it is presumed to be a resident. It is also -said to be a resident in Canada, and to be found in the vicinity of -Montreal. Mr. Lawrence does not include this bird in his list of the -birds of New York, but Mr. Turnbull states that several have been taken -as far south as New Jersey. Throughout New England it is occasional in -the winter, but comparatively rare. Mr. Allen did not hear of any having -been taken near Springfield. On the coast of Massachusetts they are of -infrequent occurrence, and are held at high prices. A fine specimen -was shot in Lynn in the winter of 1872, and is now in the collection -of my nephew, W. S. Brewer. On the Pacific coast it is resident as far -south as the mouth of the Columbia, and is found in winter in Northern -California. - -Dr. Richardson met with this Owl in the fur regions, where it seemed to -be by no means rare. He mentions it as an inhabitant of all the wooded -districts which lie between Lake Superior and latitude 67° and 68°, -and between Hudson’s Bay and the Pacific. It was common on the borders -of Great Bear Lake, in which region, as well as in a higher parallel -of latitude, it pursues its prey during the summer months by daylight. -It was observed to keep constantly within the woods, and was not seen -to frequent the barren grounds, in the manner of the Snowy Owl, nor -was it so often met with in broad daylight as the Hawk Owl, apparently -preferring to hunt when the sun was low and the recesses of the woods -deeply shadowed, when the hares and other smaller quadrupeds, upon which -it chiefly feeds, were most abundant. - -On the 23d of May, Dr. Richardson discovered a nest of this Owl, built -on the top of a lofty balsam-poplar, composed of sticks, with a lining -of feathers. It contained three young birds, covered with a whitish -down, to secure which it was necessary to cut down the tree. While this -was going on, the parent birds flew in circles around the tree, keeping -out of gun-shot, and apparently undisturbed by the light. The young -birds were kept alive for several weeks, but finally escaped. They had -the habit, when any one entered the room in which they were kept, of -throwing themselves back and making a loud snapping noise with their -bills. - -In February, 1831, as Audubon was informed, a fine specimen of one -of these Owls was taken alive in Marblehead, Mass., having been seen -perched upon a woodpile early in the morning. It was obtained by Mr. -Ives, of Salem, by whom it was kept several months. It was fed on fish -and small birds, and ate its food readily. It would at times utter a -tremulous cry, not unlike that of the common Screech-Owl (_Scops asio_), -and manifested the greatest antipathy to cats and dogs. - -Dr. Cooper found this bird near the mouth of the Columbia River, in a -brackish meadow partially covered with small spruce-trees, where they -sat concealed during the day, or made short flights from one to another. -Dr. Cooper procured a specimen there in June, and has no doubt that -the bird is resident and breeds in that neighborhood. He regards it as -somewhat diurnal in its habits, and states that it is especially active -toward sunset. - -Dr. Newberry speaks of this Owl as one generally distributed over the -western part of the continent, he having met with it in the Sacramento -Valley, in the Cascade Mountains, in the Des Chutes Basin, and in -Oregon, on the Columbia River. Mr. Robert MacFarlane found it in great -abundance in the Anderson River region. On the 19th of July, as we -find in one of his memoranda, he met with a nest of this species near -Lockhart River, on the route to Fort Good Hope. The nest was on the top -of a pine-tree, twenty feet from the ground. It contained two eggs and -two young, both of which were dead. The nest was composed of sticks and -mosses, and was lined thinly with down. The female was sitting on the -nest, but left it at his approach, and flew to a tree at some distance, -where she was shot. - -Mr. Donald Gunn writes that the Cinereous Owl is to be found both in -summer and in winter throughout all the country commonly known as the -Hudson Bay Territory. He states that it hunts by night, preys upon -rabbits and mice, and nests in tall poplar-trees, usually quite early in -the season. - -A single specimen of this Owl was taken at Sitka by Bischoff, and -on the 20th of April Mr. Dall obtained a female that had been shot -at Takitesky, about twenty miles east of the Yukon, near Nulato. He -subsequently obtained several specimens in that region. Mr. Dall -describes it as very stupid, and easy to be caught by the hand during -the daytime. From its awkward motions its Indian name of _nūhl-tūhl_, -signifying “heavy walker,” is derived. So far as observed by Mr. Dall, -this Owl appeared to feed principally upon small birds, and he took no -less than thirteen crania and other remains of _Ægiothus linaria_ from -the crop of a single bird. - -Specimens of this Owl have also been received by the Smithsonian -Institution, collected by Mr. Kennicott, from Fort Yukon and from -Nulato; from Mr. J. McKenzie, Moose Factory; from J. Lockhart, obtained -at Fort Resolution and at Fort Yukon; from J. Flett, at La Pierre -House; from B. R. Ross, at Big Island; and from Mr. S. Jones and Mr. J. -McDougall, at Fort Yukon. These were all taken between February 11 and -July 19. - -One of the eggs of this Owl, referred to above in Mr. MacFarlane’s note, -is in my cabinet. It is small for the size of the bird, and is of a -dull soiled-white color, oblong in shape, and decidedly more pointed at -one end than at the other. It measures 2.25 inches in length by 1.78 in -breadth. The drawing of an egg of this species, made by Mr. Audubon from -a supposed specimen of an egg of this species, referred to in the “North -American Oölogy,” and which measured 2.44 by 2.00 inches, was probably a -sketch of the egg of the Snowy Owl. - - -Syrnium nebulosum, GRAY. - -BARRED OWL; “HOOT OWL.” - - _Strix nebulosa_, FORST. Phil. Trans. XXII, 386 & 424, 1772.—GMEL. - Syst. Nat. p. 291, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 58, 1790; Syn. I, 133; - Gen. Hist. I, 338.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 191, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, - 245, 1839; Nat. Misc. pl. xxv.—VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. xvii, 1807; - Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. VII, 32; Enc. Méth. III, 1292.—AUD. Birds Am. - pl. xlvi, 1831; Orn. Biog. I, 242.—TEMM. Man. Orn. pt. i, p. 88; pt. - iii, p. 47.—WERN. Atl. Ois. Eur.—MEYER, Taschenb. Deutsch Vogelk. III, - 21; Zusätze, p. 21.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxiii, f. 2, 1808.—RICH. & - SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 81.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 38; Isis, 1832, - p. 1140.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 57, 1832. _Ulula nebulosa_, - STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pl. ii, p. 60, 1815.—CUV. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, - 342, 1829.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 107, 1831; IV, 280.—BONAPARTE, - List, page 7, 1838; Conspectus Avium, p. 53.—GOULD, Birds Eur. pl. - xlvi.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 113, 1828; Tr. Orn. p. 108.—GRAY, Gen. B. - fol. (ed. 2), p. 8, 1844.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 29, pl. x, f. 21, - 1844. _Syrnium nebulosum_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 9, 1844; List Birds - Brit. Mus. p. 104.—CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 184, 1854; Birds N. Am. - 1858, 56.—GIRAUD, Birds Long Island, p. 24, 1844.—WOODH. in Sitgr. - Rept. Expl. Zuñi & Colorad. p. 63, 1853.—BREW. (WILS.) Am. Orn. p. - 687, 1852.—KAUP, Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, p. 121.—IB. Tr. Zoöl. - Soc. IV, 256.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 189, 1855.—MAX. Cab. Jour. VI, - 1858, 28.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas, resident).—COUES, Key, - 1872, 204.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 48, 1869. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Head, neck, breast, back, scapulars, and rump with -broad regular transverse bars of ochraceous-white and deep umber-brown, -the latter color always terminal; on the upper surface the brown -somewhat exceeds the whitish in width, but on the neck and breast the -white rather predominates. The lower third of the breast is somewhat -differently marked from the upper portion, the brown bars being -connected along the shaft of the feather, throwing the white into pairs -of spots on opposite webs. Each feather of the abdomen, sides, flanks, -and lower tail-coverts has a broad medial longitudinal stripe of brown -somewhat deeper in tint than the transverse bars on the upper parts; the -anal region is plain, more ochraceous, white; the legs have numerous, -but rather faint, transverse spots of brown. Ground-color of the -wings and tail brown, like the bars of the back; middle and secondary -wing-coverts with roundish transverse spots of nearly pure white on -lower webs; lesser coverts plain rich brown; secondaries crossed by -six bands of pale grayish-brown, passing into paler on the edge of -each feather,—the last is terminal, passing narrowly into whitish; -primary coverts with four bands of darker ochraceous-brown; primaries -with transverse series of quadrate pale-brown spots on the outer webs -(growing deeper in tint on inner quills), the last terminal; on the -longest are about eight. Tail like the wings, crossed with six or seven -sharply defined bands of pale brown, the last terminal. - -Face grayish-white, with concentric semicircular bars of brown; eyebrows -and lores with black shafts; a narrow crescent of black against anterior -angle of the eye. Facial circle of blackish-brown and creamy-white bars, -the former prevailing along the anterior edge, the latter more distinct -posteriorly, and prevailing across the neck in front, where the brown -forms disconnected transverse spots. - -♀ (752, Carlisle, Penn.). Wing-formula, 4–3, 5–2, 6; 1=9. Wing, 13.00; -tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.05; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.50. - -♂. A little smaller. (No specimen marked ♂ in the collection.) - -_Hab._ Eastern North America, west to the Missouri; Rio Grande region. - -A female (?) from Calais, Me., (4,966; G. A. Boardman,) is somewhat -lighter-colored than the type, owing to the clearer white of the bars. -It measures, wing, 13.50; tail, 9.80. - -A specimen (4,357, January) from Washington, D. C., is quite remarkable -for the very dark tints of plumage and the unusual prevalence of the -brown; this is of a more reddish cast than in all other specimens, -becoming somewhat blackish on the head and neck; anteriorly it prevails -so as to almost completely hide the pale bars of the back and nape. -The tail has no bars except three or four very obsolete ones near the -end; beneath, the ochraceous tinge is quite deep. The toes, except -their first joint, are perfectly naked; the middle one, however, has a -narrow strip of feathering running along the outer side as far as the -last joint. The darker shades of color, and more naked toes, seem to be -distinguishing features of southern examples. - -[Illustration: _Syrnium nebulosum._] - -HABITS. The Barred Owl has an extended range, having been met with -nearly throughout North America, from about latitude 50° to Texas. -Minnesota is the most western point to which, so far as I am aware, -it has been traced. It is more abundant in the Southern States than -elsewhere, and in the more northern portions of North America is -somewhat rare. Richardson did not encounter it in the more arctic -portion of the fur countries, nor has it, so far as I can learn, been -observed on the Pacific coast. It is said to be of accidental occurrence -in northern Europe. - -In Louisiana, as Mr. Audubon states, it is more abundant than anywhere -else; and Dr. Woodhouse speaks of it as very common in the Indian -Territories, and also in Texas and New Mexico, especially in the -timbered lands bordering the streams and ponds of that region. In July, -1846, while in pursuit of shore birds in the island of Muskeget, near -Nantucket, in the middle of a bright day, I was surprised by meeting one -of these birds, which, uninvited, joined us in the hunt, and when shot -proved to be a fine male adult specimen. - -The Barred Owl was found in great abundance in Florida by Mr. J. A. -Allen, the only species of Owl at all common, and where its ludicrous -notes were heard at night everywhere, and even occasionally in the -daytime. At night they not unfrequently startle the traveller by their -strange utterances from the trees directly over his head. - -Mr. Dresser speaks of it as very abundant at all seasons of the year in -the wooded parts of Texas. He was not able to find its nest, but was -told by the hunters that they build in hollow trees, near the banks of -the rivers. - -According to Mr. Downes, this Owl is common throughout Nova Scotia, -where it is resident, and never leaves its particular neighborhood. -It breeds in the woods throughout all parts of that colony, and was -observed by him to feed on hares, spruce and ruffed grouse, and other -birds. It is said to be a quite common event for this bird to make its -appearance at midnight about the camp-fires of the moose-hunter and -the lumberer, and to disturb their slumbers with its cries, as with a -demoniacal expression it peers into the glare of the embers. Distending -its throat and pushing its head forward, it gives utterance to unearthly -sounds that to the superstitious are quite appalling. - -Mr. Wilson regarded this species as one of the most common of the Owls -in the lower parts of Pennsylvania, where it was particularly numerous -in winter, among the woods that border the extensive meadows of the -Schuylkill and the Delaware River. He frequently observed it flying -during the day, when it seemed to be able to see quite distinctly. He -met with more than forty of these birds in one spring, either flying -or sitting exposed in the daytime, and once discovered one of its -nests situated in the crotch of a white oak, among thick foliage, and -containing three young. It was rudely put together, made outwardly -of sticks, intermixed with dry grasses and leaves, and lined with -smaller twigs. He adds that this Owl screams in the day in the manner -of a Hawk. Nuttall characterizes their peculiar hooting as a loud -guttural call, which he expresses by _’koh-’koh-’ko-’ko-’ho_, or as -_’whah-’whah-’whah-’whah-aa_, heard occasionally both by day and by -night. It is a note of recognition, and may be easily imitated, and can -be used as a means to decoy the birds. Nuttall received a specimen that -had been shot in November, hovering, in the daytime, over a covey of -Quail. - -Mr. Audubon speaks of the peculiar hooting cries of this species as -strangely ludicrous in sound, and as suggestive of an affected burst of -laughter. He adds that he has frequently seen this nocturnal marauder -alight within a few yards of his camp-fire, exposing its whole body to -the glare of the light, and eying him in a very curious manner, and -with a noticeable liveliness and oddness of motion. In Louisiana, where -he found them more abundant than anywhere else, Mr. Audubon states -that, should the weather be lowering, and indicative of the approach of -rain, their cries are so multiplied during the day, and especially in -the evening, and they respond to each other in tones so strange, that -one might imagine some extraordinary _fête_ was about to take place -among them. At this time their gesticulations are said to be of a very -extraordinary nature. - -The flight of this Owl is described as remarkably smooth, light, -noiseless, and capable of being greatly protracted. So very lightly -do they fly, that Mr. Audubon states he has frequently discovered one -passing over him, and only a few yards distant, by first seeing its -shadow on the ground, in the bright moonlight, when not the faintest -rustling of its wings could be heard. - -This Owl has the reputation of being very destructive to poultry, -especially to half-grown chickens. In Louisiana they are said to nest in -March, laying their eggs about the middle of the month. Audubon states -that they nest in hollow trees on the dust of the decomposed wood, and -at other times take possession of the deserted nest of a crow, or of a -Red-tailed Hawk. In New England I think they construct their own nest. -Mr. William Street, of Easthampton, Mass., has twice found the nest of -this Owl. On one occasion it had young, unfledged. Upon returning to get -them, a few days later, they had disappeared, and as he conjectures, had -been removed by their parents. Another time he found a nest in a lofty -pine, and at a height of sixty feet. He saw and shot the old bird. He -has often found them hiding themselves by day in a thick hemlock. In -the winter of 1869, Mr. Street witnessed a singular contest between a -Barred Owl and a Goshawk over a Grouse which the latter had killed, but -of which the Owl contested the possession. The Hawk had decidedly the -advantage in the fight, when the contest was arrested by shooting the -Owl. He has noticed a pair of Barred Owls in his neighborhood for the -past four years, and has never known them to hoot from the time they -have reared their young to the 14th of February. They then begin about -an hour after dark, and their hooting continues to increase until about -the 8th of April, when they mate, at which time their hooting may be -heard both day and night. There is a very great difference observable -between the cries of the female and the utterances of the male. The -latter seldom hoots, and there is as much difference between his voice -and that of the female as between the crowing of a young bird and of the -old cock. - -In two instances I have known well-developed eggs of this Owl taken from -the oviduct of the female in February. One of these cases occurred near -Niagara Falls in the spring of 1852. The other, in 1854, was noticed by -Professor William Hopkins, then of Auburn, N. Y., to whose kindness I -was indebted for the egg the parentage of which is so unquestionable. -It is purely white, almost globular, and, except in shape, hardly -distinguishable from the egg of the domestic Hen. It is 2.00 inches in -length, and 1.69 in breadth. - - -Syrnium occidentale, XANTUS. - -WESTERN BARRED OWL; SPOTTED OWL. - - _Syrnium occidentale_, XANTUS, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1859, 193.—BAIRD, - Birds N. Am. App. pl. lxvi.—COUES, Key, 1872, 204. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 17,200, Fort Tejon, California; J. Xantus. Type -of Xantus’s description). Above deep umber-brown, much as in _S. -nebulosum_. Whole head and neck with circular and cordate spots of -white, one near the end of each feather; on the scapulars and back, -rump, wings, and tail, they are rather sparse and more transverse, but -of very irregular form; they are most conspicuous on the scapulars and -larger wing-coverts. Secondaries crossed with about six bands of paler -brown, each spot growing white on the edge of the feather,—the last -band terminal; primaries with seven transverse series of pale brown, -or brownish-white, quadrate spots on outer webs, the last terminal; -these spots are almost clear white on the third, fourth, fifth, and -sixth quills. Tail with about eight very narrow, rather obsolete, -bands of pale brown, growing whiter and more distinct terminally, -the last forming a conspicuous terminal band. Ground-color of the -lower parts dull white, somewhat tinged with ochraceous laterally; -everywhere with numerous transverse spots and bars of brown like -the back,—this predominating anteriorly, the white forming spots on -opposite webs; on the lower tail-coverts the transverse spots or bars -are very sharply defined and regular, the brown rather exceeding the -white. Face, eyebrows, and lores soiled brownish-white, the former -with obscure concentric semicircles of darker brownish. Facial circle -blackish-brown, spotted posteriorly with white; across the neck in -front, it is more broken. Legs white, with sparse obsolete transverse -specks. Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–6–2; 1=9. Wing, 13.10; tail, 9.00; culmen, -.85; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.30. Length, “18”; extent, “40.” - -HAB. Southern Middle Province of United States (Fort Tejon, California, -XANTUS; and Tucson, Arizona, BENDIRE). - -[Illustration: _Syrnium occidentale._] - -HABITS. Nothing is on record concerning the habits of this bird. - - -GENUS NYCTALE, BREHM. - - _Nyctale_, BREHM, 1828. (Type, _Strix tengmalmi_, GMEL.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size small. Head very large, without ear-tufts. Eyes -moderate; iris yellow. Two outer primaries only with their inner webs -distinctly emarginated. Tarsi and toes densely, but closely, feathered. -Ear-conch very large, nearly as high as the skull, with an anterior -operculum; the two ears exceedingly asymmetrical, not only externally, -but in their osteological structure. Furcula not anchylosed posteriorly, -but joined by a membrane. - -[Illustration: =12053= ½ - -_Nyctale acadica._] - -Of this genus only three species are as yet known; two of these -belong to the Northern Hemisphere, one of them (_N. tengmalmi_) being -circumpolar, the other (_N. acadica_) peculiar to North America. The -habitat of the remaining species (_N. harrisi_) is unknown, but is -supposed to be South America. If it be really from that portion of the -New World, it was probably obtained in a mountainous region. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Above umber, or chocolate, brown, spotted with - white (more or less uniform in the young); beneath white with - longitudinal stripes of reddish-brown (adult), or ochraceous without - markings (young). - - =A.= Nostril sunken, elongate-oval, obliquely vertical, opening - laterally; cere not inflated. Tail considerably more than half the - wing. Bill yellow. - - 1. =N. tengmalmi.= Wing, 7.20; tail, 4.50; culmen, .60; tarsus, - 1.00; middle toe, .67 (average). - - Legs white, almost, or quite, unspotted; lower tail-coverts - with narrow shaft-streaks of brown. (Light tints generally - predominating.) _Hab._ Northern portions of Palæarctic Realm … - - var. _tengmalmi_.[23] - - Legs ochraceous, thickly spotted with brown; lower tail-coverts - with broad medial stripes of brown. (Dark tints generally - predominating.) _Hab._ Northern portions of Nearctic Realm … - - var. _richardsoni_. - - =B.= Nostril prominent, nearly circular, opening anteriorly; cere - somewhat inflated. Tail scarcely more than half the wing. Bill - black. - - 2. =N. acadica.= Wing, 5.25 to 5.80; tail, 2.60 to 3.00; culmen, - .50; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .60. _Juv._ Face dark brown; - forehead and crown brown; occiput brown; eyebrows and sides of - chin white; throat and breast umber-brown. (= “_albifrons_,” Shaw - = “_kirtlandi_,” HOY.) _Hab._ Cold temperate portions of Nearctic - Realm. - - 3. =N. harrisi.=[24] Wing, 5.80; tail, 3.00; culmen, .50; tarsus, - 1.00; middle toe, .80. _Juv._ (?) Face and forehead and anterior - half of crown and whole nape ochraceous; posterior half of crown - and occiput black; eyebrows and sides of chin ochraceous; throat - and breast ochraceous. A narrow belt of black spots in ruff across - throat. _Hab._ South America? - - -Nyctale tengmalmi, var. richardsoni, BONAP. - -AMERICAN SPARROW OWL; RICHARDSON’S OWL. - - _Nyctale richardsoni_, BONAP. List. E. & N. A. Birds, p. 7, 1838; - Consp. Av. p. 54, 1850.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2, 1844.—CASS. Birds - Cal. & Tex. p. 185, 1854; Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 57.—KAUP, Monog. - Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, p. 105 (sub. _tengmalmi_).—IB. Tr. Zoöl. Soc. - IV, 1859, 208.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 176, 1865.—MAYNARD, Birds Eastern - Mass. 1870, 133.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 51, 1869. _Strix tengmalmi_, - RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 94, pl. xxxii, 1831.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. - ccclxxx, 1831; Orn. Biog. IV, 599, 1831.—PEAB. Birds Mass. p. 91, - 1841. _Nyctale tengmalmi_, DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, - 1869, 273. _Nyctale tengmalmi_, var. _richardsoni_, RIDGWAY, Am. Nat. - VI, May, 1872, 285.—COUES, Key, 1872, 206. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♀, 3,886, Montreal, Canada, September, 1853; Broome). -Upper surface brownish-olive or umber-brown. Forehead and crown with -numerous elliptical (longitudinal) marks of white, feathers everywhere -with large partly concealed spots of the same; these spots are largest -on the neck and scapulars, on the latter of a roundish form, the outer -webs of those next the wing being almost wholly white, the edge only -brown; on the nape the spots form V-shaped marks, the spots themselves -being somewhat pointed; below this is a transverse, less distinct -collar, of more concealed spots; wing-coverts toward the edge of the -wing with a few large, nearly circular, white spots; secondaries with -two transverse series of smaller white spots, these crossing about the -middle, remote from the end and base; outer feathers of the alula with -two white spots along the margin; primary coverts plain; primaries -with four or five transverse series of white spots; tail with the same -number of narrow transverse spots, forming incontinuous bands, the spots -not touching the shaft,—the last spot not terminal. Facial circle much -darker brown than the crown, and speckled with irregular spots of white, -these either medial or upon only one web; across the throat the circle -becomes paler brown, without the white spotting. Eyebrows and face -grayish-white; lores and eyelids blackish. Lower parts white, becoming -pale ochraceous on the legs; sides of the breast, sides, flanks, and -lower tail-coverts with daubs of brown (slightly lighter and more -reddish than on the back), those of the breast somewhat transverse, but -posteriorly they are decidedly longitudinal; front of tarsus clouded -with brown. Wing-formula, 3, 4–2–5–6–7–1. Wing, 7.20; tail, 4.50; -culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, .67. - -A female from Alaska (49,802, Nulato, April 28, 1867; W. H. Dall) is -considerably darker than the specimen described above; the occiput -has numerous circular spots of white, and the tarsi are more thickly -spotted; no other differences, however, are appreciable. Two specimens -from Quebec (17,064 and 17,065; Wm. Cooper) are exactly similar to the -last, but the numerous white spots on the forehead are circular. - -HAB. Arctic America; in winter south into northern border of United -States; Canada (DR. HALL); Wisconsin (DR. HOY); Oregon (J. K. TOWNSEND); -Massachusetts (MAYNARD). - -The _Nyctale richardsoni_, though, without doubt, specifically the same -as the _N. tengmalmi_ of Europe, is, nevertheless, to be distinguished -from it. The colors of the European bird are very much paler; the legs -are white, scarcely variegated, instead of ochraceous, thickly spotted; -the lower tail-coverts have merely shaft-streaks of brown, instead of -broad stripes. Very perfect specimens from Europe enable me to make a -satisfactory comparison. - -[Illustration: _Nyctale richardsoni._] - -From an article by Mr. D. G. Elliot in Ibis (1872, p. 48), it would -appear that the young of _N. tengmalmi_ is very different from the -adult in being darker and without spots; a stripe from the eye over -the nostrils, and a patch under the eye at the base of bill, white. It -is probable, therefore, that the American race has a similar plumage, -which, however, has as yet escaped the honor of a name; more fortunate -than the young of _N. acadica_, which boasts a similar plumage. This -(_N. albifrons_) Mr. Elliot erroneously refers to the _N. tengmalmi_, -judging from specimens examined by him from the Alps, from Russia, and -from Norway. The most striking difference, judging from the description, -apart from that of size, appears to be in the whiter bill of the -_tengmalmi_. - -HABITS. This race is an exclusively northern bird, peculiar to North -America, and rarely met with in the limits of the United States. A few -specimens only have been obtained in Massachusetts. Dr. Hoy mentions -it as a bird of Wisconsin, and on the Pacific Dr. Townsend met with it -as far south as Oregon, where it seems to be more abundant than on the -eastern coast. - -Mr. Boardman thinks that this Owl is probably a resident in the vicinity -of Calais, where, however, it is not common. It was not taken by -Professor Verrill at Norway, Maine. Mr. J. A. Allen regards it as a very -rare winter visitant in Western Massachusetts, but obtained a specimen -near Springfield in December, 1859. In the same winter another was -shot near Boston, and one by Dr. Wood, near Hartford, Conn. Mr. Allen -subsequently records the capture of a specimen in Lynn, Mass., by Mr. J. -Southwick, in the winter of 1863, and mentions two other specimens, also -taken within the limits of the State. It is not mentioned by Dr. Cooper -as among the birds of California. - -Specimens of this Owl were taken at Fort Simpson in May, and at Fort -Resolution by Mr. B. R. Ross, at Big Island by Mr. J. Reid, at Fort -Rae by Mr. L. Clarke, and at Fort Yukon by Mr. J. Lockhart and Mr. J. -McDougall, and at Selkirk Settlement, in February and March, by Mr. -Donald Gunn. - -Mr. B. R. Ross states that though no specimens of this Owl were received -from north of Fort Simpson, yet he is quite certain that it ranges to -the Arctic Circle. He says it is a fierce bird, and creates great havoc -among the flocks of Linnets and other small birds. Its nest is built on -trees, and the eggs are three or four in number, of a pure white color -and nearly round shape. It sometimes seizes on the deserted hole of a -Woodpecker for a habitation. - -Mr. Dall obtained a female specimen of this Owl at Nulato, April 28, -where it was not uncommon. It was often heard crying in the evenings, -almost like a human being, and was quite fearless. It could be readily -taken in the hand without its making any attempt to fly away, but it -had a habit of biting viciously. It was frequently seen in the daytime -sitting on trees. According to the Indians, it generally nests in holes -in dead trees, and lays six spherical white eggs. Richardson informs us -that it inhabits all the wooded country from Great Slave Lake to the -United States, and is very common on the banks of the Saskatchewan. It -was obtained in Canada by the Countess of Dalhousie, but at what season -the bird was met with is not stated; the Smithsonian Institution also -possesses specimens from the vicinity of Montreal. It probably does not -breed so far south as that place, or, if so, very rarely. Mr. Audubon -procured a specimen near Bangor, Maine, in September, the only one he -ever met with. - -This Owl, according to Mr. Hutchins, builds a nest of grass half-way up -a pine-tree, and lays two eggs in the month of May. - -A drawing, taken by Mr. Audubon from a specimen in an English cabinet, -represents a nearly spherical egg, the color of which is white with a -slight tinge of yellowish, and which measures 1.18 inches in length by -one inch in breadth. - -The only authenticated eggs of this variety which have come under my -notice are three collected at Fort Simpson, May 4, 1861, by B. R. Ross. -One of these measures 1.28 by 1.06 inches. - - -Nyctale acadica, BONAP. - -SAW-WHET OWL; WHITE-FRONTED OWL; KIRTLAND’S OWL. - - _Strix acadica_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 296, 1789.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. - II, 206, 1800.—VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 49, 1807.—AUD. Birds Am. - pl. cxcix, 1831; Orn. Biog. V, 397.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, - 97, 1831.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, pp. 38, 436; Isis, 1832, p. - 1140.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 66.—NAUM. Nat. Vög. Deutschl. (ed. - Nov.) I, 434, pl. xliii, figs. 1 & 2.—PEAB. Birds Mass. p. 90.—NUTT. - Man. p. 137, 1833. _Nyctale acadica_, BONAP. List, p. 7, 1838; Consp. - Av. p. 44.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. App. p. 3, 1844.—KAUP, Monog. Strig. - Cont. Orn. 1852, p. 104.—IB. Tr. Zoöl. Soc. IV, 1859, 206.—STRICKL. - Orn. Syn. I, 176, 1855.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. VI, 77, 1857.—CASS. - Birds N. Am. 1858, 58.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, II, 156, - 1860.—COUES, Prod. B. Ariz. 14, 1866.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, - 51.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, III (Brit. Columb.).—RIDGWAY, Am. Nat. - VI, May, 1872, 285.—COUES, Key, 1872, 206.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 51, - 1869. _Scotophilus acadicus_, SWAINS. Classif. Birds II, 217, 1837. - _Strix passerina_, PENN. Arct. Zoöl. p. 236, sp. 126, 1785.—FORST. - Phil. Transl. LXII, 385.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxiv, f. 1, 1808. _Ulula - passerina_, JAMES. (WILS.), Am. Orn. I, 159, 1831. _Strix acadiensis_, - LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 65, 1790. _S. albifrons_, SHAW, Nat. Misc. V, pl. - clxxi, 1794; Zoöl. VII, 238, 1809.—LATH. Orn. Supp. p. 14. _Bubo - albifrons_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 54, 1807. _Scops albifrons_, - STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, II, 51. _Nyctale albifrons_, CASS. Birds Cal. & - Tex. 187, 1854.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 54.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, - 57.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 52, 1869. _Strix frontalis_, LICHT. Abh. Ak. - Berl. 1838, 430. _Nyctale kirtlandi_, HOY, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. - VI, 210, 1852. _S. phalænoides_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 206, 1800.—LATH. - Ind. Orn. Supp. p. 16, 1802; Syn. Supp. II, 66; Gen. Hist. I, 372, - 1828. _Athene phalænoides_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 43, 1844. _Athene - wilsoni_, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 315. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♀, 120,044, Washington, D. C., Feb., 1859; C. -Drexler). Upper surface plain soft reddish-olive, almost exactly as in -_N. richardsoni_; forehead, anterior part of the crown, and the facial -circle, with each feather with a short medial line of white; feathers -of the neck white beneath the surface, forming a collar of blotches; -lower webs of scapulars white bordered with brown; wing-coverts with a -few rounded white spots; alula with the outer feathers broadly edged -with white. Primary coverts and secondaries perfectly plain; five -outer primaries with semi-rounded white spots on the outer webs, these -decreasing toward the ends of the feathers, leaving but about four -series well defined. Tail crossed with three widely separated narrow -bands of white, formed of spots not touching the shaft on either web; -the last band is terminal. “Eyebrow” and sides of the throat white; -lores with a blackish suffusion, this more concentrated around the eye; -face dirty white, feathers indistinctly edged with brownish, causing -an obsoletely streaked appearance; the facial circle in its extension -across the throat is converted into reddish-umber spots. Lower parts, -generally, silky-white, becoming fine ochraceous on the tibiæ and tarsi; -sides of the breast like the back, but of a more reddish or burnt-sienna -tint; sides and flanks with longitudinal daubs of the same; jugulum, -abdomen, lower tail-coverts, tarsi, and tibiæ, immaculate. Wing formula, -4–3=5–1=8. Wing, 5.40; tail, 2.80; culmen, .50; tarsus, .80; middle toe, -.60. - -Seven specimens before me vary from, wing, 5.25 to 5.80; tail, 2.60 to -3.00 (♀). The largest specimen is 12,053 (♀, Fort Tejon, California; J. -Xantus). This differs from the specimen described in whiter face, more -conspicuous white streaks on forehead, smaller, less numerous, red spots -below, and in having a fourth white band on the tail; this, however, is -very inconspicuous. 32,301 (Moose Factory; J. McKenzie), 9,152 (Fort -Vancouver, February; Dr. J. G. Cooper), and 11,793 (Simiahmoo, October; -Dr. C. B. Kennedy) are exactly like the type. There are no authentic -males before me, though only two are marked as females; the extremes of -the series probably represent the sexual discrepancy in size. - -_Young_ (♂, 12,814, Racine, Wisconsin, July, 1859; Dr. R. P. Hoy). Upper -surface continuous plain dark sepia-olive; face darker, approaching -fuliginous-vandyke,—perfectly uniform; around the edge of the forehead, -a few shaft-lines of white; scapulars with a concealed spot of pale -ochraceous on lower web; lower feathers of wing-coverts with a few -white spots; outer feather of the alula scalloped with white; primary -coverts perfectly plain; five outer primaries with white spots on outer -webs, these diminishing toward the end of the feathers, leaving only -two or three series well defined; tail darker than the wings, with -three narrow bands composed of white spots, these not touching the -shaft on either web. “Eyebrows” immaculate white; lores more dusky; -face and eyelids dark vandyke-brown; sides of the chin white. Throat -and whole breast like the back, but the latter paler medially, becoming -here more fulvous; rest of the lower parts plain fulvous-ochraceous, -growing gradually paler posteriorly,—immaculate. Lining of the wing -plain dull white; under surface of primaries with dusky prevailing, but -this crossed by bands of large whitish spots; the three outer feathers, -however, present a nearly uniformly dusky aspect, being varied only -basally. Wing formula, 3, 4–2=5 6–7, 1. Wing, 5.50; tail, 2.80; culmen, -.45; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .65. - -HAB. North America generally. Cold temperate portions in the -breeding-season, migrating southward in winter. Mexico (Oaxaca, SCLATER, -P. Z. S. 1858, 295); California (DR. COOPER); Cantonment Burgwyn, New -Mexico (DR. ANDERSON); Washington Territory (DR. KENNERLY). - -[Illustration: _Nyctale acadica._ Young.] - -[Illustration: _Nyctale acadica._ Adult.] - -A specimen (15,917, ♂, Dr. C. B. Kennerly, Camp Skagitt, September -29, 1859) from Washington Territory is exactly similar to the young -described above. No. 10,702 (Fort Burgwyn, New Mexico; Dr. Anderson) -is much like it, but the facial circle is quite conspicuous, the -feathers having medial white lines; the reddish-olive of the breast -and the fulvous of the belly are paler, also, than in the type. No. -12,866, United States, (Professor Baird’s collection, from Audubon,) is -perfectly similar to the last. - -My reasons for considering the _N. albifrons_ as the young of _N. -acadica_ are the following (see American Naturalist, May, 1872):— - -1st. All specimens examined (including Hoy’s type of _N. kirtlandi_) -are young birds, as is unmistakably apparent from the texture of their -plumage. - -2d. All specimens examined of the _N. acadica_ are adults. I have seen -no description of the young. - -3d. The geographical distribution, the size and proportions, the pattern -of coloration (except that of the head and body, which in all Owls is -more or less different in the young and adult stages), and the shades -of colors on the general upper plumage, are the same in both. The white -“scalloping” on the outer web of the alula, the number of white spots on -the primaries, and the precise number and position of the white bars on -the tail, are features common to the two. - -4th. The most extreme example of _albifrons_ has the facial circle -uniform brown, like the neck, has no spots on the forehead, and the face -is entirely uniform dark brown; but, - -5th. Three out of the four specimens in the collection have the facial -circle composed of white and brown streaks (adult feathers), precisely -as in _acadica_, and the forehead similarly streaked (with adult -feathers). Two of them have new feathers appearing upon the sides of the -breast (beneath the brown patch), as well as upon the face; these new -feathers are, in the most minute respects, like the common (adult) dress -of _N. acadica_. - -The above facts point conclusively to the identity of the _Nyctale -“albifrons”_ and _N. acadica_. This species is easily distinguishable -from the _N. tengmalmi_, which belongs to both continents, though -the North American and European specimens are readily separable, and -therefore should be recognized as geographical races. - -Since the above was published in the American Naturalist for May, 1872, -Dr. J. W. Velie, of Chicago, writing under date of November 20, 1872, -furnishes the following proof of the identity of _N. “albifrons”_ and -_N. acadica_: “In 1868, I kept a fine specimen of “_Nyctale albifrons_” -until it moulted and became a fine specimen of _Nyctale acadica_. I had, -until the fire, all the notes about this interesting little species, and -photographs in the different stages of moulting.” - -HABITS. The Little Acadian or Saw-Whet Owl, as this bird is more -generally denominated, appears to have a widespread distribution over -temperate North America. It is not known to be anywhere very abundant, -though its nocturnal and secluded habits tend to prevent any intimate -acquaintance either with its habits or its numbers in any particular -locality. It is rarely found in the daytime out of its hiding-places. It -was not met with by Richardson in the fur regions, yet it is generally -supposed to be a somewhat northern species, occurring only in winter -south of Pennsylvania, but for this impression there does not seem to be -any assignable reason or any confirmatory evidence. It has been said to -breed near Cleveland, Ohio, and its nest and eggs to have been secured. -The taking of Kirtland’s Owl, which is now known to be the immature bird -of this species, near that city, as well as in Racine, and at Hamilton, -Canada, is also suggestive that this Owl may breed in those localities. - -Dr. Townsend is said to have found this Owl in Oregon, Dr. Gambel met -with it in California, Mr. Audubon has taken it both in Kentucky and -in Louisiana, Mr. Wilson met with it in New Jersey, Mr. McCulloch in -Nova Scotia, and Dr. Hoy in Wisconsin. Dr. Newberry met with this -bird in Oregon, but saw none in California. Dr. Suckley obtained it -at the Dalles, on the north side of the Columbia, in December. This -was several miles from the timbered region, and the bird was supposed -to be living in the basaltic cliffs of the vicinity. Dr. Cooper found -one at Vancouver in February. It was dead, and had apparently died of -starvation. Professor Snow speaks of it as rare in Kansas. Mr. Boardman -and Professor Verrill both give it as resident and as common in Maine. -It is rather occasional and rare in Eastern Massachusetts, and Mr. Allen -did not find it common near Springfield. On one occasion I found one of -these birds in April, at Nahant. It was apparently migrating, and had -sought shelter in the rocky cliffs of that peninsula. It was greatly -bewildered by the light, and was several times almost on the point of -being captured by hand. - -This Owl is not unfrequently kept in confinement. It seems easily -reconciled to captivity, becomes quite tame, suffers itself to be -handled by strangers without resenting the familiarity, but is greatly -excited at the sight of mice or rats. Captain Bland had one of these -birds in captivity at Halifax, which he put into the same room with a -rat. The bird immediately attacked and killed the rat, but died soon -after of exhaustion. - -The notes of this Owl, during the breeding-season, are said to resemble -the noise made by the filing of a saw, and it is known in certain -localities as the Saw-Whet. Mr. Audubon, on one occasion, hearing these -notes in a forest, and unaware of their source, imagined he was in the -vicinity of a saw-mill. - -According to Mr. Audubon, this Owl breeds in hollow trees, or in the -deserted nests of other birds; and lays from four to six glossy-white -eggs, which are almost spherical. He states, also, that he found near -Natchez a nest in the broken stump of a small decayed tree not more than -four feet high. He also mentions the occasional occurrence of one of -these Owls in the midst of one of our crowded cities. One of them was -thus taken in Cincinnati, where it was found resting on the edge of a -child’s cradle. Mr. McCulloch, quoted by Audubon, gives an interesting -account of the notes and the ventriloquial powers of this bird. On one -occasion he heard what seemed to him to be the faint notes of a distant -bell. Upon approaching the place from which these sounds proceeded, they -appeared at one time to be in front of him, then behind him, now on his -right hand, now on his left, again at a great distance, and then close -behind him. At last he discovered the bird at the entrance of a small -hole in a birch-tree, where it was calling to its mate. As he stood -at the foot of the tree, in full sight of the bird, he observed the -singular power it possessed of altering its voice, making it seem near -or remote,—a faculty which he had never noticed in any other bird. - -An egg given me by Mr. Rufus E. Winslow as one of this bird, and figured -in the North American Oölogy, was undoubtedly that of a Woodpecker. -It is of a crystalline whiteness, nearly spherical, and measures 1.13 -inches in length by .87 of an inch in breadth. - -A well-identified egg in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, -taken by Mr. R. Christ at Nazareth, Penn., (No. 14,538, S. I.,) measures -.95 of an inch by .88. The two ends are exactly similar or symmetrical. -The egg is white, and is marked as having been collected April 25, 1867. - - -GENUS SCOPS, SAVIGNY. - - _Scops_, SAVIGNY, 1809. (Type, _Strix scops_, L. = _Scops zorca_ (GM.) - SWAINS.) - _Ephialitis_, KEYS. & BL. 1840, _nec_ SCHRANK, 1802. - _Megascops_, KAUP, 1848. (Type, _Strix asio_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size small, the head provided with ear-tufts. Bill -light-colored; iris yellow. Three to four outer quills with inner webs -sinuated. Wings long (more than twice the length of the tail, which -is short and slightly rounded); second to fifth quills longest. Toes -naked, or only scantily feathered. Ear-conch small and simple. Plumage -exceedingly variegated, the colors different shades of brown, with -rufous, black, and white, in fine mottlings and pencillings; feathers -above and below usually with blackish shaft-streaks, those beneath -usually with five transverse bars; primaries spotted with whitish, and -outer webs of the lower row of scapulars the same edged terminally with -black. Tail obscurely banded. - -[Illustration: ½ - -_Scops asio._] - -The species of this genus are cosmopolitan, the greater number, however, -being found in tropical regions. All the American species differ from -_S. zorca_ of Europe in having the fourth and fifth quills longest, -instead of the second, and in having three to four, instead of only -two, of the outer quills with the inner web sinuated, as well as in -having the quills shorter, broader, and more bowed, and their under -surface more concave. They may, perhaps, be distinguished as a separate -subgenus (_Megascops_, Kaup). Of the American species all but _S. asio_ -(including its several races) have the toes perfectly naked to their -very bases. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Plumage brown, gray, or rufous, and whitish, - finely mottled above; lower parts transversely barred, and with dark - shaft-streaks. Outer webs of lower scapulars light-colored (white - or ochraceous) and without markings. Tail crossed by rather obscure - mottled light and dark bars of nearly equal width. Outer webs of - primaries with nearly equal bands of whitish and dusky. - - 1. =S. asio.= Toes covered (more or less densely) with bristles, - or hair-like feathers. Wing, 5.50–7.80; tail, 3.20–4.10; culmen, - .50–.70; tarsus, 1.00–1.70; middle toe, .70–.80. Ear-tufts well - developed; facial circle black. - - Colors smoky-brown and pale fulvous, with little or none of pure - white. Outer webs of the scapulars pale ochraceous-fulvous. Wing, - 6.90–7.30; tail, 3.50–4.50. _Hab._ North Pacific region, from - Western Idaho and Washington Territory, northward to Sitka … - - var. _kennicotti_. - - Colors ashy-gray and pure white, with little or none of fulvous. - Outer webs of the scapulars pure white. Varying to bright - brick-red, or lateritious-rufous. - - Mottlings coarse, the blackish median streaks above not sharply - defined, and the bars beneath heavy and distinct. - - Wing, 6.10–7.75; tail, 3.30–4.35. In the red plumage, white - prevailing on the lower parts, where the red markings are not - broken into transverse bars. _Hab._ United States; except the - Southern Middle Province, the northwest region, and Florida … - - var. _asio_. - - Wing, 5.50–6.00; tail, 2.75–3.10. In the red plumage, red - prevailing on the lower parts, where the markings are much - broken into transverse bars. _Hab._ Florida and Southern - Georgia … - - var. _floridanus_. - - Wing, 5.50–5.80; tail, 3.20–3.30. Gray plumage, like var. - _asio_, but the mottling above much coarser, and the nape with - a strongly indicated collar of rounded white spots in pairs, - on opposite webs. Red plumage not seen. _Hab._ Eastern Mexico - and Guatemala … - - var. _enano_.[25] - - Mottlings fine, the blackish median streaks above very sharply - defined and conspicuous; bars beneath delicate and indistinct. - - Wing, 6.20–6.50; tail, 3.35–3.50. _Hab._ Southern Middle - Province, and Southern California; Cape St. Lucas … - - var. _maccalli_. - - 2. =S. flammeola.= Toes perfectly naked, the feathering of the - tarsus terminating abruptly at the lower joint. Wing, 5.40; tail, - 2.80; culmen, .35; tarsus, .90; middle toe, .55. Ear-tufts short, - or rudimentary. Facial circle rusty. Outer webs of the scapulars - rusty-ochraceous, in striking contrast to the grayish of the wings - and back. Other markings and colors much as in _asio_. _Hab._ - Mountain regions of Mexico and California, from Guatemala to Fort - Crook, Northern California. - - -Scops asio, BONAP. - -LITTLE RED OWL; MOTTLED OWL; “SCREECH-OWL.” - - _Noctua aurita minor_, CATESBY, Carol. I, 1754, 7, pl. vii. _Asio - scops carolinensis_, BRISS. Orn. I, 1760, 497. _Strix asio_, LINN. - Syst. Nat. 1758, 92.—GMEL. S. N. 1789, 287.—LATH. Ind. Orn. 1790, - 54.—IB. Syn. I, 123.—IB. Supp. I, 42; Gen. Hist. I, 314.—DAUD. - Tr. Orn. II, 1800, 216.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 1809, 229.—TEMM. Pl. - Col. 80.—WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. xlii, f. 1.—JARD. (ed. WILS.) - Orn. I, 1831, 307.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. II, 36.—IB. Isis, 1832, - 1139.—AUDUBON, Birds N. A. 1831, pl. xcvii.—IB. Orn. Biog. I, - 486.—BREWER (ed. WILS.) Orn. 1852, p. 687.—HOBS. Nat. 1855, 169. _Bubo - asio_, VIEILL. Ois. Am., Sept., 1807, 53, pl. xxi.—GIRAUD, Birds Long - Island, 1844, 28.—MAX. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 23. _Otus asio_, STEPHENS, - Zoöl. XIII, pt. ii, 1815, 57. _Scops asio_, BONAP. List, 1838, - 6.—LESS. Tr. Orn. 107.—CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. 1854, 179.—IB. Birds N. - Am. 1858, 51.—KAUP, Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 112.—STRICKL. Orn. - Syn. I, 1855, 199.—HEERM. P. R. Rept. II, 1855, 35.—COOP. & SUCKL. - P. R. Rept. 155.—MAYNARD, Birds Eastern Mass., 1870, 131.—COUES, Key, - 1872, 202.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, 46. _Ephialtes asio_, GRAY, Gen. - B. fol. 1844, sp. 9.—IB. List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 96.—WOODH. - 1853, 62. _Strix nævia_, GMEL. S. N. 1789, 289.—LATH. Ind. Orn. 1790, - p. 55.—IB. Syn. I, 126; Gen. Hist. I, 321.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 1800, - 217.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 1809, 230.—WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. xix, f. 1. - _Asio nævia_, LESS. Man. Orn. I, 1828, 117. _Otus nævius_, CUV. Reg. - An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 341. _Surnia nævia_, JAMES. (ed. WILS.), Orn., - 1831, I, 96 & 99. - - -_a._ _Normal plumage._ - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Ground-color above brownish-cinereous, palest on -the head, purest ashy on the wings, minutely mottled with fine zigzag -transverse bars of black, each feather with a medial ragged stripe -of the same along the shaft. Inner webs of ear-tufts, outer webs of -scapulars, and oval spots occupying most of the outer webs of the two or -three lower feathers of the middle and secondary wing-coverts, white, -forming (except on the first) conspicuous spots, those of the scapulars -bordered with black. Secondaries crossed with about seven regular paler -bands, each enclosing a more irregular dusky one; the ground-color, -however, is so mottled with grayish, and the pale bands with dusky, -that they are by no means sharply defined or conspicuous, though they -are very regular; alula and primary coverts more sharply barred with -cream-colored spots, those on the former nearly white; primaries with -broad quadrate spots of creamy-white on outer webs, these forming from -seven (♂) to eight (♀) transverse bands, the last of which is not -terminal. Tail more irregularly mottled than the wings, and crossed by -seven (♂) to eight (♀) narrow, obsolete, but continuous, pale bands. - -Eyebrows white, the feathers bordered with dusky (most broadly so in -♂); cheeks, ear-coverts, and lower throat dull white, with transverse -bars of blackish (most numerous in the ♂); chin immaculate; upper eyelid -dark brown; facial circle black; neck and jugulum like the cheeks, but -more strongly barred, and with blackish along the shaft. Ground-color -of the lower parts white, each feather with a medial stripe of black, -this throwing off distinct bars to the edge of the feather; the medial -black is largest on sides of the breast, where it expands into very -large conspicuous spots, having a slight rusty exterior suffusion; the -abdomen medially, the anal region, and the lower tail-coverts, are -almost unvaried white. Tibiæ and tarsi in the male dull white, much -barred transversely with blackish; in the female, pale ochraceous, more -sparsely barred with dark brownish. Lining of the wing creamy-white, -varied only along the edge; light bars on under surface of primaries -very obsolete. - -♂ (16,027, Fort Crook, North California; John Feilner). Wing, 6.70; -tail, 3.80; culmen, .61; tarsus, 1.35; middle toe, .72; ear-tufts, 1.00; -wing-formula, 3=4, 5–2, 6, 1=9. “Length, 9.50; extent, 23.75.” - -♀ (18,299, Hellgate, Montana; Jno. Pearsall). Wing, 7.80; tail, 4.10; -culmen, .70; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, .80; ear-tufts, 1.00. - -_Young_ ♂ (No. 29,738, Wood’s Hole, Mass., July 25, 1863; S. F. Baird. -“Parent gray”). Secondaries, primaries, and tail, as in the adult, -gray plumage; but the latter more mottled, the bands confused. Rest of -the plumage everywhere grayish-white, with numerous transverse bars of -dusky-brown; eyebrows and lores scarcely variegated dull white; facial -circle obsolete. - -♀ (41,891, Philadelphia, Penn.; J. Krider). Whole head, neck, back, -rump, and entire lower parts transversely barred with dark brown and -grayish-white, the bands of the former on the upper parts rather -exceeding the white in width, but on the lower surface much narrower; -scapulars with large transverse spots of white on the outer webs. Wings -and tail as in the adult. Facial disk conspicuous. (More advanced in age -than the preceding.) - - -_b._ _Rufescent plumage._ - -_Adult._ General pattern of the preceding; but the grayish tints -replaced by lateritious-rufous, very fine and bright, with a slight -vinaceous cast: this is uniform, and shows no trace of the transverse -dark mottling; there are, however, black shaft-lines to the feathers -(these most conspicuous on the head above, and scapulars, and narrower -and more sharply defined than in the gray plumage). The inner webs -of the ear-tufts, outer webs of scapulars, and lower secondary and -middle wing-coverts, are white, as in the gray plumage; those of the -scapulars are also bordered with black. The secondaries, primaries, -and tail are less bright rufous than the other portions, the markings -as in the gray plumage, only the tints being different. The upper -eyelid, and, in fact, all round the eye, fine light rufous; cheeks and -ear-coverts paler, scarcely variegated; black facial circle rather -narrower than in the gray plumage. Lower parts without the transverse -bars of the gray plumage, but in their place an irregular clouding of -fine light red, like the back; the lower parts medially (very broadly) -immaculate snowy-white; most of the feathers having the red spotting -show black shaft-stripes, but the pectoral spots are not near so large -or conspicuous as in the gray bird. Tibiæ fine pale ochraceous-rufous; -tarsi the same posteriorly, in front white with cuneate specks of -rufous; lower tail-coverts each with a medial transversely cordate spot -of dilute rufous, the shaft black. Lining of the wing with numerous -rufous spots. - -♂ (12,045, Washington, D. C., January). Wing, 6.30; tail, 3.00. - -♀ (22,512, Maryland; R. G. Campbell). Wing, 6.70; tail, 3.50. - -_Young_ (29,792, Peoria, Illinois; Ferd. Bischoff). Wings and tail as in -adult; markings on head and body as in the young gray bird, but white -bars more reddish, and dark ones more brown. - -HAB. Temperate North America, from the South Atlantic States to Oregon, -and from the northern United States to Texas. Replaced in the southern -Middle Province and Southern California by var. _maccalli_, in Florida -by var. _floridana_, and on the northwestern coast region by var. -_kennicotti_. - -Localities: (?) Cuba (CABANIS, Journ. III, 465). - -The above stages of plumage have caused ornithologists a great deal of -perplexity; and it is only very recently that they have become correctly -understood. Even yet many persist in regarding the red plumage as being -that of the young bird. - -[Illustration: _Scops asio._] - -That these two very different plumages are entirely independent of -age, sex, or season, and that they are purely individual, there can -be no doubt; since in one nest there may often be found both red and -gray young ones, while their parents may be either both red or both -gray, the male red and the female gray, or _vice versa_. Occasionally -specimens (such as No. 39,093, ♂, Neosho Falls, Kansas, April 13; parent -of five eggs, and captured on the nest with a gray male) are exactly -intermediate between these two plumages, it being difficult to decide -which predominates; the combination is not only of the tints, but of the -markings, of the two stages. - -HABITS. The habit of all the varieties of _Scops asio_ in their -different localities will be found after their zoölogical description. - - -Scops asio, var. floridana, RIDGWAY. - - _Scops asio_, ALLEN, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl. and other citations from - Florida. - -CHAR. Similar to var. _asio_, but much smaller, and the colors deeper. -The gray stage very similar to that of var. _asio_, but the red phase -very appreciably different, in there being a greater amount of rufous -on the lower parts, the breast being nearly uniformly colored, and the -rufous broken elsewhere into transverse broad bars, connected along the -shaft. Wing, 5.50–6.00; tail, 2.75–3.10. - -HAB. Florida and Lower Georgia. - -This extreme southern form is much smaller than the more northern ones, -being about the same in size as the var. _enano_ (see p. 1374) of Middle -America, and the _S. atricapilla_, Temm., of Tropical America generally. -The colors, as may be expected, are also darker and richer. - -In the collection of the Smithsonian Institution there are both red -and gray birds from Florida; a red one (No. 5,857, Indian River; Dr. -A. W. Wall) measures, wing, 5.50; tail, 2.70; culmen, .55; tarsus, 1.05; -middle toe, .65; ear-tufts, .70. The colors are much darker than those -of typical _asio_. The rufous of the neck, all around, shows obsolete -darker transverse bars; the black border to the white scapular spots -is restricted to the tip, as in the gray plumage; the inner webs of -the ear-tufts are scarcely paler than the outer; the neck and face are -deeper rufous, while the rufous of the lower parts is more general, and -more in transverse rays; tibiæ and tarsi plain rufous; the middle of the -abdomen and the anal region only are pure white. - - -Scops asio, var. maccalli, CASS. - -WESTERN MOTTLED OWL. - - _Scops maccalli_, CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 180, 1850; Birds N. Am. - 1858, 52.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 200, 1865.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz., p. - 13, 1869.—SCL. & SALV. P. Z. S., 1868, 57 (= _trichopsis_, WAGL. Isis, - 1832, 276! see remarks below).—BAIRD, Mex. Bound. II, 4, pl. i.—Gray, - Hand List, I, 47, 1869. _Scops asio_, var. _maccalli_ (RIDGWAY) COUES, - Key, 1872, 203. _Ephialtes choliba_ (not of Vieillot!), LAWR. Ann. - N. Y. Lyc. VI, 1853, p. 4. - -CHAR. _Adult_ (9,147, Camp 118, New Mexico, February 10, 1854; Kennerly -and Möllhausen). Above cinereous, the ashy appearance being caused by -a minute transverse mottling of blackish and pale ashy, on a deeper -ash ground; each feather with a distinct medial stripe of black, these -broadest on the forehead; outer webs of only a few scapulars white, -these not bordered with black; outer webs of two or three lower middle -and secondary coverts white. Secondaries with about seven transverse, -mottled pale bands; primaries with about eight transverse series of -white spots; tail with about eight narrow pale bands. - -Ear-coverts, cheeks, throat, neck, and jugulum finely and uniformly -barred transversely with dusky and grayish-white; the facial circle -interrupted across the throat, where in its place is a series of -longitudinal black dashes. - -Lower parts grayish-white, with numerous, very narrow transverse bars -of dusky, rather more distant from each other than those of the neck, -etc.; each feather with a medial narrow stripe of black, those on the -breast forming conspicuous spots; tibiæ and tarsi dull soiled white, -with numerous spots of dark brown; lower tail-coverts immaculate. -Wing-formula, 3=4–2, 5, 6, 7, 8–1–9. Wing, 6.50; tail, 3.30; culmen, -.55; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .70; ear-tufts, .85. - -(A specimen from California (Stockton, E. S. Holden), kindly sent by -Mr. Lawrence for examination, differs from the preceding in rather more -brown ground-color above; the black shaft-streaks more obscure. In other -respects as regards plumage it is the same, and is typical _maccalli_. -The size is less, it measuring, wing, 6.20; tail, 3.10.) - -_Young_ (first full, but incomplete plumage; 16,932, Cape St. Lucas, -Lower California). Secondaries, primaries, and tail as in the gray -adult. Rest of the plumage transversely barred with grayish-white and -dusky, the latter predominating on the upper parts; eyebrows and lores -white; rings finely transversely mottled with white, this forming spots -on the lower feathers; tibiæ and tarsi with numerous transverse dusky -bars. Wing, 5.40; tail, 2.65; tarsi, 1.00; middle toe, .63. No. 16,933 -(same locality, etc.) is similar, but smaller, measuring, 5.00, 2.00, -1.00, and .60. - -HAB. Southern Middle Province of United States; Lower and Southern -California. - -Localities. (?) Oaxaca (SCL. 1858, 296); (?) Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, -220); (?) Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1856, 330). - -While the _Scops maccalli_ is without doubt to be distinguished from -_S. asio_, its being specifically distinct is not a matter of so much -certainty; with a simple statement of the differences between the two, -I shall leave the value of these differences to the appreciation of -each one, according to his own fancy. The species is represented in the -collection by but four specimens, two adult and two young. I have not -seen the red plumage as described by Cassin. - -The characters of this race, as given in the diagnosis, appear to be -really constant; and there is not a specimen in the series of those from -the west which may not readily be referred to one or the other. - -The gray adult _maccalli_ differs from that of _asio_ in the much -finer mottling of the general plumage; the medial black stripes of the -feathers above being more sharply defined, and more distinct from the -transverse zigzags. Below, the transverse dark bars are much finer, and -nearer together. The face, neck, and jugulum more finely and uniformly -barred. The white scapular spots have not the black border seen in -_asio_. The size is smaller. - -The young of _maccalli_ differs from that of _asio_ in much finer bars -above, the dusky rather prevailing; below, also, the bars are finer and -nearer together. - -It is not necessary to compare this bird with any other than the _S. -asio_, since it is not at all related to _choliba_, or any other -southern species. - -_Scops maccalli_ is entirely distinct from the _S. trichopsis_, Wagler, -notwithstanding the statement in the Ibis, for April, 1872 (p. 6), -that “the name” is “really synonymous with _S. trichopsis_ of Wagler, -the bird being quite distinct from _S. asio_, as has been pointed out -elsewhere.” (P. Z. S. 1868, p. 57.) - - -Scops asio, var. kennicotti, ELLIOT. - -KENNICOTT’S OWL. - - _Scops kennicotti_, ELLIOT, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1867, p. 69; - Illust. Am. Birds, pl. xi.—BAIRD, Trans. Chicago Acad. Sc. I, II, 311, - pl. xxvii, 1869.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chic. Ac. I, 1869, 273.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 47, 1869.—ELLIOT, Illust. Birds Am. I, XXVII.—FINSCH, - Abh. Nat. III, 28.—_Scops asio_, var. _kennicotti_, (RIDGWAY) COUES, - Key, 1872, 203. _? Scops asio_, COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, II, - 155, 1860 (all citations from northwest coast). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 59,847, Sitka, Alaska, March, 1866; Ferd. -Bischoff. Elliott’s type). Above umber-brown, with a reddish cast; -feathers confusedly mottled transversely with dusky, and showing rounded -spots of rufous, most conspicuous on the nape; each feather with a -conspicuous medial broad ragged stripe of black, these stripes most -conspicuous on the forehead and scapulars; outer webs of scapulars -light rufous, bordered terminally with black. Wings of a more grayish -cast than the back, but similarly variegated; lower feathers of the -middle and secondary wing-coverts, each with a large oval pale rufous -spot, covering most of the lower web. Secondaries crossed by six narrow -obscure bands of pale rufous; primaries with seven somewhat rounded, -quadrate spots of the same on the outer webs, forming as many transverse -series; each light spot with a central dusky mottling. Tail more finely -and confusedly mottled than the wings; the bands, though present, are so -obsolete as to be scarcely traceable, and so irregular or badly defined -as to be of uncertain number. The ear-tufts are black and rusty, the -former along the shafts, and in transverse spots; on the outer webs the -black predominates, on the inner the rusty. - -The lores and basal half of the frontal bristles are white, the terminal -half abruptly black; eyebrows about equally blackish and paler, the -former bordering the feathers; eye surrounded by dark snuff-brown; -cheeks and ear-coverts pale rusty, transversely barred with deeper -rusty; facial circle not well defined, black. Chin and lores only white. - -Ground-color of the lower parts dilute-rusty, becoming white on the -flanks; each feather of the throat, jugulum, breast, sides, and flanks -with a broad medial stripe of black, this throwing off very narrow, -rather distant, bars to the edge; the spaces between these bars are -alternately paler and deeper dilute-rusty; the black marks are broadest -on the sides of the breast, where they have an external deep rusty -suffusion; the abdomen medially, and the anal region, are scarcely -maculate rusty-white; the lower tail-coverts have each a central cuneate -longitudinal stripe of black. Tibiæ, tarsi, and lining of the wing, -plain deep rusty. Wing-formula, 3=4, 5–2, 6–1=9. Wing, 7.40; tail, 4.00; -culmen, .65; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, .80. - -No. 59,068 (Idaho; Dr. Whitehead) is considerably darker than the type, -the ground-color above approaching to snuff-brown; it differs, however, -in no other respect, as regards coloration; the size, however (as would -be expected), is considerably smaller, measuring as follows: Wing, 6.80; -tail, 3.50; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .80. Wing-formula the -same as in type. - -HAB. Northwestern coast of North America, from Columbia River, -northward; Idaho (Dr. Whitehead). - -No. 4,530 (Washington Territory; Dr. Geo. Suckley) is just intermediate -in all respects between typical _kennicotti_ and _asio_, being -referrible to either with equal propriety, though perhaps inclining most -to the former. - -This well-marked form is, according to recognized laws, properly to be -regarded as only an extremely dark northwestern form of _Scops asio_. -There is no deviation from the specific pattern of coloration, the -difference being merely in the tints; while in this it corresponds in -every way with other species as modified in the northwest coast region; -the somewhat greater size, too, merely results from its more northern -habitat. - -The only characters which we find in _kennicotti_ which cannot be -recognized in _asio_ are the smaller, more quadrate, and more rufous -spots on the primaries, and more obsolete bands on the tail; but this is -merely the consequence of the greater extension of the brown markings, -thus necessarily contrasting the lighter spots. In these respects only -does the Washington Territory specimen differ from the two typical -examples before us, having the larger, more whitish, spots on primaries, -and more distinct tail-bands, of _asio_. - -[Illustration: _Scops asio_, var. _kennicotti_.] - -The _Scops kennicotti_ must, however, be recognized as a well-marked -geographical race, and, not taking into consideration any natural laws -which influence changes in species, it would be very proper to recognize -the validity of the present bird. If, however, the rule of which we -speak will apply to others, as indeed it does to a majority of the -birds of the region inhabited by the _Scops kennicotti_, the extreme -conditions of some species of which are even more widely different than -in the present instance, and which have been referred to their lighter -representatives in consequence of the applicability of this law, we -cannot possibly do otherwise with it. - -In general appearance, size, and proportions, as well as in pattern and -tints of coloration, except in their details, there is a wonderfully -close resemblance in this race of _S. asio_ to the _S. semitorques_, -Schlegel, of Japan. Indeed, it is probable that the latter is also a -mere geographical form of the same species. The only tangible points of -difference are that in _semitorques_ the jugulum is distinctly white -centrally, there is a quite well-defined lighter nuchal band, with a -more indistinct occipital one above it, and the pencillings on the -lower parts are more delicate. The size and proportions are essentially -the same; the shades of color are identical, while the markings differ -only in minute detail, their pattern being essentially the same. In -_kennicotti_ the light nuchal collars are indicated, though they do not -approach the distinctness shown by them in _semitorques_. Should they -be considered as races of one species (_S. asio_), their differential -characters may be expressed as follows:— - - Var. _semitorques_.[26] A well-defined nuchal collar, of mottled pale - ochraceous; jugulum immaculate white centrally. Feathers of the lower - parts with their transverse pencillings growing fainter towards the - middle line, which is unvariegated white, from the central jugular - spot to the anal region. Wing, 6.60–7.10; tail, 3.60–3.70; culmen, - .60; tarsus, 1.25–1.40; middle toe, .80–.90. (Two specimens.) _Hab._ - Japan. - - Var. _kennicotti_. No well-defined nuchal band; jugulum closely - barred centrally; feathers of the lower parts with their transverse - pencillings not growing fainter toward the middle line, which - is unvariegated white only on the abdominal portion; the medial - black streaks to the feathers of the lower surface much broader, - and transverse pencillings rather coarser. Wing, 6.90–7.30; tail, - 3.50–4.50; culmen, .60–.65; tarsus, 1.35–1.45; middle toe, .80–.90. - (Three specimens.) _Hab._ North Pacific coast of North America from - Sitka to Washington Territory, and Western Idaho. - -The zoölogical characters of the different varieties of the _Scops asio_ -having been thus indicated, we proceed to consider the species as a -whole, and to point out the more important features of its habits and -history. - -HABITS. The common Mottled Owl has an extended distribution throughout -the temperate portion of North America. It is also the most numerous of -this family wherever found. It does not appear to have been detected -in any part of the Arctic regions. Although given on the authority of -Fabricius as a bird of Greenland, it is not retained in the list of -Reinhardt. It was not met with by Richardson, nor is any reference made -to it in any of the Arctic notes furnished by Mr. MacFarlane or others. -It is quite common throughout New England, as well as in the Central, -the Western, and some of the Southern States. Mr. Boardman gives it as -resident, but not very common, near Calais, where it breeds. It is found -near Hamilton, Canada, according to McIlwraith, but it is not common, -although Dr. Hall found it quite numerous in the vicinity of Montreal. -Mr. Downes does not mention its occurrence in Nova Scotia. It was found -breeding by Dr. Lincecum, at Long Point, Texas. It occurs in California, -and as _Scops kennicotti_ as far to the northwest as Sitka. - -The Mottled Owl is nocturnal in its habits, never appearing abroad in -the daylight except when driven out by the attacks of hostile birds that -have discovered it in its retreat. Its eyes cannot endure the light, -and it experiences great inconvenience from such an exposure. During -the day it hides in hollow trees, in dark recesses in the forests, or -in dark corners of barns, and comes out from its retreat just before -dark. During the night it utters a very peculiar wailing cry, not unlike -the half-whining, half-barking complaints of a young puppy, alternating -from high to low, intermingled with deep guttural trills. These cries, -which are sometimes prolonged until after midnight, usually elicit -an answer from its mate or companions, and would seem to be uttered -as a call soliciting a reply from some lost associate. When kept in -confinement the Mottled Owl soon becomes familiarized to its new mode -of life, and rarely attempts to injure its captors, though it will at -first snap its bill in a threatening manner and manifest considerable -irritation on being approached or handled. In the daytime they keep -secluded, appear sleepy or stupid, with half-closed eyes, but, as night -approaches, become quite lively and eager for their food. They utter -their nocturnal cries in confinement, the doleful sounds of which are in -singular contrast with the lively and excited air of the birds as they -utter them. Their flight is noiseless and gliding, and they move in a -manner so nearly silent as to be hardly perceptible. They are excellent -mousers, and swallow their food whole, ejecting the indigestible parts, -such as hair, bones, feathers, etc. - -Wilson caught an adult bird, and kept it in confinement some time. At -first it was restless and attempted to escape, beating against the glass -of the window repeatedly, and several times with so much violence as -to stun itself. In a few days it was reconciled to its situation, and -became quite tame and familiar, and in the evening was very lively, -sprightly, and active. - -The food of the Screech-Owl is chiefly small quadrupeds, insects, and -occasionally, when they have young, small birds. They destroy a vast -number of mice, beetles, and vermin, and are of great service to the -agriculturist, although their services are not appreciated, and they are -everywhere persecuted and hunted down without mercy or justice. - -The nest of this species is usually constructed in hollow trees or -stumps, most frequently in orchards in the vicinity of farm-houses, and -not more than six or seven feet from the ground. Mr. Audubon states, -however, that he has sometimes found them at the height of thirty or -forty. To show the provident habits of this Owl in procuring for its -young a great superabundance of food, Mr. Nuttall mentions finding in -the hollow stump of an apple-tree, which contained a single brood of -these young Owls, several Bluebirds, Blackbirds, and Song-Sparrows. - -Dr. Cooper, on the other hand, relates an instance where one of these -Owls resided as an inmate in a dove-cot, where it was not known to do -any injury to its inmates. - -The Screech-Owl can hardly be said to construct any nest, but lines the -hollow in which it rears its young with a few loose leaves, dry grasses, -and feathers. The eggs are usually five or six in number; they are pure -white, and nearly round. Their average measurement is 1.38 inches in -length by 1.19 in breadth. - -In regard to the distinctive peculiarities of var. _maccalli_, we are -in possession of but little information. Its habits probably do not -essentially vary from those of the common _Scops asio_, which it so -closely resembles in other respects, and of which it is to be regarded -as a geographical race. It was first taken by Mr. E. S. Holden, near -Sacramento, and described by Mr. Lawrence as the _Ephialtes choliba_ -of Vieillot. It has since been found in other parts of California, -in Northern Mexico, Arizona, and on the Rio Grande. It was obtained -in Tamaulipas—where it is evidently rather common—by the late Dr. -Berlandier, who had also procured its eggs. A single specimen of this -Owl was obtained by Mr. A. Schott in Texas, and Mr. Dresser also -obtained two small Owls which he doubtfully refers to this variety,—one -near San Antonio, and the other in Bandera County. Lieutenant Bendire -writes that it is quite common in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, -though Dr. Coues did not meet with it. Dr. Kennerly observed it on -Bill Williams Fork, in New Mexico. It was there found living in the -large _Cereus giganteus_ so common in that region, where it occupied -the deserted holes of various kinds of Woodpeckers. It rarely made its -appearance during the day, and then only to show its head from the hole, -ready at any moment to disappear at the approach of danger. On one -occasion it was observed among some very thick bushes near the water. -It does not appear to have been met with by Dr. Cooper in California, -where he refers all the Owls of this genus to the common _asio_. A -single individual, referred doubtfully to this bird, was taken by -Mr. Skinner in Guatemala. The eggs of this bird, taken in Tamaulipas -by Dr. Berlandier, are of nearly globular shape, of a clear, almost -crystal-white color, and measure 1.13 inches in length by 0.93 of an -inch in breadth. As compared with the eggs of _Scops asio_ they are much -smaller, their relative capacity being only as five to eight. - -The eggs of the var. _asio_ vary greatly in size according to their -locality. Those taken in Florida are so much smaller than those from -Massachusetts as almost to be suggestive of specific differences. An egg -from Hudson, Mass., taken by Mr. Jillson in April, 1870, measures 1.50 -by 1.30 inches, while one from Monticello, Fla., taken by Mr. Samuel -Pasco, measures 1.30 by 1.15 inches. Mr. T. H. Jackson, of Westchester, -Penn., informs me that he has found a nest of this Owl containing six -fresh eggs, on the 5th of April. - - -Scops flammeola, LICHT. - -FEILNER’S OWL. - - _Scops flammeola_, LICHT. Mus. Berol. Nomenclat. p. 7, 1854.—KAUP, - Trans. Zoöl. Soc. IV, 226.—SCHLEGEL, Mus. de Pays-Bas, _Oti_, p. - 27.—SCLAT. Proc. Zoöl. Soc. 1858, 96.—SCL. & SALV. P. Z. S. 1868, - 57; Exot. Orn. VII, 99, pl. l, July, 1868.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 47, - 1869.—ELLIOT, Illust. Birds Am. I, pl. xxviii.—COUES, Key, 1872, 203. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (42,159, Orizaba Mountains, “rare,” February 3, 1865; -Professor F. Sumichrast). Ground-color above pale cinereous, this -overlaid on the top of the head, nape, and back by a brownish-olive -shade, the ash showing pure only on the borders of the crown and on -the wing-coverts and scapulars; the whole upper surface transversely -mottled with white and blackish, the latter in the form of fine zigzag -lines and a splash along the shaft, this expanding transversely near -the end of the feather; the white is in the form of larger transverse -spots, these largest across the nape. Outer webs of the scapulars fine -light orange-rufous (becoming white beneath the surface), bordered -terminally with black. Coverts along the lower edge of the wing spotted -with pale rufous; outer webs of the several lower feathers of the middle -and secondary wing-coverts with a large conspicuous spot of white. -Secondaries crossed by four well-defined narrow pale ochraceous bands; -primary coverts transversely spotted with the same; primaries with about -five transverse series of very large white spots on the outer webs, -the spots approaching ochraceous next the shaft and towards the end of -the feather. Tail profusely mottled like the back, and crossed with -about five ragged, badly defined pale bands, the last of which is not -terminal. Ear-tufts inconspicuous. - -Eyebrow white, feathers bordered with blackish; eye encircled with rusty -rufous; lores strongly tinged with the same; cheeks, ear-coverts, neck, -and jugulum with numerous transverse dusky bars upon a grayish-white -ground. Facial circle rusty-rufous spotted with black; throat with a -tinge of rufous; chin white. - -[Illustration: _Scops flammeola._] - -Lower parts, in general, white; each feather with a black shaft-stripe, -this throwing off bars in pairs, across the feather; the medial stripes -are very broad, forming longitudinal spots on the breast, and have here -an external rufous suffusion; lower tail-coverts very sparsely marked. -Tibiæ and tarsi white, with very sparse transverse dusky spots. Lining -of the wing plain yellowish-white; bars on under surface of primaries -very obsolete, except basally. Wing-formula, 3=4; 5, 2–6; 1=8. Wing, -5.40; tail, 2.45; culmen, .35; tarsus, .87; middle toe, .55. - -_Young_ (first full, but imperfect plumage: ♂, 24,172, Fort Crook, -North California, August 23, 1860; John Feilner). Wings and tail as in -the adult (last pale band of latter apparently terminal). Whole head -and body with numerous, about equal, transverse bands of dusky and -grayish-white; the two colors about equal, but on lower parts both are -much wider and more distinct than above the white gradually increasing -posteriorly. Breast and outer webs of scapulars with a rusty tinge, the -latter scarcely variegated. Eyebrow white, feathers bordered with dusky; -eye-circle and ear-coverts bright rusty-rufous; lores much tinged with -the same. No facial circle. Wing, 5.50; tail, 2.70. - -HAB. Guatemala and central Mexico, northward (along Sierra Nevada) to -Fort Crook; California (breeding). - -HABITS. This is essentially a Mexican and Central American species, -occurring among the mountains of Mexico and thence to Guatemala. One -individual, however, the only one as yet recorded as taken in the United -States, was obtained at Fort Crook by Captain John Feilner, and is now -in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. This was a young bird, -evidently raised in that locality, and apparently showing that the -species breeds in that vicinity. It has been taken also at Orizaba, in -the State of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Nothing is known as to any peculiarities -of habit. These are not probably different from those of the _asio_. - - -GENUS BUBO, DUM. - -GEN. CHAR. Size varying from medium to very large; head with or without -ear-tufts. Bill black; iris yellow. Two to four outer quills with their -inner webs emarginated. Third or fourth quill longest. Bill very robust, -the lower mandible nearly truncated and with a deep notch near the -end; cere gradually ascending basally (not arched) or nearly straight, -not equal to the culmen. Tail short, a little more than half the wing, -slightly rounded. Ear-conch small, simple, without operculum; the two -ears symmetrical. - - -Subgenera. - - =Bubo.= Two to three outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. - Ear-tufts well developed; loral feathers not hiding the bill, and the - claws and terminal scutellæ of the toes exposed. Lower tail-coverts - not reaching the end of the tail. (Type, _B. maximus_.) - - =Nyctea.= Four outer quills with their inner webs emarginated. - Ear-tufts rudimentary; loral feathers hiding the bill, and claws and - entire toes concealed by long hair-like feathers. Lower tail-coverts - reaching to end of the tail. (Type, _N. scandiaca_.) - -The species of this genus are mostly of very large size, two of them -(_B. maximus_ and _N. scandiaca_) being the largest birds of the family. -They are nearly cosmopolitan, and are most numerous in the Eastern -Hemisphere. - - -SUBGENUS BUBO, DUM. - - _Bubo_, DUMÉRIL, 1806. (Type, _Strix bubo_, LINN. = _B. maximus_, - SIBB.) - _Rhinostrix_, KAUP, 1849. (Type, _Strix mexicana_, GMEL. = _B. - mexicanus_, RIDGW.) - _Rhinoptynx_, KAUP, and _Rhenoptynx_, KAUP, 1857. (Same type.) - - -Species and Races. - - 1. =B. virginianus.= Lower parts transversely barred with black, and - without longitudinal stripes. Above without longitudinal stripes on - the anterior portions. - - _a._ A conspicuous patch of white on the jugulum; lining of the - wing immaculate, or only faintly barred. Wing, 14.00–16.00; tail, - 8.00–10.00; culmen, 1.10–1.20; tarsus, 2.00–2.20; middle toe, - 1.95–2.10. - - Rufous tints of the plumage prevailing; face dingy rufous. _Hab._ - Atlantic Province of North America … - - var. _virginianus_. - - Lighter tints of the plumage prevailing; face dirty or fulvous - white. All the colors lighter. _Hab._ Western Province of United - States, and interior regions of British America. Upper Mississippi - Valley in winter (Wisconsin, Hoy; Pekin, Illinois, Museum, - Cambridge) … - - var. _arcticus_. - - Dusky tints of the plumage prevailing; face dull grayish, barred - with dusky. All the colors darker, chiefly brownish-black and - grayish-white, with little or no rufous. _Hab._ Littoral regions - of northern North America, from Oregon northward, and around the - northern coast to Labrador … - - var. _pacificus_. - - _b._ No conspicuous patch of white on the jugulum, which, with the - lining of the wing, is distinctly barred with blackish. Wing, 12.00; - tail, 7.50; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.85. - - Colors much as in var. _virginianus_, but more densely barred - beneath, the dark bars narrower and closer together. _Hab._ South - America … - - var. _magellanicus_.[27] - - 2. =B. mexicanus.=[28] Lower parts longitudinally striped with black, - and without transverse bars. Above with longitudinal stripes on the - anterior portions. Wing, 11.20–12.00; tail, 6.00–6.50; culmen, .90; - tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 1.95. _Hab._ Middle and South America - generally. - - -SUBGENUS NYCTEA, STEPHENS. - - _Nyctea_, STEPHENS, Cont. Shaw’s Zoöl. XIII, 62, 1826. (Type _Strix - nyctea_, LINN. _N. Scandiaca_, LINN.). - - -Species and Races. - - 1. =N. scandiaca.= _Adult._ Color pure white, more or less barred - transversely with clear dusky, or brownish-black. _Male_ sometimes - almost pure white. _Downy young_, sooty slate-color. Wing, - 16.00–18.00; tail, 9.00–10.00. - - Dusky bars sparse, narrow, umber-brown. _Hab._ Northern parts of - Palæarctic Realm … - - var. _scandiaca_.[29] - - Dusky bars more numerous, broader, and clear brownish-black. _Hab._ - Northern parts of Nearctic Realm … - - var. _arctica_. - - -Bubo virginianus, var. virginianus, BONAP. - -GREAT HORNED OWL. - - _Asio bubo virginianus_, BRISS. Orn. I, 484, 17, 1760. _Strix - virginiana_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 287, 1788.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 52; - Syn. I, 119; Supp. I, 40; Gen. Hist. I, 304.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 210, - pl. xiii.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. l, f. 1.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 37 - and 435; Isis, 1832, p. 1139.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. lxi, 1831; Orn. Biog. - I, 313.—THOMPS. Nat. Hist. Vermont, pl. lxv.—PEAB. Birds Mass. p. 87. - _Bubo virginianus_, BONAP. List, p. 6, 1838; Consp. Av. p. 48.—JARD. - (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, p. 257.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 24, pl. x, f. - 2.—NUTT. Man. Orn. p. 124.—MAX. Cab. Jour. 1853, VI, 23.—KAUP, Tr. - Zoöl. Soc. IV, 1859, 241.—COUES, Key, 1872, 202. _Bubo virginianus - atlanticus_, CASSIN, Birds of Cal. & Tex. I, 178, 1854.—Birds N. Am. - 1858, 49 (under _B. virginianus_). _Otus virginianus_, STEPH. Zoöl. - XIII, ii, 57, 1836. _Ulula virginiana_, JAMES. (WILS.), Am. Orn. I, - 100, 1831. _Strix virginiana_, α, LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 306, 1821. - _Strix bubo_, δ, LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 52, 1790.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 215. - _Strix maximus_, BART. Trav. Carol. p. 285, 1792. _Bubo ludovicianus_, - DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 210, 1800. _Bubo pinicola_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. - pl. xix, 1807; Enc. Méth. p. 1282. - -[Illustration: =6886= ½ ½ - -_Bubo virginianus._] - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ ♂ (12,057, Philadelphia; C. Drexler). Bases of all -the feathers yellowish-rufous, this partially exposed on the head above -and nape, along the scapulars, on the rump, and sides of the breast. -On the upper surface this is overlaid by a rather coarse transverse -mottling of brownish-black upon a white ground, the former rather -predominating, particularly on the head and neck, where it forms -broad ragged longitudinal stripes (almost obliterating the transverse -bars), becoming prevalent, or blended, anteriorly. The lower feathers -of the scapulars, and some of the lower feathers of the middle and -secondary wing-coverts, with inconspicuous transverse spots of white. -On the secondaries the mottling is finer, giving a grayish aspect, -and crossed with eight sharply defined, but inconspicuous, bands -of mottled dusky; primary coverts with the ground-color very dark, -and crossed with three or four bands of plain blackish, the last -terminal, though fainter than the rest; ground-color of the primaries -more yellowish, the mottling more delicate; they are crossed by nine -transverse series of quadrate dusky spots. The ground-color of the -tail is pale ochraceous (transversely mottled with dusky), becoming -white at the tip, crossed by seven bands of mottled blackish, these -about equalling the light bands in width; on the middle feathers the -bands are broken and confused, running obliquely, or, in places, -longitudinally. Outer webs of ear-tufts pure black; inner webs almost -wholly ochraceous; eyebrows and lores white, the feathers with black -shafts; face dingy rufous; eye very narrowly encircled with whitish; a -crescent of black bordering the upper eyelid, and confluent with the -black of the ear-tufts. Facial circle continuous black, except across -the foreneck; chin, throat, and jugulum pure immaculate white, to the -roots of the feathers. Beneath, white prevails, but the yellowish-rufous -is prevalent on the sides of the breast, and shows as the base color -wherever the feathers are disarranged. The sides of the breast, sides, -and flanks have numerous sharply defined narrow transverse bars of -brownish-black; anteriorly these are finer and more ragged, becoming -coalesced so as to form conspicuous, somewhat longitudinal, black spots. -On the lower tail-coverts the bars are distant, though not less sharply -defined. The abdomen medially is scarcely maculate white. Legs and toes -plain ochraceous-white. - -[Illustration: =6886= ⅓ - -_Bubo virginianus._] - -Wing-formula, 2, 3–4–1, 5. Wing, 14.50; tail, 8.20; culmen, 1.10; -tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 2.00. - -♀ (12,065, Maryland; R. J. Pollard). General appearance same as the -male. Black blotches on head above and nape less conspicuous, the -surface being mottled like the back, etc.; primary coverts with three -well-defined narrow pure black bands; primaries with only six bands, -these broader than in the male; secondaries with only five bands; tail -with but six dark bands, these very much narrower than the light ones. -Tibiæ and tarsi with sparse transverse bars of dusky. Wing-formula, 3, -2, 4–1=5. Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.20; middle -toe, 2.10. - -_Young._ Wings and tail as in adult. Downy plumage of head and body -ochraceous, with detached, rather distant, transverse bars of dusky. -(12,062, Washington, D. C., May 20, 1859; C. Drexler.) - -HAB. Eastern North America, south of Labrador; west to the Missouri; -south through Atlantic region of Mexico to Costa Rica; Jamaica (GOSSE). - -Localities: (?) Oaxaca (SCL. 1859, 390; possibly var. _arcticus_); -Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I. 222); Jamaica (GOSSE, 23); Texas (DRESSER, -Ibis, 1865, 330, breeds); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 132). - -Specimens from the regions indicated vary but little, the only two -possessing differences of any note being one (58,747,[30] ♂) from -Southern Illinois, and one (33,218, San Jose; J. Carmiol) from Costa -Rica. The first differs from all those from the eastern United States -in much deeper and darker shades of color, the rufous predominant -below, the legs and crissum being of quite a deep shade of this color; -the transverse bars beneath are also very broad and pure black. This -specimen is more like Audubon’s figure than any other, and may possibly -represent the peculiar style of the Lower Mississippi region. The Costa -Rica bird is remarkable for the predominance of the rufous on all -parts of the plumage; the legs, however, are whitish, as in specimens -from the Atlantic coast of the United States. These specimens cannot, -however, be considered as anything else than merely local styles of the -_virginianus_, var. _virginianus_. - - -Bubo virginianus, var. arcticus, SWAINS. - -WESTERN GREAT HORNED OWL. - - _? Strix wapacuthu_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. 1789, p. 290. _Strix (Bubo) - arctica_, SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 1831, 86. _Heliaptex arcticus_, - SWAINS. Classif. Birds, I, 1837, 328; IB. II, 217. _Bubo virginianus - arcticus_, CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 50 (_B. virginianus_).—BLAKISTON, - Ibis, III, 1861, 320. _Bubo virginianus_, var. _arcticus_, COUES, Key, - 1872, 202. _Bubo subarcticus_, HOY, P. A. N. S. VI, 1852, 211. _Bubo - virginianus pacificus_, CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. 1854, and Birds N. - Am. 1858 (_B. virginianus_, in part only). _Bubo magellanicus_, CASS. - Birds Cal. & Tex. 1854, 178 (not _B. magellanicus_ of LESSON!). _Bubo - virginianus_, HEERM. 34.—KENNERLY, 20.—COUES, Prod. (P. A. N. S. 1866, - 13).—BLAKISTON, Ibis, III, 1861, 320. _? Wapacuthu Owl_, PENNANT, - Arctic Zoöl. 231.—LATH. Syn. Supp. I, 49. - -CHAR. Pattern of coloration precisely like that of var. _virginianus_, -but the general aspect much lighter and more grayish, caused by a -greater prevalence of the lighter tints, and contraction of dark -pencillings. The ochraceous much lighter and less rufous. Face soiled -white, instead of deep dingy rufous. - -♂ (No. 21,581, Camp Kootenay, Washington Territory, August 2, 1860). -Wing, 14.00; tail, 8.60; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, 2.00. Tail and primaries -each with the dark bands nine in number; legs and feet immaculate white. -Wing-formula, 3, 2=4–5–1. - -♀ (No. 10,574, Fort Tejon, California). Wing, 14.70; tail, 9.50; culmen, -1.10; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.00. Tail and primaries each with seven -dark bands; legs transversely barred with dusky. Wing-formula, 3, 4, -2–5–1, 6. - -HAB. Western region of North America, from the interior Arctic districts -to the table-lands of Mexico. Wisconsin (HOY); Northern Illinois (Pekin, -Mus. Cambridge); Lower California; ? Orizaba, Mexico. - -Localities: (?) Orizaba (SCL. P. Z. S. 1860, 253); Arizona (COUES, -P. A. N. S. 1866, 49). - -The above description covers the average characters of a light grayish -race of the _B. virginianus_, which represents the other styles in the -whole of the western and interior regions of the continent. Farther -northward, in the interior of the fur countries, the plumage becomes -lighter still, some Arctic specimens being almost as white as the -_Nyctea scandiaca_. The _B. arcticus_ of Swainson was founded upon a -specimen of this kind, and it is our strong opinion that the Wapecuthu -Owl of Pennant (_Strix wapecuthu_, Gmel.) was nothing else than a -similar individual, which had accidentally lost the ear-tufts, since -there is no other discrepancy in the original description. The failure -to mention ear-tufts, too, may have been merely a neglect on the part of -the describer. - - -Bubo virginianus, var. pacificus, CASS. - - _Bubo virginianus pacificus_, CASSIN, Birds N. Am. 1858, 49. _Bubo - virginianus_, var. _pacificus_, COUES, Key, 1872, 202. _Bubo - virginianus_, COOP. & SUCKLEY, P. R. Rept. XII, II, 1860, 154.—LORD, - Pr. R. A. S. IV, III (British Columbia). ? DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. - Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 272 (Alaska).—? FINSCH, Abh. Nat. III, 26 - (Alaska). - -SP. CHAR. The opposite extreme from var. _arcticus_. The black shades -predominating and the white mottling replaced by pale grayish; the form -of the mottling above is less regularly transverse, being oblique or -longitudinal, and more in blotches than in the other styles. The primary -coverts are plain black; the primaries are mottled gray and plain black. -On the tail the mottling is very dark, the lighter markings on the -middle feathers being thrown into longitudinal splashes. Beneath, the -black bars are nearly as wide as the white, fully double their width -in var. _arcticus_. The legs are always thickly barred. The lining of -the wings is heavily barred with black. Face dull grayish, barred with -dusky; ear-tufts almost wholly black. - -♂ (45,842, Sitka, Alaska, November, 1866; Ferd. Bischoff). Wing-formula, -3, 2=4–5–1, 6. Wing, 14.00; tail, 8.00; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, 2.05; -middle toe, .95. - -Face with obscure bars of black; ochraceous of the bases of the feathers -is distinct. There are seven black spots on the primaries, eight on the -tail; on the latter exceeding the paler in width. - -♀ (27,075, Yukon River, mouth Porcupine, April 16, 1861; R. Kennicott). -Wing-formula, 3, 2=4–5–1, 6. Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.80; culmen, 1.15; -tarsus, 2.00. Eight black spots on primaries, seven on tail. - -HAB. Pacific coast north of the Columbia; Labrador. A northern littoral -form. - -A specimen from Labrador (34,958, Fort Niscopec, H. Connolly) is an -extreme example of this well-marked variety. In this the rufous is -entirely absent, the plumage consisting wholly of brownish-black and -white, the former predominating; the jugulum and the abdomen medially -are conspicuously snowy-white; the black bars beneath are broad, and -towards the end of each feather they become coalesced into a prevalent -mottling, forming a spotted appearance. - -Another (11,792, Simiahmoo, Dr. C. B. Kennerly) from Washington -Territory has the black even more prevalent than in the last, being -almost continuously uniform on the scapulars and lesser wing-coverts; -beneath the black bars are much suffused. In this specimen the rufous -tinge is present, as it is in all except the Labrador skin. - -HABITS. The Great Horned Owl has an extended distribution throughout at -least the whole of North America from ocean to ocean, and from Central -America to the Arctic regions. Throughout this widely extended area it -is everywhere more or less abundant, except where it has been driven out -by the increase of population. In this wide distribution the species -naturally assumes varying forms and exhibits considerable diversities of -coloring. These are provided with distinctive names to mark the races, -but should all be regarded as belonging to one species, as they do not -present any distinctive variation in habit. - -Sir John Richardson speaks of it as not uncommon in the Arctic regions. -It is abundant in Canada, and throughout all parts of the United States. -Dr. Gambel met with it also in large numbers in the wooded regions of -Upper California. Dr. Heermann found it very common around Sacramento in -1849, but afterwards, owing to the increase in population, it had become -comparatively rare. Dr. Woodhouse met with it in the Indian Territory, -though not abundantly. Lieutenant Couch obtained specimens in Mexico, -and Mr. Schott in Texas. - -[Illustration: _Bubo virginianus._] - -In the regions northwest of the Yukon River, Mr. Robert Kennicott -found a pair of these birds breeding on the 10th of April. The female -was procured, and proved to be of a dark plumage. The nest, formed -of dry spruce branches retaining their leaves, was placed near the -top of a large green spruce, in thick woods. It was large, measuring -three or four feet across at base. The eggs were placed in a shallow -depression, which was lined with a few feathers. Two more eggs were -found in the ovary of the female,—one broken, the other not larger than -a musket-ball. The eggs were frozen on their way to the fort. Mr. Ross -states that he found this Owl very abundant around Great Slave Lake, -but that it became less common as they proceeded farther north. It was -remarkably plentiful in the marshes around Fort Resolution. Its food -consisted of shrews and _Arvicolæ_, which are very abundant there. It is -very tame and easily approached, and the Chipewyan Indians are said to -eat with great relish the flesh, which is generally fat. - -Mr. Gunn writes that this Owl is found over all the woody regions of the -Hudson Bay Territory. In the summer it visits the shores of the bay, but -retires to some distance inland on the approach of winter. It hunts in -the dark, preying on rabbits, mice, muskrats, partridges, and any other -fowls that it can find. With its bill it breaks the bones of hares into -small pieces, which its stomach is able to digest. They pair in March, -the only time at which they seem to enjoy each other’s society. The nest -is usually made of twigs in the fork of some large poplar, where the -female lays from three to six pale-white eggs. It is easily approached -in clear sunny weather, but sees very well when the sky is clouded. It -is not mentioned by Mr. MacFarlane as found near Anderson River. Mr. -Dall caught alive several young birds not fully fledged, June 18, on the -Yukon River, below the fort. He also met with it at Nulato, where it was -not common, but was more plentiful farther up the river. - -Mr. Salvin found this species in August at Duenas and at San Geronimo, -in Guatemala. At Duenas it was said to be resident, and is so probably -throughout the whole country. It was not uncommon, and its favorite -locality was one of the hillsides near that village, well covered with -low trees and shrubs, and with here and there a rocky precipice. They -were frequently to be met with on afternoons, and at all hours of the -night they made their proximity known by their deep cry. - -Dr. Kennerly found it in Texas in the cañon of Devil River, and he -adds that it seemed to live indifferently among the trees and the high -and precipitous cliffs. It was found throughout Texas and New Mexico, -wherever there are either large trees or deep cañons that afforded -a hiding-place during the day. Attracted by the camp-fires of Dr. -Kennerly’s party, this Owl would occasionally sweep around their heads -for a while, and then disappear in the darkness, to resume its dismal -notes. Sometimes, frightened by the reverberating report of a gun, they -would creep among the rocks, attempting to conceal themselves, and be -thus taken alive. - -Though frequently kept in captivity, the Great Horned Owl, even when -taken young, is fierce and untamable, resenting all attempts at -familiarity. It has no affection for its mate, this being especially -true of the female. Mr. Downes mentions an instance within his -knowledge, in which a female of this species, in confinement, killed -and ate the male. Excepting during the brief period of mating, they are -never seen in pairs. - -Its flight is rapid and graceful, and more like that of an eagle -than one of this family. It sails easily and in large circles. It is -nocturnal in its habits, and is very rarely seen abroad in the day, and -then only in cloudy weather or late in the afternoon. When detected in -its hiding-place by the Jay, Crow, or King-bird, and driven forth by -their annoyances, it labors under great disadvantages, and flies at -random in a hesitating flight, until twilight enables it to retaliate -upon its tormentors. The hooting and nocturnal cries of the Great Horned -Owl are a remarkable feature in its habits. These are chiefly during -its breeding-season, especially the peculiar loud and vociferous cries -known as its hooting. At times it will utter a single shriek, sounding -like the yell of some unearthly being, while again it barks incessantly -like a dog, and the resemblance is so natural as to provoke a rejoinder -from its canine prototype. Occasionally it utters sounds resembling -the half-choking cries of a person nearly strangled, and, attracted -by the watchfire of a camp, fly over it, shrieking a cry resembling -_waugh-hōō_. It is not surprising that with all these combinations and -variations of unearthly cries these birds should have been held in awe -by the aborigines, their cries being sufficiently fearful to startle -even the least timid. - -It is one of the most destructive of the depredators upon the -poultry-yard, far surpassing in this respect any of our Hawks. All its -mischief is done at night, when it is almost impossible to detect and -punish it. Whole plantations are often thus stripped in a single season. - -The mating of this bird appears to have little or no reference to the -season. A pair has been known to select a site for their nest, and begin -to construct a new one, or seize upon that of a Red-tailed Hawk, and -repair it, in September or October, keeping in its vicinity through the -winter, and making their presence known by their continued hooting. -Mr. Jillson found a female sitting on two eggs in February, in Hudson, -Mass.; and Mr. William Street, of Easthampton, in the spring of 1869, -found one of their nests on the 3d of March, the eggs in which had -been incubated at least a week. If one nest is broken up, the pair -immediately seek another, and make a renewed attempt to raise a brood. -They rarely go more than a mile from their usual abode, and then only -for food. Mr. Street’s observations have led him to conclude that they -mate about February 20, and deposit their eggs from the 25th to the -28th. They cease to hoot in the vicinity of their nest from the time of -their mating until their young have left them in June. On the 19th of -March, 1872, Mr. Street found two of their eggs containing young nearly -ready to hatch. - -Mr. Street’s observations satisfied him that the period of incubation of -this Owl is about three weeks. When they have young and are hard pressed -for food, they hunt by day as well as by night, and at this time they -hoot a good deal. The young are ready to leave their nest about six -weeks after hatching. At this time their feathers are nearly all grown, -except their head-feathers, which have hardly started. In the spring of -1872 Mr. Street found a young bird that had fallen from its nest. Though -very small it was untamable, and not to be softened by any attentions. -Its savage disposition seemed to increase with age. It readily devoured -all kinds of animal food, and was especially fond of fish and snakes. It -was remarkable for its cowardice, being always ridiculously fearful of -the smallest dog, the near approach of one always causing extravagant -manifestations of alarm. He was therefore led to conclude that it does -not prey upon quadrupeds larger than a hare, that it rarely is able to -seize small birds, and that reptiles and fish form no inconsiderable -portion of its food. The young Owl in question assumed its full plumage -in November, when less than eight months old. It was of full size in all -respects except in the length of its claws, which were hardly half the -usual size. - -Mr. T. H. Jackson, of West Chester, Penn., has met with fresh eggs of -this Owl, February 13, 22, and 28, and has found young birds in their -nests from the 2d of March to the 28th. - -Mr. Audubon states that while the Great Horned Owl usually nests in -large hollows of decayed trees, he has twice found the eggs in the -fissures of rocks. In all these cases, little preparation had been made -previous to the laying of the eggs, the bed consisting of only a few -grasses and feathers. Wilson, who found them breeding in the swamps of -New Jersey, states that the nest was generally constructed in the fork -of a tall tree, but sometimes in a smaller tree. They begin to build -towards the close of winter, and, even in the Arctic regions, Sir John -Richardson speaks of their hatching their eggs as early as March. The -shape of the egg is very nearly exactly spherical, and its color is a -dull white with a slightly yellowish tinge. An egg formerly in the old -Peale’s Museum of Philadelphia, taken in New Jersey by Alexander Wilson -the ornithologist, and bearing his autograph upon its shell, measures -2.31 inches in length by 2.00 in breadth. Another, obtained in the -vicinity of Salem, Mass., measures 2.25 inches in length by 1.88 in -breadth. In the latter instance the nest was constructed on a tall and -inaccessible tree in a somewhat exposed locality. The female was shot on -the nest, and, as she fell, she clutched one of the eggs in a convulsive -grasp, and brought it in her claws to the ground. An egg obtained in -Tamaulipas, Mexico, on the Rio Grande, by Dr. Berlandier, measures 2.18 -inches in length by 1.81 in breadth. - -An egg from Wisconsin, taken by Mr. B. F. Goss, may be considered as -about the average in size and color. It is nearly spherical, of a clear -bluish-white, and measures 2.30 by 2.00 inches. - -[Illustration: =38256= ⅓ - -_Otus wilsonianus._] - - -Nyctea scandiaca, var. arctica, GRAY. - -AMERICAN SNOWY OWL. - - _Strix arctica_, BARTRAM, Trav. in Carolina, 1792, p. 285. - _Strix nyctea_, (not of LINN.!) VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pl. - xviii.—SWAINS. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 88.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. - II, 36.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxii, f. 1.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. cxxi.—IB. - Orn. Biog. II, 135.—THOMPS. Nat. Hist. Vermont, p. 64.—PEAB. Birds - Mass. III, 84. _Surnia nyctea_ (EDMONDST.), JAMES. (ed. WILS.), - Am. Orn. I, 1831, 92.—NUTT. Man. p. 116.—KAUP, Tr. Zoöl. Soc. IV, - 1859, 214. _Syrnia nyctea_ (THOMPS.), JARDINE’S (ed. WILS.) Am. - Orn. II, 1832, 46. _Nyctea nivea_, (GRAY) CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. - 1854, 100.—IB. Birds N. Am. 1858, 63.—NEWTON, P. Z. S. 1861, 394 - (eggs).—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas!).—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. - Chicago Acad. I, II, 1869, 273 (Alaska).—COUES, Key, 1872, 205. - _Nyctea candida_, (LATH.) BONAP. List, 1838, 6. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Ground-color entirely snow-white, this marked -with transverse bars of clear dusky, of varying amount in different -individuals. - -♂ (No. 12,059, Washington, D. C., December 4, 1858; C. Drexler). Across -the top of the head, and interspersed over the wings and scapulars, -are small transversely cordate spots of clear brownish-black, these -inclining to the form of regular transverse bars on the scapulars; there -is but one on each feather. The secondaries have mottled bars of more -dilute dusky; the primaries have spots of black at their ends; the tail -has a single series of irregular dusky spots crossing it near the end. -Abdomen, sides, and flanks with transverse crescentic bars of clear -brownish-black. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 1.90; -middle toe, 1.30. Wing-formula, 3, 2=4–5, 1. - -♀ (No. 12,058, Washington, D. C., December 4, 1858). Head above and -nape with each feather blackish centrally, producing a conspicuously -spotted appearance. Rest of the plumage with regular, sharply defined -transverse bars of clear brownish-black; those of the upper surface -more crescentic, those on the lower tail-coverts narrower and more -distant. Tail crossed by five bands, composed of detached transverse -spots. Only the face, foreneck, middle of the breast, and feet, are -immaculate; everywhere else, excepting on the crissum, the dusky and -white are in nearly equal amount. Wing, 18.00; tail, 9.80; culmen, 1.10. -Wing-formula, 3=4, 2–1=5. - -_Young_ (No. 36,434, Arctic America, August, 1863; MacFarlane). Only -partially feathered. Wings and tail as in the adult female described, -but the blackish bars rather broader. Down covering the head and body -dark brownish or sooty slate, becoming paler on the legs. - -HAB. Northern portions of the Nearctic Realm. Breeding in the arctic -and subarctic regions, and migrating in winter to the verge of the -tropics. Bermuda (JARDINE); South Carolina (BARTRAM and AUDUBON); Texas -(DRESSER). - -Localities: Texas, San Antonio (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330). - -The Snowy Owls of North America, though varying greatly among -themselves, seem to be considerably darker, both in the extremes and -average conditions of plumage, than European examples. Not only are the -dusky bars darker, but they are usually broader, and more extended over -the general surface. - -HABITS. This is an exclusively northern species, and is chiefly confined -to the Arctic Circle and the adjacent portions of the temperate zone. -It is met with in the United States only in midwinter, and is much more -abundant in some years than in others. Individual specimens have been -occasionally noticed as far south as South Carolina, but very rarely. It -has also been observed in Kentucky, Ohio, the Bermuda Islands, and in -nearly every part of the United States. - -[Illustration: _Nyctea scandiaca._] - -In the Arctic regions of North America and in Greenland it is quite -abundant, and has been observed as far to the north as Arctic voyagers -have yet reached. Professor Reinhardt states that it is much more -numerous in the northern than in the southern part of Greenland. Sir -John Richardson, who, during seven years’ residence in the Arctic -regions, enjoyed unusual opportunities for studying the habits of this -Owl, says that it hunts its prey in the daytime. It is generally found -on the Barren Grounds, but is always so wary as to be approached with -difficulty. In the wooded districts it is less cautious. - -Mr. Downes states that this Owl is very abundant in Nova Scotia in -winter, and that it is known to breed in the neighboring province of -Newfoundland. In some years it appears to traverse the country in large -flocks. In the winter of 1861–62, he adds, these birds made their -appearance in Canada in large numbers. - -Mr. Boardman states that they are present in winter in the vicinity of -Calais, but that they are not common. A pair was noticed in the spring -of 1862 as late as the last of May, and, in Mr. Boardman’s opinion, -were breeding in that neighborhood. In the western part of Maine Mr. -Verrill found it also rather rare, and met with it only in winter. He -states that it differs greatly in disposition from the Great Horned -Owl, being naturally very gentle, and becoming very readily quite tame -in confinement, differing very much in this respect from most large -_Raptores_. - -It makes its appearance in Massachusetts about the middle or last of -November, and in some seasons is quite common, though never present -in very large numbers. It is bold, but rather wary; coming into -thick groves of trees in close proximity to cities, which indeed it -frequently enters, but keeping a sharp lookout, and never suffering a -near approach. It hunts by daylight, and appears to distinguish objects -without difficulty. Its flight is noiseless, graceful, easy, and at -times quite rapid. In some seasons it appears to wander over the whole -of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, Dr. Heermann having -obtained a specimen of it near San Antonio, Texas, in the winter of -1857. - -It is more abundant, in winter, near the coast, than in the interior, -and in the latter keeps in the neighborhood of rivers and streams, -watching by the open places for opportunities to catch fish. Mr. Audubon -describes it as very expert and cunning in fishing, crouching on the -edges of air-holes in the ice, and instantly seizing any fish that -may come to the surface. It also feeds on hares, squirrels, rats, and -other small animals. It watches the traps set for animals, especially -muskrats, and devours them when caught. In the stomach of one Mr. -Audubon found the whole of a large house-rat. Its own flesh, Mr. Audubon -affirms, is fine and delicate, and furnishes very good eating. It is -described as a very silent bird, and Mr. Audubon has never known it to -utter a note or to make any sound. - -Richardson states that a few remain in the Arctic regions even in -midwinter, but usually in the more sheltered districts, whither it has -followed the Ptarmigan, on which it feeds. When seen on the Barren -Grounds, it was generally squatting on the earth, and, if disturbed, -alighted again after a short flight. In the more wooded districts it is -said to be bolder, and is even known to watch the Grouse-shooters, and -to share in their spoils, skimming from its perch on a high tree, and -carrying off the bird before the sportsman can get near it. - -Mr. MacFarlane writes from Fort Anderson that he did not find this -species abundant in that quarter, and that its eggs were unknown to him. -Mr. B. R. Ross speaks of this Owl as widely distributed, but not common. -He found it a winter resident, and has repeatedly seen it at that season -near Fort Resolution, and it has been shot in February at Fort Norman. -It is very destructive to the snares set by the Indians, eating the -hares and breaking the snares, in which they are sometimes caught. The -Indians are said to attract these birds near enough to be shot at, by -tying a mouse or a piece of hare’s skin to a line, and letting it drag -behind them. - -Mr. Donald Gunn writes that the Snowy Owl is merely a visitor in the -districts to the west of Lake Winnepeg, but is a constant inhabitant -of the country surrounding Hudson Bay. There they hatch their young, -from three to five in number, making their nests in the forks of some -tall poplar-tree. They lay their eggs very early in the spring, and have -hatched their young before other birds begin to nest. This account of -their breeding differs from all other statements I have seen, and, if -correct, is probably exceptional. - -Although a bird of great vigilance, seldom permitting the hunter to -get within range of shot, and equally careful in keeping at a distance -from its foe in its flight, it is, Mr. Gunn states, readily deceived -and decoyed within easy range by tying a bundle of dark rags to a piece -of stout twine, and letting this drag from the end of the hunter’s -snow-shoe. The hungry Owl pounces upon the bait, and the hunter turns -and shoots it. These birds are sometimes quite fat, and are much prized -for food by the Indians. At times they migrate from the more northern -regions to the more inland districts. An instance of this took place -in the winter of 1855–56. These birds made their appearance about the -Red River Settlement in October, and before the latter end of December -became very numerous, especially on the plains, where they were to be -seen flying at any time of the day. In March all left that vicinity and -disappeared. A few pass the summer near Lake Winnepeg, as occasional -birds are seen there in the spring and fall. These migrations are -supposed to be caused by unusual snow-falls and the scarcity of the -animals on which they feed. - -Mr. Dall found them rather rare in the valley of the Lower Yukon, and he -has noticed them occasionally flying over the ice in the winter season. - -Mr. Hutchins, in his manuscript observations on the birds of Hudson Bay -Territory, speaking of this Owl as the _Wapacuthu_, states that it makes -its nest in the moss on the dry ground, and lays from five to ten eggs -in May. Professor Alfred Newton (Proc. Zoöl. Soc. 1861, p. 395) thinks -there can be no doubt he refers to this Owl. Richardson states, as the -result of his own inquiries, that it breeds on the ground, which the -observations of Mr. Hearne confirm. Professor Lilljeborg (Naumannia, -1854, p. 78) found, June 3, 1843, on the Dovrefjeld, a nest of this -species which contained seven eggs. It was placed on a little shelf, on -the top of a bare mountain, far from the forest, and easy of access. -Professor Nilsson was informed, on good authority, that in East Fiarmark -the Snowy Owl is said by the Lapps to lay from eight to ten eggs in a -little depression of the bare ground on the high mountains. Mr. John -Wolley received similar information, and was told that the old birds -sometimes attack persons that approach their nests. The 16th to the -24th of May is said to be the time when they usually breed. I received -in 1860 an egg of this Owl from Herr Möschler. It had been taken near -Okkak, a missionary station of the Moravians, in Labrador, and collected -by the Esquimaux. The accounts given by these collectors confirm the -statement that this bird always breeds on the ground in open places, and -frequently lays quite a large number of eggs. This specimen measures -2.50 inches in length and 1.88 in breadth. It is oblong-oval in shape, -equally rounded at either end, and of a dull soiled white. The egg is -much discolored, apparently by its contact with the ground. - -Mr. H. S. Hawkins (Ibis, 1870, p. 298) gives an account of the nest -and eggs of this species, derived from a correspondent at one of the -Moravian missionary stations on the coast of Labrador. The nest is said -to consist of only a few feathers, and to be placed generally on a ledge -of rocks where there is a slight hollow, sufficient to prevent the eggs -from rolling out, but sometimes on the ground. The usual number of eggs -is eight; these are not all laid and brooded at one time, but the first -two are often hatched by the time the last is laid, so that you may find -in one nest young birds, fresh eggs, and others more or less incubated. - -Herr von Heuglin, in his Notes on the birds of Novaja Zemlia (Ibis, -1872, p. 61), mentions meeting with this Owl in Seal’s Bay, on Matthew’s -Strait, in the Sea of Kara, where he found three nests with two young -birds covered with down. The nest was formed of a shallow depression -in the turf, without any lining. The food of the Snowy Owl, in Novaja -Zemlia, during the summer time, consisted exclusively of a species of -_Myodes_, which were very numerous. The down of the young is plain -brownish-gray. They were easily tamed, and their comical gestures and -vivacity are said to have been very amusing. - -Captain C. F. Hall, the celebrated Arctic voyager, during one of his -expeditions found a nest and four eggs of this species on the bare -ground. These were packed up in an old moccasin, and sent, without -emptying, to the Smithsonian Institution, where, after an interval of -several months, they were successfully emptied, and are now among the -choice treasures of the national museum. - - -GENUS SURNIA, DUMÉRIL. - - _Surnia_, DUMÉRIL, Zoöl. Anal. 1806, 34. (Type, _Strix ulula_, LINN.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size medium; form elongated, and general aspect hawk-like. No -ear-tufts. Four outer quills with their inner webs sinuated, the third -longest; tail nearly as long as the wing, graduated. Ear-conch small, -simple, oval. Bill strong, yellow; eyes small, the iris yellow. Tarsi -and toes thickly covered with soft dense feathers; tarsus shorter than -the middle toe. Plumage much more compact, and less downy, and remiges -and rectrices stiffer and straighter than in other Owls. - -The single species of this genus belongs exclusively to the cold -temperate and arctic zones of the Northern Hemisphere, and is -circumpolar. Though somewhat hawk-like in its appearance, it is -nevertheless a true Owl, and possesses no affinities of structure with -the Hawks, any more than other species of _Strigidæ_. - - -Species and Races. - - =S. ulula.= Above dark vandyke-brown, the head above dotted with - white, and the scapulars spotted with the same. Beneath transversely - barred with vandyke-brown and white, the bars regular, continuous, and - sharply defined. Head and neck with two lateral, and one posterior - medial, stripes of brownish-black, the space between them with white - prevailing. Bill and iris yellow. Wing, about 9.00; tail, 6.80–7.00. - - White spotting prevailing. _Hab._ Palæarctic Realm … - - var. _ulula_.[31] - - Brown spotting prevailing. _Hab._ Nearctic Realm … - - var. _hudsonia_. - - -Surnia ulula, var. hudsonia (GMELIN). - -AMERICAN HAWK OWL. - - _Strix freti hudsonis_, BRISS. Orn. I, 520, 1760. _Strix hudsonia_, - GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 295, 1789.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. l, f. 6, 1808.—SHAW, - Zoöl. VII, 274, 1809.—VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 50. _Surnia hudsonia_, - JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 90, 1831. _Surnia ulula_, var. _hudsonica_, - (RIDGWAY) COUES, Key, 1872, 205. _Strix canadensis_, BRISS. Orn. - I, 518, pl. xxxvii, f. 2, 1789.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 273, 1809. _Strix - funerea_ (not of LINNÆUS!), RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 92, - 1831.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. ccclxxviii, 1831; Orn. Biog. IV. 550.—BONAP. - Ann. Lyc. N. York, II, 35.—BREWER (WILS.), Am. Orn. p. 686.—THOMPS. - Hist. Vermont, p. 64.—PEAB. Birds Mass. III, 83. _Surnia ulula_ (not - _ulula_ of LINN.!), CASS. Birds Calif. & Tex. p. 191, 1854.—Birds - N. Am. 1858, 64.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 39, 1869.—BLACKIST. Ibis, III, - 320.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, III (Brit. Columb.).—KAUP, Tr. Zoöl. - Soc. IV, 1859, 214.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Acad. I, II, - 274.—MAYNARD, Birds Eastern Mass., 1870, 133. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Above rich dark vandyke-brown, darker anteriorly, -less intense and more grayish on tail. A narrow streak of brownish-black -originating over the middle of eye, and extending backward above the -upper edge of the ear-coverts, where it forms an elbow passing downward -in a broad stripe over the ends of the ear-coverts; confluent with -this, at about the middle of the vertical stripe, is another of similar -tint, which passes more broadly down the side of the nape; between -the last stripes (those of opposite sides) is another or medial one -of less pure black, extending from the occiput down the nape. Every -feather of the forehead, crown, and occiput with a central ovate dot -of white; those anterior more circular, on the occiput less numerous -and more linear. Between the lateral and posterior nuchal stripes the -white prevails, the brown forming irregular terminal and transverse or -medial spots; these grow more linear toward the back. Interscapulars -plain; posterior scapulars variegated with partially concealed large -transverse spots of white, the lower feathers with nearly the whole -outer webs white, their confluence causing a conspicuous elongated patch -above the wing. Rump with sparse, irregular, but generally transverse, -spots of white; upper tail-coverts with broader, more regular bars -of the same, these about equal to the brown in width. Lower feathers -of the middle and secondary wing-coverts each with an ovoid spot of -white on the outer web; secondaries crossed by about three transverse -series of longitudinally ovoid white spots (situated on the edge of the -feather), and very narrowly tipped with the same; primary coverts with -one or two less continuous transverse series of spots, these found only -on the outer feathers; primaries with about seven transverse series -of white spots, these obsolete except on the five outer feathers, on -which those anterior to the emargination are most conspicuous; all the -primaries are very narrowly bordered with white at the ends. Tail with -seven or eight very narrow bands of white, those on the middle feathers -purely so, becoming obsolete exteriorly; the last is terminal. Eyebrows, -lores, and face grayish-white, the grayish appearance caused by the -blackish shafts of the feathers; that of the face continues (contracting -considerably) across the lower part of the throat, separating a large -space of dark brown, which covers nearly the whole throat, from an -indistinct collar of the same extending across the jugulum,—this collar -uniting the lower ends of the auricular and cervical dusky bands, the -space between which is nearly clear white. Ground-color of the lower -parts white, but everywhere with numerous very regular transverse bars -of deep brown, of a tint more reddish than the back, the brown bars -rather more than half as wide as the white ones; across the upper part -of the breast (beneath the dark gular collar) the white invades very -much and reduces the brown, forming a broad lighter belt across the -jugulum; below this the brown bars increase in width, their aggregation -tending somewhat to a suffusion, giving the white jugular belt better -definition. On the legs and toes the bars are narrower, more distant, -and less regular. - -The whole lining of the wing is barred just like the sides. The dark -brown prevails on the under surface of the primaries, etc.; the former -having transverse, irregular, elliptical spots of white, these touching -neither the shaft nor the edge: on the longest quill are seven of these -spots; on all they are anterior to the emargination. - -♂ (49,808, Nulato, Alaska, April 21, 1867; W. H. Dall). Wing-formula, -3, 4–2–5–6–1. Wing, 9.00; tail, 7.00; culmen, .70; tarsus (of another -specimen; wanting in the present), .90; middle toe, .82. - -♀ (49,807, Nulato, April 20; W. H. Dall). Wing-formula, 3, 4–2–5–6–7=1. -Wing, 9.00; tail, 6.80; culmen, .70; middle toe, .80. - -HAB. Arctic America, south in winter into northern United States; -Wisconsin (DR. HOY); Massachusetts (DR. BREWER; MAYNARD); Dakota and -Montana (Mus. S. I.). - -The Hawk Owl of North America is to be distinguished from that of -Europe and Siberia by the same characters which distinguish the -American Sparrow Owl from the European, namely, much darker shade of -the brown and its greater prevalence. Three perfect specimens of the -Old World bird (a pair from Lapland, and a specimen from Kamtschatka, -Petropawloosk, W. H. Dall) agree in prevalence of the white over the -head above, the confluence of the spots on the scapulars forming a -larger, more conspicuous patch, and very broad and almost immaculate -jugular belt; the brown bars beneath are very much narrower than in the -American bird, and the tint is not different from that of the back. The -legs and toes are scarcely variegated. While acknowledging the identity -of the two representative forms, the differences are such as to entitle -them to separation as races. - -HABITS. The American form of the Hawk Owl inhabits the northern portions -of both continents, and is common in the Arctic portions. On the -Atlantic coast of this continent it has been found as far south as -Philadelphia and the State of New Jersey, but its presence south of -latitude 45° is probably only occasional and rather rare. The European -form, according to Mr. Dresser, has not been known to exist in the -British Islands, but several instances are quoted of the occurrence -of the American form in Great Britain. One was taken off the coast of -Cornwall in March, 1830; another was shot near Yatton, in Somersetshire, -on a sunny afternoon in August, 1847; a third had previously been taken -at Maryhill, near Glasgow, in December, 1863. On the Pacific coast -it has not been taken farther south than Alaska, though it is quite -probable it may yet be found to be an occasional visitant in Washington -Territory and Oregon, and even the northern portions of California. It -remains all the winter in high northern latitudes, and the instances of -its having been taken even in Massachusetts, so far as is now known, are -not many. Wilson only met with two specimens. Audubon and Nuttall never -met with one of these birds alive. - -[Illustration: _Surnia ulula._] - -Mr. Downes states that the Hawk Owl is very abundant in Nova Scotia -in the winter time in some years, but may not be seen again for four -or five seasons. It is common in Newfoundland, where it breeds in -the Caribou districts. Mr. Downes often kept living specimens in -confinement, which had been taken on board the Cunard steamers off the -coast. - -Mr. Boardman gives this species as resident, though rare, in the -neighborhood of Calais, being occasionally found there in the -breeding-season. In Oxford County, Maine, Professor A. E. Verrill says -it is a common autumnal and winter visitant, and that it is quite -abundant from the first of November to the middle of March, but not -found there in the summer. Mr. Allen has never met with it in Western -Massachusetts. Near Boston, in some seasons, it is not uncommon, though -never occurring with any frequency, and only singly. It is found -throughout the State, and is probably more common late in November than -at any other time; several having been taken in Westfield, and also -in Berkshire County, among the Green Mountains. I am not aware that -any have been taken farther south than Philadelphia, near which city -Mr. Edward Harris obtained one specimen, while another was shot at -Haddington in 1866. Mr. McIlwraith calls it a rare winter visitant near -Hamilton, Canada. - -Richardson states that it is a common species throughout the fur -countries from Hudson Bay to the Pacific, where it is killed by the -hunters more frequently than any other, which may be attributed to -its boldness and to its diurnal habits. During the summer season it -feeds principally upon mice and insects, but in the regions in which -it is found in winter, where the snow is very deep, and where this -food is not procurable, it must depend on the Ptarmigan, and, indeed, -is found a constant attendant upon the flocks of these birds in their -spring migrations. When the hunters are shooting Grouse, it is said to -be occasionally attracted by the report of the gun, and is often bold -enough, when a bird has been killed, to pounce down upon it, although it -is unable, from its inferior size, to carry it off. It is also said to -occasionally hover round the fires made by the Indians at night. - -To this account of its habits Richardson adds that it builds its nest -on a tree, of sticks, grass, and feathers, and lays two white eggs. In -regard to the number of eggs, he is now known to be inaccurate. Mr. -MacFarlane met with this bird in considerable numbers in the region -of Anderson River, where he found several nests, and all of which he -made any record were built in pine-trees at considerable height from -the ground. One nest is said to have been on the top of a pine about -twenty feet in height, and was composed of small sticks and twigs, -lined with moss. Both parents were obtained. This nest contained two -young birds—one of which was about ten days old, the other about three -weeks—and an addled egg. This nest was found on the 20th of June, -showing that the bird began to incubate early in May. - -Another nest, taken on the 28th of April, was found to contain six -eggs. It was built in the top crotch of a tall pine, was composed of -dry sticks, and lined with hay and a few feathers. A third nest also -contained six eggs, and was lined with green mosses and deer’s hair. One -nest contained as many as seven eggs, and all but one had as many as -six. Mr. MacFarlane speaks of it as a winter resident. - -Mr. B. R. Ross states that he found this bird throughout the Great Slave -Lake district, but not plentiful. It winters in even the northernmost -parts of the wooded country. It is said to build its nest not only on -trees, but also on cliffs, and to lay as early as the last of March or -the first of April. He states that the eggs are usually four in number, -and describes them as of a dead white, of an oblong-oval shape, and as -measuring 1.39 inches by 1.21. He received three eggs with the parent -bird, taken at Lapierre’s House, and another parent, with nest and four -eggs, from Salt River. - -Mr. Dall found this the most common species of Owl about Nulato. Many -of both sexes were obtained, and on the 16th of April he took from the -ovary of a female an egg ready for laying. On the 5th of May Mr. Dall -obtained six eggs which were laid on the top of an old birch stump, and -fifteen feet from the ground. There was no nest other than that the -rotten wood was somewhat hollowed out, and the eggs laid directly upon -it. As he was climbing to the nest, the male bird which had been sitting -on the nest attacked Mr. Dall, and knocked off his cap. The female did -not appear. - -Mr. Donald Gunn states that these Owls hunt in the daytime, and feed -chiefly upon mice; and Mr. Dall seldom found anything but mice in their -crops, and adds that it is very fond of flying, towards dusk, from the -top of one tall spruce to another, apparently swinging or balancing -itself, calling to its mate at intervals, while chasing or being chased -by it. - -Captain Drummond states, in “Contributions to Ornithology” (p. 37), that -he noticed a bird of this species, on the wing, within a few yards of -him, in the Bermudas. - -Mr. Dresser, who had ample opportunities of observing the Hawk Owl in -New Brunswick, where he found it by no means uncommon, describes it -as a true day Owl. It was often seen by him hawking after prey in the -strongest sunshine, or seated quietly blinking on the top of an old -blasted tree, apparently undisturbed by the glare of the sun. In its -general appearance, and particularly in its flight, it appeared to him -to have considerable affinity to the Sparrow Hawk. In New Brunswick -it affected the open plains or so-called blueberry barrens, where the -open country is covered with low bushes and an occasional scathed tree. -It would sit on one of these trees for hours in an upright hawk-like -position, occasionally hunting over the ground, like the Kestrel of -Europe, in search of small field-mice. It showed but little fear, and -could be easily approached within gun-shot. When shot at and missed, -it would take a short flight and return to its former perch. On one -occasion Mr. Dresser, firing at one with a rifle, cut the branch close -under the bird, which returned almost immediately to another branch, was -a second time missed, and finally fell under a third shot. - -Its note is said to be a shrill cry, similar to the call of the European -Kestrel, and generally uttered on the wing. The stomach was generally -found filled with small field-mice, and rarely contained any remains -of small birds. They appeared to hunt after food chiefly early in the -forenoon and in the evening. During the day they rested on some elevated -perch. In the night they retired to rest like other diurnal _Raptores_. - -An egg of this Owl, taken from the oviduct of its parent by Mr. B. R. -Ross, April 16, at Fort Simpson, measures 1.50 inches in length by 1.20 -in breadth. It is of oval shape, and of a dull-white color. Another -egg measures 1.62 by 1.30 inches, is of a rounded oval, equally obtuse -at either end, and of a yellowish-white color. It was taken by Mr. -MacFarlane at Fort Anderson. - - -_Genus_ GLAUCIDIUM, BOIE. - - _Glaucidium_, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 970. _Microptynx_, KAUP. (Type, _Strix - passerina_, LINN.) - _Microglaux_, KAUP. (Type, _Strix havanense_, KAUP, = _G. siju_ - (D’ORB.) CAB.) - ? _Taenioptynx_, KAUP. (Type, _Noctua brodiei_, BURT.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size very small; head rather small; bill and feet very strong -and robust; no ear-tufts; tail long, about three fourths as long as the -wing, rounded. Nostrils circular, opening in the middle of the inflated -cere-membrane (except in _G. siju_). Tarsus about equal to the middle -toe, densely feathered; toes haired. Four outer quills with their inner -webs emarginated; third to fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple, -rounded. Bill yellowish (except in _G. phalænoides_?); iris yellow. - -The genus is most largely developed within the tropical regions, only -one species (_G. passerinum_) belonging to the cold temperate zone, and -this is found on both continents. They are the most robustly organized -of all Owls, and, for their size, are very predatory, as in the next -genus (_Micrathene_), though themselves hardly larger than a Sparrow, -they frequently feed upon small birds, and, no doubt, often destroy the -passerine species of nearly their own size. Like the most of the group -to which this genus belongs, they are diurnal in their habits, and fly -about during the brightest sunshine. They inhabit chiefly dense forests, -and for this reason, are less well known than the more easily accessible -Owls. - -[Illustration: =36874= - -_Glaucidium californicum._] - -The following synopsis includes only the North American and Mexican -species of _Glaucidium_. In tropical America are several others very -distinct from those here given. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Above brown, varying from nearly gray to bright - ferruginous, in some species this color interrupted by a more or - less distinct whitish nuchal collar, with an adjacent blackish spot - (sometimes concealed) on each side of the neck. Tail with narrow - bands. Beneath white, the sides striped with brown or blackish. Throat - and jugulum white, with a dusky collar between. Crown speckled or - streaked with lighter; wings more or less spotted with the same. - - =A.= Markings on the crown circular, or dot-like. - - 1. =G. passerinum.= Tail with six to eight narrow white bands. - Upper parts varying from brownish-gray to chocolate-brown. - Ground-color of the lower parts pure white. - - Tail, and stripes on sides, not darker than the back; tail-bands - six, and continuous; toes rather thickly feathered. _Hab._ - Europe … - - var. _passerinum_.[32] - - Tail, and stripes on sides, much darker than the back; - tail-bands 7 (♂)–8 (♀), not continuous; toes only scantily - haired. Wing, 3.50–4.00; tail, 2.50–2.80; culmen, .43–.48; - tarsus, .60; middle toe, .55. _Hab._ Western Province of North - America. Table-lands of Mexico … - - var. _californicum_. - - =B.= Markings on the crown longitudinal and linear. - - 2. =G. infuscatum.= Tail dark brown, crossed by six to seven - non-continuous bands of white, narrower than the dark ones. Above - varying from grayish-brown to reddish-umber and sepia. Beneath - white, the stripes on the sides grayish-brown or dark brown, like - the back. - - Above dark sepia, or blackish-brown. Tail brownish-black or deep - black. Wing, 3.70–3.90; tail, 2.50–2.90; culmen, .45; tarsus, - .65–.80; middle toe, .65–.70. _Hab._ Eastern South America … - - var. _infuscatum_.[33] - - Above grayish, or reddish-umber. Tail clear dark brown, or - grayish-umber. - - Wing, 3.60–3.90; tail, 2.35–2.75; culmen, .45–.50; tarsus, - .65–.80; middle toe, .60–.70. _Hab._ Middle America, from the - Rio Grande (probably in Texas) to Panama … - - var. _gnoma_.[34] - - 3. =G. ferrugineum.= Tail crossed by seven to nine continuous - bands of dark brown and bright rufous, of nearly equal width. - Above varying from grayish-brown to bright ferruginous; beneath - varying from pure white to pale rufous, the stripes on the sides - like the back. Wing, 3.70–4.15; tail, 2.20–2.90; culmen, .45–.50; - tarsus, .70–.80; middle toe, .70–.75. _Hab._ Tropical America, - from southern border of United States to Southern Brazil. - - -Glaucidium passerinum, var. californicum (SCLATER). - -THE CALIFORNIA PIGMY OWL. - - _Glaucidium californicum_, SCLATER, Proc. Zoöl. Soc. Lond. 1857, p. - 4. _Glaucidium passerinum_, var. _californicum_ (RIDGWAY) COUES, - Key, 1872, 206. _Strix passerinoides_ (not of TEMMINCK!), AUD. Orn. - Biog. V, 271, 1831. _Glaucidium infuscatum_ (not of TEMM.!), CASS. - Birds of Cal. & Tex. p. 189, 1854.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. VI, IV, 77, - 1857. _Glaucidium gnoma_ (not of WAGLER!), CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, - 62.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. - XII, II, 158, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 14, 1866.—CAB. Jour. - 1862, 336.—LORD. Int. Obs. 1865, 409 (habits).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 42, - 1869.—CAB. Ueb. Berl. Mus. 1869, 207. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 12,054, Puget Sound, Washington Territory; Dr. -C. B. Kennerly). Above, including the auriculars, umber-brown, with a -faint reddish cast; this tinge most apparent in a sharply defined band -across the throat. The continuity of the brown above is interrupted by a -scarcely observable collar round the nape of concealed whitish; this is -discernible only laterally, where there is also an inconspicuous black -space. Whole head above, and neck behind, with numerous small circular -spots of reddish-white; back, scapulars, and wings more sparsely and -more minutely marked with the same; the two or three lower feathers -of the secondary coverts have each a terminal, somewhat oval, larger -spot of pure white. Secondaries crossed by three (exposed) bands of -pure white, and narrowly tipped with the same; the bands formed by -semicircular spots on the outer webs. Primaries almost plain, but -showing faintly defined obsolete bands,—the third, fourth, and fifth -with two or three conspicuous white spots on outer webs, beyond their -emargination; primary coverts perfectly plain. Tail considerably darker -than the wings, and purer umber; crossed with seven narrow bands of -pure white, the last of which is terminal and not well defined,—these -bands are formed by transverse spots, not touching the shaft on either -web. Lores, sides of the forehead, sides of the throat (beneath the -cheeks and ear-coverts), and lower parts in general, pure white; the -ante-orbital white continuing back over the eye to its middle, but not -beyond it. Lateral portion of the neck and breast (confluent with the -gular belt), and sides, umber, like the back, but more numerously, -though more obsoletely, speckled, the spots rather larger and more -longitudinal on the sides. Breast, abdomen, anal region, and lower -tail-coverts with narrow longitudinal stripes of nearly pure black. -Jugulum immaculate. Tarsi mottled on the outside with brown. Lining -of the wing white; a transverse patch of blackish across the ends of -the under primary coverts, formed by the terminal deltoid spot of each -feather; a blackish stripe, formed of blended streaks (parallel with the -edge of the wing), running from the bend to the primary coverts. Under -surface of primaries dusky, with transverse spots of white anterior to -the emargination; these white spots on the longest quill are eight in -number. Axillars plain white. - -Wing, 3.60; tail, 2.60; culmen, .45; tarsus, .60; middle toe, .55. -Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1. - -♀ (36,874, Fort Whipple, near Prescott, Arizona, October 11, 1864; Dr. -Coues). In general appearance scarcely different from the male. Upper -surface more ashy, the specks of whitish less numerous, being confined -chiefly to the head; those on the scapulars, however, are large, though -very sparse. The middle wing-coverts have each a conspicuous roundish -white spot near the end of the outer web; the secondary coverts are -similarly marked, forming a band across the wing. The primaries and tail -are as in the male, except that the latter has eight, instead of seven, -white bands. The brown of the gular band extends upward over the throat -to the recurved feathers of the chin; the white dots in the brown of the -sides are considerably larger and (though very irregular) more circular -than in the male; the stripes on the abdomen, etc., are rather broader -and less deeply black than in the male. Wing, 4.00; tail, 2.80; culmen, -.48. (Wing-formula as in male.) - -HAB. Pacific Province of North America, from Vancouver Island southward; -Arizona (Fort Whipple); Colorado (El Paso Co., AIKEN); Table-lands of -Mexico (Coll., G. N. LAWRENCE). Perhaps whole of the Western Province, -from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. - -One specimen in the collection (59,069) differs from those described -in much darker colors. The original label is lost, but it was probably -received from the northwest coast, as the darker, more reddish colors -bear about the same relation to the paler gray tints of the southern -birds that the dark northwest coast style of _Scops asio_ (var. -_kennicotti_) does to the true _asio_. The stripes beneath are nearly -pure black, the general tint above being a reddish sepia-brown. Wing, -3.65; tail, 2.70. - -The _Glaucidium californicum_ requires comparison only with the _G. -passerinum_ of Europe, to which it is quite closely related, though -easily distinguishable by the characters pointed out in the diagnoses; -it is not at all like _gnoma_, nor indeed any other American species, -with which it has been confounded by nearly all ornithologists, even by -Cabanis, in his excellent paper above cited. - -[Illustration: _Glaucidium californicum._] - -I have seen only one Mexican specimen of this species, which is one in -Mr. Lawrence’s collection; the locality is not given, but it is probably -from the higher regions of the interior. It differs in no respect, -except in size, from North American examples; it measures, wing, 3.40; -tail, 2.60. - -HABITS. This species, one of the smallest of our North American Owls, -was first obtained on the Columbia River by Dr. Townsend, near Fort -Vancouver; and subsequently, Dr. Merideth Gairdner procured several -others from the same locality, which were sent to the Edinburgh Museum. -Dr. Townsend’s specimen was said to have been taken on the wing at -midday. - -Dr. Cooper met with a single specimen in Washington Territory early in -November, 1854. He observed it among a flock of Sparrows, that did not -seem at all disturbed by its presence. At first he mistook it for one of -these birds. Its stomach was found to contain only insects. - -Dr. Suckley obtained two specimens at Puget Sound, where he found it -moderately abundant. It seemed to be diurnal in its habits, gliding -about in shady situations in pursuit of its prey. He saw one about -midday in a shady alder-swamp near Nisqually. It flitted noiselessly -past him several times, alighting near by, on a low branch, as if to -examine the intruder. - -Near a small lake in the neighborhood of Fort Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley -frequently heard the voice of a diminutive Owl, which he supposed to -come from one of these birds, as this is the only small species of the -family he ever saw in that neighborhood. The notes were subdued and -clear, like the soft, low notes of a flute. - -Dr. Newberry procured specimens of the Pigmy Owl on the Cascade -Mountains, in Oregon, where, however, it was not common. It occurs -also in California, as he saw several individuals in San Francisco -that had been obtained in that State, but he did not meet with any in -the Sacramento Valley. It was apparently confined to wooded districts, -which is probably the reason why it is not more frequent in the open -country of California. He adds that it flies about with great freedom -and activity by day, pursuing the small birds upon which it subsists, -apparently as little incommoded by the light as they are. It is, -however, doubtful whether it subsists, to any large extent, on small -birds. So far as observed it appears to feed almost exclusively on -insects, although the Owl taken by Townsend is said to have had the -entire body of a _Regulus_ in its stomach. - -Dr. Cooper speaks of this Owl as not uncommon in the middle part of -California, though he did not meet with it in the southern part of the -State. It is probable that it is occasional in Southern California, as -it has been found in Mexico, where however, it is undoubtedly rare, as -Mr. Ridgway informs me that only a single specimen of this Owl, among a -hundred others from Mexico, has ever been seen by him. - -Dr. Heermann met with this beautiful little species among the -mountainous districts of the mining regions of California, where it -was by no means rare. It was, however, seldom captured by him, and -he regarded its flying by night as the reason; but this view is not -corroborated by the observations of others. In 1852 he procured three -specimens on the borders of the Calaveras River, others were taken on -the Cosumnes River, and Mr. J. G. Bell, of New York, met with it on the -American River, thus demonstrating its wide and general distribution -throughout the State. - -Mr. John K. Lord met with a pair on Vancouver Island. He characterizes -the bird as of shy and solitary habits, always hiding among the thick -foliage of the oak or pine, except when feeding. Early one spring, -while collecting specimens of the smaller migrant birds, he was favored -with unusual opportunities for watching their habits. The pair had made -their home in the hollow of an oak-tree that stood in an open patch of -gravelly ground near a small lake. The remains of an Indian lodge which -was close to the place enabled Mr. Lord to watch closely the habits -of this interesting pair. In the first morning twilight the Owls were -up and in motion, hungry after a whole night’s fasting. Their flight -was short, quick, and jerking, similar to that of the Sparrow Hawk, -but wholly unlike the muffled, noiseless flap of the Night Owls. Their -food was found to be entirely insectivorous, chiefly grasshoppers and -field-crickets, with an occasional beetle or butterfly. When in pursuit -of food, they perch on a small branch near the ground, and sit bolt -upright in an indolent drowsy manner until their quick eye detects an -insect, when they suddenly pounce upon it, hold it down with their -small but powerful claws, and with their sharp beaks tear it to pieces. -Only the soft abdominal parts are thus eaten. As soon as their hunger -is satiated they return to the tree, cuddling close together, and doze -away the greater part of the day. In the evening twilight the Owls again -come out of their hole and take erratic flights around their abode, -chasing each other up and down the plain, and performing all kinds of -inexplicable manœuvres. Occasionally they settle on the ground, but -never long at a time. - -Mr. Lord never observed them to capture an insect while on the wing, and -a very small quantity of food seemed to supply their wants. As soon as -it became dark they retired to their nest, and there apparently passed -the night. - -To this account Mr. Lord adds, that early in May two small eggs were -laid, white in color, round and very rough on their surface, a large -knot-hole in the branch of the tree having been selected as the -nesting-place. Nothing of any kind was used as a lining, the eggs being -deposited on the bare wood. The length of time occupied in incubation -Mr. Lord was not able to ascertain in consequence of the shortness of -his stay. - - -Glaucidium ferrugineum, KAUP. - -THE RED-TAILED OWL. - - _Strix ferruginea_, MAX. Reis. Bras. I, 105, 1820; Trav. Bras. p. 88; - Beitr. III, 234.—TEMM. Pl. Col. 199.—LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 373. _Noctua - f._, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. ii, p. 69.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 111; Tr. - Orn. 104.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 346.—TSCHUDI, Av. Consp. Wiegm. - Archiv. 1844, 267; Faun. Per. pp. 19, 117. _Surnia f._, BONAP. Oss. - Cuv. Règ. An. p. 56; Isis, 1833, 1053. _Athene f._, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. - sp. 17; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 92.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 38.—STRICKL. - Orn. Syn. I, 162, 1855. _Glaucidium f._, KAUP, Mon. Strig. Cont. Orn. - 1852, 104.—BURM. Thier. Bras. II, 141, 146.—CABAN. Ueb. Berl. Mus. - 1869, 206.—COUES, Am. Nat. VI, 370 (Arizona).—IB. Key, 1872, 206. _? - Athene nana_ (KING), GRAY, Gen. 1844, pl. xii (normal plumage). - - -_a._ _Normal plumage._ - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 23,792, Mazatlan, Mexico; J. Xantus). Upper -surface umber-brown, more ashy anteriorly, posteriorly more brownish. -Head above with a few narrow longitudinal lines of yellowish-white, -anteriorly and laterally; a quite distinct collar of whitish spots -across the nape, the black lateral spaces rather obsolete; scapulars -with a few conspicuous oval spots of pure white; two lower feathers of -secondary coverts each with a similar spot on outer web. Secondaries -darker brown, crossed with five bands of dull rufous, the last not -terminal; outer webs of primaries with semicircular pale spots along -the margin, these nearly white beyond the sinuation of the feathers, -anteriorly brownish. Tail bright rufous, crossed with about seven -distinct bands of dark brown, these hardly equalling the rufous in -width, which is also terminal. Longitudinal stripes of the sides of the -same soft grayish-brown tint as the head; tarsi sparsely speckled with -the same on outer side. Wing-formula, 4, 5, 3–6–7, 2, 8; first shortest. -Wing, 3.70; tail, 2.20; culmen, .45; tarsus, .70; middle toe, .70. - - -_b._ _Rufescent plumage._ - -_Adult._ Upper surface continuously deep lateritious-rufous, all -the lighter markings almost obliterated. Bars on the tail scarcely -traceable. Black cervical transverse space conspicuous. Sides of the -breast and stripes of the sides duller rufous than the tint above; white -of ground-color with yellowish tinge; legs pale rufous, deepest on outer -side, immaculate. Gular collar blackish. - -♂ (43,055, La Palma, Costa Rica, January 27, 1866; José Zeledon). -Wing-formula, 4=5, 3–6–2; first shortest. Wing, 3.80; tail, 2.40. - -♀ (33,216, San José, Costa Rica; J. Carmiol). Wing-formula, 4, 3=5–6, 2; -first shortest. Wing, 4.15; tail, 2.90; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .75. - -HAB. Whole of eastern South America, and Middle America (both coasts) -north into southern border of United States (Arizona, BENDIRE; probably -entire southern border). - -The numerous specimens examined come from the Rio Grande of Texas -(across the whole breadth of Middle America) to Paraguay, everywhere the -same species, those from the extremes of its range showing scarcely any -difference. - -A specimen of the ferruginous plumage, in the collection of the -Philadelphia Academy, is remarkable for the great intensity and -uniformity of the rufous; the entire plumage, in fact, being of this -color, a fine light tint of which replaces the white below. There is no -trace of bars on either wings or tail. - -In the very large series before me I find in individuals every possible -shade between the two extremes described. Over fifty specimens have come -under my notice. - -HABITS. This little Owl claims a place in our fauna on the strength of -several specimens taken in Southern Arizona by Captain Bendire. It is a -southern bird, found throughout the whole of Mexico, and ranges thence -though the whole of South America, except the Pacific coast, as far -south as Southern Brazil. In Mexico it is as abundant on the Pacific as -on the eastern coast, and is by far the most common Owl of its genus -found in that country. - -Mr. E. C. Taylor states that he found this bird pretty common in -Trinidad, where it is said to fly about in the daytime, apparently -indifferent to the blazing tropical sun, and is much smaller than any -other species of Owl he met with. - - -GENUS MICRATHENE, COUES. - - _Micrathene_, COUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, 57. (Type, _Athene - whitneyi_, COOPER.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size very small (the smallest Owl known); head small, and -without ear-tufts. Bill and feet weak. Tail short, less than half the -wing, even. Nostril small, circular, opening in the middle of the much -inflated ceral membrane. Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe, -naked, scantily haired, as are also the toes. Four outer quills with -their inner webs sinuated; fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple, -roundish. Bill pale greenish; iris yellow. - -[Illustration: ½ - -_Micrathene whitneyi._] - -This well-marked genus is represented by a single species, found in -the Colorado region of the United States, and in Western Mexico. It -is the smallest of all known Owls, and has the general aspect of a -_Glaucidium_. From the fact that feathers of birds were found in its -stomach, we may reasonably infer that it is of exceedingly rapacious -habits, like the species of that genus. - - -Species. - - =M. whitneyi.= Above grayish olive-brown, sprinkled with small, rather - obscure, spots of pale rusty, and interrupted by a whitish nuchal - collar; outer webs of the lower series of scapulars pure white. Wings - spotted with white and pale fawn-color; tail grayish-brown, crossed - by five to six narrow interrupted bands of pale fawn-color. Eyebrows - and lores pure white; a cravat of the same on the chin. Beneath white, - marked with large, rather longitudinal, ragged blotches of pale - rusty, mottled with dusky. Bill pale greenish; iris yellow. Length, - 5.50–6.25; extent of wings, 14.25–15.25 (measurements of freshly - killed specimens). Wing, 4.00–4.40; tail, 1.90–2.30. _Hab._ Fort - Mohave, California (April), and Socorro Island, west coast of Mexico. - - -Micrathene whitneyi, COUES. - -WHITNEY’S OWL. - - _Athene whitneyi_, COOPER, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sc. 1861, p. 118. - _Micrathene whitneyi_, COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1866, - 15.—ELLIOT, Illust. Am. B. I, xxix.—GRAYSON (LAWRENCE), Ann. N. Y. - Lyc.—COUES, Key, 1872, 207. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 208, J. G. Cooper, Fort Mohave, California, -April 26, 1861). Above umber-brown (less pure and uniform than in -_Glaucidium_), each feather with an irregular, transversely elliptical -spot of pale rufous, these largest on the forehead, bordering the -white eyebrows; the feathers everywhere minutely mottled transversely -with darker, this being most noticeable where bordering the yellowish -spots. Scapulars with their outer webs almost wholly white. Wings with -the ground-color a little darker than the back; lesser coverts with -numerous spots of light rufous, there being two on each feather, one -concealed; middle and secondary coverts with a very large oval spot of -pure white terminating the outer webs, the white spot on the latter -preceded by a pale rufous one. Secondaries with five (exposed) bands -of pale ochraceous (the last terminal), these passing into white on -the edge; primary coverts with three large ochraceous spots; primaries -with about six (including the terminal) conspicuous spots of the same, -those anterior to the emargination, on the third, fourth, and fifth -quills, almost white. Tail like the wings, but more uniform; crossed by -six irregular narrow bands of pale ochraceous, the last, or terminal, -of which is not well defined; these do not touch the shaft, and on the -inner webs they are pure white. Lores and eyebrows, cheeks, lining of -the wings, and ground-color of the lower parts, white; ear-coverts and -sub-orbital space like the crown, but more rusty; lateral lower parts -much washed with plumbeous, this especially prevalent on the flanks. -Behind the sharply defined white of the cheeks is a black transverse -wash. Throat, jugulum, breast, and abdomen, with each feather having a -medial longitudinal ragged-edged blotch of pale rufous, these blotches -most clearly defined on the abdomen, more confused anteriorly; anal -region and tibiæ almost immaculate; tibiæ with numerous transverse -narrow blackish bars, on a pale ochraceous ground. Lining of the -wing faintly spotted at the bend, and on the primary coverts, the -terminal half of which is plain dusky; under surface of primaries -blackish, with obscure transverse paler spots,—those anterior to -the emargination almost white; those beyond darker, the last being -scarcely distinguishable; on the longest quill eight can be detected. -Wing-formula, 4, 3=5–2, 6, 7, 8, 9–1. Length, “6.25”; extent, “15.25”; -wing, 4.40; tail, 2.30; culmen, .35; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .60. - -A male from Socorro Island (49,678, Colonel A. J. Grayson) is less adult -than the preceding. The upper plumage is more brownish and more mottled; -the rufous spots, though deeper and larger, are less sharply defined; -the spots on the primaries are all ochraceous; the bands on the tail are -broader, though of the same number. Beneath the longitudinal blotches -do not appear, but the rusty rufous covers nearly the whole surface, -leaving the medial portion only white, and this not well defined; the -rusty shows ragged minute transverse bars of blackish. The whitish -collar round the nape is also better defined than in the type. Wing, -4.20; tail, 2.10. Wing-formula, 4, 3=5–6, 2–7, 8, 9, 10, 1. Length, -5.20; extent, 14.25. - -Another specimen, 50,765, from the same locality, also apparently -immature, is just like the preceding in plumage. It measures, wing, -4.00; tail, 1.90. - -[Illustration: _Micrathene whitneyi._] - -HABITS. The type specimen of this diminutive species was shot at Fort -Mohave, in the Colorado Valley, latitude 35°, April 26, 1861, and two -others have since been taken on the Socorro Islands, off the western -coast of Mexico, by Colonel Grayson. It is smaller even than the little -California Pygmy Owl, and is therefore the smallest known to inhabit -North America. It resembles that species in its colors, but is thought -by Dr. Cooper to be more similar to the burrowing Owls in its generic -characters. It was found in a dense thicket, on a very windy morning, -and where it may have taken only a temporary refuge, after having been -blown down from some of the caverns in the barren mountains surrounding -the valley. In its stomach were found the remains of insects and the -feathers of small birds. Several specimens of this Owl were taken in -Arizona by Captain Bendire, one of which is now in the collection of the -Boston Society of Natural History. Captain Bendire also found one of -their nests, with two fully fledged young ones, in a hole of a mesquite -stump. - - -GENUS SPEOTYTO, GLOGER. - - _Speotyto_, “GLOGER, 1842.” (Type, _Strix cunicularia_, MOL.) - “_Pholeoptynx_, KAUP, 1848.” (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size small; head small, and without ear-tufts. Bill -moderately strong, pale yellowish. Tarsi more than twice as long as the -middle toe, feathered in front, naked behind; toes scantily haired. -Tail short, less than half the wing, nearly even, or very slightly -rounded. Three outer quills with their inner webs emarginated; second -to fourth longest. Ear-conch very small, simple, roundish. Diurnal and -terrestrial. - -[Illustration: =5896= ½ ½ - -_Speotyto hypogæa._] - -This genus is peculiar to America, where it is distributed over the -whole of the southern and the western half of the northern continent, as -well as in some of the West India Islands. There appears to be but one -well-characterized species,[35] this one modified into representative -races in the several geographical provinces over which it ranges. The -species is terrestrial, inhabiting the abandoned burrows of Armadillos -and Rodents. It is diurnal, possessing as much freedom of sight, -hearing, and motion in the brightest sunlight, as any species of the -_Falconidæ_. - - -Species and Races. - - =S. cunicularia.= Colors umber-brown and ochraceous-white, the former - predominating above, the latter prevailing below. Upper parts spotted - with whitish; lower parts transversely barred with brown on the breast - and sides, and sometimes on the abdomen. A white gular patch, and - jugular collar, with a brown band between them. Legs, crissum, anal - and femoral regions, always immaculate. - - =A.= Primaries with broad regular bars of ochraceous-white on both - webs; primary coverts with large spots of the same. - - Brown markings of the lower parts irregularly transverse, and - ragged. White spots on the upper parts nearly equal in extent to - the brown. - - Wing, 6.15–6.40; tail, 2.90–3.60; culmen, .58–.62; tarsus, - 1.50–1.80; middle toe, .65. _Hab._ Peru … - - var. _grallaria_.[36] - - Brown markings on the lower parts regularly transverse, and not - ragged. White spots on the upper parts much less than the brown in - extent. - - Wing, 7.00–7.50; tail, 3.30–4.00; culmen, .70; tarsus, - 1.70–1.85; middle toe, .85. Outer tail-feathers and inner webs - of primaries with the white much greater in amount than the - brown (sometimes continuous along outer webs of the latter). - _Hab._ Southern South America (Chile, Buenos Ayres, Paraguay, - etc.) … - - var. _cunicularia_.[37] - - Wing, 6.40–7.00; tail, 3.00–3.30; culmen, .50–.60; tarsus, - 1.50–1.70; middle toe, .80. Outer tail-feathers and inner webs - of the primaries with the white less in extent than the brown - (never continuous along outer webs of the primaries). _Hab._ - Middle America, and Western Province of North America … - - var. _hypogæa_. - - =B.= Primaries without broad or regular bars of whitish on either - web; primary coverts plain brown. - - Brown markings on the lower parts regularly transverse, and equal - in extent to the white. White spots on the upper parts very small, - reduced to mere specks on the dorsal region. - - Wing, 6.40; tail, 3.40; culmen, .60; tarsus, 1.82; middle toe, - .85. Outer tail-feathers and inner webs of the primaries with - the light (ochraceous) bars only about one fourth as wide as the - brown (disappearing on the inner quills). _Hab._ Guadeloupe … - - var. _guadeloupensis_.[38] - - -Spheotyto cunicularia, var. hypogæa, BONAP. - -BURROWING OWL. - - _Strix hypogæa_, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 72, 1825. _Athene hypogæa_, BONAP. - Consp. Av. p. 39, 1850.—WOODH. (SITGR.) Expl. Zuñi and Colorado, p. - 62, 1853.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 59.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. VI, 77, - 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 157, 1860.—GRAY, Hand - List, I, 52, 1869. _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _hypogæa_, (RIDGWAY) - COUES, Key, 1872, 207. _Strix cunicularia_ (not of MOLINA!), AUD. - B. Am. pl. ccccxxxii, 1831; Orn. Biog. V, 264; Synop. p. 22.—NUTT. - Man. Orn. p. 118, 1844.—BONAP. Am. Orn. p. 68, pl. vii, f. 2, 1825; - Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 36.—JAMES. (WILS.), Am. Orn. IV, 30.—SAY, Long’s - Exp. Rocky Mts., II, 36, 200. _Ulula cunicularia_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. - Orn. III, 325, 1832. _Athene cunicularia_, BONAP. List, p. 6; Consp. - Av. p. 38. STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 160, 1855.—CASSIN, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 60.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, II, 157, 1860.—CANFIELD, - Am. Nat. 1869, 583 (habits). _Strix californica_, AUD. B. Am. pl. - ccccxxxii, 1831. _Athene socialis_, GAMB. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. - III, 47, 1846. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Above earth-brown, the whole surface covered with -numerous spots of dull white,—those on the scapulars roundish, and in -pairs (on both webs); of similar form, but larger and more sparse, on -the wings. Anteriorly they become more longitudinal (nearly linear), -and medial; on the rump and upper tail-coverts, they are nearly -obsolete. Secondaries crossed by four distinct bands of dull white, -the last terminal; primaries with five to six transverse series of -semi-rounded spots of ochraceous-white on their outer webs; primary -coverts with about three transverse series of whitish spots. Tail -with five to six bands of dull white, or pale ochraceous (the last -terminal), composed of transverse oval spots, those on the middle pair -of feathers not touching either the shaft or the edge. Ear-coverts -uniform brown, becoming gradually paler beneath the eye and on the -cheeks; eyebrows, a transverse chin-patch,—covering the whole chin -and jaw and reaching back beneath the auriculars, and another across -the jugulum, immaculate cottony-white; shafts of the loral bristles -blackish; a broad, well-defined collar across the throat, between the -white malar and jugular bands, deep brown, mixed with paler spots. - -Beneath white with a faint ochraceous tinge, especially on the legs; the -breast, abdomen, and sides with transverse spots of brown, this often -predominating on the breast; legs, anal region, and crissum, immaculate. -Whole lining of the wing immaculate creamy-white, the primary coverts, -however, with large terminal spots of dusky; under surface of the -primaries grayish-brown, deeper terminally, and with large, transversely -ovate spots of ochraceous-white (about five in number on the longest -quill), and growing larger basally. - -♂. Wing, 6.40–7.00; tail, 3.00–3.30; culmen, .55–.60; tarsus, 1.50–1.70; -middle toe, .80. (Smallest, No. 5,183, Fort Pierre, Nebraska; largest, -No. 6,881, Sacramento, California.) - -♀. Wing, 6.50–6.80; tail, 3.15–3.30; culmen, .51–.55; tarsus, 1.50–1.60; -middle toe, .80. (Smallest, No. 45,020, Laredo, Texas; largest, No. -3,971, San José, Lower California.) - -_Juv._ Upper surface earth-brown, as in the adult, but entirely uniform, -except the wings and tail; upper tail-coverts, and a large oval patch -on the wing (covering the middle coverts and the posterior half of -the lesser-covert region), plain isabella-white; the anterior portion -of the lesser-covert region darker brown than the back. Gular region -well-defined pure white; jugular collar conspicuous and unspotted. Whole -lower parts immaculate isabella-white. - -HAB. Western Province of United States, from the Plains to the Pacific, -and from the Rio Grande to Cape St. Lucas; Mexico. - -Localities: Xalapa (SCL. 1857, 290); Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 330; -resident). - -Specimens never vary in the pattern of coloration, and but little in -the relative amount of the brown and white spotting; the shade of the -brown and the depth of the ochraceous tinge vary considerably, however, -in different individuals,—but irrespective of locality,—the brown -being paler and the white purer in summer than in fall and winter, -after the new dress is freshly assumed. The brown on the breast varies -considerably in quantity, being sometimes nearly uniform, thereby -abruptly contrasting with the white jugular band, and again frequently -with the brown hardly greater in amount than the white, the two colors -being in regular bars, as on the sides and flanks. - -There is certainly but one species, or even race, of Burrowing Owl in -North America. This is represented in the Smithsonian collection by -over fifty specimens, including examples from all parts of its range. -Upon a close inspection of all the specimens in this extensive series, -I was very much surprised to find so little variation; indeed, all the -specimens are so much alike that a detailed description of the colors of -one would answer for almost any individual. The shade of color varies -mainly according to the age of the feathers, those newly acquired having -a darkness of tint and a softness of texture not seen in those more worn -(as in midsummer dress), which have a bleached or faded appearance. I -fail entirely to detect the different styles of plumage which Mr. Cassin -has described, and his diagnoses of two supposed species will not at all -hold good when applied to specimens from either of the two regions which -they were considered to characterize. - -Examining critically the large series at my command, I find that the -principal discrepancy among individuals is the amount of feathering on -the tarsus; this extending to the toes was supposed to characterize the -_A. cunicularia_ of North America the habitat of which was considered -as restricted in North America to the west of the Rocky Mountains (see -Cassin, Birds of North America, as cited above); the nearly naked tarsus -was believed to be characteristic of the _A. hypogæa_, as restricted, -and the habitat assigned to this was “from the Mississippi River to the -Rocky Mountains.” Now, dividing the series under examination into two -sets, according to this feature, we have, first, _cunicularia_ from -the following localities: from the Rio Grande, all specimens but one; -Tongue River, Montana; and Petaluma, Santa Clara, and San Francisco, -California. Next, _hypogæa_ represents the following localities, -besides places within the range ascribed to it: Utah; Lower California, -including Cape St. Lucas, all specimens; San Diego, California, several -specimens; Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fort Tejon, -California; and Tamaulipas, Mexico. - -Though we have but one species or form in North America, the South -American bird is different: this is the true _cunicularia_ of Molina, -and though not specifically distinct from our bird, is nevertheless an -easily recognized geographical race. It is larger, the wing measuring -from 7.00 to 7.50, instead of 6.40 to 7.00; the brown of the plumage -is appreciably darker than that of most specimens of _hypogæa_, but -less extended; on the outer web of the primaries the white spots are -larger,—sometimes confluent along the edge,—and on their inner webs the -white largely prevails, the dusky bars appearing only towards the ends; -the outer tail-feather is almost wholly white, instead of having brown -bars, broader than the white ones. Of the var. _cunicularia_ there are -eight specimens in the collection (chiefly from Paraguay, Buenos Ayres, -and Chile), while numerous others, in various collections, have been -examined besides. All the American forms of this subgenus seem clearly -referrible to one species, as being at the most but geographical races. - -HABITS. The Burrowing Owl of North America inhabits the country between -the Pacific coast and the Mississippi River, especially in the lower -plains in Nebraska and in Kansas, as well as in particular districts -in Utah, Arkansas, New Mexico, the Indian Territory, Texas, Arizona, -California, and Mexico. They are usually very abundant, congregating -together in large communities, and differing from most members of their -family by living and breeding in burrows in the ground. Their habits are -peculiar and interesting. - -[Illustration: _Speotyto hypogæa._] - -Thomas Say, during Colonel Long’s expedition to the Rocky Mountains, was -the first of American naturalists to meet with this bird. He encountered -it in our trans-Mississippian Territories, where he described it -as residing exclusively in the villages of the prairie-dog, whose -excavations are so commodious as to make it unnecessary for the bird to -dig for itself, which it is able to do when occasion requires. These -villages are very numerous, and variable in their extent, sometimes -covering only a few acres, and at others spreading over the surface of -the country for miles together. They are composed of slightly elevated -mounds, having the form of a truncated cone, about two feet in width at -base, and seldom rising as high as eighteen inches above the surface. -The entrance is at the top or on the side. From the entrance the passage -descends vertically one or two feet, and thence it continues obliquely -downward until it terminates in the snug apartment where these animals -enjoy their winter’s sleep, and where they and the Owls are common, but -unfriendly, occupants. - -Mr. Dresser noticed this bird at all seasons, in the prairie country of -Texas. They were rather common near the Rio Leon and Medina, and in one -place he found they had taken possession of some deserted rat-holes. -He obtained several specimens near San Antonio and at Eagle Pass. In -the latter place he found them quite common on the sand plains near the -town. The stomachs of those he shot were found to contain coleopterous -insects and field-mice. - -Dr. Newberry states that he found this species in Northern California, -in several places between San Francisco and Fort Reading, and again at -the Klamath Basin, though less frequently at the northward than in the -Sacramento Valley. There they occupied the burrows made by the Beechey’s -and the Douglass’s Spermophile. He usually saw them standing at the -entrance to these burrows, often permitting him to approach within -gun-shot, and before taking to flight twisting their heads about and -bowing with many ludicrous gestures, apparently in order to aid their -imperfect sight, and to get a better view of the intruder. When shot -at or otherwise alarmed, they fly with an irregular jerking motion, -dropping down much like a Woodcock. - -Dr. Suckley obtained a specimen near Fort Benton, on the Upper Missouri, -in Dakotah, and Dr. Cooper procured others thirty-five miles west of -Fort Kearney, in Nebraska, in August. He saw them in great numbers on -the plains of Nebraska, and did not observe any difference in habits -between them and the birds of California. - -This species was found in Texas, near Fort Davis, and also at El Paso, -by Mr. J. H. Clark. It was taken in Tamaulipas, Mexico, by Lieutenant -Couch. Mr. Clark remarks that they were seen by him only in the -prairie-dog towns, and were found in conjunction with the rattlesnake, -and accuses them of feeding upon the young of the prairie-dog; but -this ungrateful requital of the hospitality given them in the burrows -of this marmot is discredited by Dr. Kennerly and others, who regard -the apparent harmony in which the two dwell together as altogether -incompatible with this habit. - -This species is also found on our Pacific coast, west of the Rocky -Mountains, as far north as British Columbia. Mr. Lord met with it -along the entire course of the boundary-line. It was not by any means -plentiful, but pairs of them were occasionally seen. While in camp -at the Dalles he dug out several squirrel-holes. In one he found -two eggs of this species, the female bird, a racer-snake, and a -female ground-squirrel (_Spermophilus douglassi_). The Owl he found -to be strictly of diurnal habits, feeding principally on crickets, -grasshoppers, large beetles, and larvæ. He thinks it never captures -small animals or birds, and regards it as a peaceful and harmless bird. - -Dr. Kennerly met with this species near Los Angeles, California. At any -hour of the day they might be seen seated upon the mounds erected around -the holes of the marmot, or else with head protruding from its orifice, -disappearing immediately when approached. When molested, they commence -bowing and chattering in a somewhat ludicrous manner at the intruder, or -fly swiftly away, keeping near the earth and alighting suddenly in the -vicinity of a burrow to renew these amusing motions. He found it very -abundant in the valley of the San Gabriel River, where it associated -with the large ground-squirrel of that region. - -Dr. Heermann, who found them common on the extensive open prairies, -speaks of its sight as very clear by day, and adds that it will not -allow the hunter on foot to approach within shooting distance; but -that, if approached on a horse or a mule, it may be easily shot. The -nests he found were formed of a few straws carelessly thrown together -at the bottom of its tortuous burrow, which is from six to eight feet -in length. The eggs were usually four in number, and are described as -nearly spherical, and as pure white. - -Dr. Townsend states that this Owl resorts to the forsaken burrows of -marmots and badgers, but never lives on terms of intimacy with either. -The nest he describes as of fine grass, and placed at the extremity of -the hole. The eggs are uniformly four in number, pale white, and about -the size of those of the common House Pigeon. - -Dr. Gambel, who observed this bird in California, states that he has -occasionally found it in solitary burrows, and also that it often makes -use of the holes dug by the _Spermophilus beecheyi_. They occasionally -dig their own burrows, and live in scattered companies of four or -five. Dr. Gambel also states that the bird is a resident of California -throughout the year. - -Mr. Darwin, in the Zoölogy of the Beagle, met with the var. -_cunicularia_ in crossing the pampas of South America. In Banda -Oriental, he says, it is its own workman, and excavates its burrows -on any level spot of sandy soil; but in the pampas, or wherever the -Bizcacha is found, it uses those made by that animal. It usually preys -on mice and reptiles. Lieutenant Gilliss gives a similar account of it, -from observations made in Chile. - -Mr. Nathaniel H. Bishop met with _cunicularia_ on the banks of the river -San Juan, in Banda Oriental, where a few pairs were seen, devouring -mice and insects. After crossing the river Las Vacas, and coming upon -a sandy waste covered with scattered trees and low bushes, he again -encountered it. Upon the pampas of the Argentine Republic they were -found in great numbers, from a few miles west of Rosario to the vicinity -of San Luis, where the pampas end. On these immense plains of grass -it lives in company with the Bizcacha (_Lagostomus trichodactylus_), -dwelling with it in perfect harmony, and during the day, while the -animal is sleeping, a pair of Owls stand a few inches within the main -entrance of the burrow, and at the first sound, be it near or distant, -leave their station and remain outside the hole, or upon the mound -that forms the roof of their domicile. At the approach of man, both -birds, with their irides dilated, mount above him in the air, and keep -up an alarm-note until he passes. Then they quietly settle down in the -grass, or return to their former place. On the pampas Mr. Bishop did -not observe them taking their prey during the daytime, but as soon as -the sun had set, the Bizcacha and Owls both leave their holes in search -of food, the young of the former playing about the birds as they alight -near them. They do not associate in companies, there being but one pair -to a hole. Each couple keep separate from their neighbors, and at night -do not stray from their homes. - -It is both diurnal and nocturnal, and feeds at all hours. Outside the -town of San Juan, which lies upon the eastern base of the Andes, Mr. -Bishop had a fine opportunity to watch their habits in a locality -differing entirely from the pampas. The country around San Juan is a -dreary desert, covered with low thorn-trees, and over this waste a few -Owls are found, principally near the town itself, in the vicinity of the -pastures that are cultivated by irrigation. They mate in September and -October. “One evening,” Mr. Bishop writes, “I was attracted by a strange -sound that I supposed proceeded from a frog, but it proved to be the -love-note of a little _Athene cunicularia_, and which was answered by -its mate. It alighted upon a post, and commenced turning around upon it, -with throat dilated, and emitting a guttural sound. These antics were -continued for more than a minute, it occasionally bowing its head in a -mysterious manner. The female soon after joined it, and they flew away. -Each night it perched upon a tall flagstaff and uttered its love-note. -Close by the house was a lagoon, the borders of which were swampy, and -over this a pair often hovered in search of food. I watched one that -kept on the wing for nearly two hours, some fifty feet from the ground, -and during that time did not change its position in any other way than -by rising or falling a few feet. A boy brought me a female with five -eggs, that had been taken from a burrow five feet from the mouth. The -bird was very fierce, and fought me with her wings and beak, uttering -all the while a long shrill note, resembling a file drawn across the -teeth of a saw. I supplied her with eleven full-grown mice, which she -devoured during the first thirty-six hours of her confinement. It is -said to place a small nest of feathers at the end of the hole, in which -are deposited five white eggs.” - -The eggs of the var. _cunicularia_ are of a rounded-oval shape, more -obtuse at one end than at the other, measure 1.30 inches in length by -1.05 in breadth, and are of a uniform white color, with a slightly -bluish tinge. - -[Illustration: =6885= ½ NAT. SIZE. - -_Strix pratincola._ (See page 10.)] - -The egg of the _A. hypogæa_ is of a rounded-oval shape, equally obtuse -at either end, and averages 1.35 inches in length by 1.13 in breadth, -and is of a uniform clear white color. This description is taken from an -egg obtained by Mr. E. S. Holden near Stockton in California. Captain -Bendire writes that he has found as many as nine, and once even ten, -eggs in the nest of the North American species. - - -NOTE. - -The crania of the Owls present many features of interest, which may -serve a good purpose in the definition of the sections and the genera, -and to which attention has been occasionally called in the preceding -pages. The tendency to asymmetry is especially marked in some species, -and the better to illustrate this and other features we append several -plates, in which the corresponding views are placed side by side.[39] -The figures and accompanying lettering tell their own story, without any -necessity of a labored description. - -R. R. - -[Illustration: _Syrnium aluco_ (copied from KAUP).] - -[Illustration: _Athene noctua_ (from KAUP).] - -[Illustration: _Nyctale richardsoni._] - -[Illustration: - - 7449. Strix pratincola. Natural size. - 4886. Otus wilsonianus. Natural size. - 7272. Scotiaptex cinereum. Two thirds. - 7899. Nyctale richardsoni. Natural size. - 414. Scops asio. Natural size. - 773. Bubo virginianus. Two thirds. - 628. Nyctea nivea. Two thirds. - 7897. Surnia ulula. Natural size. - 428. Glaucidium ferrugineum. Natural size. - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa. Natural size.] - -[Illustration: - - 7449. Strix pratincola. Natural size. - 4886. Otus wilsonianus. Natural size. - 7272. Scotiaptex cinereum. Two thirds. - 7899. Nyctale richardsoni. Natural size. - 414. Scops asio. Natural size. - 773. Bubo virginianus. Two thirds. - 628. Nyctea nivea. Two thirds. - 7897. Surnia ulula. Natural size. - 428. Glaucidium ferrugineum. Natural size. - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa. Natural size.] - -[Illustration: - - 7449. Strix pratincola. Natural size. - 4886. Otus wilsonianus. Natural size. - 7272. Scotiaptex cinereum. Two thirds. - 7899. Nyctale richardsoni. Natural size. - 414. Scops asio. Natural size. - 773. Bubo virginianus. Two thirds. - 628. Nyctea nivea. Two thirds. - 7897. Surnia ulula. Natural size. - 428. Glaucidium ferrugineum. Natural size. - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa. Natural size.] - -[Illustration: - - 7449. Strix pratincola. - 4886. Otus wilsonianus. - 7272. Scotiaptex cinereum. - 7899. Nyctale richardsoni. - 414. Scops asio. - 773. Bubo virginianus. - 628. Nyctea nivea. - 7897. Surnia ulula. - 428. Glaucidium ferrugineum. - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa. - -(All natural size.)] - -[Illustration: - - 12088. Nyctea nivea. (Ear copied from Swainson, F. B. A) - 504. Scotiaptex cinereum. - 49808. Surnia ulula. (Ear copied from Swainson.) - A. Brachyotus “cassinii.” (Left ear and nostril, from fresh - specimen.)] - - - - -FAMILY FALCONIDÆ.—THE FALCONS. - - -CHAR. Eyes directed laterally, and eyelids provided with lashes. Toes -invariably naked, and tarsus usually naked and scutellate (feathered -only in _Aquila_ and _Archibuteo_). Outer toe not reversible (except in -_Pandion_). Head never with ear-tufts, and never wholly naked (except in -the _Vulturinæ_, of the Old World). - -The above characters are about the only readily observable points in the -external anatomy in which the _Falconidæ_ differ strikingly from the -_Strigidæ_ and _Cathartidæ_, and may serve to distinguish the birds of -this family from those of the two others. The osteological characters, -however, as expressed on page 1328, are more decided and important in -a taxonomic point of view, and serve to separate the Hawk family as a -well-defined group. - -In the following treatment of the North American _Falconidæ_, I confine -that part relating to the systematic arrangement strictly to the species -embraced within the province of our work, for the reason that in a -forthcoming monograph of all the American species I hope to present a -systematic classification based upon the species of the whole world. -All preliminary details regarding the general characteristics and -distinctive peculiarities of the family, as well as all discussions and -generalizations upon the subject, will therefore be omitted here. - -The following synopsis of the North American genera is intended as an -artificial arrangement which may enable the student to identify, by -simple and readily understood characters, the forms belonging to this -country.[40] - - -Genera. - - =A.= Nasal bones almost completely ossified, the nostril being a small - orifice, with a conspicuous central bony tubercle; its form nearly or - quite circular, or linear and oblique (in Polyborus), with its upper - end the posterior one … - - _Falconinæ._ - - 1. =Falco.= Nostril circular. Commissure with a prominent tooth - and notch; lower mandible abruptly truncated and notched. - Primaries stiff and hard, and more or less pointed, the first to - the second longest, and the outer one or two with their inner - webs cut, the angular emargination being near the end of the - quill. Middle toe much more than half as long as the tarsus; - claws strongly curved, very acute. - - 2. =Polyborus.= Nostril linear, oblique, the upper end the - posterior one; commissure without prominent tooth nor notch; - lower mandible not distinctly truncated or notched. Primaries - soft, obtuse, the third longest, and the outer four or five with - their inner webs cut, the shallow sinuation being toward the - middle of the quill. Middle toe less than half the tarsus; claws - weakly curved, very obtuse. Face and cheeks naked, and scantily - haired. - - =B.= Nasal bones very incompletely ossified, the nostril being a - large, more or less oval, opening, of oblique direction, its lower end - being invariably the posterior one; without a bony tubercle, and never - perfectly circular. (_Accipitrinæ._) - - _a._ Sides of the head densely feathered close up to the eyelids. - - 3. =Pandion.= Outer toe reversible; claws contracted and - rounded on their under surface, and not graduated in size.[41] - Wing long, third quill longest; outer four with inner webs - emarginated. Tail rather short, rounded. - - 4. =Nauclerus.= Outer toe not reversible; claws not contracted - or rounded on under side, and graduated in size. Wing long, - third quill longest; outer two with inner webs sinuated. Tail - excessively lengthened and forked, the lateral pair of feathers - more than twice as long as the middle pair. - - _b._ Sides of the head with a more scantily feathered orbital space, - with a projecting superciliary “shield” covered with a naked skin. - - * A well-developed membrane, or “web,” between the outer and - middle toes at the base. - - † Tarsus about equal to the middle toe. - - § Claws short and robust; two outer quills with their inner webs - cut. - - 5. =Ictinia.= Commissure irregularly toothed and notched; front - of tarsus with transverse scutellæ. Tail emarginated; third - quill longest. - - 6. =Elanus.= Commissure without irregularities; front of tarsus - with minute roundish scales. Tail double-rounded; second quill - longest. - - §§ Claws long and slender; five outer quills with inner webs cut. - - 7. =Rostrhamus.= End of bill bent downward, with a long pendent - hook; inner edge of middle claw slightly pectinated, or - serrated. Tail emarginated; third or fourth quill longest. - - †† Tarsus very much longer than the middle toe. - - ¶ Front of tarsus unfeathered, and, with the posterior face, - covered with a continuous series of broad transverse scutellæ. - - α. Form very long and slender, the head small, the tail and legs - long and claws excessively acute; bill weak, compressed, very - high through the base, the culmen greatly ascending basally, and - the cere much arched; commissure usually with a very prominent - “festoon.” - - 8. =Circus.= Face surrounded by a “ruff” of stiffened, - differently formed feathers, as in the Owls. Tarsus more than - twice as long as the middle toe. Wing very long, hardly concave - beneath; third to fourth quill longest; outer four with inner - webs sinuated. - - 9. =Nisus.= Face not surrounded by a ruff. Tarsus less than - twice as long as the middle toe. Wing short, very concave - beneath, the outer quill much bowed; third to fifth quills - longest; outer five with inner webs sinuated. - - β. Form short and heavy, the head larger, the tail shorter, the - legs more robust. Bill stronger, less compressed, lower through - the base, the upper outline less ascending basally, and the cere - less arched. Commissure variable. - - 10. =Antenor.= Form heavy, the wings and tail moderately long, - and feet very robust; bill rather elongated, the commissural - lobe prominent, and the base of the culmen somewhat depressed. - Fourth quill longest; outer five with inner webs cut. Lores - naked, and almost destitute of bristles. - - 11. =Onychotes.= Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tail; - tibial plumes short, close, not reaching below the joint. Wing - short, rounded, very concave beneath, the fourth quill longest; - outer five with inner webs sinuated. Tail short, but little - more than half the wing, slightly rounded. Claws very long, and - extremely acute. - - 12. =Asturina.= Bill and feet as in _Antenor_; lores densely - bristled; wing short, rounded, concave beneath, the third to - fourth quills longest; outer four with their inner webs cut. - - 13. =Buteo.= Form of _Antenor_, but primaries longer and more - pointed, the fourth usually longest, and the outer three or - four with inner webs cut. Bill and feet as in _Asturina_. Tail - moderate, or rather short, nearly even, or slightly rounded. - - ¶¶ Front of the tarsus densely feathered down to the base of the - toes. - - 14. =Archibuteo.= Feathering of the tarsus interrupted behind by - a bare strip along the full length; middle toe less than half as - long as the tarsus. Nostril broadly oval, obliquely horizontal; - bill weak, the upper outline of the cere much ascending basally. - Feathers of the nape normal, blended. Third to fourth quills - longest; outer four or five with inner webs cut. - - 15. =Aquila.= Feathering of the tarsus uninterrupted behind; - middle toe more than half as long as the tarsus. Nostril - narrowly oval, obliquely vertical; bill strong, the upper - outline of the cere nearly parallel with the lower. Feathers of - the nape lanceolate, distinct. Fourth quill longest; five to six - with inner webs cut. - - ** No trace of membrane between outer and middle toes. - - 16. =Haliætus.= Tarsus feathered in front one third, or more, of - the way down; the naked portion with an imperfectly continuous - frontal, and less well defined posterior, series of transverse - plates, and covered elsewhere with roundish granular scales. - Feathers of the neck, all round, lanceolate, distinct. Bill very - large, the chord of the culmen more than twice as long as the - cere on top; nostril oval, obliquely vertical. Third to fifth - quills longest; outer six with inner webs cut. Tail rounded or - cuneate, sometimes consisting of fourteen feathers. - -The foregoing diagnoses embrace merely the more conspicuous external -characters whereby the genera may be most readily distinguished by -the student. The following table presents additional accompanying -characters afforded by the osteological and anatomical structure, of -more importance in defining with precision the several groups embraced -in our fauna. - - =A.= Scapular process of the coracoid produced forward so as to meet - the clavicle[42] (HUXLEY). Nasal bones almost completely ossified, - the nostril being a small, usually circular opening, with a raised - or “rimmed” margin, and conspicuous, usually central, bony tubercle. - Inferior surface of the supermaxillary bone with a prominent median - angular ridge. Superciliary process of the lachrymal consisting of a - single piece. (_Falconinæ._[43]) - - =B.= Scapular process of the coracoid not produced forward so as - to meet the clavicle (HUXLEY). Nasal bones incompletely ossified, - the nostrils being very large, and without bony rim or tubercle. - Inferior surface of the supramaxillary bone without a median ridge. - Superciliary process of the lachrymal variable. (_Accipitrinæ._) - - _a._ Superciliary process of the lachrymal composed of a single, - excessively abbreviated piece;[44] posterior margin of the sternum - with a pair of indentations, and without foramina. (_Pandion_ and - _Nauclerus_.) - - _b._ Superciliary process of the lachrymal double, or composed - of two pieces, joined by a cartilaginous “hinge,” and reaching - nearly across the orbit. Posterior margin of the sternum without - indentations, and usually with a pair of foramina. (All except - _Pandion_ and _Nauclerus_.) - - † Septum of the orbits and nostrils incompletely ossified (the - former always and the latter usually) and with foramina; posterior - margin of the sternum most produced backwards laterally, and - incompletely ossified, there being usually a pair of foramina. - Intestinal canal short, broad, with the duodenum simple, forming a - single loop (MCGILLVRAY). A well-developed “web” between the outer - and middle toes. (All but _Haliætus_.) - - †† Septum of the orbits and nostrils completely ossified, and - without any trace of foramina; posterior margin of the sternum - produced medially into a convex lobe, and without any trace of - foramina. Intestinal canal extremely elongated, attenuated, with - the duodenum arranged in several convolutions (MCGILLVRAY). No - trace of a web between outer and middle toes. (_Haliætus._) - - -SUBFAMILY FALCONINÆ. - -GENUS FALCO, AUCT. - -GEN. CHAR. Bill strong, its breadth at the base equalling or exceeding -its height; upper outline of cere on a level with, or rather lower -than, the base of the culmen; gonys much arched, the chord of the arch -equalling about half that of the culmen. Near the tip of the upper -mandible is a prominent tooth on the commissure, and near the end of the -lower mandible, which is truncated, is a deep notch corresponding; the -end of the upper mandible is compressed, giving the situation of the -tooth an inflated appearance when viewed from above. Nostrils circular, -with a conspicuous central tubercle. Orbital region bare; projecting -superciliary shield conspicuous, arched, but not very prominent. Tail -shorter than wing, the feathers hard and stiff. Primaries very strong, -elongated, tapering rapidly toward their points; only the first or first -and second with their inner webs emarginated, the cutting being angular, -and near the end of the quill. Tarsus never with a single series of -transverse scutellæ either in front or behind; middle toe very long. - -[Illustration: =13077=, ♀. ½] - - -Subgenera. - - One primary only with inner web emarginated; first to second longest; - first longer than fourth. - - Tarsus longer than middle toe, and feathered far below the knee; - first quill shorter than third. Coloration of the sexes alike; old - and young slightly different in pattern and tints. Size large … - - _Hierofalco._ - - Tarsus not longer than middle toe, and scarcely feathered below the - knee; first quill equal to or longer than the third. Coloration of - the sexes alike; old and young very different in pattern and tints. - Size, very small to large … - - _Falco._ - - Two primaries with inner webs emarginated; second to third longest; - first shorter than fourth. - - Basal joint of toes without transverse scutellæ; tarsus about equal - to middle toe. - - Coloration of the sexes in adult plumage very different in tints; - in the young alike, the young ♂ resembling the adult ♀. Size - small … - - _Æsalon._ - - Basal joint of toes with transverse scutellæ; tarsus longer than - middle toe. - - Coloration of the sexes very different, in pattern and tints, at - all ages; old and young alike. Scutellæ of the toes and tarsus - interrupted at the digito-tarsal joint; tarsus much longer than - middle toe. Bill small, the cere on top less than one fourth the - culmen. Size small … - - _Tinnunculus._ - - Coloration of the sexes alike at all ages; old and young slightly - different in pattern and tints. Scutellæ of tarsus and toes - uninterrupted from “knees” to claws; tarsus but little longer - than middle toe. Bill large, the cere on top about one third the - culmen. Size medium; form very slender … - - _Rhynchofalco._ - - -SUBGENUS HIEROFALCO, CUVIER. - - _Hierofalco_, CUVIER, 1817. (Type, _Falco gyrfalco_, LINN.) - _Jerafalco_, BOIE, 1822; KAUP, 1851. (Same type.) - _Gennaia_, KAUP, 1847. (Type, _Falco jugger_, GRAY.) - - -Species and Races. - - =1.= =F. gyrfalco.= Wing, 13.00–17.00; tail, 8.50–11.50; culmen, - .85–1.05; tarsus, 2.10–3.00; middle toe, 1.80–2.25.[45] Ground-color - varying from entirely pure white to wholly dusky, but generally bluish - (in adult) or grayish-brown (in young) above, and white beneath. - _Adult._ All the markings transverse.[46] No lighter nuchal band. - _Young._ Markings of the lower surface longitudinal, the upper parts - without transverse bars (except on the tail[47]). - - _a._ Lower parts with white predominating, or wholly white. - - Lower tail-coverts never with markings. No tinge of blue anywhere - on the plumage, the ground-color of which is entirely pure white - at all ages. - - 1. _Adult._ Upper parts, excepting head and neck, with - transverse crescentic bars of dark plumbeous; lower parts - immaculate, or else without well-defined markings. _Young._ - Upper parts with longitudinal stripes of dark plumbeous; lower - parts usually conspicuously striped. _Hab._ Greenland (in the - breeding-season); in winter, occasionally wandering into the - northern portions of Europe and North America … - - var. _candicans_. - - Lower tail-coverts always with markings. A tinge of ashy-blue more - or less prevalent above. Young dusky above. - - Head and neck above abruptly lighter than the back. Young plain - grayish-brown above, with conspicuous whitish borders to the - feathers. - - 2. _Adult._ Upper parts white, passing into bluish - posteriorly; everywhere (except on head and neck) with sharply - defined, transverse (not crescentic, but continuous) bars of - dark plumbeous. Abdomen and flanks with transverse spots of - the same. _Young_ without irregular light mottling to the - plumage above, and with broad longitudinal stripes beneath. - _Hab._ Iceland and Southern Greenland, in the breeding-season; - in winter, south into Northeastern United States, and Northern - Europe … - - var. _islandicus_. - - Head and neck above abruptly darker than the back. Young (of - var. _sacer_) variegated grayish-brown above, without light - borders to the feathers. - - 3. _Adult._ Top of the head streaked with whitish; back with - sharply defined, continuous, narrow transverse bars, of - creamy-white. _Hab._ Interior regions of Continental Arctic - America (Slave Lake, Yukon, and McKenzie River district) … - - var. _sacer_. - - 4. _Adult._ Top of head not streaked with whitish; back - without sharply defined bars of the same. _Hab._ Continental - Arctic Europe (Scandinavia) and Siberia. Migrating south, in - winter, to Bengal (Hardwicke) … - - var. _gyrfalco_.[48] - - _b._ Lower parts with dusky predominating, or wholly dusky. - - 5. _Adult._ Almost entirely dusky, without well-defined - markings anywhere. _Hab._ Littoral regions of the Hudson Bay - Territory and Labrador … - - var. _labradora_. - - =2.= =F. lanarius.= Wing, 11.50–16.00; tail, 6.60–9.50; culmen, - .70–1.00; tarsus, 1.90–2.40; middle toe, 1.65–2.00. Ground-color - varying from pale grayish-plumbeous to dark sepia-brown; beneath - white, with sparse markings, these coalesced into a broken patch on - the flanks. _Adult._ Above obscurely barred transversely with pale - ashy and brownish-dusky, the former prevailing posteriorly, the latter - anteriorly; a lighter nuchal band. Spots on the sides and flanks - transverse. _Young._ Above brown, varying from grayish-drab to dark - sepia, the feathers usually bordered with paler (rusty in youngest - individuals); markings beneath all longitudinal. - - _a._ Outer webs of tail-feathers with large well-defined light - spots; outer webs of the primaries sometimes with light spots on the - basal portion; secondaries without distinct spots on the outer webs. - Lower tail-coverts immaculate. - - Wing, 13.65–16.00; tail, 8.40–9.50; culmen, .85–1.00; tarsus, - 1.95–2.15; middle toe, 1.85–1.95. Top of the head white, with - narrow streaks of dark brown. _Hab._ Central and Eastern Europe, - Western Asia, and adjoining portions of Africa … - - var. _lanarius_.[49] - - _b._ Outer webs of tail-feathers without distinct light spots, or - without any at all; outer webs of primaries with no trace of spots; - secondaries with light spots on outer webs. Lower tail-coverts - sparsely spotted. - - Wing, 12.00–14.25; tail, 7.60–9.00; culmen, .75–.90; tarsus, - 2.15–2.40; middle toe, 1.70–2.00. Top of head brown, with narrow - black streaks. _Adult._ Above with obscure transverse spots of - bluish. _Young._ Above with feathers bordered with rusty … - - var. _polyagrus_. - - Wing, 11.50; tail, 6.60; culmen, .70; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, - 1.65. Above uniform dark brown, with a faint plumbeous cast, the - feathers without trace of light or rusty edges; outer web of - tail-feathers without trace of light spots. _Hab._ Mexico … - - var. _mexicanus_.[50] - - Wing, 13.60–14.30; tail, 8.25–9.00; culmen, .80–.87; tarsus, - 1.85–1.90; middle toe, 1.85–1.90. Colors similar to the last; - entire auriculars white; mustache narrow and conspicuous. _Hab._ - Southern Asia … - - var. _jugger_.[51] - -The only point of difference in the external anatomy between the Lanner -Falcons and Gerfalcons consists in the different degree of feathering on -the upper part of the tarsus; this is much denser and extends farther -down and more around the posterior face in the Gerfalcons, but they, -being inhabitants of a very northern latitude, need this protection -against the rigor of the climate. These slight specific differences -are illustrated by the figures on page 1430. The same difference is -observable in many birds whose habitat extends through a great range of -latitude, as, for instance, the _Pediocætes phasianellus_, the northern -race of which has the feathers covering the base of the toes so long as -to reach beyond the claws and nearly conceal them, while in the southern -form (var. _columbianus_) the toes are almost completely naked. - -My determination of the number and character of the geographical races -of _F. gyrfalco_ is the result of a very careful critical examination of -over sixty specimens, aided by the important conclusions of Mr. Hancock -(Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 2d ser., XIII, 110; London, -1834), Schlegel (_Falcones_, Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle des Pays-Bas, -1862), Pelzeln (Uebersicht der Geier und Falken der Kaiserlichen -ornithologischen Sammlung, April, 1863), and Alfred Newton (History of -British Birds, revised ed., part 1, June, 1871, pp. 36–52, and Proc. -Acad. Nat. Sc. Philadelphia, July, 1871, pp. 94, 95), in their important -papers bearing upon this subject, which, though they each express the -peculiar individual views of the writer, together clear up pretty -satisfactorily the problem of the number, character, and habitats of the -several races, as well as the different phases of variation to which -each is subject. - -[Illustration: =43139=, ♀. ½ - -_Falco sacer._] - -[Illustration: =43139=, ♀. ¼] - -[Illustration: =5482=, ♀. ½ - -_Falco polyagrus._] - -[Illustration: =43139=, ♀. ½] - -[Illustration: =5482=, ♀. ½] - -In studying the _F. lanarius_, I have experienced most discouraging -difficulties from the want of sufficient series of the Old World races, -and from the unsatisfactory character of most descriptions and figures -of them, besides being much perplexed by the confusion of their synonymy -by different authors. In consequence of this, my diagnoses of the four -races of which alone I have seen examples may be very unsatisfactory as -regards the characters by which they may be most readily distinguished. -Having seen the adult of only a single one of these four races, I am -therefore compelled to base my differential characters upon the immature -stages. - -In addition to the four races of _F. lanarius_ characterized above, -there are several geographical forms belonging to the Old World, chiefly -intertropical Asia and Africa. These are the var. _babylonicus_, Scl. -and Irby, (Gray’s Hand List, I, p. 20, No. 173,) of Southeastern -Europe and Western Asia; var. _barbarus_, L. (Gray’s Hand List, p. 20, -No. 174), of Northern Africa; and var. _tanypterus_, Licht. (Gray’s -Hand List, No. 175), of both the preceding regions, which Mr. Gurney -writes me “is simply the intertropical race of _F. lanarius_, from -which it only differs in being of a darker shade throughout.” The _F. -saker_, Schleg. (Gray’s Hand List, No. 176), seems, to judge from the -descriptions and figures which I have seen, to be also merely a form of -the same species, but I have seen no specimens of it. - - -Falco (Hierofalco) gyrfalco, LINN. - -Var. =candicans=, GMELIN. - -WHITE GERFALCON. - - _Accipiter falco freti hudsonis_, BRIS. Orn. I, 356, 1763. _A. - gyrfalco_, BRISS. Orn. I, 370, pl. xxx, f. 2, 1763. _Falco - rusticolus_, FABR. Faun. Grœn. p. 55, 1780.—LATH. Syn. Supp. I, 15, - 1781. _F. candicans_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 275, 1788.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. - II, 101, 1800.—BENICK, Isis, 1824, 882.—SCHLEG. Krit. Ubers. p. 1, - 1844.—BONAP. Rev. Zool. 1850, 484; Consp. Av. p. 33.—CASSIN, Proc. - Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1855, 278; Birds N. Am. 1858, 13.—STRICKL. Orn. - Syn. I, 77, 1855.—BLASIUS, Cab. Jour. 1862, 43 (thinks all boreal - ones same in Europe and America).—ELLIOT, Birds N. Am. pl. xii. - _Hierofalco candicans_, CUV. Reg. An. ed. 1, I, 312, 1817; ed. 2, I, - 323, 1829.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 80, 1828; Tr. Orn. p. 97, pl. xvi, p. - 2.—GRAY, Hand List I, 18, 1869. _Falco islandicus_, LATH. Ind. Orn. p. - 32, 1790; Syn. I, 71, A, B; Gen. Hist. I, 72, A, 1821.—STEPH. Zool. - XIII, pt. ii, p. 39, 1826.—GOULD, B. Eur. pl. xix.—AUD. Birds Am. - 1831, pl. ccclxvi. _F. buteo_ β, LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 24, 1790; Gen. - Hist. I, 80, A. _F. lagopus_, β, LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 19, 1790; Syn. - Supp. I, 36; Gen. Hist. I, 68, A. _F. grœnlandicus_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. - II, 157, 1800. _Hierofalco grœnlandicus_, BREHM. Voy. Deutsch, I, 16, - 1831. _F. gyrfalco_, BONAP. List, p. 4, 1838. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♀, 18,577, Greenland; Univ. Zool. Mus. Copenhagen). -Ground-color entirely pure white; whole upper surface (posterior to the -nape) with transverse crescentic bars of dark plumbeous-brown, generally -about two on each feather, the first concealed by the feather which -overlaps. Primaries crossed at regular intervals with quadrate spots -of the same tint, these becoming fused toward ends of quills, forming -a terminal dusky space of two or three inches in extent; tips of all -the quills narrowly white; the black bars do not extend quite to the -primary coverts, and decrease both in extent and regularity toward the -base. Middle tail-feathers crossed with seven or eight imperfect bars -of dusky, the shafts of the feathers blackish; rest of tail immaculate, -the shafts pure white. Nape with a very few fine shaft-streaks of dusky. -Whole lower surface of body and wing utterly immaculate. Wing-formula, -2–3–1. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.05; tarsus, 2.10–1.35; middle -toe, 2.20; inner, 1.50; outer, 1.50; posterior, 1.00. - -(No. 56,152, ♀, Greenland; Schlüter Collection.) Head above, occiput, -nape, and upper half of ear-coverts, with sparse shaft-streaks of -black, these most numerous on the latter region; primaries barred to -the coverts. Tail entirely crossed by eleven plumbeous bars. Bars above -clearer plumbeous. The snowy-white beneath is relieved by a few minute -variable flecks of dusky upon the lower part of the abdomen, becoming -larger as they approach the sides. Wing-formula, 2–3–1. Wing, 16.70; -tail, 9.30. - -_Juv. transition stage?_ (♂ 56,047, “Hoher Norden”; Schlüter -Collection). Markings above quite different from those of the two -preceding; each feather has a large central longitudinal sagittate spot -of dusky, leaving only the borders (of the exposed portion) white; on -the primaries the dusky is almost confined to the terminal portion; -the rump and upper tail-coverts have each feathers with a medial -longitudinal stripe of dusky. The tail is immaculate, but the shafts of -the middle feathers are dusky. The neck, breast, abdomen, and sides have -numerous cuneate marks of dusky, one near the end of each feather. The -lining of the wing, even, has a few narrow streaks. Wing, 14.75; tail, -9.40. - -No. 56,049 (♀, Greenland, Schl. Coll.) is similar in pattern -of markings, but above the dusky is more extended, forming the -predominating color; the rump, etc., has broad sagittate spots instead -of narrow stripes; the primaries are barred to the coverts; the tail is -crossed by about ten continuous bands of dusky. Beneath the lanceolate -spots or streaks cover the whole surface, except the anal region, lower -tail-coverts, and throat. On the lining of the wing the streaks are less -sparse than in the preceding, though they are by no means numerous. -Wing, 15.75; tail, 9.50. - -[Illustration: _Falco candicans._] - -_Juv. first plumage_ (♀, 56,053, Greenland; Schlüter Coll.). All the -markings are longitudinal, instead of directly the reverse. The upper -parts have longitudinal tear-shaped stripes, a medial one on each -feather; they are sparse, however, on the wings; the rump has narrow -shaft-lines of dusky. The tail and upper coverts are immaculate, but -the shafts of all the feathers are nearly pure black. The bars on the -primaries are found only immediately next the dusky terminal space. The -streaks beneath are not very numerous, and are found only on the breast, -upper part of abdomen, and on the sides; the nape and sides of the neck -are, however, thickly streaked. - -(No. 17,966, ♀, Moose Factory, Hudson Bay Territory.) In character of -markings resembling the last, but the stripes are fainter and narrower; -they are also less numerous. On the under parts they are wanting. -Unfortunately, the tail of this specimen, which is the only North -American one in the collection, is missing. - -In all specimens the anal region and lower tail-coverts are immaculate. - -HAB. Greenland, and continent of North America, north of Hudson -Bay (breeding in latter region). Of irregular occurrence in winter -throughout the circumpolar regions; Ural Mountains (EVERSMAN); Behring’s -Strait (BANNISTER). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 7; Boston Society, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 3; New York -Museum, 6; collection of R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 19. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |14.40–14.75| 9.70–00.00| .90–0.00|2.15–2.45| 1.95–2.00| 3 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |15.75–16.25|10.00–11.00| .98–1.00|2.20–2.50| 2.05–2.15| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. islandicus, SABINE. - -ICELAND GERFALCON. - - _Accipiter falco islandicus_, BRISS. Orn. I, 336, 1763. _Falco - islandicus_, SAB. Linn. Trans. XII, 528, 1818.—TEMM. Man. Orn. pt. - x; 17, pt. iii, p. 9; Tab. Meth. p. 2, 1836.—FABER, Prod. Island. - Orn. 1822, p. 2; Isis, 1827, 62.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 27, - 1831.—HOY, Mag. Nat. Hist. Ser. 1, VI, 107.—HANCOCK, Ann. Nat. Hist. - II, 247; Rev. Zoöl. 1839, 123.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 24.—STRICKL. - Orn. Syn. I, 77, 1855.—CASSIN, Birds N. Am. 1858, 13. _Hierofalco - islandicus_, GRAY, Gen. B. p. 3 (ed. 2, p. 4), 1844; Hand List, I, 18, - 1869. _Falco candicans islandicus_, SCHLEG. Krit. übers, p. 1, 1844. - _Falco lanarius_, FABER, Isis, 1827, 68. _Falco gyrfalco_, KEYSERLING - & BLASIUS, Wirbelth. Eur. p. 135, 1840. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, Iceland; No. 12, Coll. Geo. N. Lawrence). -Ground-color of the plumage dull white, gradually becoming somewhat -bluish posteriorly, this color especially noticeable on the tail. Whole -upper parts crossed with broad transverse bands of dark plumbeous, -these bands continuous, and more than twice as wide as the pale ones, -except on the upper tail-coverts and tail, where the bands of the two -colors are more regularly defined and about equal; in addition to the -transverse bands, the feathers anteriorly have narrow borders of white. -Tail with the dark bands twelve in number; the terminal pale band -is purer white than the others. The dusky plumbeous prevails on the -primaries, and is unvariegated beyond the middle portion; the anterior -half, however, is marked with quadrate ragged spots, of a slightly -yellowish-white; all are margined terminally with purer white. Each -feather of the head and neck with a narrow medial streak of dusky, but -the general aspect abruptly lighter than the back; the streaks are more -condensed along the upper and terminal portion of the ear-coverts. -Jugulum and breast with a medial narrow streak on each feather; abdomen -with more elliptical streaks; sides with circular and cordate spots, and -flanks and tibiæ with transverse spots; lower tail-coverts with narrow -shaft-streaks of dusky. Lining of the wing with sparse narrow streaks of -dusky; under surface of primaries with white prevailing, this, however, -crossed by narrow bars of dusky, these numbering about sixteen on the -longest. Wing-formula, 2–3–1. Wing, 14.60; tail, 7.80; culmen, 1.00; -tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 2.00. - -_Juv._ (No. 20,344, Iceland). Ground-color of head, neck, and lower -parts, white. Upper surface grayish umber-brown, becoming paler and more -grayish on the tail; each feather above sharply bordered (both webs, all -round) with dull white, producing a somewhat squamate appearance; in -places, a few obsolete hidden spots of yellowish-white. Tail ashy-drab -(feathers somewhat paler along edges), crossed with about eleven -transverse series of spots of ochraceous or creamy white; these very -obsolete on middle feathers, and sharply defined only on inner webs; -the last is terminal. Primaries plain brown, somewhat darker than the -back, and becoming insensibly darker terminally; skirted with white, -and somewhat mottled or irregularly spotted toward their bases with -yellowish-white. Head and neck, each feather, with a medial streak -of dusky, but white the prevailing aspect; these streaks condensed -and somewhat suffused along upper border of ear-coverts, and from the -lores along cheeks, forming an obsolete “mustache”; every feather -beneath (including lining of wings) with a medial broad stripe of -clear plumbeous vandyke-brown, the shaft pure black; under surface of -primaries with transverse spaces of white, these numbering thirteen on -the longest. Wing-formula, 2–3, 1. Wing, 15.00; tail, 9.20. - -HAB. Iceland and Southern Greenland. Northeastern North America in -winter, straggling accidentally south to the New England States; Rhode -Island (Museum, Cambridge); Norway, Maine “not uncommon” (VERRILL); -Massachusetts (PEABODY & JILLSON); Long Island (CAB., G. N. LAWRENCE). - -[Illustration: _Falco islandicus._] - -No. 56,050, Greenland (Schlüter Collection), is moulting, and assuming -the adult dress; the adult and young stages above described being nearly -equally combined. No. 56,055, from Greenland, differs from the other -young individuals which I have seen in being considerably darker. The -feathers of the upper surface are not bordered with whitish, but are -merely paler on their edges, along which are specks of yellowish. On the -head and neck the dark streaks predominate, while the stripes below are -very broad. It approaches quite nearly toward the young of var. _sacer_. - -The only specimen of this race which I have seen from Continental North -America, is a young individual, obtained during the winter of 1864–65, -near Providence, R. I., taken by Mr. Newton Dexter, and now in the -Cambridge Museum, where I had the pleasure of seeing it. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 5; Boston Society, 3; Philadelphia Academy, 9; Coll. -G. N. Lawrence, 2; Museum Comp. Zoöl., 1; New York Museum, 5. Total, 25. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |14.35–14.75| 8.80–10.00| .91–1.00|2.20–3.00| 1.95–2.15| 9 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |16.25–16.50|10.00–11.50|1.00–1.05|2.30–2.70| 2.00–2.25| 10 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. sacer, FORSTER. - -MacFARLANE’S GERFALCON. - - _Falco sacer_, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383 and 423.—COUES, - Birds of New England, 1868, 6.—BAIRD, Trans. Chicago Acad. Sc. I, ii, - 271. _? Falco cinereus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 267, 1789. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 51,689, Yukon, mouth of Porcupine River; -Strachan Jones). Whole upper surface with numerous transverse bands -of brownish-plumbeous and ashy-white. Anteriorly the light bars are -about half the width of the dark ones; posteriorly they gradually -increase, the bands of the two colors being about of equal width on the -upper tail-coverts and tail; with the increase of the lighter bars, -they become more ashy, and, correspondingly, the darker ones are more -plumbeous; on the rump there is but little contrast between the bands -of the two, causing a prevalent bluish cast. The bands are everywhere -continuous, the light ones being interrupted only by the black shaft; -there are generally on the anterior portions about three light bars on -each feather, the last always terminal. Tail tipped with white, and -crossed with equal continuous bands of hoary-plumbeous and ashy-white; -the latter eleven in number, and finely sprinkled with deeper ash. -Primaries brownish-plumbeous, plain past the middle portion, but on the -anterior half with quadrate spots of creamy white on the outer web. -Head above brownish-plumbeous, this prevailing; but along the median -line the feathers are edged with buffy white; forehead dull white, this -continuing back in a streaked superciliary stripe to the occiput; cheeks -very thinly marked with fine streaks of dusky, this prevailing along -the upper border of the ear-coverts; a deeper dusky suffusion beneath -the anterior angle of the eye. Lower surface pure white; chin and -throat, only, immaculate; jugulum with very sparse, narrow longitudinal -streaks of blackish; sides with scattered cordate or nearly circular -spots, these larger and transverse on the flanks and tibiæ; abdomen -with scattered minute elliptical spots; lower tail-coverts with minute -irregular sagittate or transverse spots of dusky. Under surface of -the wing white; each feather of the lining with a medial tear-shaped -streak of dusky; primaries crossed with narrow bars of dusky, fifteen in -number on the longest. Wing-formula, 2–3–4–1–5. Wing, 13.50; tail, 8.60; -culmen, .90; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.87. - -♀ (43,139, Fort Anderson, May 24, 1864, “♀ and two eggs”; R. -MacFarlane). Generally similar to the male. Head above conspicuously -streaked, but the dusky prevailing. Above the transverse bands are less -regular and continuous, anteriorly the plumbeous largely prevailing; -posterior portions, however, as in the male, but on the rump the bands -are more distinct. Beneath, the markings are more numerous, larger, and -broader; those on the jugulum linear; those of the abdomen medially -elliptical; laterally they are transversely cordate, and on the flanks -in form of broad transverse spots, or broad bars; on the tibiæ and lower -tail-coverts they form regular transverse bars,—on the latter, quite -distant. Wing-formula, 2–3–4, 1. Wing, 15.50; tail, 9.50; tarsus, 2.15 -and .80; middle toe, 1.95. - -_Juv._ (♂, 55,400, Alaska, Nulato, February 10, 1868; W. H. Dall). -Above plumbeous-umber, precisely as in young of _islandicus_, but on -the rump having a decided ashy cast. No white edges to the feathers, -as in _islandicus_, but, instead, numerous irregular transverse spots -or obsolete ragged bars of cream-color or pale ochraceous-buff; the -whole upper surface is quite thickly variegated with these irregular -markings. Tail crossed with thirteen narrow bands of creamy-white, these -so thickly mottled with dusky on the outer webs as to be obscure, but on -inner webs they are regular and sharply defined; the last is terminal. -Primaries plain dusky, skirted obscurely with paler, and marked toward -bases with obsolete mottled spots of cream-color. Head streaked with -dusky and creamy-white, the former predominating on upper surface, -along upper edge of ear-coverts, and across the cheeks, on the latter -forming a mustache; the white prevails over the ear-coverts in a broad -supra-oral stripe, and on the forehead and lores. Beneath, soft dull -white; chin and upper part of throat, only, immaculate; each feather -with a broad medial stripe of clear dark plumbeous-brown, on the flanks -and tibiæ prevailing, the whitish assuming the form of roundish spots; -lining of the wing similarly marked; prevailing aspect of under surface -of primaries white, crossed with narrow bars of ashy, fifteen in number -on the longest. Wing-formula, 2, 3–1=4. Wing, 14.00; tail, 8.40. - -HAB. Interior regions of Arctic America; Anderson River, McKenzie, -Yukon, and Severn River regions. Breeding abundantly in the former -district, whence numerous specimens of skins and eggs have been received -by the Smithsonian Institution. - -In the young specimen described, there are one or two new feathers -appearing on the rump and upper tail-coverts, precisely as in the blue -plumage, and proving conclusively their relationship. The species is as -different from the Iceland bird in the young stage as in the mature. -The most readily apparent differences are, lack of sharp white edges of -feathers above, and in their stead numerous ragged transverse spots of -yellowish; dark aspect of head above, etc. - -Specimens vary considerably in the shades of color and distribution of -the markings, but the types of the above descriptions are the lightest -of the series. The darkest example is No. 43,144½ (“♀ and eggs”), -Fort Anderson, May 22, 1864. In this the whole head and neck (except -underneath) are continuous blackish-plumbeous, only the middle of the -auriculars being faintly streaked; the back is nearly plain dusky, and -even on the wings the bars are very obscure and much reduced in width. -The rump is plain ashy-blue, the darker bars being nearly obsolete. -The longitudinal markings on the pectoral region are enlarged into -conspicuous stripes, while on the sides and flanks the transverse bars -form heavy spots. The transverse bars on the tibiæ are ashy-blue; those -on the crissum clear plumbeous, and regularly transverse. Wing, 15.75; -tail, 9.30. Upon comparing this specimen with the figures of a pair of -var. _gyrfalco_, by Wolf, in Newton’s Oötheca Wolleyana, I can discover -no difference at all; thus it would seem that our bird occasionally -closely approaches in tints and markings this race of Continental -Europe, of which I have seen only one immature example, and no adults. - -I cannot agree with Mr. Newton in considering the Gerfalcons of the -interior of Arctic America as identical with the Iceland form, though -that distinguished ornithologist considers them so in his paper in the -Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy for July, 1871, basing his -conclusion upon the specimens from which the above descriptions were -taken, which had been sent over to England for comparison. I have never -yet seen a specimen of _islandicus_ which could not be distinguished, -by the characters given in my synopsis, from these examples, while they -can be separated from that race by the characters which Mr. Newton -himself gives, in his diagnostic table in the paper above cited, for -distinguishing the adults of _islandicus_ and _gyrfalco_. - -The var. _sacer_ is evidently separable from both _islandicus_ and -_gyrfalco_, and about as much related to one as to the other; combining -the size and proportions of the former with the colors of the latter, -while in the wide amount of individual variation of plumage its lighter -extreme approaches one, while its darkest phase approximates as closely -to the average plumage of the other. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 6. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |13.35–14.25| 8.50–9.00| .86–.93|2.15–2.40| 1.80–1.95| 3 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |15.50–16.00|10.00–10.50| 1.00–.00|2.35–2.55| 2.00–2.15| 3 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. labradora, AUDUBON. - -BLACK GERFALCON. - - _Falco labradora_, AUD. B. Am. pl. cxcvi, 1831. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♀ breeding plumage? 30,375, Rigolet, Labrador; -Mr. Conolly). Ground-color of the plumage uniform, very deep, clear, -dark plumbeous-brown, continuously uniform above; larger scapulars, -secondaries, secondary coverts, and primaries more dilute along edges, -however, the tint palest and broadest terminally. Tail perfectly -uniform, except at the end; the tip being narrowly whitish, and -about half an inch anterior to this, a transverse series of hidden -irregular transverse creamy-white spots. The head (except beneath) -is unvariegated. Beneath, the dark tint inclines more to blackish -clove-brown, more dilute on the tibiæ; feathers edged laterally with -white, this prevailing on the throat, but everywhere else far less than -the dusky in amount; on the tibiæ and lower tail-coverts the white is -in the form of irregular spots. Anal region unvariegated; lining of the -wing with circular spots of white along the outer webs of the feathers. -Under surface of primaries with plumbeous prevalent, but this crossed -with mottlings of whitish, forming transverse bars; but terminally and -basally they become confused or lost. Wing-formula, 2, 3–1, 4. Wing, -16.20; tail, 9.50; tarsus, 2.00–.90; middle toe, 2.05; inner, 1.50; -outer, 1.50; posterior, .90. - -HAB. Labrador; south and westward in winter, and shores of Hudson Bay. - -Nos. 17,063 (♀, Quebec, W. Cooper) and 34,960 (♀, Fort Nescopec, -Labrador) differ from the preceding in having ten small narrow -transverse spots of reddish-white on the tail-feathers, forming as many -indistinct bands; these spots touch neither the shaft nor the edge of -the feather, and are almost concealed, unless the tail is spread; on -the latter specimen they are very obsolete, the subterminal one only -being distinct, as in the specimen selected for description. The upper -tail-coverts also show faintly indicated spots, and the former specimen -has the wing-coverts with very narrow irregular spots on the edge of the -feathers. In this specimen there is also one feather in the scapulars -which has broader white edges; it also has the white below about equal -to the black in amount; the anal region, however, in all, is unvaried -blackish, and the transverse oblique bands on the lower tail-coverts are -a constant feature. - -No. 41,185 (♀, Fort Nescopec, Labrador; H. Conolly) is the darkest of -all. In this the blackish plumbeous-brown is uniform over the whole -surface; even the throat is unvariegated. Abdomen with a few of the -feathers edged with white, and sides with a few small circular spots -of the same; lower tail-coverts transversely spotted with white; tibiæ -scarcely variegated, showing only narrow indistinct whitish edges. -Mottling on inner webs of primaries reduced so as to be scarcely -visible. Tail with the usual number (two) of irregular whitish bars,—one -terminal, the other near the end. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 2; Boston Society, 1. Total, 3. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |14.50–00.00| 9.00–00.00| .90–0.00|2.12–0.00| 1.90–0.00| 1 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |15.50–15.75| 9.50–10.00|1.00–1.05|2.00–2.35| 2.00–2.10| 2 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. In treating of the general habits of the Gerfalcons of North -America it will not be necessary, nor will it be possible, to give the -distinctive peculiarities belonging to the several forms in which these -Falcons occur. Whether, on account of their variations of plumage, we -consider them as races or as specifically distinct, does not affect -their history in this respect. There is no good reason for presuming -that they have any very noticeable variations as to any of their habits, -although certain writers claim for some of them certain well-marked -peculiarities of character. - -In the matter of geographical distribution they are all, for the most -part, rarely seen, even in midwinter, south of the 50th parallel of -north latitude, and are found in the summer as far north as the Arctic -Ocean. The Gerfalcon of the McKenzie River region, occurring from the -Slave Lake to Anderson River and the Yukon, is the form elsewhere -given as the _F. sacer_. Along our eastern coast region occurs another -form, the _F. labradora_, which is the bird met with in Labrador, and -described by Mr. Audubon. The _F. candicans_ or _grœnlandicus_ is a form -peculiar to Greenland, visiting also, in the winter, the Hudson’s Bay -region; while the _F. islandicus_, a well-known European form, occurs in -Greenland also, and occasionally farther south. - -Holböll, in his account of the birds of Greenland (Isis, 1845), appears -to recognize but one species of Gerfalcon as occurring there, to which -he gives the name of _islandicus_. This is, he states, the most abundant -Falcon in Greenland, and is equally common in the northern and in -the southern parts. Their great variations in color he regarded as -indicative of differences in ages to only a very limited extent, and as -in no respect specific. These differences in color were found among both -nestlings and breeding birds, white and dark birds being found together -in both circumstances. The white birds were more numerous in Northern -Greenland, and the dark ones oftener seen in the southern portion. - -He found the young birds moulting throughout the winter. On the 4th of -January, 1840, he shot a young female that showed signs of moulting -about the head and neck, with a striped white appearance from the -sprouting feathers. The ovaries were quite well developed, and it was -evident that the birds of this species breed in the first season after -their birth. Holböll adds that they breed in January, that their eggs -are of nearly the same color as those of the Ptarmigan, but are twice as -large. They nest usually in inaccessible cliffs. They prey chiefly upon -water-fowl and Ptarmigans, and usually build near “bird rocks,” from -which they obtain the young without much trouble. He mentions having -once seen one with a young _Larus tridactylus_ in each foot, and another -with two _Tringa maritima_ carried in the same manner. Its rapidity -of flight Holböll did not regard as very great. He had for years kept -pigeons, and only lost two young birds, which were seized when at rest. -Almost every day, especially in October and November, these Falcons -would chase the old Pigeons unsuccessfully, and were often shot when -they followed them too near the house. They were not particularly shy, -and were occasionally decoyed and killed by throwing a dead bird towards -them. - -During the summer they are most numerous along the bays, especially -where there are “bird-rocks” near. In September they go southerly along -the coast, and also in October and November. At this time they are -not rare, and approach the houses of the Danes, near which they are -often seen fighting with the Ravens. Their spring migrations are not so -regular as they are in the autumn, or perhaps at this time they do not -approach the houses so frequently. When they are near the settlements, -it is noticed that in the morning they fly towards the south, and in the -evening towards the north. - -Richardson speaks of the Gerfalcon as a constant resident in the Hudson -Bay territory, where it is known as the Speckled Partridge-Hawk, and -also as the Winterer. Its southern limit he could not give, but he -never met with it south of 52°. He traced it northward to the coast of -the Arctic Sea, and probably to the most northern Georgian islands. -He cites Captain Sabine as authority for its occurring as far north -as latitude 74° on the west coast of Greenland. Richardson often met -with it during his journeys over the Barren Grounds, where its habitual -prey was the Ptarmigan, and where it also destroyed Plover, Ducks, and -Geese. He relates that in the middle of June, 1821, a pair of these -birds attacked him as he was climbing to the vicinity of their nest, -which was built on a lofty precipice on the borders of Point Lake, in -latitude 65° 30′. The bird flew in circles, uttering loud and harsh -screams, stooping alternately with such velocity that their motions -through the air produced a loud rushing noise. They struck their claws -within an inch or two of his head. Keeping the barrel of his gun close -to his cheek, and suddenly elevating its muzzle when they were in the -act of striking, he found that they invariably rose above the obstacle -with the rapidity of thought, showing equal power of motion. They bore -considerable resemblance to the Snowy Owl, but their flight was much -more rapid. - -Mr. MacFarlane, in the memoranda of his collections in the neighborhood -of Anderson River and Fort Anderson, furnishes notes of eighteen -nests of the Gerfalcon obtained by him in that region. With only two -exceptions, these were placed near the tops of pines, or other trees, at -distances from the ground varying from ten to twenty-five feet. In some -instances the nest was placed on the very top of the tree, in others on -a lower limb against the trunk. They were composed of twigs and small -branches, and lined with mosses, hay, deer’s hair, feathers, and other -substances. The parents were always very much excited whenever their -nests were approached, making a great noise, and not unfrequently their -loud screams drew attention to nests that would otherwise have escaped -notice. In one instance a nest had been built on a ledge of rocks thirty -miles northwest of Fort Anderson. It was composed of a few withered -twigs, and lined with mosses and hay. It was found on the 27th of May, -and contained two eggs nearly fresh, and two in a state of greater -development. One nest, placed on a broad branch of a tree, near the -trunk, was of considerable size. Another nest was on the ground, on the -side of a steep and high hill. The earliest date of finding these nests -is given as the 10th of May. The eggs then found were fresh. The ground -at that time was still thickly covered with snow, and the weather was -very cold. In a nest found five days later the eggs contained partially -developed embryos. In nearly every instance the eggs seem to have been -in different stages of development in the same nest. In some, young -birds were in the same nest with eggs only partially developed, and in -another an egg perfectly fresh was in the same nest with others nearly -ready to hatch. A nest found July 3 contained young about two days old; -another, on May 27, had eggs with large embryos; and one, on June 25, -had young nearly ready to fly. - -Mr. Donald Gunn claims that this Falcon is the only Hawk that is -resident in the Arctic regions throughout the year. It is known to the -Indians by the name of Pepunesu, and this name is applied to it because -it passes the winter with them. It is a very powerful bird, and commits -great havoc among the Partridges, so much so that in former times the -Hudson Bay Company gave a reward of a quart of rum to every hunter who -brought in the head of one of these Falcons. All the other Hawks are -only summer visitors. - -Mr. Bannister was informed by the residents of St. Michaels that a Hawk, -presumed to be this species, is not unfrequent there, though he did not -happen to meet with it. On his voyage home, on the 21st of October, -1866, when off the coast of Kamtschatka, north of Behring’s Island, one -alighted in the rigging of the ship, and continued with them for several -hours. - -Although very rare in any part of the United States, occasional -individuals have been taken in different localities, and in one instance -a pair was known to breed for several successive seasons in Vermont. -This information I have from Mr. Clarence King, who, when a lad at -school in the town of Dummerston, observed a pair nesting among some -high cliffs, and informed me of the fact at the time of the occurrence. -One of these birds is recorded by Mr. Lawrence as having been taken on -Long Island in the winter of 1856. - -Mr. Boardman gives it as occurring near Calais in winter, but very rare. -Professor Verrill found them not uncommon in Oxford County, Me., where -they were frequently seen during winter, flying about the extensive -meadows near Norway; but they were very shy and watchful, and it was -hardly possible to procure a specimen. It is very unusual in Eastern -Massachusetts, and only very rarely and occasionally have specimens been -taken. Mr. Jillson obtained a specimen, in 1840, at Seekonk. One was -shot, in 1864, near Providence, R. I., by Mr. Newton Dexter. - -Mr. Audubon relates that, August 6, 1833, his son, John W. Audubon, -found a nest of this Falcon among some rocky cliffs near Bras d’Or, -Labrador, containing four young birds ready to fly, two of which -were procured. The nest was placed among the rocks, about fifty feet -from their summit and more than a hundred from their base. It was -inaccessible, but, having been examined from above, was seen to be -empty. It was composed of sticks, sea-weeds, and mosses, was about two -feet in diameter, and was almost flat. Its edges were strewed with the -remains of their food, and beneath the nest was an accumulation of the -wings of Ptarmigans, Mormons, Uriæ, etc., mingled with large pellets of -fur, bones, and various substances. - -Their flight is spoken of as similar to that of the Peregrine Falcon, -but more elevated, majestic, and rapid. Their cries were also like those -of that Falcon, being very loud, shrill, and piercing. Occasionally this -bird was seen to alight on one of the high stakes placed on the shore. -There it would stand, in the position of a Tern, for a few moments, and -then would pounce upon a Puffin, as the latter bird was standing at the -entrance of its burrow, unaware of the approach of its enemy. The weight -of the Puffin seemed to form no impediment to the Hawk in its flight. - -The European Gerfalcons are said to seldom appear south of the 52d -parallel of latitude, or north of 74°. They are nowhere numerous, and -were formerly much sought for, and purchased, at immense prices, for -purposes of falconry. Great differences were supposed to exist in regard -to the habits and other peculiarities of the several races. The Iceland -Falcons commanded the highest prices, and were regarded as a species -quite distinct from the _F. gyrfalco_. The former was much the more -valuable, both as more rare, and as a bird of higher courage and of a -more rapid and bolder flight, and a bird that could, on that account, be -“flown” successfully at larger game. - -The Gerfalcons, in Europe, build on the rocky coasts of Norway and -Iceland, and are said to defend their young with great courage and -determination. They are comparatively rare in the British Islands, -especially the more southern portions. Even in the Orkneys it is only an -occasional visitor. - -All the eggs of the several forms of Gerfalcon that I have seen present -common characteristics, and do not differ from each other more than -eggs known to belong to the same species of Hawk are frequently found -to vary. One from Greenland, presumed to belong to the _candicans_, -measures 2.37 inches in length by 1.71 in breadth. The predominant color -of its markings is a deep reddish-brown, very generally and nearly -equally diffused over its surface, concealing the ground-color, which is -lighter and of a yellowish-brown shade. - -An egg of the _islandicus_, from Iceland, has the same measurements, but -is so slightly yet uniformly marked with light yellowish-brown as to -seem to be of one color only,—a light brown, shaded with yellow. - -An egg from Norway, of the form _gyrfalco_, is 2.42 inches in length, -1.71 in breadth, has a ground-color of a dirty yellowish-white, and is -marked with spots, dottings, and confluent blotches of yellowish-brown, -more so about the larger end. - -The series of eggs of _Falco sacer_ in the Smithsonian Collection -exhibits the following range of variation in size, color, and markings: -length, from 2.30 to 2.45 inches; breadth, 1.60 to 1.90 inches; -ground-color usually a light reddish-ochre, varying to pinkish on the -one hand, and to rufous on the other. They are usually sprinkled all -over with small spots, which are sometimes not distinguishable from -the ground-color when this is very deep, and again larger and quite -conspicuous. - -An egg of the variety _candicans_, from Greenland (No. 2,606, S. I.), -measures 2.25 inches by 1.80. In color and in markings it is like the -average eggs of variety _sacer_, namely, pale rufous, sprinkled over -with a slightly deeper shade. - - -Falco lanarius. - -Var. =polyagrus=, CASSIN. - -AMERICAN LANNER; PRAIRIE FALCON. - - _Falco polyagrus_, CASSIN, B. Cal. & Tex. 1853, 88.—IB. P. A. N. S. - 1855, 277; B. N. Am. 1858, 12.—HEERM. Pacific R. Rep’t, II, 1855, - 31.—KENNERLY, P. R. R. III, 1856, 19.—COOP. & SUCKL. P. R. R. XII, - 1860, 143.—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 7.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, - 85.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, 20. _Falco - lanarius_, var. _mexicanus_, RIDGWAY in COUES’ Key, 1872. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, No. 59,063, Wahsatch Mountains, Utah, May 23, -1868; parent of eggs; L. E. Ricksecker). Above cinereous-drab, becoming -gradually paler and more bluish posteriorly, barred, indistinctly, -everywhere with a more dusky tint, the shafts of all the feathers -blackish; anteriorly the darker shade predominates, while posteriorly -the bluish prevails; on the anterior portions the light bars are much -restricted in width, and of a more ochraceous tint. Tail plain, very -pale ashy-drab, narrowly tipped with reddish-white, this changing to -pale rusty on the middle pair; the concealed portion of the feathers -outside the shaft show obsolete, or faint traces of, darker bars, which -on the middle pair are apparently about eleven in number. On the inner -webs the paler bars become broader than the darker ones, and incline -to ochraceous in tint, the lateral feather being edged externally with -this color. Primaries plain ashy-drab, with a hoary tinge, growing -insensibly darker terminally, and with a slightly paler apical margin. -Head and neck above, dark umber-brown, with conspicuous shaft-streaks -of black. Lores, a broad superciliary stripe (somewhat interrupted -above the eyes), white, finely and sparsely streaked, the two stripes -confluent across the occiput; a broad heavy “mustache” from the lores -and rictus downward and obliquely backwards, across the maxilla, and a -wider postocular stripe, like the crown. Beneath continuous white, with -a faint ochraceous tinge on the abdomen and crissum; abdomen and sides -of the breast with a few scattered, small, ovate spots of vandyke-brown; -sides transversely spotted with vandyke-brown, the spots coalesced into -a broken patch on the flanks; outside of the tibiæ with transverse spots -of the same. Axillars plain, clear vandyke-brown, with a few nearly -obsolete rusty specks near their ends; lining of the wing clear white, -the feathers with central spaces of dusky-brown, which toward the edge -become aggregated into a longitudinal patch; inner webs of the primaries -with broad transverse spots of white, which reach nearly to the shaft; -they are about thirteen in number on the longest quill. Feet yellow; -base of the bill tinged with the same. Wing-formula, 2, 3–1, 4. Wing, -12.00; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.70; outer, 1.22; inner, -1.12; posterior, .77. - -♀ (not _adult?_ 18,258, Fort Buchanan, New Mexico; Dr. Irwin). Above -continuous umber-drab, growing gradually lighter posteriorly, the tail -being pale drab; no transverse bars (except a few concealed obsolete -ones on back and secondaries), but all the feathers faintly bordered -with paler rusty-brown, these edgings being on upper tail-coverts almost -white. Tail tipped with creamy-white, and with many transverse spots or -broad bars of the same on inner webs, outer feather irregularly skirted -with the same, and all decidedly paler than the ground-color along -their edges. Head as in the male, but forehead white, and superciliary -stripe more continuous. Breast and abdomen with longitudinal lanceolate -or cuneate streaks of dark vandyke-brown; patch of same on flanks -more continuous than in the male; axillars unvariegated clear dark -vandyke-brown; longest primary with eleven transverse spots of white; -posterior outer face of tibiæ with sagittate spots of dark brown. -Wing-formula, 2, 3–1, 4. Wing, 14.25; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle -toe, 2.00. - -_Juv._ (♂, 32,207, South Fork of the Platte River, July 19, 1838; C. S. -McCarthy). Above darker umber than the last, each feather distinctly -bordered terminally with rusty-ochraceous. Beneath with a deeper -cream-colored tinge, streaks blacker; flank-patch more conspicuous and -uniform; axillars unvariegated dusky. Wing-formula, 2, 3–1=4. Wing, -13.25; tail, 7.25. - -HAB. Western division of North America, eastward to Illinois; Oregon to -Lower California, and Texas. Localities: Texas, San Antonio and Eagle -Pass (DRESSER); Arizona (COUES). - -The different stages of plumage are in this by no means so well defined -as in other species, there being nearly the same general appearance in -all. There is, also, very little variation in different specimens of -the same age. No. 8,504, (♀, Dalles, Oregon; Dr. George Suckley) has -the black markings on the sides of the breast more circular, and the -vandyke-black of the axillars with a few circular white spots on the -edges of the feathers. Wing, 14.50; tail, 8.40. Nos. 17,204 (♀, San -José, Lower California; John Xantus, January, 1860) and 18,258 (♂ ? Fort -Buchanan, N. M.) have the upper surface almost perfectly continuous -grayish-drab, the first absolutely unvariegated by markings, though the -feathers fade a little on edges. Beneath, the white is very pure; the -streaks are numerous, sharply defined and longitudinal. Wing, 13.25; -tail, 7.50 (17,204). - -The American Lanner Falcon is so very closely related to the Lanners -of Europe and Asia (var. _lanarius_ and var. _jugger_) that it is very -difficult to indicate the differences which separate them. The two Old -World forms above named are more unlike each other than they are from -the two American races; the var. _jugger_ differing from _mexicanus_ -apparently only in larger size; and the var. _lanarius_, more like -_polyagrus_ than it is like either _jugger_ or _mexicanus_, differs -from _polyagrus_ mainly in the greater amount of white on the plumage, -this imparting a lighter aspect to the pileum, and causing a greater -development of the light spots on the outer webs of the primaries and -rectrices. - -[Illustration: _Falco polyagrus._] - -The var. _polyagrus_, compared with var. _lanarius_, is much darker, -having, at all ages, the crown uniformly brown, with darker streaks, -instead of having these streaks upon a white ground. The “mustache” is -more distinct in the American bird, while in the European the bands on -the tail are much more distinct, and the spots forming them are on the -outer webs, as well as on the inner, instead of on the latter alone; the -dark bars between the light spots are in the American bird much narrower -and more numerous, and in the young the light ones come to the edge of -the web, instead of being enclosed within the dark color. Two very young -birds (i.e. in first perfect plumage) appear almost identical until -closely examined, the chief differences being a lighter tint to the -crown in the European, and heavier dark stripes on the breast, besides -the peculiar character of the tail-spots, which are always distinctive. -In shades of color, there is not the slightest difference. - -I have seen no specimen of any of the Old World forms in the plumage -corresponding to that transversely barred above, described here as the -adult, though figures of the adult _lanarius_ indicate a very similar -plumage. The series of the latter race at my command is unfortunately -limited to a very few immature specimens. One marked “ad.” (56,051, -Hungary; Schlüter Coll.) measures as follows: Wing, 14.50; tail, 8.00; -culmen, .83; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.80. Its colors are as described -in the synopsis (p. 1429) for the young bird. - -The var. _mexicanus_ and var. _jugger_, which are both much darker, and -more uniform in the coloring of the upper parts, than var. _polyagrus_, -are more nearly alike; in fact, the only tangible difference that I -can find between a specimen of the former in the Museum of the Boston -Society of Natural History (No. 1,438, ♂, Juv. Lafr. Collection; -“Mexico”) and two examples of the latter in the New York Museum, -consist in the larger size of the var. _jugger_ (see synopsis), -besides its whiter cheeks and more isolated and distinct “mustache.” -A direct comparison of these two races may show other tangible points -of distinction, or, on the contrary, may show even these slight -distinguishing features to be inconstant. The former result is, however, -most reasonably to be expected. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 9; Boston Society, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 4; Museum -Comp. Zoöl. 1; G. N. Lawrence, 2; R. Ridgway, 5. Total, 23. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |12.00–00.00| 7.60–0.00| .00–.75| .00–2.15| .00–1.70| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |13.25–14.25| 8.00–9.00| .85–.90|2.05–2.40| 1.85–2.00| 12 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. This is an exclusively western species, occurring from the -valley of the Mississippi to the Pacific coast. Specimens have been -obtained as far east as Illinois. Several others have been taken on the -Upper Missouri and the Yellowstone Rivers, in Nebraska, at Fort Thorne, -New Mexico, and on the Little Colorado River. A specimen was shot by -Dr. Heermann on the Farallones, on the California coast; but Dr. Cooper -thinks it rarely visits the coast border, though he several times saw, -near San Diego, a bird which he supposed to belong to this species. At -Martinez, in December, 1863, he succeeded in shooting one as it flew -from its perch at the approach of the wagon in which he was riding. - -It is said to extend its migrations in summer to the Upper Columbia, -avoiding the densely forest-clad regions. Dr. Heermann saw a young -unfledged individual at San Francisco, from which it may be inferred -that a few may breed within the State. - -The first individual of this species was taken by Dr. Townsend during -his trip across the continent, in 1834. It was obtained among the -mountainous regions of Oregon, near the sources of the Platte River. -Mr. Cassin states that Dr. Heermann procured several specimens in the -Sacramento Valley. - -Mr. Cassin remarks that this species, except in its greatly superior -size and strength, bears a very close resemblance to the well-known -Jugger Falcon of India, a bird much used for the purposes of falconry. - -Dr. Kennerly, who procured a single specimen of this species while his -party was encamped on the Little Colorado, found it busily engaged in -seeking its prey among the bushes that grew along the river-bank. It was -shy, and was procured with difficulty. - -Dr. Suckley speaks of this Hawk as not at all rare in Oregon. He -procured a specimen of it at Fort Dalles, in the beginning of the winter -of 1854–55, which had been killed in the act of carrying off a barn-yard -fowl of about its own weight, and which it had just seized near the -door of a dwelling-house,—an act demonstrative of a union of courage, -ferocity, and strength inferior to none of its congeners. - -Dr. Cooper characterizes this as one of the shyest of Hawks, as it is -also one of the swiftest, flying with rapid flappings of the wings. It -seems to prefer the borders of prairies, where it catches hares, quails, -and even larger game. - -Mr. Ridgway informs me that this Hawk was seen by him in Southern -Illinois, near Mt. Carmel, September 27, 1871. It had been obtained once -before within the limits of Illinois, but in the northwestern part of -the State, at Rock Island, by I. Dickenson Sergeant, of Philadelphia, -and presented by him to the Academy of Natural Science. - -Its nest and eggs were taken in Utah by Mr. Ricksecker. I have no notes -in regard to the former. A finely marked specimen of one of the eggs -procured by him is in my cabinet. It measures 2.15 inches in length -by 1.65 in breadth. It is of a somewhat less rounded-oval shape than -are the eggs of the _anatum_. The ground-color is a rich cream, with -a slightly pinkish tinge, and is beautifully marked with blotches of -various sizes, shapes, and shades of a red-brown tinged with chestnut, -and with occasional shadings of purplish. These are confluent about one -end, which in the specimen before me chances to be the smaller one. It -very closely resembles the eggs of the European _F. lanarius_. - -An egg in the Smithsonian Collection (15,596), taken at Gilmer, Wyoming -Territory, May 13, 1870, by Mr. H. R. Durkee, has a ground-color of -pinkish-white, varying in two eggs to diluted vinaceous, thickly spotted -and minutely freckled with a single shade of a purplish-rufous. In shape -they are nearly elliptical, the smaller end being scarcely more pointed -than the larger. They measure 2.27 by 1.60 to 1.65 inches. The nest was -built on the edge of a cliff. Its eggs were also taken by Dr. Hayden -while with Captain Raynolds, at Gros Vent Fork, June 8, 1860. - - -SUBGENUS FALCO, MŒHRING. - - _Falco_, MŒHRING, 1752. (Type, _Falco peregrinus_, GM. = _F. - communis_, GM.) - _Rhynchodon_, NITZSCH, 1840. (In part only.) - _Euhierax_, WEBB. & BERTH., 1844. (Type, _Falco_—?) - _Icthierax_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco frontalis_, DAUD.) - -[Illustration: =51293=, ♂. ¼ - -_F. aurantius._] - -[Illustration: =52814=, ♀. - -_F. rufigularis_ (nat. size).] - -[Illustration: =51293=, ♂. ½ - -_F. aurantius._] - -[Illustration: =51293=, ♂. NAT. SIZE. - -_F. aurantius._] - -[Illustration: =52814=, ♀. - -_F. rufigularis_ (nat. size).] - -The following synopsis of the three American species of this subgenus -may serve to distinguish them from each other, though only two of -them (_F. aurantius_ and _F. rufigularis_) are very closely related. -The comparative characters of the several geographical races of the -other one (_F. communis_), which is cosmopolitan in its habitat, being -included under the head of that species, may explain the reasons why -they are separated from each other. - - -Species and Races. - - =A.= First and second quills equal and longest; first with inner web - emarginated, second with inner web slightly sinuated. Young with - longitudinal stripes on the lower parts. Adult and young stages very - different. - - 1. =F. communis.= Wing, 11.50–14.30; tail, 7.00–8.50; culmen, - .72–.95; tarsus, 1.65–2.20; middle toe, 1.80–2.30.[52] Second - quill longest; first shorter than, equal to, or longer than third. - _Adult._ Above plumbeous, darker anteriorly, lighter and more bluish - posteriorly; anteriorly plain, posteriorly with darker transverse - bars, these growing more sharply defined towards the tail. Beneath - ochraceous-white, varying in tint from nearly pure white to deep - ochraceous, those portions posterior to the jugulum transversely - barred, more or less, with blackish or dark plumbeous; anterior - lower parts (from the breast forward) without transverse bars. - _Young._ No transverse bars on the body, above or below. Above - blackish-brown, varying to black, the feathers usually bordered - terminally with ochraceous or rusty; forehead usually more or less - washed with the same. Beneath ochraceous, varying in shade; the - whole surface with longitudinal stripes of blackish. Inner webs of - tail-feathers and primaries with numerous transverse elliptical - spots of ochraceous. _Hab._ Cosmopolitan. - - _a._ Young dark brown above, the feathers bordered with rusty or - whitish. Beneath white or ochraceous, with narrow longitudinal - stripes of dusky. Inner webs of tail-feathers with transverse - bars. - - Auriculars white, cutting off the black of the cheeks with a - prominent “mustache.” - - Beneath pure white, the breast and middle of the abdomen - without markings. Wing, 12.75; tail, 7.30; culmen, .80; - tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 1.80. _Hab._ Eastern Asia … - - var. _orientalist_.[53] - - Beneath pale ochraceous, the breast always with longitudinal - dashes, or elliptical spots, of dusky; middle of abdomen - barred. Wing, 11.50–14.30; tail, 7.00–8.50; culmen, .72–.95; - tarsus, 1.65–2.20; middle toe, 1.80–2.30. _Hab._ Europe … - - var. _communis_.[54] - - Beneath varying from deep ochraceous to nearly pure white, - the breast never with distinct longitudinal or other spots, - usually with none at all. Middle of abdomen barred, or not. - Wing, 11.30–14.75; tail, 6.00–9.00; culmen, .75–1.00; tarsus, - 1.60–2.10; middle toe, 1.75–2.20. _Hab._ America (entire - continent) … - - var. _anatum_. - - Auriculars black, nearly, or quite, as far down as the lower end - of the “mustache.” - - Beneath varying from deep ochraceous to white, the breast - streaked or not. Lower parts more uniformly and heavily - barred than in the other races. _Young_ with narrower streaks - beneath. Wing, 11.15–12.60; tail, 6.11–8.00; culmen, .81–.90; - tarsus, 1.60–2.05; middle toe, 1.75–2.15. _Hab_. Australia … - - var. _melanogenys_.[55] - - _b._ Young unvariegated brownish-black above. Beneath - brownish-black, faintly streaked with white, or nearly - unvariegated. Inner webs of tail-feathers without transverse bars. - - Wing, 14.90–15.09; tail, 8.50; culmen, .95–1.00; tarsus, - 2.10; middle toe, 2.15–2.21. _Hab._ Northwest coast of North - America, from Oregon to Sitka … - - var. _pealei_. - - =B.= Second quill longest; first with inner web emarginated, the - second with inner web not sinuated. Young without longitudinal stripes - on lower parts. Adult and young stages hardly appreciably different. - - Above plumbeous or black; beneath black from the jugulum to the - tibiæ, with transverse bars of white, ochraceous, or rufous; throat - and jugulum white, white and rufous, or wholly ochraceous, with a - semicircular outline posteriorly; tibiæ, anal region, and crissum - uniform deep rufous, or spotted with black on an ochraceous or a - white and rufous ground. _Adult._ Plumbeous above, the feathers - darker centrally, and with obscure darker bars posteriorly; jugulum - immaculate. _Young._ Black above, the feathers bordered terminally - with rusty, or else dark plumbeous without transverse bars; jugulum - with longitudinal streaks. - - 2. =F aurantius.=[56] Wing, 9.50–12.00; tail, 5.40–6.25; culmen, - .96; tarsus, 1.50–1.60; middle toe, 1.75–2.10. Second quill - longest; first longer than third. Crissum ochraceous, or white and - rufous, with large transverse spots of black; upper tail-coverts - sharply barred with pure white or pale ash. _Adult._ Above - plumbeous-black, the feathers conspicuously bordered with - plumbeous-blue. Throat and jugulum immaculate; white centrally and - anteriorly, deep rufous laterally and posteriorly. Tibiæ plain - rufous. _Young._ Above uniform dull black, the feathers sometimes - bordered inconspicuously with rusty. Throat and jugulum varying - from white to ochraceous or rufous (this always deepest laterally - and posteriorly). Tibiæ sometimes thickly spotted transversely - with black. _Hab._ Tropical America, north to Southern Mexico. - - 3. =F. rufigularis.=[57] Wing, 7.20–9.00 (♂, wing, 7.70; tail, - 3.95–5.50; culmen, .45–.58; tarsus, 1.20–1.55; middle toe, - 1.15–1.40). Second quill longest; first longer than third. Crissum - uniform deep reddish-rufous, rarely barred with white and dusky. - Upper tail-coverts obsoletely barred with plumbeous. - - _Adult._ Above plumbeous-black, the feathers lightening into - plumbeous-blue on the edges and ends, and showing obscure bars - on the posterior portions. Throat and jugulum ochraceous-white, - the ochraceous tinge deepest posteriorly and without any streaks. - _Young._ Above plumbeous-black, without lighter obscure bars, or - with a brownish cast, and with faint rusty edges to the feathers. - Throat and jugulum deep soft ochraceous, deepest laterally, the - posterior portion usually with a few longitudinal streaks of - dusky. _Hab._ Tropical America, north to Middle Mexico. - - -Falco communis, GMEL. - -Var. =anatum=, BONAP. - -AMERICAN PEREGRINE FALCON; DUCK HAWK. - - _? Accipiter falco maculatus_, Briss. Orn. I, 329. _? Falco nævius_, - GMEL. S. N. 1789, 271. _Falco communis_ ζ, and _F. communis_ η, LATH. - Ind. Orn. p. 31. _Falco communis_, COUES, Key, 1872, 213, f. 141. - _Falco peregrinus_, ORD. Wils. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. lxvi.—SAB. L. Trans. - XII, 529.—RICH. Parry’s 2d Voy. App. 342.—IB. F. B. A. II, 1831, - 23.—BONAP. N. Y. Lyc. II, 27.—IB. Isis, 1832, 1136; Consp. 1850, 23, - No. 4.—KING, Voy. Beag. I, 1839, 532.—JAMES. Wils. Am. Orn. 677, - Synop. 1852, 683.—WEDDERB. Jard. Contr. to Orn. 1849, 81.—WOODH. - Sitgr. Zuñi, 1853, 60.—GIRAUD, B. Long Island, 1844, 14.—PEALE, U. S. - Ex. Ex. 1848, 66.—GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. 1841, 51. _Falco anatum_, - BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. 1838, 4.—IB. Rev. Zoöl. 1850, 484.—BRIDG. - Proc. Zoöl. Soc. pl. xi, 109.—IB. Ann. N. H. XIII, 499.—GOSSE, B. Jam. - 1847, 16.—CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. 1854, 86.—IB. Birds N. Am. 1858, 7.—DE - KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 13, pl. iii, f. 8.—NUTT. Man. 1833, 53.—PEAB. B. - Mass. 1841, 83.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 83.—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, - 1861, 315.—MARCH, Pr. Ac. N. S. 1863, 304. _Falco nigriceps_, CASS. - B. Cal. & Tex. I, 1853, 87.—IB. Birds N. Am. 1858, 8.—STRICKL. Orn. - Syn. I, 85.—COOP. & SUCKL. P. R. R. Rep’t, VII, ii, 1860, 142.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 1869, 19, No. 166.—SHARPE, Ann. & Mag. N. H. _Falco - orientalis_, (GM.) GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, 19, No. 165 (in part). _? - Falco cassini_, SHARPE, Ann. & Mag. N. H. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 43,134, Fort Resolution, Brit. N. Am., June; -J. Lockhart). Upper parts dark bluish-plumbeous, approaching black -anteriorly, but on rump and upper tail-coverts becoming fine bluish -plumbeous-ash. On the head and neck the continuous plumbeous-black -covers all the former except the chin and throat, and the back portion -of the latter; an invasion or indentation of the white of lower parts -up behind the ear-coverts separating that of the cheeks from the -posterior black, throwing the former into a prominent angular patch; -forehead and lores grayish. All the feathers above (posterior to the -nape) with transverse bars of plumbeous-black, these most sharply -defined posteriorly, where the plumbeous is lightest. Tail black, more -plumbeous basally, very faintly paler at the tip, and showing ten -or eleven transverse narrow bands of plumbeous, these most distinct -anteriorly; the bars are clearest on inner webs. Alula, primary and -secondary coverts, secondaries and primaries, uniform plumbeous-black, -narrowly whitish on terminal margin, most observable on secondaries and -inner primaries. Lower parts white, tinged with delicate cream-color, -this deepest on the abdomen; sides and tibiæ tinged with bluish. -Chin, throat, and jugulum immaculate; the breast, however, with faint -longitudinal shaft-streaks of black; sides, flanks, and tibiæ distinctly -barred transversely with black, about four bars being on each feather; -on the lower tail-coverts they are narrower and more distant; on -the abdomen the markings are in the form of circular spots; anal -region barred transversely. Lining of the wing (including all the -under coverts) white tinged with blue, and barred like the sides; -under surface of primaries slaty, with elliptical spots or bars of -creamy-white on inner webs, twelve on the longest. Wing-formula, 2–1–3. -Wing, 12.25; tail, 6.00; tarsus, 1.60; middle toe, 1.85; outer, 1.40; -inner, 1.20; posterior, .80; culmen, .80. - -♀ (13,077, Liberty Co., Georgia; Professor J. L. Leconte). Like the -male, but ochraceous tinge beneath deeper; no ashy wash; bands on -the tail more sharply defined, about ten dark ones being indicated; -outer surface of primaries and secondaries with bands apparent; -tail distinctly tipped with ochraceous-white. Inner web of longest -primary with thirteen, more reddish, transverse spots. White of neck -extending obliquely upward and forward toward the eye, giving the -black cheek-patch more prominence. Markings beneath as in the male. -Wing-formula the same. Wing, 14.50; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 1.95; middle -toe, 2.10; culmen, .95. - -_Juv._ (♂, 53,193, Truckee River, Nevada, July 24, 1867; R. Ridgway: -first plumage). Above plumbeous-black, tail more slaty. Every feather -broadly bordered terminally with dull cinnamon; these crescentic bars -becoming gradually broader posteriorly, narrower and more obsolete on -the head above. Tail distinctly tipped with pale cinnamon, the inner -webs of feathers with obsolete transverse spots of the same, these -touching neither the edge nor the shaft; scarcely apparent indications -of corresponding spots on outer webs. Region round the eye, and broad -“mustache” across the cheeks, pure black, the latter more conspicuous -than in the older stages, being cut off posteriorly by the extension of -the cream-color of the neck nearly to the eye. A broad stripe of pale -ochraceous running from above the ear-coverts back to the occiput, where -the two of opposite sides nearly meet. Lower parts purplish cream-color, -or rosy ochraceous-white, deepest posteriorly; jugulum, breast, sides, -flanks, and tibiæ with longitudinal stripes of plumbeous-black, these -broadest on flanks and abdomen, and somewhat sagittate on the tibiæ; -lower tail-coverts with distant transverse bars. Lining of the wing -like the sides, but the markings more transverse; inner web of longest -primary with nine transverse purplish-ochre spots. Wing-formula, 2–1, 3. -Wing, 12.50; tail, 7.00. Length, 16.50; expanse, 39.25. Weight, 1½ lbs. -Basal half of bill pale bluish-white, cere rather darker; terminal half -(rather abruptly) slate-color, the tip deepening into black; iris very -dark vivid vandyke-brown; naked orbital space pale bluish-white, with a -slight greenish tint; tarsi and toes lemon-yellow, with a slight green -cast; claws jet-black. - -HAB. Entire continent of America, and neighboring islands. - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis I, 219); Veragua (SALV. P. Z. S. 1867, -158); Sta. Cruz (NEWTON, Ibis, I, 63); Trinidad (TAYLOR, Ibis, 1864, -80); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1859, VII); Cuba (CAB. Journ. -II, lxxxiii); (GUNDL. Repert. 1865, 225); Jamaica, (GOSSE, B. Jam. -16; MARCH, Pr. Ac. N. S. 1863, 304, et Mus. S. I.); Tierra del Fuego -(SHARPE, Ann. & Mag. N. H.; “_F. cassini_, SHARPE”). - -The young plumage above described corresponds exactly with that of -young _peregrinus_ from Europe, a comparison of the specimen above -described with one of the same age from Germany (54,064, Schlüter Col.) -showing no differences that can be expressed. Many American specimens in -this plumage (as 19,397, Fort Simpson) show a wash of whitish over the -forehead and anterior part of the crown; having before us but the one -specimen, we cannot say whether or not this is ever seen in the European -bird. Specimens more advanced in season—perhaps in second year—are -colored as follows: The black above is more brownish, the feathers -margined with pale brown,—these margins broader, and approaching to -white, on the upper tail-coverts; the tail shows the ochraceous bars -only on inner webs. The supraoral stripe of the youngest plumage is also -quite apparent. - -A still younger one from the same locality (No. 37,397) has the upper -plumage similar to the last, the pale edges to the feathers, however, -more distinct; tail with conspicuous spots. White beneath clearer, and -invading the dusky of the head above as far back as the middle of the -crown; the supraoral stripe is distinct, scarcely interrupted across the -nape. - -In the adult plumage the principal variation is in the extent and -disposition of the bars beneath. In most individuals they are regularly -transverse only laterally and posteriorly, those on the belly being -somewhat broken into more irregular cordate spots, though always -transverse; in no American specimen, however, are they as continuously -transverse as in a male (No. 18,804) from Europe, which, however, in -this respect, we think, forms an exception to most European examples, -at least to those in the Smithsonian Collection. All variations in -the form, thickness, and continuity of the markings below, and in the -distinctness of the bars above, are individual. - -Very old males (as 49,790, Fort Yukon; 27,188, Moose Factory (type of -Elliott’s figure of _F. peregrinus_, in Birds of America); and 42,997, -Spanishtown, Jamaica) lack almost entirely the reddish tinge beneath, -and have the lateral and posterior portions strongly tinged with blue; -the latter feature is especially noticeable in the specimen from -Jamaica, in which also the bars are almost utterly wanting medially. -Immature birds from this island also lack to a great degree the -ochraceous tinge, leaving the whitish everywhere purer. - -A female adult European bird differs from the average of North American -examples in the conspicuous longitudinal streaks on the jugulum; but in -a male these are hardly more distinct than in 13,077, ♀, Liberty Co., -Georgia; 11,983, “United States”; 35,456, Peel’s River; 35,449, ♀, and -35,445, ♀, Fort Yukon, Alaska; 35,452, La Pierre’s Hous., H. B. Ter.; -35,459 ♂, Fort Anderson; and 28,099 ♀, Hartford, Conn. In none of these, -however, are they so numerous and conspicuous as in a European female -from the Schlüter Collection, which, however, differs in these respects -only from North American specimens. - -A somewhat melanistic individual (in second year? 32,735, Chicago, -Ill.; Robert Kennicott) differs as follows: Above continuously pure -black; upper tail-coverts and longer scapulars bordered terminally -with rusty-whitish. Tail distinctly tipped with white; the inner webs -of feathers with eight elliptical transverse bars of pale ochraceous, -and indications of corresponding spots of the same on outer webs, -forming as many inconspicuous bands. Beneath ochraceous-white; the neck, -breast, and abdomen thickly marked with broad longitudinal stripes -of clear black,—those on the jugulum cuneate, and on the breast and -abdomen broadly sagittate; the tibiæ with numerous cordate spots, and -sides marked more transversely; lower tail-coverts with narrow distant -transverse bars. On the chin and throat only, the whitish is immaculate, -on the other portions being somewhat exceeded in amount by the black. -Inner web of longest primary with seven transverse elliptical bars of -cream-color. Wing, 12.20; tail, 9.40. - -Whether the North American and European Peregrine Falcons are or are not -distinct has been a question undecided up to the present day; almost -every ornithologist having his own peculiar views upon the relationship -of the different forms which have been from time to time characterized. -The most favorably received opinion, however, seems to be that there -are two species on the American continent, and that one of these, the -northern one, is identical with the European bird. Both these views -I hold to be entirely erroneous; for after examining and comparing -critically a series of more than one hundred specimens of these birds, -from every portion of America (except eastern South America), including -nearly all the West India Islands, as well as numbers of localities -throughout continental North and South America, I find that, with -the exception of the melanistic littoral race of the northwest coast -(var. _pealei_), they all fall under one race, which, though itself -exceedingly variable, yet possesses characters whereby it may always be -distinguished from the Peregrine of all portions of the Old World. - -There is such a great amount of variability, in size, colors, and -markings, that the _F. nigriceps_, Cassin, must be entirely ignored -as being based upon specimens not distinguishable in any respect from -typical _anatum_. Judging from the characters assigned to the _F. -cassini_ by its describer (who evidently had a very small series of -American specimens at his command), the latter name must also most -probably fall into the list of synonymes of _anatum_. - -Slight as are the characters which separate the Peregrines of the -New and Old World, i.e. the immaculate jugulum of the former and the -streaked one of the latter, they are yet sufficiently constant to -warrant their separation as geographical races of one species; along -with which the _F. melanogenys_, Gould (Australia), _F. minor_, Bonap. -(South Africa), _F. orientalis_, Gmel. (E. Asia), and _F. calidus_, -Lath. (Southern India and East Indies), must also rank as simple -geographical races of the same species. Whether the _F. calidus_ is -tenable, I am unable to state, for I have not seen it; but the others -appear to be all sufficiently differentiated. The _F. radama_, Verreaux -(Gray’s Hand List, p. 19, No. 170), Mr. Gurney writes me, is the young -female of var. _minor_. Whether the _F. peregrinator_, Sundevall (Gray’s -Hand List, No. 169), is another of the regional forms of _F. communis_, -or a distinct species, I am not able at present to say, not having -specimens accessible to me for examination. - -Mr. Cassin’s type of “_nigriceps_” (13,856, ♂, July), from Chile, is -before me, and upon comparison with adult males from Arctic America -presents no tangible differences beyond its smaller size; the wing -is a little more than half an inch, and the middle toe less than the -eighth of an inch, shorter than in the smallest of the North American -series,—a discrepancy slight indeed, and of little value as the sole -specific character; the plumage being almost precisely similar to that -of the specimen selected for the type of the description at the head of -this article. In order to show the little consequence to be attached -to the small size of the individual just mentioned, I would state that -there is before me a young bird, received from the National Museum of -Chile, and obtained in the vicinity of Santiago, which is precisely -similar in plumage to the Nevada specimen described, and in size is even -considerably larger, though it is but just to say that it is a female; -the wing measures 13.25, instead of 12.50, and the middle toe, 2.00, -instead of 1.85. No. 37,336, Tres Marias Islands, Western Mexico,—a -young male in second year,—has the wing just the same length as in -the smallest North American example, while in plumage it is precisely -similar to 26,785, of the same age, from Jamaica. No. 4,367, from -Puget’s Sound, Washington Territory,—also a young male,—has the wing of -the same length as in the largest northern specimen, while the plumage -is as usual. - -Two adult females from Connecticut (Nos. 28,099 and 32,507, Talcott Mt.) -are remarkable for their very deep colors, in which they differ from all -other North American examples which I have seen, and answer in every -particular to the description of _F. cassini_, Sharpe, above cited. -The upper surface is plumbeous-black, becoming deep black anteriorly, -the head without a single light feather in the black portions; the -plumbeous bars are distinct only on the rump, upper tail-coverts, and -tail, and are just perceptible on the secondaries. The lower parts are -of a very deep reddish-ochraceous, deepest on the breast and abdomen, -where it approaches a cinnamon tint,—the markings, however, as in other -examples. They measure, wing, 14.75; tail, 7.50; culmen, 1.05–1.15; -tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 2.30. They were obtained from the nest, and -kept in confinement three years, when they were sacrificed to science. -The unusual size of the bill of these specimens (see measurements) is -undoubtedly due to the influence of confinement, or the result of a -modified mode of feeding. The specimens were presented by Dr. S. S. -Moses, of Hartford. - -An adult male (No. 8,501) from Shoal-water Bay, Washington Territory, -is exactly of the size of the male described. In this specimen there -is not the slightest creamy tinge beneath, while the blue tinge on the -lower parts laterally and posteriorly is very strong. No. 52,818, an -adult female from Mazatlan, Western Mexico, has the wing three quarters -of an inch shorter than in the largest of four northern females, -and of the same length as in the smallest; there is nothing unusual -about its plumage, except that the bars beneath are sparse, and the -ochraceous tinge quite deep. No. 27,057, Fort Good Hope, H. B. T., is, -however, exactly similar, in these respects, and the wing is but half -an inch longer. In No. 47,588, ♂, from the Farallones Islands, near San -Francisco, California, the wing is the same length as in the average of -northern and eastern specimens, while the streaks on the jugulum are -nearly as conspicuous as in a male from Europe. - -In conclusion, I would say that the sole distinguishing character -between the Peregrines from America and those from Europe, that can be -relied on, appears to be found in the markings on the breast in the -adult plumage; in all the specimens and figures of var. _communis_ that -I have seen, the breast has the longitudinal dashes very conspicuous; -while, as a general rule, in _anatum_ these markings are entirely -absent, though sometimes present, and occasionally nearly as distinct as -in European examples. Therefore, if this conspicuous streaking of the -breast is found in all European specimens, the American bird is entitled -to separation as a variety; but if the breast is ever immaculate in -European examples, then _anatum_ must sink into a pure synonyme of -_communis_. The var. _melanogenys_ is distinguished from both _communis_ -and _anatum_ by the black auriculars, or by a greater amount of black -on the side of the neck, and by more numerous and narrower bars on -the under surface. In the former feature examples of _anatum_ from -the southern extremity of South America approach quite closely to the -Australian form, as might be expected from the relative geographical -position of the two regions. The var. _minor_ is merely the smaller -intertropical race of the Old World, perhaps better characterized -than the tropical American form named _F. nigriceps_ by Cassin, the -characters of which are so unimportant, and withal so inconstant, as to -forbid our recognizing it as a race of the same rank with the others. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 45; Boston Society, 4; Philadelphia Academy, 22; Museum -Comp. Zoöl. 5; New York Museum, 3; G. N. Lawrence, 6; R. Ridgway, 3. -Total, 88. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |11.30–13.00| 6.00–7.50| .75–0.80|1.60–1.90| 1.78–2.05| 29 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |13.00–14.75| 7.30–9.00| .85–1.00|1.95–2.10| 1.95–2.20| 28 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. pealei, RIDGWAY. - -BLACK PEREGRINE FALCON. - - _? ? Accipiter falco niger_, BRISS. Orn. I, 337. _? ? Falco niger_, - GMEL. S. N. 1789, 270. _Falco polyagrus_, CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. pl. xvi - (dark figure). - -SP. CHAR. In colors almost exactly similar to _F. gyrfalco_, var. -_labradora_. Above continuous dark vandyke-brown, approaching -brownish-black on the head, which is variegated only on the gular -region, and inclining to grayish-brown on the tail; the whole surface -entirely free from spots or markings of any kind. Beneath similar in -color to the upper parts, but the feathers edged with whitish, this -rather predominating on the throat; flanks and tibiæ with roundish white -spots; lower tail-coverts with broad transverse bars of white. Lining -of the wing with feathers narrowly tipped with white; inner webs of -primaries with narrow, transverse elliptical spots of cream-color; inner -webs of tail-feathers with badly defined, irregular, similar spots, or -else with these wanting, the whole web being plain dusky-brown. - -No. 12,022 (♀, Oregon; T. R. Peale). Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.50; culmen, -.95; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.15. (Figured by Cassin as _F. -polyagrus_, in Birds of California and Texas, pl. xvi.) - -No. 45,814 (♀, Sitka, Alaska, May, 1866; F. Bischoff). Wing, 14.90; -tail, 8.50; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 2.20. The two similar in color, -but in the latter the white streaks on the lower parts a little broader, -and the middle of the auriculars slightly streaked. - -HAB. Northwest coast of North America, from Oregon to Sitka. - -This curious race of _Falco communis_ is a good illustration of the -climatic peculiarity of the northwest coast region, to which I have -often referred before; the same melanistic tendency being apparent in -birds of other species from the same region, as an example of which I -may mention the Black Merlin (_Falco æsalon_, var. _suckleyi_), which is -a perfect miniature of the present bird. - -HABITS. The Great-footed Hawk of North America is very closely allied -to the well-known Peregrine Falcon of Europe, and so closely resembles -it that by many writers, even at the present day, it is regarded as -identical with it. Without doubt, the habits of the two races are very -nearly the same, though the peculiarities of the North American bird are -not so well known as are those of the European. In its distribution it -is somewhat erratic, for the most part confined to the rocky sea-coast, -the river-banks, and the high ground of the northeastern parts of -America. It is known to breed in a few isolated rocky crags in various -parts of the country, even as far to the south as Pennsylvania, and it -occurs probably both as migrant and resident in several of the West -India Islands, in Central and in South America. A single specimen was -taken by Dr. Woodhouse in the Creek country of the Indian Territory. Two -individuals are reported by Von Pelzeln as having been taken in Brazil. -The Newtons met with it in St. Croix. Mr. Gosse found it in Jamaica, and -Dr. Gundlach gives it as a bird of Cuba. Jardine states it to be a bird -of Bermuda, and also that it has been taken in the Straits of Magellan. -A single specimen was taken at Dueñas, Guatemala, in February, by Mr. -Salvin. - -On the Pacific coast this Falcon has been traced as far south as the -limit of the land. Dr. Cooper met with only two pairs, in March, 1854, -frequenting a high wooded cliff at Shoal-water Bay. Dr. Suckley procured -a single specimen from Steilacoom. Dr. Cooper states that the habits -of these corresponded with those described for the _F. anatum_ and _F. -peregrinus_, and that, like these Falcons, it is a terror to all land -animals weaker than itself. It is said to breed on the rocky cliffs of -the Pacific. - -An individual of this bird was taken by Colonel Grayson at the Tres -Marias Islands. When shot, it was endeavoring to capture a Sparrow-hawk, -indicating its indifference as to the game it pursues. He adds that -this bird attacks with vigor everything it sees, from the size of a -Mallard Duck down, and is the terror of all small birds. Its range must -be very great, as it often ventures far out to sea. On his passage from -Mazatlan to San Francisco, in 1858, on the bark Carlota, one of these -Falcons came on board more than a hundred miles off the coast of Lower -California, and took up its quarters on the main-top yard, where it -remained two days, during which time it captured several Dusky Petrels. -It would dart headlong upon these unsuspecting birds, seldom missing -its aim. It would then return to its resting-place and partly devour -its prize. At other times it dropped its victims into the sea in wanton -sport. Finally, as if tired of this kind of game, it made several wide -circles around the ship, ascended to a considerable height, and departed -in the direction of the Mexican shore. - -This Falcon is found along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the extreme -northern portion, breeding on the high rocky cliffs of Grand Menan and -in various favorable situations thence northward. A few breed on Mount -Tom, near the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, on Talcott Mountain in -Connecticut, in Pennsylvania, and near Harper’s Ferry, in Maryland. - -Mr. Boardman has several times taken their eggs from the cliffs of Grand -Menan, where they breed in April, or early in May. In one instance he -found the nest in close proximity to that of a pair of Ravens, the two -families being apparently on terms of amity or mutual tolerance. - -For several years two or more pairs of these birds have been known to -breed regularly on Mount Tom, near Northampton. The nests were placed -on the edges of precipitous rocks very early in the spring, the young -having been fully grown by the last of June. Their young and their eggs -have been taken year after year, yet at the last accounts they still -continued to nest in that locality. Dr. W. Wood has also found this -species breeding on Talcott Mountain, near Hartford. Four young were -found, nearly fledged, June 1. In one instance four eggs were taken -from a nest on Mount Tom, by Mr. C. W. Bennett, as early as April 19. -This was in 1864. Several times since he has taken their eggs from the -same eyrie, though the Hawks have at times deserted it and sought other -retreats. In one year a pair was twice robbed, and, as is supposed, -made a third nest, and had unfledged young as late as August. Mr. Allen -states that these Hawks repair to Mount Tom very early in the spring, -and carefully watch and defend their eyrie, manifesting even more alarm -at this early period, when it is approached, than they evince later, -when it contains eggs or young. Mr. Bennett speaks of the nest as a mere -apology for one. - -This Hawk formerly nested on a high cliff near the house of Professor -S. S. Haldeman, Columbia, Penn., who several times procured young birds -which had fallen from the nest. The birds remained about this cliff -ten or eleven months of the year, only disappearing during the coldest -weather, and returning with the first favorable change. They bred -early in spring, the young leaving the nest perhaps in May. Professor -Haldeman was of the opinion that but a single pair remained, the young -disappearing in the course of the season. - -Sir John Richardson, in his Arctic expedition in 1845, while descending -the Mackenzie River, latitude 65°, noticed what he presumed to be a nest -of this species, placed on the cliff of a sandstone rock. This Falcon -was rare on that river. - -Mr. MacFarlane found this species not uncommon on the banks of Lockhart -and Anderson Rivers, in the Arctic regions. In one instance he mentions -finding a nest on a cliff thirty feet from the ground. There were four -eggs lying on a ledge of the shale of which the cliff was composed. -Both parents were present, and kept up a continued screaming, though at -too great a distance for him to shoot either. He adds that this bird is -by no means scarce on Lockhart River, and he was informed that it also -nests along the ramparts and other steep banks of the Upper Anderson, -though he has not been able to learn that it has been found north of -Fort Anderson. In another instance the nest was on a ledge of clayey -mud,—the eggs, in fact, lying on the bare ground, and nothing resembling -a nest to be seen. A third nest was found on a ledge of crumbling -shale, along the banks of the Anderson River, near the outlet of the -Lockhart. This Hawk, he remarks, so far as he was able to observe, -constructs no nest whatever. At least, on the Anderson River, where he -found it tolerably abundant, it was found to invariably lay its eggs on -a ledge of rock or shale, without making use of any accessory lining or -protection, always availing itself of the most inaccessible ledges. He -was of the opinion that they do not breed to the northward of the 68th -parallel. They were also to be found nesting in occasional pairs along -the lime and sandstone banks of the Mackenzie, where early in August, -for several successive years, he noticed the young of the season fully -fledged, though still attended by the parent birds. - -In subsequent notes, Mr. MacFarlane repeats his observations that this -species constructs no nest, merely laying its eggs on a ledge of shale -or other rock. Both parents were invariably seen about the spot. In some -instances the eggs found were much larger than in others. - -Mr. Dall mentions shooting a pair near Nuk´koh, on the Yukon River, that -had a nest on a dead spruce. The young, on the 1st of June, were nearly -ready to fly. It was not a common species, but was found from Nulato to -Sitka and Kodiak. - -In regard to general characteristics of this Falcon, they do not -apparently differ in any essential respects from those of the -better-known _Falco communis_ of the Old World. It flies with immense -rapidity, rarely sails in the manner of other Hawks, and then only for -brief periods and when disappointed in some attempt upon its prey. -In such cases, Mr. Audubon states, it merely rises in a broad spiral -circuit, in order to reconnoitre a space below. It then flies swiftly -off in quest of plunder. These flights are made in the manner of the -Wild Pigeon. When it perceives its object, it increases the flappings of -its wings, and pursues its victim with a surprising rapidity. It turns, -and winds, and follows every change of motion of the object of pursuit -with instantaneous quickness. Occasionally it seizes a bird too heavy to -be managed, and if this be over the water it drops it, if the distance -to land be too great, and flies off in pursuit of another. Mr. Audubon -has known one of this species to come at the report of a gun, and carry -off a Teal not thirty steps distant from the sportsman who had killed -it. This daring conduct is a characteristic trait. - -This bird is noted for its predatory attacks upon water-fowl, but it -does not confine itself to such prey. In the interior, Richardson states -that it preys upon the Wild Pigeon, and upon smaller birds. In one -instance Audubon has known one to follow a tame Pigeon to its house, -entering it at one hole and instantly flying out at the other. The same -writer states that he has seen this bird feeding on dead fish that had -floated to the banks of the Mississippi. Occasionally it alights on the -dead branch of a tree in the neighborhood of marshy ground, and watches, -apparently surveying, piece by piece, every portion of the territory. As -soon as it perceives a suitable victim, it darts upon it like an arrow. -While feeding, it is said to be very cleanly, tearing the flesh, after -removing the feathers, into small pieces, and swallowing them one by -one. - -The European species, as is well known, was once largely trained for the -chase, and even to this day is occasionally used for this purpose; its -docility in confinement, and its wonderful powers of flight, rendering -it an efficient assistant to the huntsman. We have no reason to doubt -that our own bird might be made equally serviceable. - -Excepting during the breeding-season, it is a solitary bird. It mates -early in February, and even earlier in the winter. Early in the fall -the families separate, and each bird seems to keep to itself until the -period of reproduction returns. - -In confinement, birds of this family become quite tame, can be trained -to habits of wonderful docility and obedience, and evince even an -affection for the one who cares for their wants. - -This species appears to nest almost exclusively on cliffs, and rarely, -if ever, to make any nests in other situations. In a few rare and -exceptional cases this Falcon has been known to construct a nest in -trees. Mr. Ord speaks of its thus nesting among the cedar swamps of New -Jersey; but this fact has been discredited, and there has been no recent -evidence of its thus breeding in that State. Mr. Dall found its nest in -a tree in Alaska, but makes no mention of its peculiarities. - -The eggs of this species are of a rounded-oval shape, and range from -2.00 to 2.22 inches in length, and from 1.60 to 1.90 in width. Five -eggs, from Anderson River, have an average size of 2.09 by 1.65 inches. -An egg from Mount Tom, Mass., is larger than any other I have seen, -measuring 2.22 inches in length by 1.70 in breadth, and differs in the -brighter coloring and a larger proportion of red in its markings. The -ground is a deep cream-color, but is rarely visible, being generally -so entirely overlaid by markings as nowhere to appear. In many the -ground-color appears to have a reddish tinge, probably due to the brown -markings which so nearly conceal it. In others, nothing appears but a -deep coating of dark ferruginous or chocolate-brown, not homogeneous, -but of varying depth of coloring, and here and there deepening into -almost blackness. In one egg, from Anderson River, the cream-colored -ground is very apparent, and only sparingly marked with blotches of a -light brown, with a shading of bronze. An egg from the cabinet of Mr. -Dickinson, of Springfield, taken on Mount Tom, Massachusetts, is boldly -blotched with markings of a bright chestnut-brown, varying greatly in -its shadings. - - -_Subgenus_ ÆSALON, KAUP. - - _Æsalon_, KAUP, 1829. (Type, _Falco æsalon_, GMELIN, = _F. - lithofalco_, GM.) - _Hypotriorchis_, AUCT. _nec_ BOIE, 1826, the type of which is _Falco - subbuteo_, LINN. - _Dendrofalco_, GRAY, 1840. (Type, _F. æsalon_, GMEL.) - -This subgenus contains, apparently, but the single species _F. -lithofalco_, which is found nearly throughout the Northern Hemisphere, -and in different climatic regions is modified into geographical races. -Of these, North America possesses three, and Europe one; they may be -distinguished as follows:— - - -Species and Races. - - =F. lithofalco.= Second and third quills longest; first usually - shorter than, occasionally equal to, or rarely longer than, the - fourth. _Adult female, and young of both sexes._ Above brownish, - varying from pale earth-brown, or umber, to nearly black, plain, or - with obscure transverse spotting of lighter; tail with five to eight - lighter bands, which, however, are sometimes obsolete, except the - terminal one. Beneath ochraceous-white, longitudinally striped with - brown or dusky over the whole surface. _Adult male_ (except in var. - _suckleyi_ and _richardsoni_?). Above plumbeous-blue, with darker - shaft-streaks; tail with more or less distinct bands of black, and - paler tip. Beneath much as in the female and young, but stripes - usually narrower and more reddish. Wing, 7.20–9.00; tail, 4.90–6.30; - culmen, .45–.60; tarsus, 1.30–1.60; middle toe, 1.15–1.51. - - _a._ Adult male plumbeous-blue above; sexes very unlike in adult - dress. Female and young without transverse spotting on upper parts. - - _Adult male._ Tail deep plumbeous, tipped with ash, with six - transverse series of dusky spots (which do not touch the shaft - nor edge of the feathers) anterior to the subterminal zone, the - black of which extends forward along the edge of the feather. - Inner web of the longest primary with ten transverse spots of - white. Streaks on the cheeks enlarged and blended, forming a - conspicuous “mustache.” Pectoral markings linear black. The - ochraceous wash deepest across the nape and breast, and along - the sides, and very pale on the tibiæ. _Adult female._ Above - brownish-plumbeous, the feathers becoming paler toward their - margins, and with conspicuous black shaft-streaks. Tail with eight - (three concealed) narrow bands of pale fulvous-ashy; longest - primary with ten light spots on inner web. Outer webs of primaries - with a few spots of ochraceous. _Young._ Similar to the ♀ _adult_, - but with a more rusty cast to the plumage, and with more or less - distinct transverse spots of paler on the upper parts. Wing, - 7.60–9.00; tail, 5.10–6.30; culmen, .45–.55; tarsus, 1.35–1.47; - middle toe, 1.15–1.35. _Hab._ Europe … - - var. _lithofalco_.[58] - - _Adult male._ Tail light ash, tipped with white, and crossed by - three or four nearly continuous narrow bands of black (extending - over both webs, and crossing the shaft), anterior to the broad - subterminal zone, the black of which does not run forward along - the edge of the feathers. Inner web of longest primary with seven - to nine transverse spots of white. Streaks on the cheeks sparse - and fine, not condensed into a “mustache.” Pectoral markings broad - clear brown. Ochraceous wash weak across the nape and breast, - and along sides, and very deep on the tibiæ. _Adult female._ - Above plumbeous-umber, without rusty margins to the feathers, - and without conspicuous black shaft-streaks. Tail with only five - (one concealed) narrow bands of pale ochraceous; outer webs of - primaries without ochraceous spots; inner web of outer primary - with eight spots of white. _Young._ Like the adult female, but - darker. Wing, 7.90–8.25; tail, 5.15–5.25; tarsus, 1.00; middle - toe, 1.25. _Hab._ Entire continent of North America; West Indies … - - var. _columbarius_. - - _b._ Adult male not bluish? sexes similar? upper parts with lighter - transverse spots. - - _Adult._ Above light grayish-umber, or earth-brown, with more or - less distinct lighter transverse spots; secondaries crossed by - three bands of ochraceous spots, and outer webs of inner primaries - usually with spots of the same. Tail invariably with six complete - and continuous narrow bands of dull white. Beneath white, with - broad longitudinal markings of light brown, these finer and - hair-like on the tibiæ and cheeks, where they are sparse and - scattered, not forming a “mustache.” Top of the head much lighter - than the back. _Young._ Similar, but much tinged with rusty - above, all the white portions inclining to pale ochraceous. Wing, - 7.70–9.00; tail, 5.00–6.30; culmen, .50–.60; tarsus, 1.40–1.65; - middle toe, 1.20–1.51. Second and third quills longest; first - equal to fourth, slightly shorter, or sometimes slightly longer. - _Hab._ Interior plains of North America, between the Mississippi - River and the Rocky Mountains, from the Arctic regions to Texas … - - var. (?) _richardsoni_. - - _c._ Adult male not bluish? sexes similar? upper parts without - transverse spots, and tail without lighter bands, except at the tip. - - Above plain brownish-black; the tail narrowly tipped with whitish, - but without other markings; inner webs of the primaries without - lighter spots. Beneath pale ochraceous broadly striped with - sooty-black. Wing, 7.35–8.50; tail, 5.25–5.75; culmen, .50–.55; - tarsus, 1.30–1.62; middle toe, 1.25–1.35. _Hab._ Northwest coast - region from Oregon to Sitka … - - var. _suckleyi_. - - -Falco (Æsalon) lithofalco (GMELIN). - -=Var. columbarius=, LINNÆUS. - -PIGEON HAWK; AMERICAN MERLIN. - - _Falco columbarius_, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, p. 128.—GMEL. Syst. - Nat. 1789, p. 281.—LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 44, 1790; Syn. I, 101, sp. - 86; Supp. I, 27, 1802; Gen. Hist. I, 278, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, - 83, 1800.—SHAW. Zoöl. VII, 188, 1812.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xv, fig. - 3, 1808.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, p. 254, 1808.—JAMES. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. I, 61.—BREW. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 683, 1852.—RICH. Faun. - Bor. Am. II, 35, 1831.—AUD. Syn. B. A. p. 16, 1839; Orn. Biog. I, - 466.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 28; Isis, 1832, p. 1136; Eur. & N. - Am. B. p. 4, 1838.—NUTT. Man. I, 60, 1833.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, - 322, 1829.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 92, 1831.—FORST. Phil. Trans. LXII, 382, - 1772.—SWAINS. Classif. B. II, p. 212, 1837.—JARD. Ann. Nat. Hist. - XVIII, 118.—GOSSE, B. Jam. p. 17, 1847.—SAGRA, Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. - 23.—WEDDERB. Jard. Cont. Orn. 1849, p. 81.—HURDIS, Jard. Cont. Orn. - 1850, p. 6.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 15, pl. iv, f. 9, 1844.—GIRAUD, B. - Long Isl. p. 17.—BLACKIST. Ibis, III, 315. _Tinnunculus columbarius_, - VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, pl. xi, 1807; Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. XII, - 104, 1819; Enc. Méth. III, 1236, 1823. _Hypotriorchis columbarius_, - GRAY, List B. B. Mus. p. 55, 1844; Gen. B. fol. sp. 11, 1844.—CASS. - B. Calif. & Tex. p. 90, 1854.—WOODH. (Sitg.) Exp. Zuñi & Colorad. - p. 60, 1853.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. II, 31, 1855.—NEWB. P. R. Rept. - VI, 74, 1857.—CASS. B. N. Am. p. 9, 1858.—COOPER & SUCK. P. R. R. - Rept. XII, 1860, 142.—COUES, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. 1866, 6.—BREWER, - Oölogy, 12. _Lithofalco columbarius_, BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 26, 1850. - _Æsalon columbarius_, KAUP, Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. p. 54, 1850.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 21, 1869. _Falco obscurus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 281, - 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 44, 1790; Syn. Supp. I, 38, 1802; Gen. Hist. - I, 272, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, p. 123, 1800. _Falco intermixtus_, - DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, p. 141, 1800.—LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 136, 1821. _F. - temerarius_, AUD. B. Am. pls. lxxv, xcii, 1831; Orn. Biog. I, 380, - 1831. _F. auduboni_, BLACKW. Res. Zoöl. 1840. _Accipiter palumbarius_, - CATESB. Carol. I, pl. iii, 1754. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male._ Above cinereous, varying in shade, but generally -of a slaty-bluish cast; each feather with a distinct shaft-streak of -black, these lines most conspicuous on the head above. Tail with a -very broad subterminal band of black, about one inch in width; there -are indications of three other bands, their continuity and distinction -varying with the individual, but generally quite conspicuous, and each -about half the width of the terminal one; the subterminal black band -is succeeded by a terminal one of white, of about three-sixteenths of -an inch in width, sometimes broader; on the lateral feathers the black -bands are always conspicuous, being in form of transverse oblong spots, -crossing the shaft, but less extended on the outer web, which is often -immaculate except at the end, the broad terminal band always extending -to the edge of the feather. Primaries dusky-black, margined terminally -more or less distinctly with whitish (sometimes fading on the edge -only); on the inner web is a series of about eight transverse oval -spots of white, and generally corresponding to these are indications of -bluish-ashy spots on the outer web. Beneath white, this purest on the -throat, which is immaculate: there is generally a more or less strong -tinge of fulvous beneath, this always prevalent on the tibiæ, and on a -distinct collar extending round the nape, interrupting the blue above; -the tibiæ frequently incline to ochraceous-rufous. Lateral portions of -the head with fine streaks of dusky, these thickest on upper edge of -the ear-coverts, leaving a distinct whitish superciliary streak, those -of opposite sides meeting on the forehead. Breast, upper part of the -abdomen, sides, and flanks, with longitudinal stripes of umber, each -with a shaft-streak of black; on the flanks their shape is modified, -here taking the form of spots running in chain-like series; tibiæ with -narrower and darker streaks; lower tail-coverts with narrow central -streaks like those on the tibiæ. Frequently there is a strong bluish -shade on flanks and lower tail-coverts, sometimes replacing the brown -of the spots on the former, and clouding in a similar form the latter. -Length, 11.00; extent, 23.75; wing, 7.75. - -_Adult female._ Pattern of coloration as in the male, but the colors -different. The blue above replaced by dark umber-brown with a plumbeous -cast, and showing more or less distinct darker shaft-lines; these on -the head above very broad, giving a streaked appearance; white spots -on inner webs of primaries more ochraceous than in the male. Tail dark -plumbeous-brown, shading into blackish toward end, with five rather -narrow ochraceous or soiled white bars, the first of which is concealed -by the upper coverts, the last terminal. White beneath, less tinged -with reddish than in the male, the tibiæ not different from the other -portions; markings beneath as in the male. - -_Juv._ Above plumbeous-brown, tinged with fulvous on head, and more -or less washed with the same on the rump; frequently the feathers -of the back, rump, scapulars, and wings pass into a reddish tinge -at the edge; this color is, however, always prevalent on the head, -which is conspicuously streaked with dusky. Tail plumbeous-dusky, -darker terminally, with five regular light bars, those toward the base -ashy, as they approach the end becoming more ochraceous; these bars -are more continuous and regular than in the adult female, and are -even conspicuous on the middle feathers. Primaries dusky, passing on -edge (terminally) into lighter; spots on the inner webs broader than -in the female, and pinkish-ochre; outer webs with less conspicuous -corresponding spots of the same. Beneath soft ochraceous; spots as in -adult female, but less sharply defined; tibiæ not darker than abdomen. - -HAB. Entire continent of North America, south to Venezuela and Ecuador; -West India Islands. - -Localities: Ecuador (high regions in winter, SCL. P. Z. S. 1858, 451); -Cuba (CAB. Jour. II, lxxxiii, Gundlach, Sept. 1865, 225); Tobago (JARD. -Ann. Mag. 116); S. Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323, breeding?); W. -Arizona (COUES, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 42); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 134); -Venezuela (SCL. & SALV. 1869, 252). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 42; Boston Society, 11; Philadelphia Academy, 10; -Museum Comp. Zoöl., 7; New York Museum, 3; G. N. Lawrence, 2; R. -Ridgway, 4. Total, 79. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 7.20–7.90| 4.90–5.50| .48–.50|1.30–1.40| 1.15–1.25| 34 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 8.00–8.55| 5.50–6.00| .55–.60|1.55–1.60| 1.35–0.00| 32 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -The plumage of the adult male, which is not as often seen as that of -the younger stages and adult female, is represented in the Smithsonian -Collection by fifteen specimens, from various parts of North America. -Of these, an example from Jamaica exhibits the purest shades of color, -though agreeing closely with some specimens from the interior of the -United States; the cinereous above being very fine, and of a light -bluish cast. The upper tail-coverts are tipped with white; the tail is -a quarter of an inch longer than in any North American specimen, one -half-inch longer than the average; the wing, however, is about the same. - -A specimen from Santa Clara, California (4,475, Dr. J. G. Cooper), like -most of those from the Pacific coast, has the cinereous very dark above, -while beneath the ochraceous is everywhere prevalent; the flanks are -strongly tinged with blue; the black bars of the tail are much broken -and irregular. A specimen from Jamaica (24,309, Spanish Town; W. T. -March), however, is even darker than this one, the stripes beneath being -almost pure black; on the tail black prevails, although the bands are -very regular. Nos. 27,061, Fort Good Hope, British America, 43,136, Fort -Yukon, Alaska, and 51,305, Mazatlan, Mexico, have the streaks beneath -narrow and linear; the ochraceous confined to the tibiæ, which are of a -deep shade of this color. - -[Illustration: _Falco columbarius._] - -A specimen from Nicaragua (No. 40,957, Chinandega) is like North -American examples, but the reddish tinge beneath is scarcely -discernible, and confined to the tibiæ, which are but faintly -ochraceous; the markings beneath are broad and deep umber, the black -shaft-streak distinct. - -In the adult female there is as little variation as in the male in -plumage, the shade of brown above varying slightly, also the yellowish -tinge beneath; the bars on the tail differ in continuity and tint in -various specimens, although they are always five in number,—the first -concealed by the coverts, the last terminal. In 19,382, Fort Simpson, -British America, and 2,706, Yukon, R. Am. (probably very old birds), the -light bars are continuous and pale dull ashy. - -The young vary about the same as adults. Nos. 19,381, Big Island, -Great Slave Lake; 5,483, Petaluma, California; and 3,760, Racine, -Wisconsin,—are young males moulting, scattered feathers appearing on the -upper parts indicating the future blue plumage. - - -Var. suckleyi, RIDGWAY. - -BLACK MERLIN. - -SP. CHAR. A miniature of _F. peregrinus_, var. _pealei_. Above, uniform -fuliginous-black, the secondaries and tail-feathers very narrowly but -sharply tipped with white, and the primaries passing into whitish -on their terminal margin; nuchal region with concealed spotting of -pale rusty or dingy whitish. Beneath, longitudinally striped with -fuliginous-black, or dark sooty-brown, and pale ochraceous; the former -predominating on the breast, the latter prevailing on the throat and -anal region. Sides and flanks nearly uniform dusky, with roundish white -spots on both webs; lower tail-coverts with a broad sagittate spot of -dusky on each feather. Lining of the wing fuliginous-dusky, with sparse, -small roundish spots of white. Inner webs of primaries plain dusky, -without spots, or else with them only faintly indicated. Tail plain -dusky-black, narrowly tipped with white, and without any bands, or else -with them only faintly indicated. - -_Male_ (No. 4,477, Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory; J. G. Cooper). -Wing, 7.35; tail, 5.25; culmen, .50; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, 1.25. - -_Female_ (No. 5,832, Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, September, -1856; Dr. George Suckley). Wing, 8.50; tail, 5.70; culmen, .55; tarsus, -1.62; middle toe, 1.35. - -HAB. Coast region of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington -Territory (probably northward to Alaska). Puget Sound, Steilacoom, -Yreka, California (Oct.), and Shoalwater Bay (_National Museum_). - -The plumage of this race is the chief point wherein it differs from the -other forms of the species; and in its peculiarities we find just what -should be expected from the Oregon region, merely representing as it -does the melanistic condition so frequently observable in birds from the -northwest coast. - -The upper parts are unicolored, being continuous blackish-plumbeous -from head to tail. The tail is tipped with white, but the bars are very -faintly indicated, being in No. 4,499 altogether wanting, while in -21,333 they can scarcely be discovered, and only four are indicated; -in the others there is the usual number, but they are very obsolete. -In No. 4,499, the most extreme example, the spots on the inner webs of -the primaries are also wanting; the sides of the head are very thickly -streaked, the black predominating, leaving the superciliary stripe -ill-defined; the throat is streaked, and the other dark markings beneath -are so exaggerated that they cover all portions, and give the prevailing -color; the under tail-coverts have broad central cordate black spots. - -Another specimen from this region (4,476, Puget Sound) is similar, but -the spots on primaries are conspicuous, as in examples of the typical -style; indeed, except in the most extreme cases, these spots will always -be found indicated, leading us to the unavoidable conclusion that the -specimens in question represent merely the fuliginous condition of -the common species; not the condition of _melanism_, but the peculiar -darkened plumage characteristic of many birds of the northwest coast, -the habitat of the present bird; it should then be considered as rather -a geographical race, co-equal to the _Falco gyrfalco_, var. _labradora_, -_F. peregrinus_, var. _pealei_, and other forms, and not confounded with -the individual condition of _melanism_, as seen in certain species of -_Buteones_. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 6. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 7.35–7.70| 5.25–5.60| .48–.50|1.30–1.45| 1.20–0.00| 3 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 8.25–8.50| 5.70–5.80| .55–.60|1.50–1.60| 1.35–1.40| 3 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -Second quill longest; first quill equal to, a little shorter than, or a -little longer than, the fourth. - - -Var. richardsoni, RIDGWAY. - -RICHARDSON’S MERLIN. - - _Falco æsalon_, RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, pl. xxv, 1831.—NUTT. - Man. Orn. II, 558.—COUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, p. 42 (in text). - _Falco_ (_Hypotriorchis_) _richardsoni_, RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Philad. - Dec. 1870, 145. _Falco richardsoni_, COUES, Key, 1872, p. 214. - -SP. CHAR. Adult male like the female and young? The known stages of -plumage more like the adult female and young of var. _lithofalco_ (_F. -æsalon_, AUCT.) than like var. _columbarius_. - -_Adult male_ (Smithsonian, No. 5,171, mouth of the Vermilion River, near -the Missouri, October 25, 1856; Lieutenant Warren, Dr. Hayden). Upper -plumage dull earth-brown, each feather grayish-umber centrally, and -with a conspicuous black shaft-line. Head above approaching ashy-white -anteriorly, the black shaft-streaks being very conspicuous. Secondaries, -primary coverts, and primaries margined terminally with dull white; the -primary coverts with two transverse series of pale ochraceous spots; -outer webs of primaries with spots of the same, corresponding with those -on the inner webs. Upper tail-coverts tipped, and spotted beneath the -surface, with white. Tail clear drab, much lighter than the primaries, -but growing darker terminally, having basally a slightly ashy cast; -crossed with six sharply defined, perfectly continuous bands (the last -terminal) of ashy-white. Head, frontally, laterally, and beneath,—a -collar around the nape (interrupting the brown above),—and the entire -lower parts, white, somewhat ochraceous, this most perceptible on the -tibiæ; cheeks and ear-coverts with sparse, fine hair-like streaks of -black; nuchal collar, jugulum, breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks with -a medial linear stripe of clear ochre-brown on each feather; these -stripes broadest on the flanks; each stripe with a conspicuously black -shaft-streak; tibiæ and lower tail-coverts with fine shaft-streaks of -brown, like the broader stripes of the other portions. Chin and throat, -only, immaculate. Lining of the wing spotted with ochraceous-white -and brown, in about equal amount, the former in spots approaching the -shaft. Inner webs of primaries with transverse broad bars of pale -ochraceous,—eight on the longest. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4, 1. Wing, 7.70; -tail, 5.00; culmen, .50; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, 1.25; outer, .85; -inner, .70; posterior, .50. - -_Adult female_ (58,983, Berthoud’s Pass, Rocky Mountains, Colorado -Territory; Dr. F. V. Hayden, James Stevenson). Differing in coloration -from the male only in the points of detail. Ground-color of the upper -parts clear grayish-drab, the feathers with conspicuously black shafts; -all the feathers with pairs of rather indistinct rounded ochraceous -spots, these most conspicuous on the wings and scapulars. Secondaries -crossed with three bands of deeper, more reddish ochraceous. Bands -of the tail pure white. In other respects exactly as in the male. -Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–1. Wing, 9.00; tail, 6.10; culmen, .55; tarsus, -1.40; middle toe, 1.51. - -_Young male_ (40,516, Fort Rice, Dacotah, July 20, 1865; Brig.-Gen. -Alfred Sully, U. S. A., S. M. Rothammer). Differing from the adult -only in minute details. Upper surface with the rusty borders of the -feathers more washed over the general surface; the rusty-ochraceous -forms the ground-color of the head,—paler anteriorly, where the black -shaft-streaks are very conspicuous; spots on the primary coverts and -primaries deep reddish-ochraceous; tail-bands broader than in the adult, -and more reddish; the terminal one twice as broad as the rest (.40 of -an inch), and almost cream-color in tint. Beneath pale ochraceous, this -deepest on the breast and sides; markings as in the adult, but anal -region and lower tail-coverts immaculate; the shaft-streaks on the -tibiæ, also, scarcely discernible. Wing, 7.00; tail, 4.60. - -HAB. Interior regions of North America, between the Mississippi Valley -and the Rocky Mountains, from Texas to the Arctic regions. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 10; Museum Comp. Zoöl., 2; R. Ridgway, 3. Total, 15. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 7.75–8.60| 5.70–6.00| .50–.60|1.42–1.55| 1.20–1.30| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 8.50–9.00| 6.00–6.30| .55–.58|1.55–1.65| 1.35–1.40| 7 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -Since originally describing this bird, I have seen additional examples, -and still consider it as an easily recognized race, not at all difficult -to distinguish from _columbarius_. Now, however, I incline strongly -to the theory that it represents merely the light form of the central -prairie regions, of the common species; since its characters seem to -be so analogous to those of the races of _Buteo borealis_ and _Bubo -virginianus_ of the same country. It is doubtful whether some very -light-colored adult males, supposed to belong to _columbarius_, as -restricted, should not in reality be referred to this race, as the adult -plumage of the male. But having seen no adult males from the region -inhabited by the present bird obtained in the breeding-season, I am -still in doubt whether the present form ever assumes the blue plumage. - -As regards the climatic or regional modifications experienced by the -_Falco lithofalco_ on the American continent, the following summary -of facts expresses my present views upon the subject. First: examples -identical in all respects, or at least presenting no variations beyond -those of an individual character, may be found from very widely -separated localities; but the theory of explanation is, that individuals -of one race may become scattered during their migrations, or wander off -from their breeding-places. Second: the Atlantic region, the region of -the plains, and the region of the northwest coast, have each a peculiar -race, characterized by features which are also distinctive of races -of other birds of the same region, namely, very dark—the dark tints -intensified, and their area extended—in the northwest coast region; very -light—the light markings extended and multiplied—in the middle region; -and intermediate in the Atlantic region. - -HABITS. The distribution of the well-known Pigeon Hawk is very nearly -coextensive with the whole of North America. It is found in the -breeding-season as far to the north as Fort Anderson, on the Anderson -and McKenzie rivers, ranging even to the Arctic coast. Specimens were -taken by Mr. Ross at Lapierre House and at Fort Good Hope. Several -specimens were taken by Mr. Dall at Nulato, where, he states, it is -found all the year round. They were also taken by Bischoff at Kodiak. -During the breeding-season it is found as far south as Nova Scotia, New -Brunswick, and the northern portions of Maine, and probably Vermont and -New York. It is abundant on the Pacific coast. - -In the winter months it is to be met with throughout the more temperate -portions of North America, in Mexico, Central America, and Northern -South America. Dr. Woodhouse mentions finding this species very abundant -especially among the wooded banks of watercourses throughout Texas, New -Mexico, and the Indian Territory. - -Mr. March states that this Hawk is a permanent resident in the island -of Jamaica, more frequently found among the hills than on the plains, -and has been known to breed there. It is a visitant of Cuba. Dr. Cooper -thinks they are not very common in Washington Territory, though, as they -are found there throughout the summer, they undoubtedly breed there. In -August, 1855, Dr. Cooper shot one of a small family of young that had -but recently left their nest. They migrate southward in winter, and are -abundant in California in October and November. - -Dr. Suckley found them abundant about Fort Steilacoom early in August. -Near Puget Sound this species is thought to breed in the recesses of -the Cascade Mountains, only coming down upon the open plains late in -the summer. Dr. Newberry found it paired and nesting about the Klamath -Lakes, and states that it also occupies all the region south of the -Columbia, in Oregon. Mr. Dresser states that he found this Falcon common -about Bexar and the adjoining counties during the entire year, and that -they occasionally breed near the Medina River. I have been unable to -find any satisfactory evidence that this Hawk ever breeds in any part -of Massachusetts, or anywhere south of the 44th parallel in the Eastern -States, except, perhaps, in mountainous regions. - -This Hawk is remarkable for its rapid flight, and its courage and its -enterprise in attacking birds as large as or even larger than itself, -though generally it only preys upon smaller birds, such as Grakles, -Red-winged Blackbirds, Robins, and Pigeons. Dr. Cooper states that -having been attracted by an unusual screaming of some bird close to the -house, he was surprised to find that one of these Hawks had just seized -upon a Flicker, a bird as large as itself, the weight of which had -brought it to the ground, and which it continued to hold in its claws -even after it had been mortally wounded. Dr. Heermann once found one -of these birds just preparing to feed on a large and plump California -Partridge. - -In Tamaulipas, Mexico, where Lieutenant Couch found it quite common, -he speaks of it as being very quiet, flying but little, and generally -watching for its quarry from the limb of a dry tree. Mr. Audubon makes -no mention of any peculiarities of habits. Mr. Nuttall was evidently -unfamiliar with it, stating it to be unknown in New England, and a -resident of the Southern States only. - -In Nova Scotia, Mr. Downes speaks of it as common, breeding in all the -wooded parts of the country. It is said to be not troublesome to the -farmer, but to feed upon the smaller birds. He mentions that once, on -his voyage to Boston, one of these birds flew aboard and allowed itself -to be captured, and was kept alive and fed readily, but soon after -escaped. - -Mr. B. R. Ross, in his notes on the birds and nests obtained by him -in the country about Fort Resolution, Lapierre House, and Good Hope, -mentions this bird as the most common of the true Falcons in that -district, where it ranges to the Arctic coast. Its nest is said to be -composed of sticks, grass, and moss, and to be built generally in a -thick tree, at no great elevation. The eggs, he adds, are from five -to seven in number, 1.60 inches in length by 1.20 in breadth. Their -ground-color he describes as a light reddish-buff, clouded with deep -chocolate and reddish-brown blotches, more thickly spread at the larger -end of the egg, where the under tint is almost entirely concealed by -them. This description is given from three eggs procured with their -parent at Fort Resolution. - -From Mr. MacFarlane’s notes, made from his observations in the Anderson -River country, we gather that one nest was found on the ledge of a cliff -of shaly mud on the banks of the Anderson River; another nest was on a -pine-tree, eight or nine feet from the ground, and composed of a few dry -willow-twigs and some half-decayed hay, etc. It was within two hundred -yards of the river-bank. A third nest was in the midst of a small bushy -branch of a pine-tree, and was ten feet from the ground. It was composed -of coarse hay, lined with some of a finer quality, but was far from -being well arranged. Mr. MacFarlane was confident that it had never been -used before by a Crow or by any other bird. The oviduct of the female -contained an egg ready to be laid. It was colored like the others, but -the shell was still soft, and adhered to the fingers on being touched. -In another instance the eggs were found on a ledge of shale in a cliff -on the bank, without anything under them in the way of lining. He adds -that they are even more abundant along the banks of the McKenzie than on -the Anderson River. - -Mr. MacFarlane narrates that on the 25th of May an Indian in his employ -found a nest placed in the midst of a pine branch, six feet from the -ground, loosely made of a few dry sticks and a small quantity of coarse -hay. It then contained two eggs. Both parents were seen, but when fired -at were missed. On the 31st he revisited the nest, which still contained -only two eggs, and again missed the birds. He again went to the nest, -several days after, to secure the parents, and was much surprised to -find that the eggs were gone. His first supposition was that some other -person had taken them, but, after looking carefully about, he perceived -both birds at a short distance; and this caused him to institute a -search, which soon resulted in his finding that the eggs had been -removed by them to the face of a muddy bank at least forty yards distant -from the original nest. A few decayed leaves had been placed under them, -but nothing else in the way of protection. A third egg had been added -since his previous examination. These facts Mr. MacFarlane carefully -investigated, and vouches for their entire accuracy. - -Another nest, containing four eggs, was on the ledge of a shaly cliff, -and was composed of a very few decayed leaves placed under the eggs. - -Mr. R. Kennicott found a nest, June 2, 1860, in which incubation had -already commenced. It was about a foot in diameter, was built against -the trunk of a poplar, and its base was composed of sticks, the upper -parts consisting of mosses and fragments of bark. - -Mr. Audubon mentions finding three nests of this bird in Labrador, -in each of which there were five eggs. These nests were placed on -the top branches of the low firs peculiar to that country, composed -of sticks, and slightly lined with moss and a few feathers. He -describes the eggs as 1.75 inches long, and 1.25 broad, with a dull -yellowish-brown ground-color, thickly clouded with irregular blotches -of dark reddish-brown. One was found in the beginning of July, just -ready to hatch. The young are at first covered with a yellowish down. -The old birds are said to evince great concern respecting their eggs -or young, remaining about them and manifesting all the tokens of anger -and vexation of the most courageous species. A nest of this Hawk (S. I. -7,127) was taken at St. Stephen, N. B., by Mr. W. F. Hall; and another -(S. I. 15,546) in the Wahsatch Mountains, by Mr. Ricksecker. The latter -possibly belonged to the var. _richardsoni_. - -The nest of this bird found in Jamaica by Mr. March was constructed -on a lofty tree, screened by thick foliage, and was a mere platform -of sticks and grass, matted with soft materials, such as leaves and -grasses. It contained four eggs, described as “round-oval or spherical” -in shape, measuring “1.38 by 1.13 inches, of a dull clayish-white, -marked with sepia and burnt umber, confluent dashes and splashes, -irregularly distributed, principally about the middle and the larger -end.” Four others, taken from a nest in the St. Johns Mountains, were -oblong-oval, about the same size and nearly covered with chocolate and -umber blotches. Mr. March thinks they belong to different species. - -Mr. Hutchins, in his notes on the birds of Hudson’s Bay, states that -this species nests on rocks or in hollow trees; that the nest consists -of sticks and grass, lined with feathers; and describes the eggs as -white, thinly marked with red spots. In the oviduct of a Hawk which Dr. -Richardson gives as _Falco æsalon_, were found “several full-sized white -eggs, clouded at one end by a few bronze-colored spots.” A nest was -found by Mr. Cheney at Grand Menan, from which he shot what he presumed -to be the parent bird of this species. Its four eggs agreed with the -descriptions given by Hutchins and Richardson much more nearly than -with the eggs of this species. The eggs found by Mr. Cheney may have -been very small eggs of _A. cooperi_, in which case the presence of the -_columbarius_ on the nest cannot be so easily explained. - -Three eggs, two from Anderson River and one from Great Slave Lake, range -from 1.53 to 1.60 inches in length, and from 1.20 to 1.22 in breadth, -their average measurements being 1.56 by 1.21. They have a ground-color -of a rich reddish-cream, very generally covered with blotches and finer -markings of reddish-brown, deepening in places almost into blackness, -and varying greatly in the depth of its shading, with a few lines of -black. In one the red-brown is largely replaced by very fine markings of -a yellowish sepia-brown, so generally diffused as to conceal the ground -and give to it the appearance of a light buff. Mr. Ridgway, after a -careful analysis of the varying markings and sizes of twenty-one eggs, -has kindly given the following:— - -“Extremes of twenty-one eggs (mainly from Forts Yukon, Anderson, -Resolution, and MacKenzie rivers): largest (10,687, Yukon, June), -1.75 × 1.28; smallest (8,808, Anderson River, June), 1.55 × 1.20. The -ground-color varies from creamy-white to deep purplish-rufous, there -being one egg (4,090, Great Slave Lake, June 6, 1860) entirely and -uniformly of the latter color; the lightest egg (normally marked, 2,663, -Saskatchewan) is creamy-white, thickly sprinkled with dilute and deep -shades of sepia-brown, thickly on large end, and sparsely, as well as -more finely, on the smaller end. The markings vary in color from dilute -indian-red to blackish-chestnut. - -“_H. richardsoni_ is larger than _columbarius_, and probably has a -larger egg. There are no eggs such as Richardson describes in the series -of _columbarius_ in the Smithsonian Collection.” - -The var. _richardsoni_ was recognized by Richardson as distinct from -the more common _columbarius_; and a single specimen, killed at Carlton -House, and submitted to Swainson, was pronounced by him, beyond doubt, -identical with the common Merlin of Europe. Other specimens have since -been procured, and are now in the Smithsonian Collection. They are -recognized by Mr. Ridgway as identical with Richardson’s bird, but -quite distinct from the _Æsalon_ of authors. He has named the species -in honor of its first discoverer. Of its history and habits little is -known. A single pair were seen by Richardson in the neighborhood of -Carlton House, in May, 1827, and the female was shot. In the oviduct -there were several full-sized white eggs, clouded at one end with a few -bronze-colored spots. Another specimen, probably also a female, was shot -at the Sault St. Marie, between Lakes Huron and Superior, but this was -not preserved. - -Mr. Hutchins, in his notes on the Hudson’s Bay birds, states that -the Pigeon Hawk “makes its nest on the rocks and in hollow trees, of -sticks and grass, lined with feathers, laying from two to four white -eggs, thinly marked with red spots.” As Hutchins has been found to be -generally quite accurate in his statements, and as this description does -not at all apply either to the nest or the eggs of the _columbarius_, -it is quite possible that he may have mistaken this species for the -Pigeon Hawk, and that this description of eggs and nests belongs not to -_columbarius_, but to _richardsoni_. - - -SUBGENUS RHYNCHOFALCO, RIDGWAY. - -Species. - - =F. femoralis.= Wing, 9.30–11.60; tail, 6.30–8.80; culmen, .60–.80; - tarsus, 1.62–2.00; middle toe, 1.35–1.70. Second and third quills - longest; first equal to or shorter than fourth. _Adult_ (sexes - similar). Above uniform plumbeous, the secondaries broadly tipped - with whitish. Tail darker terminally, crossed by about eight narrow, - continuous bands of white, and tipped with the same. A broad - postocular stripe, middle area of the auriculars, and entire throat - and jugulum, white, unvariegated; the latter with a semicircular - outline posteriorly, and the former changing to orange-rufous on the - occiput, where the stripes of the two sides are confluent. Sides - entirely uniform blackish (confluent on the middle of the abdomen), - with narrow bars of white; posterior lower parts immaculate light - ochraceous. _Young_ similar, but the jugulum with longitudinal stripes - of blackish. _Hab._ Whole of Tropical America, exclusive of the West - Indies, north to the southern border of the United States. - -[Illustration: - - =42076=, ♀. ½ - =42076=, ♀. ¼ - =42076=, ♀.] - - -Falco (Rhynchofalco) femoralis, TEMMINCK. - -APLOMADO FALCON. - - _Falco femoralis_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 121, 343, 1824.—SPIX, Av. Braz. I, - 18 (quot. Pl. Cl. 121), 1824.—VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, 339.—STEPH. Zoöl. - XIII, pt. 2, p. 39, 1826.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 79, 1828; Tr. Orn. p. 89, - 1831.—CUV. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 322, 1817.—SWAINS. Classif. B. II, - 212, 1837.—NORDM. Erm. Reis. um die Erde, Atl. p. 16.—BRIDG. Proc. - Zoöl. Soc. pt. 11, p. 109; Ann. Nat. Hist. XIII, 499.—D’ORB. Voy. Am. - Merid. Av. p. 116, 1835.—TSCHUDI, Consp. Av. Wieg. Arch. 1844, p. - 266; Faun. Per. p. 108, 1844.—CASS. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1855, - p. 178.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 88, 1855. BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, 14, pl. - iii, f. 22. _Hypotriorchis femoralis_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 13, - 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 56, 1844.—HARTL. Syst. Ind. Azar. p. 3, - 1847.—CASS. B. N. Am. p. 11, 1858.—COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 7, - 1866.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 21, 1869. _Falco fuscocœrulescens_, VIEILL. - Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. XI, 90, 1819. _Falco cyanescens_, VIEILL. - Enc. Méth. III, 1234 (No. 40, Azara, juv. teste, Hartl.). _Falco - thoracicus_, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. p. 62, 1823. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (sexes similar). Above uniform plumbeous, secondaries -broadly whitish at ends; tail with continuous narrow bands of white. A -postocular, broad stripe (changing to reddish on nape, where the two of -opposite sides are confluent), middle area of auriculars, and entire -throat and jugulum, white, unvariegated. Sides entirely uniform blackish -(confluent on middle of abdomen), with narrow bars of white; posterior -lower parts light ochraceous, immaculate. ♂. Wing, 9.90; tail, 6.70; -tarsus, 1.62; middle toe, 1.45. ♀. Wing, 11.30; tail, 7.80; tarsus, -1.70; middle toe, 1.55. - -_Young._ Similar to the adult, but with broad longitudinal stripes of -blackish on the breast. - -_Adult male_ (No. 30,896, Mirador, E. Mexico; Dr. C. Sartorius). Above -brownish-slate, becoming gradually darker anteriorly, the head above -being pure dark plumbeous; on the rump and upper tail-coverts the tint -inclines to fine cinereous. Secondaries passing very conspicuously into -white terminally; primaries plumbeous-dusky, their inner webs with -(the longest with twelve) very regular, narrow, transverse bars of -white (the outer web plain). Lining of the wing white (becoming more -ochraceous toward the edge); under coverts barred and serrated with -dusky, the white, however, predominating. Tail black, basally with a -perceptible plumbeous cast; crossed with eight narrow, transverse bands -of white,—the first two of which are concealed by the coverts, the last -terminal and about .27 of an inch in width; the rest are narrower, -diminishing in width as they approach the base. Upper tail-coverts -bordered terminally with ashy-white, the longer with one or two -transverse bars of the same. Forehead (narrowly) white, this extending -down across the lores to the angle of the mouth; a broad, conspicuous -supraoral stripe, originating above the middle of the eye, and running -back above the ear-coverts to the occiput (where the two of opposite -sides are confluent), white, more fulvous-orange on the occiput; a -broad dark plumbeous stripe running from the posterior angle of the -eye back over upper edge of ear-coverts, and continuing (broadly) down -the side of the neck; another, but much smaller one, of similar color, -starting at lower border of bare suborbital space, passing downward -across the cheeks, forming a “mustache,” leaving the middle area of the -ear-coverts, the chin, throat, and whole breast, white, the pectoral -portion defined with a semicircular outline posteriorly. Broad area -covering the sides of the breast, sides, and flanks (meeting rather -narrowly across the upper part of the abdomen), black, with narrow, -rather indistinct, transverse bars of white. Femorals, tibiæ, abdomen, -anal region, and lower tail-coverts fine ochraceous-rufous, palest -posteriorly, the whole region immaculate. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–1, 5. -Wing, 9.90; tail, 6.70; tarsus, 1.62; middle toe, 1.45. - -_Adult_ ♀ (42,076. Mirador; Sartorius). Similar to the male in almost -every respect. Plumbeous above rather darker and more uniform, although -the difference is scarcely perceptible. Secondaries more broadly tipped -with white, and upper tail-coverts more conspicuously barred with the -same. White bars of the black areas beneath scarcely observable. Tail -with eight white bars, as in the male longest primary with fourteen -white bars on inner web of longest. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–5=1. Wing, -11.30; tail, 7.80; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.55. - -_Juv. a_ (_intermediate stage_). ♂ (37,334, Mazatlan, W. Mexico; Col. -A. J. Grayson). Plumbeous above darker and more brownish, uniform from -rump to head, the former strongly tinged with rusty, this bordering -the feathers. Tail darker and more brownish; white bars ten in number, -instead of eight, narrower, and tinged with brownish; longest primary -with thirteen bars of white on inner web. Lining of the wing black, -leaving only a broad ochraceous stripe along the edge; feathers of -the black portion with small circular white spots along their edges. -Breast strongly tinged with ochraceous, and with large longitudinal -blotches of black of cuneate form, and so crowded as to give almost the -predominating color; the black patches lack entirely the white bars. -Wing-formula, 3=2–4–1–5. Wing, 10.00; tail, 7.20. - -♀ (55,019, Mazatlan, Grayson). Similar to the last, but lacking the -rusty tinge on the rump; tail with eight white bars, as in the adult; -pectoral stripes narrower and less numerous than in the preceding, and -white bars distinguishable on the black areas. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–1–5. -Wing, 11.30; tail, 8.20. - -_b_ (_first plumage_). ♂ (45,693 and 49,508, Buenos Ayres, Conchitas; -William H. Hudson). Similar to immature male (37,334). Above dull -umber-drab, darker on the head; feathers of back, scapular, rump, and -wings fading on edges; rump much tinged with rusty, this bordering the -feathers. Tail with nine very obsolete, narrow, dull white bars, these -not touching the edge of the feather on either web. Longest primary with -ten transverse white bars on inner web. Beneath pale ochraceous, almost -as deep anteriorly as posteriorly; dark areas restricted to a large -patch on each side, and dull dark brown (very similar to the wings), -instead of black, and scarcely varied; breast and upper part of abdomen -(between the blackish lateral patches) with large longitudinal cuneate -blotches of the same. “Winter visitor.” - -HAB. Whole of South America; northward through Central America and -Mexico, across the Rio Grande, into Texas and New Mexico. - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 219); Cathagena (CASSIN, Pr. An. -N. S. 1860, 132); La Plata (BURM. Reise, 437); Mexiana (SCL. & SALV. -1867, 590); Brazil (PELZ. O. Bras. I, 4); Buenos Ayres (SCL. & SALV. -1868, 143); Chile (PHILIPPI); W. Peru (SCL. & SALV. 1858, 570; 1869, -155); Venezuela (SCL. & SALV. 1869, 252). - -A specimen from Paraguay (58,738, ♂ ? Capt. T. J. Page, U. S. N.) -has the slaty above lighter than in the Mirador male, approaching to -ash. The white bars on the black side-patches are very numerous and -regular; the white of the forehead is more sharply defined, and the deep -rufescent-ochre of the posterior portion of the postocular stripe is -even deeper than that of the tibiæ, etc.; the breast has a few narrow -blackish streaks. The bars on wings and tail, however, are as in Mexican -examples. This specimen probably denotes greater age than any other in -the series. - -Another specimen (29,809, ♀, Mirador), perhaps very young, is rather -different from the others in the coloration of the lower parts; the -rufous of the posterior portions is very deep, and the anterior light -places are much tinged with ochraceous, the supraloral stripe being -tinged throughout with the same; across the breast is a series of small -tear-shaped spots of black, forming an imperfect band; there are, -however, no other differences. - -Nos. 29,520 (♀, Chile, Berlin Museum) and 29,521 (♂, Venezuela) differ -from the rest only in a deeper tinge of ochraceous anteriorly beneath, -the occipital stripes being very red. - -No. 18,497 (♂, from the Rio Pecos, Texas) is in the plumage described -as that of the young male, having the rusty tinge on rump, and more -numerous bands on tail; the breast is almost as deeply ochraceous as the -tibiæ, and the broad black patches of the sides scarcely meet across the -abdomen, being there broken into streaks. - -[Illustration: _Falco femoralis._] - -A female, nearly adult, from Buenos Ayres (45,692, Conchitas; W. H. -Hudson), has the feathers of the upper parts faintly edged with white; -the rump and upper tail-coverts conspicuously barred with the same. -The head above is decidedly more bluish than in northern examples, -each feather with a shaft-line of black. The tail has only seven white -bars,—these, however, very sharply defined, and very pure white; the -longest primary has eleven white bars. The lower plumage is similar to -that of the immature male from the Rio Pecos, Texas (No. 18,497). This -specimen has the second and third quills equal. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 14; Boston Society, 5; Philadelphia Academy, 2; New -York Museum, 1; G. N. Lawrence, 1; R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 25. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 9.20–10.70| 6.30–8.00| .60–.68|1.70–1.85| 1.35–1.50| 12 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |11.00–11.60| 7.80–8.80| .71–.80|1.80–2.00| 1.55–1.70| 9 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. Only two specimens of this Hawk have been taken within the -limits of the United States. One was obtained by Dr. Heermann on the -vast plains of New Mexico, near the United States boundary-line. It -appeared to be flying over the prairies in search of small birds and -mice, at times hovering in the manner of the common Sparrow Hawk -(_Tinnunculus sparverius_). It appears to be resident throughout a large -part of Mexico, and in Central and South America. The other is from the -Rio Pecos of Texas, collected by Dr. W. W. Anderson. - -Mr. Darwin, in his Zoölogy of the Voyage of the Beagle, mentions -obtaining one specimen in a small valley on the plains of Patagonia, at -Port Desire, in latitude 47° 44′ south. M. D’Orbigny supposed latitude -34° to be the extreme southern limit of the species. Lieutenant Gilliss -brought specimens from Chile. - -Mr. Darwin states that the _F. femoralis_ nests in low bushes, this -corresponding with the observations of Mr. Bishop. He found the -female sitting on her eggs in the beginning of January. According to -M. D’Orbigny, it prefers a dry, open country with scattered bushes, -which Mr. Darwin confirms. Mr. Bishop informs me that he met with this -Hawk in the greatest abundance upon those vast plains of South America -known as the Pampas, in which no trees except the ombû are found, and -that it there nests exclusively on the tops of low bushes, hardly -more than a foot or two from the ground. The bird was not at all shy, -like most Hawks, but was easily approached so nearly as to be readily -recognized. - -Mr. Bridges states, in the Proceedings of the London Zoölogical Society -(1843, p. 109), that the _H. femoralis_ is trained in some parts of -South America for the pursuit of smaller gallinaceous birds, and that -it is highly esteemed by the Chilian falconers. It very soon becomes -quite docile, and will even follow its master within a few weeks of its -capture. - -I am indebted to Mr. N. H. Bishop for specimens of the eggs of this -Hawk obtained by him on the Pampas. The nest contained but two, and was -built on the top of a low bush or stunted tree, hardly two feet from the -ground. It was constructed, with some pains and elaboration, of withered -grasses and dry leaves. - -The eggs measure, one 1.81 inches in length by 1.69 in breadth, the -other 1.78 by 1.63. This does not materially vary from the measurement -given by Darwin. The ground-color of the egg is white. This, however, -is so thickly and so generally studded with fine brown markings, that -the white ground to the eye has a rusty appearance, and its real -hue is hardly distinguishable. Over the entire surface of the egg -is distributed an infinite number of fine dottings, of a color most -nearly approaching a raw terra-sienna brown. Over this again are larger -blotches, lines, and splashes of a handsome shade of vandyke-brown. In -one egg these larger markings are much more frequent than in the other. -The latter is chiefly marked with the finer rusty dottings, and has a -more dingy appearance. - - -SUBGENUS TINNUNCULUS, VIEILLOT. - - _Tinnunculus_, VIEILL. 1807. (Type, _Falco tinnunculus_, LINN. - _Tinnunculus alaudarius_, GMEL.) - _? Tichornis_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco cenchris_, NAUM.) - _Pœcilornis_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco sparverius_, LINN.) - -The characters of this subgenus have been sufficiently defined in the -diagnosis on page 1427, so that it will be necessary for me only to add -a few less important ones. - -[Illustration: - - =53198=, ♀. - =53198=, ♀. ½ - =53198=, ♀. - =53198=, ♀. ½ - -_Tinnunculus sparverius._] - -The subgenus _Tinnunculus_ is one which is well characterized by -peculiarities of manners and habits as well as by features of structure. -The species are the most arboreal of the Falcons, and their curious -habit of poising in a fixed position as they hover over some object of -food which they are watching is probably peculiar to them, and has been -remarked of the Old World as well as of the American species. In their -structure they are the most aberrant members of the subfamily belonging -to the Northern Hemisphere and in their weak bill and feet, lengthened -tarsi, obtusely tipped quills, more rounded wings, and more lengthened -tail, exhibit a decided step toward _Hieracidea_, an Australian genus -which is almost exactly intermediate in all the characters of its -external structure between the true Falcons and the South American genus -_Milvago_, of the Polyborine group. - -The subgenus is most largely developed in the Old World, where are found -about a dozen nominal species, of which perhaps one half must be reduced -to the rank of geographical races. America possesses three species, -two of which are restricted to the West India islands, while the other -extends over the entire continent. - -There is no reason whatever for separating the American species from -those of the Old World, and the subgenus _Pœcilornis_, established upon -these by Kaup, is not tenable. - -Since the publication of my first paper upon the American forms of -_Tinnunculus_,[59] a large amount of additional material has fallen -under my observation; the total number of examples critically examined -and compared together amounting to over three hundred and fifty skins of -which I have kept a record, besides many others which have come casually -to my notice. This abundant material merely confirms the views I first -expressed, in the paper alluded to, regarding the number and definition -of the forms; their comparative relation to each other being the only -respect in which I have reason to modify my arrangement. - -In my first paper on the American _Tinnunculi_, three distinct -species were recognized; one (_sparverius_) belonging to the whole -of Continental America and the Lesser Antilles, one (_leucophrys_, -Ridgway) to Cuba and Hayti, and one (_sparveroides_, Vig.) peculiar -to Cuba. The first is one modified in different climatic regions into -several geographical races, as follows: Var. _sparverius_, L., North -and Middle America, exclusive of the gulf and Caribbean coast region; -var. _isabellinus_, Swains., the eastern coast region of Tropical -America, from Guiana to Florida; var. _dominicensis_, Gmel. (Lesser -Antilles); var. _australis_, Ridgw. (South America in general); and -var. _cinnamominus_, Swains. (Chile and Western Brazil). That each of -these races is well characterized, the evidence of a series abundantly -sufficient to determine this point enables me to assert without reserve; -for I find in each instance that the characters diagnosed in my synopsis -hold good as well with a large series as with a few specimens. - -The following synopsis, essentially the same as that before published, -may, to most persons, explain satisfactorily my reasons for recognizing -so many races of _T. sparverius_,—a proceeding which, I am sorry to -say, does not meet with favor with all ornithologists.[60] Though -there are at the present time three well-characterized or permanently -differentiated species of _Tinnunculus_ on the American continent, -yet it is, to my mind, certain that these have all descended from a -common ancestral stock, for evidence in proof of this is found in many -specimens which I consider at least strongly “suggestive” of this fact; -some specimens of var. _isabellinus_ from Florida having blue feathers -interspersed over the rump, thereby showing an approximation toward the -uniformly blue upper surface of the adult male of _T. sparveroides_ of -the neighboring island of Cuba; while in the latter bird the embryonic -plumage of the male is very similar to the permanent condition of the -male of _sparverius_. - - -Synopsis of the American Species. - - =A.= Back always entirely rufous (with or without black bars.) Lower - parts white, or only tinged with ochraceous; front and auriculars - distinctly whitish. - - _a._ Inner webs of primaries barred entirely across, with white and - dusky; “mustache” across the cheeks conspicuous; no conspicuous - superciliary stripe of white. - - 1. =T. sparverius.=[61] Crown bluish, with or without a patch - of rufous. ♂. Wings and upper part of head slaty, or ashy-blue; - scapulars, back, rump, and tail reddish-rufous; primaries, basal - half of the secondaries, and a broad subterminal zone across the - tail, black. ♀. The bluish, except that of the head, replaced by - rufous, which is everywhere barred with blackish, and of a less - reddish cast. _Hab._ Entire continent of America, also Lesser - Antilles, north to St. Thomas. - - _b._ Inner webs of primaries white, merely serrated along the - shaft with dusky; “mustache” obsolete or wanting; a conspicuous - superciliary stripe of white. - - 2. =T. leucophrys.=[62] Similar to _sparverius_, except as - characterized above. _Hab._ Cuba and Hayti. - - =B.= Back rufous only in the ♀. Lower parts deep ferruginous-rufous; - front and auriculars dusky. - - 3. =T. sparveroides.=[63] ♂. Above, except the tail, entirely dark - plumbeous, with a blackish nuchal collar; primaries and edges - and subterminal portion of tail-feathers, black. Beneath deep - rufous (like the back of _sparverius_ and _leucophrys_), with a - wash of plumbeous across the jugulum; throat grayish-white. Inner - webs of primaries slaty, with transverse cloudings of darker. ♀. - Differing from that of the above species in dark rufous lower - parts and dusky, mottled inner webs of primaries. Second and third - quills longest; first shorter than or equal to fourth. _Hab._ Cuba - (only?). - -The distinguishing characters of _F. sparverius_ having been given in -the foregoing synopsis, I will here consider this species in regard -to the modifications it experiences in the different regions of its -geographical distribution. - -The whole of continental America, from the Arctic regions to almost the -extreme of South America, and from ocean to ocean, is inhabited, so far -as known, by but this one species of _Tinnunculus_. But in different -portions of this vast extent of territory the species experiences -modifications under the influence of certain climatic and other local -conditions, which are here characterized as geographical races; these, -let me say, present their distinctive characteristics with great -uniformity and constancy, although the differences from the typical -or restricted _sparverius_ are not very great. The _F. sparverius_ as -restricted, or what is more properly termed var. _sparverius_, inhabits -the whole of North and Middle America (both coasts included, except -those of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea), south to the Isthmus of -Panama. Throughout this whole region it is everywhere nearly the same -bird. This variety appears to represent the species in its greatest -purity, being a sort of central form from which the others radiate. -The most typical examples of the var. _sparverius_ are the specimens -in the large series from the elevated regions or plateau of Mexico and -Guatemala. In these the rufous of the crown is most extended (in none is -it at all restricted), and the ashy portions are of the finest or bluest -and lightest tint. - -All specimens, of quite a large series, from the peninsula of Lower -California, are considerably smaller than any others, the smallest -(1,693 ♂ ad. San José; J. Xantus) measuring, wing, 6.50; tail, 4.20, -and tarsus, 1.30; the dwarfed size of these, however, is their only -distinguishing feature. Two specimens (50,199, ♂, Cape Florida, and -10,345, ♀, Indian Key) from Florida differ from others in the unusual -development of the bill, which toward the end is more suddenly curved, -and the point considerably lengthened; these specimens have, also, only -a tinge of rufous on the crown, thus showing a proximity to the var. -_isabellinus_. The large bill, however, is no more than would be looked -for in specimens from that region. - -Along the Gulf border of the United States, and the Caribbean and North -Atlantic coasts of South America (probably the whole Atlantic coast of -tropical and subtropical America), the true _sparverius_ is changed into -what Swainson has called “_Falco isabellinus_,” which differs from the -former only in having the cinereous of the crown and wings considerably -darker (as well as less bluish), approaching plumbeous; the rufous of -the crown is totally absent, or only present in faint touches; the lower -parts are of a deeper ochraceous, and the black spots on the breast and -sides sparse. - -Allied to the last in tints of coloration, and apparently a direct -offshoot from it, is the _dominicensis_ of Gmelin (based upon -description by Brisson), which inhabits the Lesser Antilles, from -Trinidad northward to Porto Rico. Although I consider this (var. -_dominicensis_) as a modified form of the var. _isabellinus_, yet it is -the one of all the varieties referrible to _sparverius_ which deviates -most widely from the typical or original style. The characters of this -are, tints those of var. _isabellinus_, but, in addition, the tail has -numerous more or less complete black bands, while those of the back and -scapulars are very broad and numerous; also, the crown has a decided -rufous patch; the bill, too, is larger than in any other American member -of the genus. A style of considerable uniformity spreads over the whole -of South America, including both coasts, from Bogota to the Parana, -excepting the northeastern coast region, before mentioned as inhabited -by the var. _isabellinus_. It differs from all the other styles, except -the _cinnamominus_ of Chile, in having the lower parts continuously dull -white, any ochraceous tinge being scarcely perceptible; there is seldom -a trace of rufous on the crown, which has the light bluish tint seen -in var. _sparverius_, and the black zone of the tail is scarcely more -than half as wide as in the northern races. In size, also, it somewhat -exceeds the others. Swainson named this “_Falco gracilis_”; but the _F._ -(_Tinnunculus_) _gracilis_ of Lesson being a different species, and the -name as applied to it of prior date, I have bestowed upon the present -bird the name var. _australis_. - -In Chile and Brazil (Western ?) we find a form resembling the last in -some respects, but differing in points of almost specific value. It -differs from all the other American members of the genus in having -the tail continuously rufous to the extreme tip, the black zone being -considerably narrower than the terminal rufous, the lateral tail-feather -immaculate rufous, etc. The grayish of the head is much darker and more -slaty than in the var. _australis_. This is, without doubt, the _Falco -cinnamominus_ of Swainson, the specimens in the collection corresponding -exactly with the description by that author. - -The rufous patch on the crown must not be too much considered, as it -is of all characters perhaps the most treacherous, though its presence -or absence is in a measure characteristic of the several varieties. -Neither does the exact number of spots on the lateral tail-feather -prove sufficiently constant to serve as a character in which the least -reliance can be placed, though Swainson attaches considerable value to -it. I have found that, besides varying almost with the individual, in -some specimens the feathers of opposite sides did not correspond. - -About two hundred and fifty specimens form the basis of the following -synopsis. - - =A.= Tail tipped with white; outer tail-feathers (one or more) - variegated. - - _a._ ♂. Head above, and wings, fine bluish-ash; usually one - tail-feather only (the outer) variegated. - - 1. Vertex with a conspicuous patch of rufous. ♂. Black zone of the - tail 1.00 in width; breast strongly tinged with ochraceous; spots - of black on the breast or sides circular. ♀. Above fulvous-rufous, - the whole breast and sides with longitudinal dashes of a lighter - tint of the same. _Hab._ Continent of North America north of - Panama (except Caribbean and Gulf coast) … - - var. _sparverius_. - - 2. Vertex with only a trace of rufous, or none at all. ♂. Black - zone of tail only .60 in width; breast nearly pure white; - spots of black usually only on the sides, elliptical. ♀. Above - vinaceous-rufous; longitudinal markings beneath deeper brown. - _Hab._ Continent of South America (except North Atlantic and - Caribbean coast) … - - var. _australis_.[64] - - _b._ ♂. Head above, and wings, dark bluish-plumbeous; several outer - tail-feathers variegated. - - 3. Vertex without any rufous. ♂. Anterior portions beneath deep - ochraceous, without spots. Tail without indication of bars - anterior to the subterminal one; black bars above confined to - larger scapulars. ♀. Above ferruginous, with the black bars - broader and blacker than in either of the preceding. _Hab._ Gulf, - Caribbean, and Atlantic coasts of tropical continental America - (Florida to Cayenne) … - - var. _isabellinus_. - - 4. Vertex with a patch of rufous. ♂. Black spots beneath numerous, - large and circular. Tail with more or less complete black bars - anterior to the subterminal band, sometimes regularly barred - to the base; black bars above covering entire rufous surface. - ♀. Similar to that of _isabellinus_, but markings beneath more - numerous, and pure black instead of brown. _Hab._ Lesser Antilles, - north to St. Thomas … - - var. _dominicensis_.[65] - - =B.= Tail tipped with deep rufous; outer tail-feather unvariegated. - - 5. Head above dark slaty-plumbeous, without any rufous. ♂. Tail - continuous rufous to the extreme tip, the subterminal black - band narrower than the terminal rufous one, and not continuous; - the outer feather entirely rufous, without any black. In other - respects much like var. _australis_. (♀ not seen.) _Hab._ Chile - and Western Brazil … - - var. _cinnamominus_.[66] - - -Falco (Tinnunculus) sparverius, LINN. - -Var. =sparverius=, LINNÆUS. - -AMERICAN SPARROW HAWK; AMERICAN KESTREL. - - _Accipiter_ (_Æsalon_) _carolinensis_, BRISS. Orn. I, 385, 1760. - _Accipiter minor_, CATESB. Carol. I, 5, 1754. _Falco sparverius_, - LINN. Syst. Nat. p. 128, 1766.—PENN, Arct. Zoöl. pp. 211, 212.—GMEL. - Syst. Nat. p. 284.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 42; Synop. I, 110, sp. 94; - Gen. Hist. I, 290.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 142, pl. xii.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, - pl. xxvi.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xvi, f. 1, pl. xxxii, f. 2.—JAMES. - (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 56, 60.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 95.—BENN. gard. Zoöl. - Soc. II, 121.—STEPH. XIII, ii, 38.—CUV. Reg. Anim. (ed. 2), I, - 322.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 262; II, 51.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. - pl. xxiv.—WAGL. Isis, 1831, 517.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 27; Isis, - 1832, 1136.—VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, 1234 (in part).—AUD. Birds Am. - pl. cxlii; Orn. Biog. II, 246, pl. cxlii.—BREW. (WILS.) Synop. p. - 684; Am. Oölogy, p. 16, pl. xi, figs. 13 and 15 _a_.—DE KAY, Zoöl. - N. Y. II, 16, pl. vii. f. 16.—PEAB. Birds Mass. III, 69.—NUTT. Man. - I, 58. _Tinnunculus sparverius_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pls. xii, - xiii.—BRIDG. Proc. Zoöl. Soc. pt. xi, 109.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. - 10; List Brit. B. Mus. p. 60.—WOODH. Sitgr. Exp. Zuñi & Colorad. p. - 60.—CASS. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1855, 278.—Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 92; - Birds N. Am. 1858, 13.—RIDGW. P. A. N. S. 1870, 148.—STRICKL. Orn. - Syn. I, 99, 1855. _Cerchneis sparverius_, BONAP. List Eur. & N. Am. - B. p. 5, 1838. _Pœcilornis sparverius_, KAUP, Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. - 1850, 53. _Tinnunculus phalœna_, LESSON, Mam. et d’Ois. 1847, 178 (San - Blas & Acapulco). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (12,025, Washington, D. C.; W. Wallace). -Forehead, lateral and posterior, regions of the vertex, occiput, and -wings, bluish-ash. Vertex, nape, scapulars, interscapulars, rump, upper -tail-coverts, and tail, fine cinnamon-rufous; scapulars and back barred -with black, the bars broadest and most conspicuous posteriorly. Tail -tipped with white, and with a broad sharply defined subterminal zone -of black, about one inch in width; lateral feather, with outer web and -terminal half of inner, ashy-white, the latter with one or two distinct -transverse spots anterior to the subterminal one. Wing-coverts with more -or less conspicuous cordate spots of black, rather sparsely distributed; -basal two-thirds of secondaries and whole of primaries deep black; the -latter whitish around the terminal margin and with nine transverse bands -of white on inner web of longest (second), the white rather exceeding -the black, the points of which do not reach the edge of the feather; -lining of the wing white with conspicuous cordate spots of black. Front -and superciliary region more hoary than the forehead, almost approaching -white. Whole lateral region of the head, with chin, throat, and lower -parts, white; the neck, breast, and sides, however, with a deep tinge -of ochraceous, the tint hardly approaching the depth of color seen on -the nape. On the head there are (considering both sides) seven black -spots; the first originating in front of the bare anteorbital space -(leaving the lores white), and extending in a stripe downward across the -maxillæ, forming a conspicuous “mustache”; the second crosses the tips -of the ear-coverts, in form of an oblong transverse spot; the third is -smaller, situated as far behind the last as this, and is posterior to -the “mustache,” crossing the side of the neck; the last is an odd nuchal -spot separating the ash of the occiput from the rufous of the nape. -Breast and sides with circular or cordate spots of pure black; these -varying in size, but generally larger on the sides. Other lower parts -immaculate. Wing-formula, 2=3–4, 1. Wing, 7.10; tail, 4.50; tarsus, -1.32; middle toe, .98; culmen, .45. - -_Adult female_ (10,751, Fort Bridger, Utah; C. Drexler). Blue above -confined to the head, which shows the rufous patch as in the male; -entire upper parts rufous, lighter and less purplish than in the male, -everywhere barred with black. Tail with twelve sharply defined narrow -bars of black; the subterminal broadest, and about three eighths of an -inch in width. Longest primary with eleven transverse spaces of pale -rufous, nearly twice as wide as the dusky ones, which scarcely touch the -edge. Beneath yellowish-white, paler than in the male, breast and sides -with rusty longitudinal spots. Head as in the male. Wing, 7.60; tail, -5.20; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, .90; bill, .50. Wing-formula, 2=3–4–1. - -_Young male_ (5,581, Medicine Bow Creek, Nebraska, August 7, 1856; -W. S. Wood). Exactly like the adult male, but with the rufous darker, -approaching to chestnut; spots beneath inclining to a tear-shaped form, -and, though more numerous, are not so well defined as in the adult; also -rufescent tinge beneath more general; blue of the wings with scarcely -any spots; white terminal band of tail tinged with rufous. Sometimes the -two or three outer feathers are clouded with ash, and possess indication -of bars, formed of irregular black spots. - -_Young female_ (40,520, Fort Rice, Dacota; S. M. Rothhammer). Generally -like the adult, but with rufous above darker, approaching ferruginous; -the bars everywhere broader, and purer black; rufous vertical patch -streaked centrally with black; spots beneath larger, darker, approaching -reddish umber. - -HAB. Continental North America (only), across to both coasts, and from -Arctic regions to Isthmus of Panama; not in West Indies. - -This form ranges over the whole of continental North America, from -Panama northward into the British Provinces, and from the Atlantic -to the Pacific. Throughout the whole of this extensive area the -bird exhibits very little variation, in fact, none not of an almost -individual character, consisting mainly in the varying amount of -ashy-white and black on the lateral tail-feather, and also, to a -less extent, in the depth of the ochraceous tint on the breast, and -the abundance and size of the black spots on the sides or flanks. In -the Gulf region of the United States it passes gradually into var. -_isabellinus_ through intermediate specimens. We have seen Florida skins -(kindly lent to us by Mr. J. A. Allen) from Miami (♂, January 29, 1872), -Cedar Keys (♂, February 28, 1871), and Florida Keys (♂, February 14, -1871). Of these, only the first (No. 14,491) deviates noticeably from -the typical style; it inclines toward var. _isabellinus_ in sparsity -of black spots on flanks and restricted rufous on the crown, but in -the pure light ash of the crown and wings, and faint ochraceous of the -breast, it resembles more the var. _sparverius_. Wing, 6.50; tail, 4.70. -The two other specimens measure as follows: No. 14,487, Florida Keys, -wing, 6.90; tail, 5.00. No. 14,492, Cedar Keys, wing, 6.90; tail, 5.00. -The former is peculiar in having some of the upper tail-coverts either -partly or entirely ashy. - -Mexican specimens represent the race in the greatest purity or -exaggeration of its characteristic features, in pure and light -bluish-ash of wings and crown, greatest extent of rufous on crown, etc. -California specimens often exhibit what I have not noticed in eastern -examples, though possibly occurring in them; that is, in adult males the -cere and feet are of a deep orange-red—almost vermilion color. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 104; Boston Society, 26; Philadelphia Academy, 7; Mus. -Comp. Zoöl., 66; New York Museum, 7; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 4; Cab. R. -Ridgway, 4. Total, 218. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 6.50–8.00| 4.50–5.70| .50–.00|1.25–1.55| .95–0.00| 117 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 6.80–8.40| 4.90–5.80| .55–.55|1.40–1.45| .90–1.00| 95 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. isabellinus, SWAINSON. - - _Falco isabellinus_, SWAINSON, An. Menag. p. 281, 1838. _Tinnunculus - sparverius_, var. _isabellinus_, RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, - p. 149. _Tinnunculus dominicensis_ (not of GMEL.!), STRICKL. Orn. Syn. - 1, 100, 1855 (in part only). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (3,841, Prairie Mer Rouge, La., June, 1853; -“J. F.”). Much like var. _sparverius_, but considerably darker in -colors; plumbeous, crown dark with no rufous on vertex, nor darker -shaft-lines. Rufous above more purplish-castaneous; cinereous of wings -much darker; neck, jugulum, breast, and sides deep soft ochraceous, -spots very few, and restricted to the sides. Wing, 7.00; tail, 4.70; -tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, .90; culmen, .50. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4, 1. - -_Adult female_ (58,339, Jacksonville, Fla., June 10, 1869; C. J. -Maynard). Differing from the female of var. _sparverius_ in much darker -colors, the rufous inclining to castaneous; bars broader, more sharply -defined, pure black. Head above pure dark plumbeous, conspicuously -different from the fine light ash of var. _sparverius_; vertex with -touches only of rufous; markings beneath narrower, and nearly pure -black, upon a deeper ochraceous ground. Wing, 7.20; tail, 4.50; tarsus, -1.20; middle toe, .83; culmen, .42. Primaries, 2, 3–1, 4. - -HAB. North Atlantic and Caribbean coasts of South America, from Demerara -northward, along the Gulf coast of Mexico and United States, through -Texas and Louisiana to Florida. - -This form, though quite different in its extreme condition from true -_sparverius_, gradually grades into it. Few, if any, other specimens -possess in so exaggerated a degree all the distinctive characters of -those described, though all from the regions indicated agree in having -darker colors and less rufous on the crown than specimens from the -interior of North and Middle America. - -A series of six adult male Sparrow Hawks from Florida, kindly loaned me -for examination by Mr. J. A. Allen, includes three typical examples of -this littoral race of subtropical continental America. They all agree -in very deep dark colors, entire absence or merely slight indication of -rufous on the vertex, and deeply ochraceous breast, with few markings. -No. 14,499 (Miami, Fla., June 19, 1871) is remarkable for lacking -entirely the black spots on wings and flanks, and bars on the back -or longer scapulars; the three outer tail-feathers are almost wholly -ashy-white, with about five transverse spots of black; the terminal -white band is strongly tinged with ash; there is no trace of rufous on -the crown. Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.80. - -In the unspotted wings and sides and unbarred scapulars there is a -resemblance in this specimen to _F. leucophrys_; which, however, has the -ash very much lighter, the black “mustache” obsolete or wanting, the -lower breast pure white instead of deep ochraceous; the under surface -of the primaries plain white, with shallow dusky serrations along the -shaft, instead of being heavily barred with dusky; always has a patch -of rufous on the crown, a conspicuous frontal and superciliary stripe -of white, and an entirely differently marked tail. In its much barred -tail it also resembles the var. _dominicensis_ to a slight extent; but -the latter has the middle feathers also barred, and always has the -scapulars, generally the entire dorsal region, heavily barred with -black, and the wings, breast, and sides heavily spotted; the bill is -larger, and there is always more or less rufous on the crown. The other -two specimens are more like the average; they both have a mere trace -of rufous on the crown, conspicuous bars on the scapulars, and spots -on the wings. No. 5,188 (Hibernia, Fla., February 3, 1869) has only a -few black specks on the flanks; the outer tail-feather ashy-white, with -seven transverse black spots across inner web. Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.80. -No. 5,373 (Hawkinsville, Fla., March 12, 1869) is similar, but has the -flanks distinctly spotted with black, and the outer tail-feather with -inner web plain pale rufous, with only the subterminal large black spot. -Wing, 6.80; tail, 4.80. - -A series of ten specimens (five males and five females) from Florida, -kindly sent me for examination by Mr. C. J. Maynard, contains nothing -but var. _sparverius_, with a few individuals inclining slightly toward -var. _isabellinus_. The extreme are measurements of the series as -follows: ♂. Wing, 6.60–6.90; tail, 4.50–4.70. ♀. Wing, 6.90–7.50; -tail, 4.80–5.10. Four out of the five males have the deeply ochraceous -unspotted breast of var. _isabellinus_, but all have more or less -rufous on the crown, while the ash is of that light shade seen in var. -_sparverius_. No. 476 has the upper tail-coverts mixed with feathers -which are either wholly or partially ash, while the light bands of the -outer tail-feathers are much tinged with the same; the scapulars are -almost wholly fine ash, like the wings, and with heavy black bars. The -females likewise all incline toward var. _isabellinus_, all having the -dark bars above equal to or broader than the rufous ones. No. 6,441 -is transversely spotted on the flanks with heavy black bars, and is -scarcely distinguishable from females of var. _dominicensis_. - -An adult male labelled as coming from Cuba, but probably from the -southeastern United States, in the collection of the Boston Society, -is so deeply colored as to strongly resemble the young male of _T. -sparveroides_. There is not a trace of rufous on the crown, which -is dark plumbeous; the lower parts are entirely deep rufous, except -the throat, inclining more to ochraceous on the tibiæ and crissum; -the whole lower surface entirely free from spots of any kind. The -tail is very uniformly marked, being wholly rufous, except the usual -narrow terminal band, or the outer web of lateral feathers, which -are white,—the latter with a few indications of black spots near the -shaft,—and the usual subterminal zone of black, which is very regular -and continuous. Though in these respects so closely resembling the -young ♂ of _T. sparveroides_, it may be distinguished from it by the -sharp definition of the black markings on the side of the head and -on the wing-coverts, and of the black bars on the inner webs of the -primaries. We have every reason to doubt whether this specimen was -actually collected in Cuba, since so many of the specimens in the -Lafresnaye Collection are incorrectly labelled as regards locality. - -A young ♂ from Georgia, in the same collection, is somewhat similar, but -differs in the following respects. The rufous beneath is confined to the -breast, sides, and abdomen, but is as deep (i.e. only a shade or two -lighter than that on the back); the two outer pairs of tail-feathers are -mostly ashy-white, with large spots of black. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 4; Boston Society, 2; Mus. Comp. Zoöl., 3; Philadelphia -Academy, 4; New York Museum, 2; G. N. Lawrence, 4. Total, 19. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 7.00–7.70| 4.86–5.50| .50–.00|1.30–1.50| .90–.00| 11 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 7.20–7.70| 5.00–5.30| .45–.50|1.35–1.40| .85–.00| 5 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. The common Sparrow Hawk of America has an extended distribution -throughout the greater portion of North America, although it was not -observed by Mr. MacFarlane, nor by any other collectors in the higher -Arctic regions, nor was it met with by Mr. Dall in Alaska. Mr. Kennicott -found it nesting at Fort Resolution (lat. 62°), on Great Slave Lake, and -Mr. Clark at Fort Rae. These are the highest points to which we have any -knowledge of its having been traced. - -[Illustration: _Tinnunculus sparverius._] - -Sir John Richardson speaks of it as abundant on the banks of the -Saskatchewan, in the neighborhood of Carlton House. It probably breeds -throughout North America, from Hudson’s Bay to Mexico, and from Maine -to California, though it is rare in a large portion of the New England -States. It is, however, quite abundant in the vicinity of Calais, -Me., in New Brunswick, and in Nova Scotia, though less abundant about -Halifax. It has not been taken, or if so only very rarely, in Eastern -Massachusetts, though it has been known to breed in Williamstown and -Amherst, in the western part of the State. It is equally rare in Rhode -Island and in Connecticut. Dr. Woods, of East Hartford, knew of a pair -which entered a dove-cot in that place, destroyed its inmates, and -laid four eggs. They committed so many depredations on the neighbors’ -chickens that they were shot. - -Mr. Ridgway found this species exceedingly abundant in all portions of -the West. In the cañons of the East Humboldt Mountains it was observed -to have nests in holes on the faces of the limestone cliffs. - -The Sparrow Hawk is a bird of irregular flight, now momentarily hovering -over a particular spot, suspending itself in the air, and then shooting -off in another direction. At other times it may be seen perched on -the top of a dead tree, or on a projecting branch, sitting there in -an almost perpendicular position for an hour or more at a time. It -frequently jerks its tail, and appears to be reconnoitring the ground -below for small birds, mice, or lizards, on which it chiefly preys. When -it alights, it closes its long wings so suddenly that, according to -Wilson, they seem to disappear. It often approaches the farm-house early -in the morning, skulking about the barnyard in pursuit of mice, and -occasionally of young chickens. Frequently it plunges into a thicket, -as if at random, but always with an object in view, and with a sure and -fatal aim. - -Wilson once observed one of this species perched on the highest top of -a large poplar, and, just as he was about to take aim, it swept down -with the rapidity of an arrow into a thicket of briers, where he shot -it, and found a small Field Sparrow quivering in its grasp. It is said -to be fond of watching along hedge-rows and in orchards, where small -birds usually resort. When grasshoppers are plentiful, they form the -principal part of its food. The young are fed with the usual food of the -parents,—mice, small birds, grasshoppers, etc. It also feeds upon small -snakes, but rarely, if ever, touches anything that it has not itself -killed, and has been known to reject its prey when, after having been -killed, it proved to be in unsuitable condition for food. - -Mr. Audubon states that the flight of this species is never protracted. -It seldom flies far at a time; a few hundred yards are all the distance -it usually goes before alighting. It rarely sails long on the wing at -a time; a half-hour is its utmost extent. In pursuing a bird, it flies -with great rapidity, but never with the speed of the Sharp-shinned and -other Hawks. Its cry is so similar to that of the Kestrel of Europe that -it might be readily mistaken for it but for its stronger intonation. At -times it gives out these notes as it perches, but they are principally -uttered while on the wing. Mr. Audubon has heard them imitate the -feeble cries of their offspring, when these have left the nest and are -following their parents. - -The young birds, when they first appear, are covered with a white down. -They grow with great rapidity, and are soon able to leave their nest, -and are well provided for by their parents until they are able to take -care of themselves. They feed at first on grasshoppers and crickets. - -At Denysville, Me., these Hawks were observed to attack the Cliff -Swallows, while sitting on their eggs, deliberately tearing open their -covered nests, and seizing their occupants for their prey. - -In winter, these birds, for the most part, desert the Northern and -Middle States, but are resident south of Virginia. They can be readily -tamed, especially when reared from the nest. Mr Audubon raised a young -Hawk of this species, which continued to keep about the house, and -even to fly to it for shelter when attacked by some of its wilder -kindred, and never failed to return at night to roost on its favorite -window-shutter. It was finally killed by an enraged hen, whose chickens -it attempted to seize. - -This Hawk constructs no nest, but makes use of hollow trees, the -deserted hole of a Woodpecker, or even an old Crow’s nest. Its eggs -are usually as many as five in number, and Mr. Audubon once even met -with seven in a single nest. The ground of the eggs is usually a dark -cream-color or a light buff. In their markings they vary considerably. -Five from a nest in Maryland were covered throughout the entire surface -with small blotches and dottings of a light brown, at times confluent, -and, except in a single instance, not more frequent at the larger end -than the smaller. The contents of a nest obtained by Mr. Audubon on the -Yellowstone River had a ground-color of a light buff, nearly unspotted, -except at the larger end, with only a few large blotches and splashes of -a deep chocolate. In others, interspersed with the light-brown markings -are a few of a much deeper shade. In some, the eggs are covered with -fine markings of buff, nearly uniform in size and color; and others -again are marked with lines and bolder dashes of brown, of a distinctly -reddish shade, over their entire surface, and often so thickly as nearly -to conceal the ground. The eggs are nearly spherical. The average length -is 1.38 inches by a breadth of 1.13. They are subject to variation in -size, but are uniform as to shape. They range in length from 1.48 to -1.32 inches, and in breadth from 1.08 to 1.20 inches. - -The eggs of _Tinnunculus sparveroides_, from Cuba, and of var. -_cinnamominus_ from Chile, differ in size and markings from those of -North American birds. Their ground-color is much whiter, is freer -from markings which have hardly any tinge of rufous, but are more of -a yellowish-brown. The Cuban egg measures 1.28 by 1.08 inches; the -Chilian, 1.25 by 1.08. - - -GENUS POLYBORUS, VIEILLOT. - - _Polyborus_, VIEILL. 1816. (Type, _Falco brasiliensis_, GMELIN. _P. - tharus_, MOLINA.) - _Caracara_, CUVIER, 1817. (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. General aspect somewhat vulturine, but bearing and manners -almost gallinaceous. Neck and legs very long. Bill very high and much -compressed, the commissure very straight and regular, and nearly -parallel with the superior outline; cere very narrow, its anterior -outline vertical and straight. Nostril very small, linear, obliquely -vertical, its upper end being the posterior one; situated in the upper -anterior corner of the cere. Lateral and under portions of the head -naked and scantily haired, the skin bright-colored (reddish or yellow -in life). Occipital feathers elongated. Wings and tail long, the -latter rounded; five outer quills with inner webs sinuated; third to -the fourth longest; first shorter than the sixth, sometimes shorter -than the seventh. Feet almost gallinaceous, the tarsus nearly twice as -long as the middle toe, but stout; outer toe longer than the inner; -posterior toe much the shortest; claws long, but slender, weakly curved, -and obtuse. Tarsus with a frontal series of large transverse scutellæ, -the lower fourth to sixth forming a single row, the others disposed in -two parallel series of alternating plates; the other parts covered by -smaller hexagonal scales. - -[Illustration: - - =37871=, ♀. NAT. SIZE. - =37871=, ♀. ¼ - =37871=, ♀. ¼ - =37871=, ♀. ¼ - -_Wing and tail._ - -_Polyborus auduboni._] - -This well-marked genus contains but a single species, the _P. tharus_, -Mol., which extends its range over the whole of tropical and subtropical -America, exclusive of some of the West India Islands. North and south -of the Isthmus it is modified into geographical races, the southern of -which is var. _tharus_, Mol., and the northern var. _auduboni_, Cass. - -The closely related genera _Phalcobænas_, _Milvago_, _Ibycter_, and -_Daptrius_ are peculiar to South America and the southern portion of -Middle America, most of them being represented by two or more species. -They all form a well-marked and peculiarly American group, for which I -shall retain Schlegel’s term _Polybori_. - -Their habits are quite different in many respects from those of other -_Falconidæ_, for they combine in many respects the habits of the -gallinaceous birds and those of the Vultures. They are terrestrial, -running and walking gracefully, with the exception of the species of -_Ibycter_ and _Daptrius_, which are more arboreal than the others, and -are said also to feed chiefly upon insects, instead of carrion. - - -Species and Races. - - =P. tharus.= Wing, 14.50–17.70; tail, 10.00–11.00; culmen, 1.20–1.48; - tarsus, 3.20–4.20; middle toe, 1.75–2.30. - - _Adult._ Forehead, crown, occiput, back, rump, abdomen, sides, and - tibiæ, and terminal zone of the tail, dull black. Neck, breast, - tail-coverts, and tail, dingy whitish. Interscapulars, breast, and - tail with transverse dusky bars. - - _Young._ Blackish areas replaced by dull brown; region of the - transverse bars marked, instead, with longitudinal stripes. - - _Adult._ Whole body, with middle wing-coverts, variegated with - transverse bars of black and white; tail-coverts barred. Terminal - zone of the tail about 2.00 wide. _Young._ Longitudinal stripes over - the whole head and body, except throat, cheeks, and tail-coverts; - tail-coverts transversely barred. _Hab._ South America … - - var. _tharus_.[67] - - _Adult._ Transverse bars confined to the breast and interscapulars; - rest of body continuous black; tail-coverts without bars; - wing-coverts unvariegated. Terminal zone of tail about 2.50 - wide. _Young._ Longitudinal stripes confined to the breast and - interscapulars; rest of the body continuous brown. Tail-coverts - without bars. _Hab._ Middle America, and southern border of United - States, from Florida to Cape St. Lucas … - - var. _auduboni_. - - -Polyborus tharus, var. auduboni, CASSIN. - -CARACARA EAGLE; “KING BUZZARD” OF FLORIDA. - - _Polyborus auduboni_, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1865, - p. 2. _Polyborus vulgaris_ (“VIEILL.”), AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 350, - 1834 (not of VIEILLOT!). _Polyborus brasiliensis_ (“GMEL.”), AUD. - Birds Am. Oct. ed. I, 21, 1840 (not of GMELIN!). _Polyborus tharus_ - (“MOL.”) CASSIN, Birds of Cal. & Tex. I, 113; 1854 (not of MOLINA!); - BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, p. 58, pl. xi, figs. 18 & 19; BAIRD, Birds N. - Am. 1858, p. 45.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857.—COUES, Prod. - Orn. Ariz. p. 13, 1866.—OWEN, Ibis, III, 67.—GURNEY, Cat. Rapt. B. - 1864, 17.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 329 (Texas). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (12,016, Texas; Capt. McCall). Forehead, crown, -occiput, and nape, wings, scapulars, rump, belly, thighs, and anal -region continuous deep dull black; chin, neck, jugulum, breast, and -tail-coverts (upper and lower), soiled white. Breast with numerous -cordate spots of black, these growing larger posteriorly, and running -in transverse series; back with transverse bars of white, which become -narrower and less distinct posteriorly. Basal two-thirds of tail white, -crossed by thirteen or fourteen narrow transverse bands of black, which -become narrower and more faint basally; outer web of lateral feather -almost entirely black; broad terminal band of the tail uniform black -(2.40 inches in width); third, fourth, fifth, and sixth primaries -grayish just beyond the coverts, this portion with three or four -transverse bars of white. Middle portion of primaries beneath, faintly -barred with white and ashy; the barred portion extending obliquely -across. Third quill longest, fourth a little shorter, second shorter -than fifth; first 3.60 inches shorter than longest. Wing, 16.70; tail, -9.60; tarsus, 3.40; middle toe, 2.10. - -_Adult female._ Plumage similar; white more brownish; abdomen with -indication of bars. Wing, 15.50; tail, 8.70; tarsus, 3.30; middle toe, -2.20. - -_Young_ (42,130, ♀, Mirador, Mexico; Dr. C. Sartorius). Black of adult -replaced by dingy dark brown, this darkest in the hood; white and dusky -regions gradually blended, the feathers of the breast being whitish, -edged (longitudinally) with brown. No trace of the transverse bars, -except on the tail, which is like that of the adult. - -HAB. Middle America north of Darien; southern border of United States -from Florida to Lower California; Cuba. - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 214); Cuba (CAB. Journ. II, lxxix; -GUNDL. Rept. 1865, 221, resident); ? Trinidad (TAYLOR, Ibis, 1864, 79); -Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 329, breeds); Arizona (COUES); Costa Rica -(LAWR. IX, 132); Yucatan (LAWR. 16, 207.) - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 16; Boston Society, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 4; Museum -Comp. Zoöl., 1; R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 25. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |14.60–16.50| 9.00–10.00|1.20–1.48|3.20–3.60| 1.90–2.00| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |14.75–16.00| 8.80–10.00|1.20–1.45|3.55–3.75| 2.00–2.10| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -[Illustration: _Polyborus tharus_, var. _auduboni_.] - -HABITS. The Caracara Eagle, as this bird is called, though it seems to -possess, to a large degree, the characteristics of a Vulture, and hardly -any of the true aquiline nature, is found in all the extreme southern -portions of the country, in Florida, Texas, Southern Arizona, and -California. Audubon met with it abundantly in Florida in the winter of -1831. Mr. Boardman has seen it quite common at Enterprise, associating -with the Vultures. Dr. Woodhouse, while encamped on the Rio Saltado, -near San Antonio, in Texas, frequently saw the Caracaras, and always -in company with the Vultures, which he says they greatly resemble in -their habits, excepting that they were much more shy. He could, however, -readily approach them when on horseback. Mr. Dresser also frequently -encountered it in Texas in the vicinity of San Antonio, and speaks of -it as abundant from the Rio Grande to the Guadaloupe, but never noticed -any farther east. In Arizona, Dr. Coues says, it is not a rare bird in -the southern and western portions of that Territory. Lieutenant Couch -likewise describes them as exceedingly abundant from the Rio Grande -to the Sierra Madre. He speaks of killing a male bird on the nest, -which was in a low tree and composed of sticks. He adds that this bird -destroys the Texas field-rats (_Sigmodon berlandieri_) in large numbers. - -Dr. Heermann met with this species on the Colorado River, near Fort -Yuma, in company with the _Cathartes aura_. He found it so shy that it -was impossible to procure a specimen. He found it along the Gila River, -and again met with it in Texas wherever there were settlements. At San -Antonio, wherever there were slaughter-houses, he met with them in great -numbers, twenty or thirty being often seen at a time. - -Grayson gives the _Caracara_ as quite abundant in the Tres Marias. -Although it subsists mainly on dead animals and other offal, it is said -to sometimes capture young birds, lizards, snakes, and land-crabs. It -generally carries its prey in its beak; but Colonel Grayson states -that he has seen it also bear off its food in its claws, as Hawks do. -It walks with facility on the ground, and was often met with in the -thick woods, walking about in search of snakes. Mr. Xantus found it -nesting at Cape San Lucas, placing its nest on the top of the _Cereus -giganteus_. It occurs also in the West Indies, especially in the island -of Cuba, where it is known to breed. Eggs were obtained and identified -by the late Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, in Northern Mexico, on the Rio -Grande, in considerable numbers. - -Mr. Salvin (Ibis, I, 214) says the _Caracara_ is universal in its -distribution in Central America, appearing equally abundant everywhere. -At Duenas it was a constant resident, breeding on the surrounding -hills. Its food seemed to consist largely of the ticks that infested -the animals. In Honduras Mr. G. C. Taylor found them very common, quite -tame, and easily shot. They feed on carrion and offal, were often seen -scratching among the half-dry cow-dung, and are “a very low caste bird.” -Mr. E. C. Taylor (Ibis, VI, 79) frequently saw this bird on the shores -of the Orinoco. It was very tame, and generally allowed a near approach, -and when disturbed did not fly far. He did not meet with it in Trinidad. - -On the Rio Grande the popular name of this species is _Totache_, while -in Chile the _P. tharus_ is called _Traro_, but its more common name -throughout South America is _Carrancha_. - -According to Audubon, the flight of this bird is at great heights, -is more graceful than that of the Vulture, and consists of alternate -flapping and sailing. It often sails in large circles, gliding in a very -elegant manner, now and then diving downwards and then rising again. - -These birds feed on frogs, insects, worms, young alligators, carrion, -and various other forms of animal food. Mr. Audubon states that he has -seen them walk about in the water in search of food, catching frogs, -young alligators, etc. It is harmless and inoffensive, and in the -destruction of vermin renders valuable services. It builds a coarse, -flat nest, composed of flags, reeds, and grass, usually on the tops of -trees, but occasionally, according to Darwin, on a low cliff, or even on -a bush. - -Mr. R. Owen, who found this bird breeding near San Geronimo, Guatemala, -April 2 (Ibis, 1861, p. 67), states that the nest was built on the very -crown of a high tree in the plain. It was made of small branches twisted -together, and had a slight lining of coarse grass. It was shallow, and -formed a mass of considerable size. The eggs were four in number, and -are described as measuring 2.15 inches by 1.60, having a light red -ground-color, and spotted and blotched all over with several shades of a -darker red. - -Dr. Heermann found the nest of this species on the Medina River. It -was built in an oak, and constructed of coarse twigs and lined with -leaves and roots. It was quite recently finished, and contained no -eggs. Mr. Dresser states that it breeds all over the country about San -Antonio, building a large bulky nest of sticks, lined with small roots -and grass, generally placed in a low mesquite or oak tree, and laying -three or four roundish eggs, similar to those of the Honey Buzzard of -Europe. He found several nests in April and through May, and was told -by the _rancheros_ that its eggs are found as late as June. The nests -found in the collection of Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, were coarse -flat structures, composed of flags, reeds, and grass. The nests, though -usually built on the tops of trees, are occasionally found, according -to Darwin, on a low cliff, or even on a bush. The number of the eggs -is rarely, if ever, more than three or four. Four eggs, taken by Dr. -Berlandier near the Rio Grande, exhibit a maximum length of 2.44 inches; -least length, 2.25; average, 2.41. The diameter of the smallest egg -is 1.75 inches; that of the largest, 1.88; average, 1.81. These eggs -not only present the great and unusual variation in their length of -nearly eight per cent, but very striking and anomalous deviations from -uniformity are also noticeable in their ground-color and markings. The -ground-color varies from a nearly pure white to a very deep russet or -tan-color, and the markings, though all of sepia-brown, differ greatly -in their shades. In some, the ground-color is nearly pure white with -a slight pinkish tinge, nearly unspotted at the smaller end, and only -marked by a few light blotches of a sepia-brown. These markings increase -both in size and frequency, and become of a deeper shade, as they are -nearer the larger end, until they become almost black, and around this -extremity they form a large confluent ring of blotches and dashes of -a dark sepia. Others have a ground-color of light russet, or rather -white with a very slight wash of russet, and are marked over the entire -surface, in about equal proportion, with irregular lines and broad -dashes of dark sepia. Again, in others the ground is of the deepest -russet or tan-color, and is marked with deep blotches of a dark sepia, -almost black. The eggs are much more oblong than those of most birds -of prey, and in this respect also show their relation to the Vultures, -rather than to the Hawks or Eagles. They are pyriform, the smaller end -tapers quite abruptly, and varies much more, in its proportions, from -the larger extremity, than the eggs of most true Hawks. - -Lieutenant Gilliss found the South American race exceedingly numerous -throughout Central and Southern Chile. It was constantly met with along -the roads, and wherever there was a chance of obtaining a particle of -flesh or offal. At the annual slaughtering of cattle they congregate by -hundreds, and remain without the corral, awaiting their share of the -rejected parts. It was so tame, from not being molested, that it could -be taken with the lasso, but when thus captured, it fights desperately, -and no amount of attention or kindness can reconcile it to the loss of -liberty. - -Throughout South America it is one of the most abundant species, its -geographical range extending even to Cape Horn. Mr. Darwin found the -_Polyborus_ nowhere so common as on the grassy savannas of the La Plata, -and says that it is also found on the most desert plains of Patagonia, -even to the rocky and barren shores of the Pacific. - - -GENUS PANDION, SAVIGNY. - - _Pandion_, SAVIGN. 1809. (Type, _Falco Haliætus_, LINN.) - _Triorchis_, LEACH, 1816. (Same type.) - _Balbusardus_, FLEMING, 1828. (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill inflated, the cere depressed below the arched culmen; -end of bill much developed, forming a strong, pendent hook. Anterior -edge of nostril touching edge of the cere. Whole of tarsus and toes -(except terminal joint) covered with rough, somewhat imbricated, -projecting scales. Outer toe versatile; all the claws of equal length. -In their shape, also, they are peculiar; they contract in thickness to -their lower side, where they are much narrower than on top, as well -as perfectly smooth and rounded; the middle claw has the usual sharp -lateral ridge, but it is not very distinct. All the toes perfectly free. -Tibiæ not plumed, but covered compactly with short feathers, these -reaching down the front of the tarsus below the knee, and terminating in -an angle. Primary coverts hard, stiff, and acuminate, almost as much so -as the quills themselves; third quill longest; first longer than fifth; -second, third, and fourth sinuated on outer webs; outer three deeply -emarginated, the fourth sinuated, on inner webs. - -Of this remarkable genus, there appears to be but a single species, -which is almost completely cosmopolitan in its habitat. As in the case -of the Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl, different geographical regions -have each a peculiar race, modified by some climatic or local influence. -These races, however, are not well marked, and are consequently only -definable with great difficulty. - - -Species and Races. - - =P. haliætus.= Wing, 15.20–21.50; tail, 7.00–11.11; culmen, 1.20–1.40; - tarsus, 2.00–2.15; middle toe, 1.60–2.00. Second or third quills - longest. Above clear dark grayish-brown, inclining to brownish-black, - plain, or variegated with white. Tail brownish-gray (the inner webs - almost entirely white), narrowly tipped with white, and crossed by - about six or seven nearly equal bands of dusky-black. Head, neck, and - entire lower parts, snowy-white; the breast with or without brown - spots or wash. A dusky stripe on side of head (from lores across the - ear-coverts), and top of head more or less spotted, or streaked, with - the same. _Adult._ Upper parts plain. _Young._ Feathers of the upper - parts bordered terminally with white. Sexes alike (?). - - Wing, 17.00–20.50; tail, 7.00–10.00; culmen, 1.20–1.45; tarsus, - 1.95–3.15; middle toe, 1.50–1.90. Second or third quills longest (in - eighteen specimens from Europe and Asia). First longer than fifth. - Breast always (?) spotted with brownish, or uniformly so; top of - head with the black streaks usually predominating. Tail with six - to seven narrow black bands, continuous across both webs. _Hab._ - Northern Hemisphere of the Old World … - - var. _haliætus_.[68] - - Wing, 17.50–21.50; tail, 8.70–10.50; culmen, 1.25–1.40; tarsus, - 2.00–2.40; middle toe, 1.70–2.00. Second and third quill longest. - Breast often entirely without spots; top of head and nape usually - with dark streaks predominating. Tail with six to seven narrow black - bands, continuous across both webs. _Hab._ Northern Hemisphere of - the New World … - - var. “_carolinensis_.” - - Wing, 17.50–19.50; tail, 9.00–10.00; culmen, 1.25–1.40; tarsus, - 2.10; middle toe, 1.70–1.95. Third quill longest, but second - just perceptibly shorter (eight specimens, including Gould’s - types). Breast with the markings sometimes (in two out of the - eight examples) reduced to sparse shaft-streaks, but never (?) - entirely immaculate. Top of the head with the white streaks usually - predominating, sometimes (in three out of the eight specimens) - immaculate white (the occiput, however, always with a few streaks). - Tail with six to seven white bands on the inner webs, which - (according to Kaup) do not touch the shaft. _Hab._ Australia … - - var. “_leucocephalus_.”[69] - - -Pandion haliætus, var. carolinensis (GMEL.). - -FISH-HAWK; AMERICAN OSPREY. - - _Falco carolinensis_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 263, 1789.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. - II, 69, 1800. _Pandion carolinensis_, BONAP. List, pt. iii, 1838; - Consp. Av. p. 16.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 64, 1855.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. - lxxxi, 1831.—CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 112, 1854.—BREWER, Oölogy, - 1857, p. 53, pl. iii, fig. 33, 34.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. VI, iv, - 75, 1857.—HEERM. VII, 21, 1857.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 8, pl. vi, - fig. 18.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 44.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. - Rept. XII, ii, 153, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. 1866, p. 13.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 15, 1869.—MAX. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 11.—LORD, Pr. - R. A. I. IV, 1864, 110 (Brit. Columb.; nesting).—FOWLER, Am. Nat. - II, 1868, 192 (habits). _Falco cayennensis_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. - 263, 1789.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, p. 69, 1800. _Falco americanus_, GMEL. - Syst. Nat. p. 257.—LATH. Index Orn. p. 13, 1790; Syn. I, 35, 1781; - Gen. Hist. I, 238, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 50.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 88. - _Aquila americana_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, pl. iv, 1807. _Pandion - americanus_, VIEILL. Gal. Ois. pl. ii, 1825.—VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, - 336.—SWAINS. Classif. B. II, 207, 1837. _Aquila piscatrix_, VIEILL. - Ois. Am. Sept. I, pl. iv, 1807. _Accipiter piscatorius_, CATESBY, - Carolina, I, pl. ii, 1754. _A. falco piscator antillarum_, BRISS. Orn. - I, 361, 1760. _A. falco piscator carolinensis_, BRISS. Orn. I, 362. - _Pandion haliætus_, RICH. Faun. Bor. Am. II, 20, 1831.—JARD. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. II, 103, 1832.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 38, 1831.—AUD. - Orn. Biog. I, 415, 1831.—GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 22, 1844. _? - Pandion fasciatus_, BREHM, Allgem. deutsch. Zeitung, II, 1856, 66 (St. - Domingo). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (17.227, San José, Lower California, December -15, 1859; J. Xantus). Upper surface dark vandyke-brown, with a faint -purplish cast; quills black. Every feather with a conspicuous, sharply -defined terminal crescent of pure white. Tail brownish-drab, narrowly -tipped with white, and crossed with seven (one concealed) regular -bands of dusky; inner webs almost wholly white, the black bands -sharply defined and continuous; shafts entirely white. Ground-color -of the head, neck, and entire lower parts, pure white; a broad stripe -from the eye back across upper edge of the ear-coverts to the occiput -brownish-black; white head also sparsely streaked with blackish, these -streaks suffusing and predominating medially; nape faintly tinged with -ochraceous, and sparsely streaked. Breast with large cordate spots of -brown, fainter than that of the back, a medial spot on each feather, -the shaft black; rest of lower parts immaculate. Lining of the wing -white, strongly tinged with ochraceous; the brown of the outer surface -encroaching broadly over the edge. Under primary-coverts with broad -transverse spots or bars; under surface of primaries grayish-white -anterior to the emargination irregularly mottled with grayish; axillars -immaculate. Wing-formula, 2=3, 4–1, 5. Wing, 20.00; tail, 8.80; -culmen, 1.35; tarsus, 2.15–1.10; middle toe, 1.90; outer, 1.75; inner, -1.40; posterior, 1.15; posterior outer and inner claws of equal -length, each measuring 1.20 (chord); middle, 1.15. “Iris yellow; feet -greenish-yellow.” - -_Adult female_ (290, S. F. Baird’s Collection, Carlisle, Pa., April -17, 1841). Dark brown of the upper surface entirely uniform, there -being none of the sharply defined white crescents so conspicuous in -the male.[70] Tail brown to its tip, the dusky bands obscure, except -on inner webs. On the top of the head, the dusky is more confined to a -medial stripe. Pectoral spots smaller, less conspicuous. Under surface -of primaries more mottled with grayish. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–1, 5. Wing, -20.50; tail, 9.15; culmen, 1.35; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.70. - -[Illustration: - - =12013=, ♂. ½ - =12013=, ♂. ½ - =17227=, ♂. ¼ - -_Pandion carolinensis._] - -HAB. Whole of North America, south to Panama; N. Brazil; Trinidad, Cuba, -and other West India Islands. - -Localities: Belize (SCL. Ibis, I, 215); Cuba (CAB. Journ. II, lxxx, -nests; GUNDL. Repert. Sept. 1865, 1, 222); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. -Soc. VII, 1859); Panama (LAWR. VIII, 63); Trinidad (TAYLOR, Ibis, 1866, -79); Arizona (COUES, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 49); N. Brazil (PELZ. Orn. Bras. -I, 4). - -In eight out of twelve North American adult specimens, there is but the -slightest amount of spotting on the breast; in two of these (4,366, -Puget Sound, and 12,014, Oregon), none whatever; in 17,228 (♂, Cape St. -Lucas), 2,512 (♂ S. F. B. Carlisle, Pa.), 34,065 (♀, Realejo, Central -America), and 5,837 (Fort Steilacoom), there is just a trace of these -spots. - -The specimens described are those having the breast most distinctly -spotted. Specimens vary, in length of wing, from 17.50 to 20.50. There -appears to be no sexual difference in size. - -The distinctness or identity of the European and North American Ospreys -can only be determined by the comparison of a very large series; this we -have not been able to do, and although it is our belief that they should -not be separated, the impressions received from a close inspection of -the specimens before us (twenty-seven American and eighteen European) -seem to indicate the propriety of distinguishing them as races. - -The male of the pair described appears to be perfectly identical, in all -respects except size, with a very perfect, finely mounted European male; -indeed, the only discrepancy is in the size, the wing of the European -bird being only nineteen inches, instead of twenty inches as in the -American. The female, however, differs from European females in having -the brown on the breast in the form of detached faint spots, instead of -a continuous grayish-brown wash, more or less continuous. - -The types of our descriptions are the only specimens of the American -series which show even an approach to the amount of spotting on the -breast constant in birds from Europe. - -The American bird, as indicated by the series before us, would seem to -be rather the larger; for the European specimens measure uniformly about -an inch less than the American in length of the wing. - -In all the American specimens, of both sexes, the shafts of the -tail-feathers are continuously white, while in the European they are -clear white only at the roots or for the basal half. - -While, in consideration of the above facts, I am for the present -compelled to recognize the American _Pandion_ under the distinctive name -of _carolinensis_, I may say, that, if any European birds occur with the -breast immaculate,—no matter what the proportion of specimens,—I shall -at once waive all claims to distinctness for the American bird. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 7; Philadelphia Academy, 3; New York Museum, 1 -(Brazil); Boston Society, 6; Museum Cambridge, 9; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, -1; Coll. R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 28. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |19.00–20.50|10.00–10.50|1.35–0.00|2.25–2.40| 1.80–1.85| 5 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |18.75–19.00| 8.80–9.50|1.25–1.35|2.00–2.25| 1.70–1.80| 4 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -Second and third quills longest; first shorter or longer than fifth. - -HABITS. The Fish Hawk of North America, whether we regard it as a -race or a distinct species from that of the Old World fauna, is found -throughout the continent, from the fur regions around Hudson’s Bay -to Central America. According to Mr. Hill, it is seen occasionally -in Jamaica, and, as I learn by letter from Dr. Gundlach, is also -occasionally met with in the island of Cuba; but it is not known to -breed in either place. Dr. Woodhouse, in his report of the expedition -to the Zuñi River, speaks of this Hawk as common along the coasts of -Texas and California. Dr. Heermann mentions it as common on the borders -of all the large rivers of California in summer; and Dr. Gambel also -refers to it as abundant along the coast of that State, and on its rocky -islands, in which latter localities it breeds. I am not aware that it -has ever been found farther south than Texas, on the eastern coast. On -the Pacific coast it appears to have a more extended distribution both -north and south, but nowhere to be so abundant as on certain parts of -the Atlantic coast. - -[Illustration: _Pandion haliætus_ (European specimen).] - -Mr. Bischoff obtained this species about Sitka, where he found it -breeding, and took its eggs; and Mr. Dall procured several specimens -near Nulato in May, 1867, and in 1868. They were not uncommon, -frequenting the small streams, and were summer visitors, returning to -the same nest each season. Colonel Grayson found it breeding as far -south as the islands of the Tres Marias, in latitude 31° 30′ north. -The nest was on the top of a giant cactus. Mr. Xantus describes it as -breeding on the ground at Cape St. Lucas. - -In the interior it was met with by Richardson, but its migrations do -not appear to reach the extreme northern limits of the continent. That -observing naturalist saw nothing of this bird when he was coasting -along the shores of the Arctic Sea, nor did Mr. Hearne find it on the -barren grounds north of Fort Churchill. Its eggs were collected on the -Mackenzie River by Mr. Ross, and on the Yukon by Messrs. Lockhart, -Sibbiston, McDougal, and Jones. At Fort Yukon, Mr. Lockhart found it -nesting on a high tree (S. I. 15,676). - -On the Atlantic coast it is found from Labrador to Florida, with the -exception of a portion of Massachusetts around Boston, where it does not -breed, and where it is very rarely met with. It is most abundant from -Long Island to the Chesapeake, and throughout this long extent of coast -is very numerous, often breeding in large communities, to the number of -several hundred pairs. Away from the coast it is much less frequent, but -is occasionally met with on the banks of the larger rivers and lakes, -and in such instances usually in solitary pairs. Dr. Hayden found it -nesting in the Wind River Mountains on the top of a large cottonwood -tree. - -Mr. Allen reports this species as abundant everywhere in Florida, and -as especially so around the lakes of the Upper St. Johns, where it -commences nesting in January. At Lake Monroe he counted six nests from a -single point of view. It is said by fishermen to occur on the coast of -Labrador, but it is not cited as found there by Mr. Audubon, nor is it -so given by Dr. Coues. It is, however, very common on the coast of Nova -Scotia, breeding in the vicinity of most of the harbors. It is given by -Mr. Boardman as common near Calais, where it arrives about the 10th of -April, and remains until the middle of September. It is found along the -whole coast more or less abundantly, especially near the heads of the -numerous estuaries. - -In Central America it is cited by Salvin as occurring abundantly on both -the coast regions, and is particularly common about Belize, where it is -believed to breed. It is said by Mr. Newton to be found on the island of -St. Croix at all times except during the breeding-season. It was also -occasionally seen at Trinidad by Mr. E. C. Taylor. - -The Fish Hawk appears to subsist wholly on the fish which it takes -by its own active exertions, plunging for them in the open deep, or -catching them in the shallows of rivers where the depth does not permit -a plunge. Its abundance is measured somewhat by its supply of food; and -in some parts of the country it is hardly found, in others it appears in -solitary pairs, and again in a few districts it is quite gregarious. - -The American Fish Hawk is migratory in its habits, leaving our coasts -early in the fall of the year, and returning soon after the close of the -winter. Sir John Richardson states that the time of its arrival in the -fur regions is as early as April, and on the coast it has been noticed -in the middle of March. It breeds on the coast of Nova Scotia late in -June, on that of Maine earlier in the same month, in New Jersey and -Maryland in May, and still earlier in California. - -It is said to arrive on the New Jersey coast with great regularity -about the 21st of March, and to be rarely seen there after the 22d -of September. It not unfrequently finds, on its first arrival, the -ponds, bays, and estuaries ice-bound, and experiences some difficulty -in procuring food. Yet I can find no instance on record where our Fish -Hawk has been known to molest any other bird or land-animal, to feed on -them, though their swiftness of flight, and their strength of wing and -claws, would seem to render such attacks quite easy. On their arrival -the Fish Hawks are said to combine, and to wage a determined war upon -the White-headed Eagles, often succeeding by their numbers and courage -in driving them temporarily from their haunts. But they never attack -them singly. - -The Fish Hawk nests almost invariably on the tops of trees, and this -habit has been noticed in all parts of the country. It is not without -exceptions, but these are quite rare. William H. Edwards, Esq., found -one of their nests constructed near West Point, New York, on a high -cliff overhanging the Hudson River. The trees on which their nests are -built are not unfrequently killed by their excrement or the saline -character of their food and the materials of their nest. The bird is -bold and confiding, often constructing its nest near a frequented path, -or even upon a highway. Near the eastern extremity of the Wiscasset -(Me.) bridge, and directly upon the stage-road, a nest of this Hawk was -occupied several years. It was upon the top of a low pine-tree, was -readily accessible, the tree being easily climbed, and was so near the -road that, in passing, the young birds could frequently be heard in -their nest, uttering their usual cries for food. - -The nests are usually composed externally of large sticks, often -piled to the height of five feet, with a diameter of three. In a nest -described by Wilson, he found, intermixed with a mass of sticks, -corn-stalks, sea-weed, wet turf, mullein-stalks, etc., the whole lined -with dry sea-grass (_Zostera marina_), and large enough to fill a cart -and be no inconsiderable load for a horse. - -When the nest of this Hawk is visited, especially if it contain young, -the male bird will frequently make violent, and sometimes dangerous, -attacks upon the intruder. In one instance, in Maine, the talons of -one of these Hawks penetrated through a thick cloth cap, and laid bare -the scalp of a lad who had climbed to its nest, and very nearly hurled -him to the ground. A correspondent quoted by Wilson narrates a nearly -similar instance of courageous and desperate defence of the young. They -are very devoted in their attentions to their mates, and supply them -with food while on the nest. Wilson relates a touching instance of this -devotion, where a female that had lost one leg, and was unable to fish -for herself, was abundantly supplied by her mate. - -In some localities the Fish Hawk nests in large communities, as many as -three hundred pairs having been observed nesting on one small island. -When a new nest is to be constructed, the whole community has been known -to take part in its completion. They are remarkably tolerant towards -smaller birds, and permit the Purple Grakle (_Quiscalus purpureus_) to -construct its nests in the interstices of their own. Wilson observed no -less than four of these nests thus clustered in a single Fish Hawk’s -nest, with a fifth on an adjoining branch. - -The eggs of the Fish-Hawk are usually three in number, often only two, -and more rarely four. They are subject to great variations as to their -ground-color, the number, shade, and distribution of the blotches of -secondary coloring with which they are marked, and also as to their size -and shape. Their ground-color is most frequently a creamy-white, with a -very perceptible tinge of red. This varies, however, from an almost pure -shade of cream, without any admixture, to so deep a shade of red that -white ceases to be noticeable. Their markings are combinations of an -almost endless variation of shades of umber-brown, a light claret-brown, -an intermingling of both these shades, with occasional intermixtures of -purplish-brown. They vary in length from 2.56 to 2.24 inches, and in -breadth from 1.88 to 1.69 inches. It would be impossible to describe -with any degree of preciseness the innumerable variations in size, -shape, ground-color, or shades of markings, these eggs present. They -all have a certain nameless phase of resemblance, and may be readily -distinguished from any other eggs except those of their kindred. There -are, however, certain shades of wine-colored markings in the eggs of the -Fish Hawk of Europe, and also in that of Australia, that I have never -noticed in any eggs of the American bird; but that this peculiarity is -universal I am not able to say. The smallest egg of the _carolinensis_ -measures 2.31 by 1.62 inches; the largest, 2.56 by 1.88. - -The European egg is smaller than the American, is often, but not always, -more spherical, and is less pointed at the smaller end. Among its -varieties is one which is quite common, and is very different from any I -have ever observed among at least five hundred specimens of the American -which I have examined. - -An Osprey’s egg in my collection, taken near Aarhuus, in Denmark, by -Rev. H. B. Tristram, of Castle Eden, England, measures only 2.12 inches -in length,—shorter by a fourth of an inch than the smallest American,—in -breadth 1.62 inches; its ground-color is a rich cream, with a slight -tinge of claret, and it is marked over its whole surface with large -blotches of a beautifully deep shade of chocolate. - -In their habits the European and the American birds seem to present -other decided differences. The American is a very social bird, often -living in large communities during the breeding-season. The European is -found almost invariably in solitary pairs, and frequents fresh water -almost exclusively. The American, though found also on large rivers and -lakes, is much the most abundant on the sea-shore. The European bird -rarely builds on trees, the American almost always. The latter rarely -resorts to rocky cliffs to breed, the European almost uniformly do so. -There is no instance on record of the American species attacking smaller -birds or inferior land animals with intent to feed on them. The European -species is said to prey on Ducks and other wild-fowl. - - -GENUS NAUCLERUS, VIGORS. - - _Nauclerus_, VIG. 1825. (Type, _Falco furcatus_, LINN.; _F. - forficatus_, LINN.) - _Elanoides_, GRAY, 1848. (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. Form swallow-like, the tail excessively lengthened and -forked, and the wings extremely long. Bill rather small, and narrow; -commissure faintly sinuated; upper outline of the lower mandible very -convex, the depth of the mandible at the base being only about half -that through the middle; gonys drooping terminally, nearly straight. -Side of the head densely feathered close up to the eyelids. Nostril -ovoid, obliquely vertical. Feet small, but robust; tarsus about equal -to middle toe, covered with large, very irregular scales; toes with -transverse scutellæ to their base; claws short, but strongly curved; -grooved beneath, their edges sharp. Second or third quill longest; first -shorter than, equal to, or longer than, the fourth; two outer primaries -with inner webs sinuated. Tail with the outer pair of feathers more than -twice as long as the middle pair. - -The genus contains but a single species, the N. FORFICATUS, which is -peculiarly American, belonging to the tropical and subtropical portions -on both sides of the equator. The species is noted for the elegance of -its form and the beauty of its plumage, as well as for the unsurpassed -easy gracefulness of its flight. It has no near relatives in the Old -World, though the widely distributed genus _Milvus_ represents it in -some respects, while the singular genus _Chelictinia_, of Africa, -resembles it more closely, but is much more intimately related to -_Ictinia_ and _Elanus_. - -[Illustration: - - =52994=, ♂. ½ - =52994=, ♂. ½ - =52994=, ♂. ¼ ¼ - -_Nauclerus forficatus._] - - -Species. - - =N. forficatus.= Head, neck, entire lower surface, and band across - the rump, immaculate snowy-white; upper surface plain polished - blackish, with varying lights of dark purplish-bronze (on the back - and shoulders) and bluish-slaty, with a green reflection in some - lights. _Young_, with dusky shaft-streaks on the head and neck, - and the feathers of the upper parts margined with white. Wing, - 15.40–17.70; tail, 12.50–14.50; culmen, .70–.80; tarsus, 1.00–1.30; - middle toe, 1.15–1.20. _Hab._ The whole of tropical, subtropical, and - warm-temperate America. Accidental in England. - - -Nauclerus forficatus, (LINN.) RIDGWAY. - -SWALLOW-TAILED HAWK; FORK-TAILED KITE. - - _Accipiter cauda furcata_, CATESBY, Carolina, I, pl. iv, 1754. - _Falco forficatus_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 89, 1758. _Falco furcatus_, - LINN. Syst. Nat. p. 129, 1766.—PENN. Arct. Zoöl. p. 210, No. 108, - pl. x.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 262. _Nauclerus forficatus_, RIDGWAY, - P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 144.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 152.—SHAW, - Nat. Misc. pl. cciv; Zoöl. VII, 107.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. li, f. 3, - 1808.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. 72, 1831; Orn. Biog. I, 368; V, 371.—BONAP. - Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 31; Isis, 1832, 1138. _Milvus furcatus_, VIEILL. - Ois. Am. Sept. pl. x, 1807. _Elanoides furcatus_, GRAY, List B. Brit. - Mus. p. 44, 1844.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 141, 1855.—OWEN, Ibis, II, - 1860, 240 (habits). _Nauclerus furcatus_, VIG. Zoöl. Journ. II, 387; - Isis, 1830, p. 1043.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 101; Tr. Orn. p. 73.—SWAINS. - Classif. B. I, 312; II, 210, 1837.—BONAP. List, p. 4; Cat. Ucc. Eur. - p. 20; Consp. Av. p. 21.—GOULD, B. Eur. pl. xxx.—AUD. Synop. p. 14, - 1839.—RICH. Schomb. Reis. Brit. Guian. p. 735.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, - p. 12, pl. vii, f. 15.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 1, pl. ix, f. 9; Gen. & - Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 6.—BREW. (WILS.) Synop. Am. Orn. p. 685.—WOODH. - Sitgr. Exp. Zuñi & Colorado, p. 60.—KAUP, Monog. Falconidæ, Cont. Orn. - 1850, p. 57.—BREWER, Oölogy, I, 1857, 38.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, - 36.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. 1866, p. 12.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 525 - (Texas, nesting).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 27, 1869. _Elanus furcatus_, - VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, 340.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pl. ii, p. 49.—CUV. Règ. - An. (ed. 2), I, p. 334.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 75.—JARD. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. II, 275.—JARD. Orn. Eur. p. 29.—NUTT. Man. p. 94. _Accipiter - milvus carolinensis_, BRISS. Orn. I, 418, 1760. _Elanoides yetapa_, - VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, 1205, 1823. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_, _male_ and _female_. Whole head and neck, lining of -wings, broad band across the rump, and entire lower parts, pure white. -Interscapulars and lesser wing-coverts, rich, dark, soft, bronzed -purplish-black. Rest of upper parts, including lower part of rump, -upper tail-coverts, and tail, more metallic slaty-black, feathers -somewhat greenish basally, more bluish terminally, with a peculiar, -soft milky appearance, and with very smooth compact surface. Tertials -almost entirely white, black only at tips. White on under side of wing -occupying all the coverts, and the basal half of the secondaries. -Wing, 15.40–17.70; tail, 12.50–14.50; tarsus, 1.00–1.30; middle toe, -1.15–1.20. - -_Younger._ Similar, but with the beautiful soft purplish-bronzed -black of shoulders and back less conspicuously different from the -more metallic tints of other upper parts. _Young_ (youngest? 18,457, -Cantonment Burgwyn, New Mexico). The black above less slaty, with -a brownish cast, and with a quite decided gloss of bottle-green; -secondaries, primary coverts, primaries, and tail-feathers finely -margined terminally with white. Feathers of the head and neck with fine -shaft-lines of black. - -HAB. Whole of South and Middle America, and southern United States; -very rarely northward on Atlantic coast to Pennsylvania; along the -Mississippi Valley to Minnesota and Wisconsin; breeding in Iowa (Sioux -City) and Illinois; exceedingly abundant in August in southern portion -of the latter State; Cuba; accidental in England. - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis. I, 217); Cuba (CAB. Journ. II, -lxxxiii); Brazil (CAB. Journ. V, 41); Panama (LAWR. VII, 1861, 289); N. -Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325, common, breeding); Veragua (SALV. 1867, -158); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 134); Minnesota (thirty miles north of Mille -Lac, lat. 47°; TRIPPE, Birds of Minn., Pr. Essex Inst. VI, 1871, p. -113). - -A pair marked as from England (56,099, ♀, and 56,100, ♂, “_in England -geschossen_”; Schlüter Collection) are smaller than the average of -American skins, the female measuring, wing, 15.50; tail, 13.00. The -colors of this female, however, are as in American examples. The male -has the plumage somewhat different from anything we have seen in the -small series of American specimens. The whole upper parts are a polished -violaceous slaty-black, this covering the back and lesser wing-coverts, -as well as other upper parts. Were a large series of American specimens -examined, individuals might perhaps be found corresponding in all -respects with the pair in question. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 9; Philadelphia Academy, 3; New York Museum, 4 -(Brazil); Boston Society, 1; Cambridge Museum, 2; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, -3; Coll. R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 23. - -[Illustration: _Nauclerus forficatus._] - -HABITS. The Swallow-tailed Hawk has an extended distribution in the -eastern portion of North America. It is irregularly distributed; in -a large part of the country it occurs only occasionally and in small -numbers, and is probably nowhere abundant except in the southwestern -Gulf States, or along the rivers and inland waters. On the Atlantic -coast it has been traced, according to Mr. Lawrence, as far north as -New York City. According to Mr. Nuttall, individuals have been seen -on the Mississippi as far as St. Anthony’s Falls, in latitude 44°. -It is found more or less common along the tributaries of the Ohio -and Mississippi, where it is essentially a prairie bird, and breeds -in Southern Wisconsin, in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, and throughout -Illinois. It has been taken in Cuba, and occasionally also in Jamaica. -It is found in Central America, and in South America to Northern Brazil, -Buenos Ayres, and, according to Vieillot, to Peru. It nests in South -Carolina and in all the States that border on the Gulf of Mexico, -frequenting the banks of rivers, but is not found near the seaboard. - -Mr. Thure Kumlien noticed a pair of these Hawks in the neighborhood of -Fort Atkinson, Wis., in the summer of 1854, and had no doubt they were -breeding, though he was not able to find their nest. - -Mr. Osbert Salvin, in a letter from San Geronimo, in the Vera Paz (Ibis, -1860, p. 195), states that he has positive information that this Hawk -breeds in the mountains about Coban, his chief collector having found a -nest there with young the previous year. Specimens had been before that -received by Mr. Sclater, forwarded by Mr. Skinner, from the neighborhood -of Cajabon, Guatemala. It was said to be more numerous at Belize. - -Mr. Dresser informs us that he was so fortunate as to find this graceful -bird very abundant in some parts of Texas, and he had a good opportunity -of observing and admiring it in its true home. It was occasional about -San Antonio de Bexar, where it was usually seen late in July before -heavy rains. Near the Rio Grande or in Texas he did not see it at all. -At Peach Creek and near Gonzales he found it not unfrequent; and on -the Colorado, Brazos, and Trinity Rivers it was one of the most common -birds. It only remains there during the summer months, arriving early -in April, and breeding later than the other birds of prey. On the 26th -of May he found them very abundant on a creek near the Colorado, but -none had commenced breeding. They were preparing their nests; and, from -the number he saw about one large grove, he judged that they breed in -society. On his wounding one of them, the rest came flying over his head -in the manner of Seagulls, uttering harsh cries; and he counted forty or -fifty over him at one time. He was informed that these Kites build high -up in oak, sycamore, or cottonwood trees, sometimes quite far from the -creeks. - -Mr. Dresser describes this bird as exhibiting a singularly pleasing -appearance on the wing, gliding in large circles, without apparent -effort, in very rapid flight. The tail is widely spread, and when -sailing in circles the wings are almost motionless. One was noticed -as it was hunting after grasshoppers. It went over the ground as -carefully as a well-trained pointer, every now and then stooping to -pick up a grasshopper, the feet and bill seeming to touch the insect -simultaneously. They were very fond of wasp grubs, and would carry a -nest to a high perch, hold it in one claw, and sit there picking out the -grubs. Their stomachs were found to contain beetles and grasshoppers. - -Dr. Woodhouse speaks of this Hawk as common in Texas, and also in the -country of the Creek and Cherokee nations. He confirms the accounts -which have been received of its fondness for the neighborhood of -streams, and adds that along the Arkansas and its tributaries it was -very abundant. - -Mr. Ridgway states that this Hawk arrives in Richland County, Ill., in -May, and lives during the summer on the small prairies, feeding there -upon small snakes, particularly the little green snake (_Leptophis -æstivus_) and the different species of _Eutænia_. It builds its -nest there among the oak or hickory trees which border the streams -intersecting the prairies. Towards the latter part of summer it becomes -very abundant on the prairies, being attracted by the abundance of -food, which at that season consists very largely of insects, especially -_Neuroptera_. It is most abundant in August, and in bright weather -dozens of them may be seen at a time sailing round in pursuit of -insects. - -Mr. Audubon speaks of the movements of this bird in flight as -astonishingly rapid, the deep curves they describe, their sudden -doublings and crossings, and the extreme ease with which they seem -to cleave the air, never failing to excite admiration. In the States -of Louisiana and Mississippi, where, he adds, these birds are very -abundant, they arrive in large companies in the beginning of April, and -utter a sharp and plaintive note. They all come from the westward; and -he has counted upwards of a hundred, in the space of an hour, passing -over him in an easterly direction. They feed on the wing, and their -principal food is said to be grasshoppers, caterpillars, small snakes, -lizards, and frogs. They sweep over the fields, and seem to alight for -a moment to secure a snake or some other object. They also frequent the -creeks, to pick up water-snakes basking on the floating logs. - -On the ground their movements are said to be awkward in the extreme. -When wounded, they rarely strike with their talons, or offer serious -resistance. They never attack other birds or quadrupeds to prey upon -them. - -This Hawk is a great wanderer, and a number of instances are on record -of its having been taken in Europe. One of these was in Scotland, in -1772; another in England, in 1805. - -Mr. R. Owen (Ibis, 1860, p. 241), while travelling from Coban to San -Geronimo, in Guatemala, among the mountains, came suddenly upon a large -flock of two or three hundred of these Hawks, which were pursuing and -preying upon a swarm of bees. At times they passed within four or five -yards of him. Every now and then the neck was observed to be bent slowly -and gracefully, bringing the head quite under the body. At the same time -the foot, with the talons contracted as if grasping some object, would -be brought forward to meet the beak. The beak was then seen to open and -to close again, and then the head was again raised and the foot thrown -back. This movement was repeatedly observed, and it was quite clear to -him that the birds were preying upon the bees. - -This Hawk constructs its nest on tall trees, usually overhanging or -near running water. The nest is like that of the Crow in its general -appearance. It is constructed externally of dry twigs and sticks, -intermixed with which are great quantities of the long Spanish moss -peculiar to the Southern States, and lined with dry grasses, leaves, and -feathers. One found by Dr. C. Kollock, of Cheraw, S. C., in May, 1855, -containing young, was on a large tree, not near the trunk, but on one of -the projecting branches, and difficult of approach. - -The eggs are described by Mr. Audubon as from four to six in number, -of a greenish-white color, with a few irregular blotches of dark brown -at the larger end. The drawing of an egg, obtained by Dr. Trudeau -in Louisiana, and which was made by that gentleman, is very nearly -spheroidal, and its measurements are, length 1.75 inches, breadth 1.56. -It corresponds with Mr. Audubon’s description of the egg of this Hawk. - -An egg in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, taken in Iowa -by Mr. Krider, does not correspond very well with the description and -figure mentioned. It measures 1.80 in length by 1.40 in breadth; its -form is very regularly oval, both ends being of nearly the same shape. -The ground-color is a creamy white, one end (the smaller) splashed -with large confluent blotches of ferruginous, and the remainder of the -surface more sparsely spotted with the same; these rusty blotches are -relieved by smaller, sparser spots of very dark brown. - -Dr. Cooper, in a letter dated Sioux City, May 21, 1860, mentions finding -the nest of this Hawk in a high tree in Northwestern Iowa, latitude 41° -30′. The bird had not begun to lay. - - -GENUS ELANUS, SAVIGNY. - - _Elanus_, SAV. 1809. (Type, _Falco melanopterus_, DAUDIN.) - _Milans_, BOIE, 1822. - -GEN. CHAR. Bill rather small and narrow, the tip normal; commissure -moderately sinuated; upper outline of lower mandible greatly arched, -the height at base less than half that through middle; gonys almost -straight, declining downward toward tip. Nostril roundish, in middle -of cere. Tarsus and toes (except terminal joint) covered with small -roundish scales; under surface of claws just perceptibly flattened; -sharp lateral ridge on middle claw very prominent; a very slight -membrane between outer and middle toes. Second quill longest, third very -slightly shorter; first just exceeding fourth; second and third with -outer webs slightly sinuated; inner web of first emarginated, of second -sinuated. Tail peculiar, emarginated, but the lateral feather much -shorter than the middle, the one next to it being the longest. - -[Illustration: - - =5895.= ½ - =5895.= ½ - =5895.= ¼ - -_Elanus leucurus._] - -The species of this well-marked genus are confined to the tropical and -subtropical portions of the world, and appear to be only two in number, -of which one is cosmopolitan, and the other peculiar to the Old World. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Above pearly ash, becoming white or whitish on the - head and tail, with a large black patch covering the lesser-covert - region. Lower surface continuous pure white; a black spot on front of, - and partly around, the eye. - - 1. =E. leucurus.= A large black patch on the lining of the wing, in - the region of the primary coverts. First quill very much shorter - than the third; second quill longest. - - Black patch on lining of the wing restricted to the primary - coverts; lesser coverts, on outer surface, not conspicuously - bordered anteriorly with white. - - Above deep bluish-ash, with the inner webs of the secondaries - appreciably paler, sometimes abruptly white. Wing, 11.60–12.65; - tail, 6.80–7.80; culmen, .65–.80; tarsus, 1.20–1.50; middle toe, - .94–1.20. _Hab._ Tropical and subtropical America … - - var. _leucurus_. - - Above pale ash, with the inner webs of the secondaries - hardly, or not at all, appreciably paler than the outer. - Wing, 11.00–12.50; tail, 6.20–7.00; culmen, .70–.77; tarsus, - 1.10–1.66; middle toe, 1.05–1.08. _Hab._ Western Australia … - - var. _axillaris_.[71] - - Black patch on the lining of the wing extending over the whole of - the lesser coverts; lesser coverts, on the outside, conspicuously - bordered anteriorly with white. - - Similar to var. _axillaris_, except as above. Wing, 11.75–12.30; - tail, 6.30–7.00; culmen, .75–.80; tarsus, 1.10–1.40; middle toe, - 1.15–1.25. _Hab._ Southern Australia … - - var. _scriptus_.[72] - - 2. =E. cæruleus.= No black on lining of the wing. First quill - usually longer than the third, never very much shorter; second - longest. Colors darker than in _E. leucurus_. - - Wing, 12.00; tail, 6.10; culmen, .75; tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, - 1.20. No ashy tinge on side of breast. _Hab._ Southern Europe and - North Africa … - - var. _cæruleus_.[73] - - Wing, 9.50–10.70; tail, 5.40–5.75; culmen, .65–.70; tarsus, - 1.05–1.10; middle toe, 1.00–1.10. Sides of the breast strongly - tinged with ashy. _Hab._ Southern Africa and India … - - var. _minor_.[74] - - -Elanus leucurus (VIEILLOT). - -BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE; WHITE-TAILED KITE. - - _Milvus leucurus_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. XX, 556, 1816; Enc. - Méth. III, 1205, 1823. _Elanoides leucurus_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, - 1205, 1823. _Elanus leucurus_, BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. Birds, p. 4, 1838; - Consp. Av. p. 22, 1850.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 4, 1844; List B. Brit. - Mus. p. 46, 1844.—RICH. SCHOMB. Reis. Brit. Guiana, p. 735.—CASS. B. - Cal. & Tex. p. 106, 1854; Birds N. Am. 1858, 37.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. - Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 60.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857.—COOP. & - SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 149, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. - 12, 1866.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 138, 1855.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 28, - 1869. _Falco melanopterus_, BONAP. Journ. Ac. Phil. V, 28; Ann. Lyc. - N. Y. II, 31; Isis, 1832, p. 1137. _Milvus dispar_, LESS. Man. Orn. - I, 99, 1828. _Falco dispar_, BONAP. Am. Orn. pl. xi, f. 1, 1825; Ann. - Lyc. N. Y. II, 435.—AUD. Am. B. pls. cccli, ccclvii; Orn. Biog. IV, - 367, 1831.—TEMM. pl. cl. 319 (_Juv._).—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. IV. 13, - 1831. _Elanus dispar_, CUV. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 334, 1829.—LESS. Tr. - Orn. p. 72, 1831.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. III, 378, 1832.—BRIDG. Proc. - Zoöl. Soc. pt. ii, p. 109; Ann. Nat. Hist. XIII, 500.—AUD. Syn. B. p. - 13, 1831.—BREW. (WILS.) Synop. p. 685, 1852.—NUTT. Man. p. 93, 1833. - _E. leucurus_, BREWER, Oölogy. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Upper surface, including occiput, nape, -interscapulars, scapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, and wings -(except lesser and middle coverts), soft, delicate, rather light -bluish-cinereous, becoming gradually white on anterior portion of the -head above. Rest of the head, with the tail, lining of the wing, and -entire lower parts, pure white, sometimes with a very faint tinge of -pale pearl-blue, laterally beneath; two middle tail-feathers ashy, but -much lighter than the rump; shafts of tail-feathers black, except toward -ends. Bristly loral feathers (forming ante-orbital spot, extending -narrowly above the eye), a very large patch on the shoulder, covering -lesser and middle wing-coverts, and large quadrate spot on under side -of wing (on first row of primary coverts), deep black. Under side of -primaries deep cinereous (darker than outer surface); under surface of -secondaries nearly white. Second quill longest; third scarcely shorter -(sometimes equal, or even longest); first longer than fourth. Tail -slightly emarginated, the longest feather (next to outer) being about -.50 longer than the middle, and .60 (or more) longer than the lateral, -which is shortest. - -_Male._ Wing, 12.50; tail, 7.10; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.15. - -_Female._ Wing, 12.80; tail, 7.10; tarsus, 1.45; middle toe, 1.35. - -Specimens not perfectly adult have the primary coverts, secondaries, and -inner primaries, slightly tipped with white. - -Still younger individuals have these white tips broader, the tail more -ashy, and the upper parts with numerous feathers dull brown, tipped -narrowly with white; the breast with sparse longitudinal touches of -brownish. - -_Young_ (♀, 48,826, Santiago, Chile, May, 1866; Dr. Philippi). Occiput -and nape thickly marked with broad streaks of dusky, tinged with rusty; -scapulars umber-brown, tipped with rusty; all the feathers of wings -narrowly tipped with white; tail-feathers with a subterminal irregular -bar of dark ashy; breast tinged with rufous, and with badly defined -cuneate spots of deeper rusty. Wing, 12.25; tail, 7.50. (Perhaps not the -youngest stage.) - -HAB. Tropical and warm temperate America (except the West Indies), from -Chile and Buenos Ayres to Florida, South Carolina, Southern Illinois, -and California; winter resident in latter State. - -Localities: Xalapa (SCL. 1857, 201); Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 220); -Brazil (PELZ. Orn. Bras. I, 6); Buenos Ayres (SCL. & SALV. 1869, 160); -Venezuela (SCL. & SALV. 1869, 252). - -Specimens are from Santa Clara, California, Fort Arbuckle, Mirador and -Orizaba, Mexico, Chile, and Buenos Ayres; from all points the same bird. - -This species presents a very close resemblance to the _E. melanopterus_ -of Europe, and the most evident specific difference can only be detected -by raising the wing, the under side of which is quite different in the -two, there being in the European bird no trace whatever of the black -patch so conspicuous in the American species. The primaries, also, on -both webs are lighter ash, while the ash of the upper parts in general -is darker than in _leucurus_ and invades more the head above, the -forehead merely approaching white. The tail is more deeply emarginated, -and the proportions of the primaries are quite different, the second -being much longer than the third, and the first nearly as long as the -second, far exceeding the third, instead of being about equal to the -fourth. In the _melanopterus_, too, the black borders the eye all round, -extending back in a short streak from the posterior angle, instead -of being restricted to the anterior region and upper eyelid, as in -_leucurus_. - -A specimen of “_E. axillaris_” from Australia (13,844, T. R. Peale) -appears, except upon close examination, to be absolutely identical -in all the minutiæ of coloration, and in the wing-formula, with _E. -leucurus_; and differs only very slightly in the measurements of bill -and feet, having these proportionally larger, as will be seen from the -table. Another (32,577, H. Mactier Warfield) has the upper parts so pale -as to be nearly white. - -A young specimen of _E. axillaris_ differs from that of _E. leucurus_ as -follows: the occiput, nape, and dorsal region are stained or overlaid by -dull ashy-rufous, instead of dark brownish-ashy; more blackish on the -head. No other differences are appreciable. - -A very characteristic distinction between _leucurus_ and _axillaris_ -is seen in the coloration of the inner webs of the secondaries: in the -former, they are abruptly lighter than the outer webs, often pure white, -in very striking contrast to the deep ash of the outer surface; in the -latter, both webs are of about the same shade of ash, which is much -paler than in the other race. Occasional specimens of _leucurus_ occur, -however, in which there is little difference in tint between the two -webs. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 10; Philadelphia Academy, 2; New York Museum, 2; Boston -Society, 4; Cambridge Museum, 2; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2; Coll. R. -Ridgway, 2. Total, 24. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |11.80–12.50| 7.30–7.60| .66–.80|1.30–1.50| 1.00–1.15| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |11.60–12.65| 7.20–7.80| .70–.72|1.25–1.40| 1.10–1.20| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. The Black-shouldered Hawk is a southern, western, and South -American species. On the Pacific it is found to occupy a much more -northern range of locality than in the eastern States, where it is not -found above South Carolina and Southern Illinois. Specimens have been -taken near San Francisco in midwinter. - -Several individuals of this species, precisely identical with others -from the United States, were taken by Lieutenant Gilliss, in the -astronomical expedition to Chile. Its range in South America does -not appear to be confined, as was supposed, to the western coast, -as specimens are recorded by Von Pelzeln as having been obtained by -Natterer in Brazil, at Ytarare, Irisanga, and San Joaquin, on the Rio -Branco, in August, February, and January. These were taken on the -heights. They are also found in the countries of Mexico and Central -America. - -[Illustration: _Elanus leucurus._] - -This species has been met with in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, -Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, and probably occurs also -in New Mexico and Arizona. Dr. Gambel describes them as very abundant -in California, where they are said to be familiar in their habits, and -breed in clumps of oaks, in the immediate vicinity of habitations. Dr. -Heermann also speaks of them as common in that State. But neither of -these naturalists appears to have met with their nests or eggs. It is -not mentioned either as a bird of Cuba or Jamaica by Mr. Lembeye, Dr. -Gundlach, Mr. Gosse, or Mr. March. - -Dr. Cooper speaks of this bird as a beautiful and harmless species, -quite abundant in the middle districts of California, remaining in -large numbers, during winter, among the extensive tulé marshes of the -Sacramento and other valleys. He did not meet with any during winter at -Fort Mohave, nor do they seem to have been collected by any one in the -dry interior of that State, nor in the southern part of California. He -has met with them as far north as Baulines Bay, and near Monterey, but -always about streams or marshes. Their food consisted entirely of mice, -gophers, small birds, and snakes, and they were not known to attack the -inmates of the poultry-yard. - -Bonaparte, who first introduced the species into our fauna, received his -specimen from East Florida. The late Dr. Ravenel obtained one living -near Charleston, S. C., which he kept several days without being able to -induce it to eat. Mr. Audubon received another, taken forty miles west -of Charleston by Mr. Francis Lee. This gentleman, as quoted by Audubon, -mentioned its sailing very beautifully, and quite high in the air, over -a wet meadow, in pursuit of snipe. It would poise itself in the manner -of the common Sparrow Hawk, and, suddenly closing its wings, plunge -towards its prey with great velocity, making a peculiar sound with its -wings as it passed through the air. Its cries on being wounded resembled -those of the Mississippi Kite. It was so shy that Mr. Lee was only able -to approach it on horseback. - -Audubon states that Mr. Ward, his assistant, found this species breeding -on the Santee River early in the month of March. Their nests were -said to be placed on low trees near the margin of the river, and to -be not unlike those of the common Crow, but without the substantial -lining of its nests. Mr. Ward also mentioned seeing them flying over -the cane-brakes, in pursuit of large insects, in the manner of the -Mississippi Kite, and finding the birds very shy. - -In Southern Illinois it has been known to occur as far north as Mount -Carmel, where Mr. Ridgway saw a pair in July, flying about among the -dead trees bordering a lagoon near the Wabash River. - -Mr. Audubon, in his visit to Texas, saw several of these birds flying at -a small elevation over the large marshes, and coursing in search of its -prey in the manner of the common Marsh Harrier. - -Dr. Heermann found the extensive marshes of Suisun, Napa, and Sacramento -Valleys the favorite resorts of these birds, especially during the -winter, and there they seemed to find a plentiful supply of insects and -mice. They ranged over their feeding-grounds in small flocks from a -single pair up to six or seven. He fell in with an isolated couple in -the mountains between Elizabeth Lake and Williamson’s Pass, hovering -over a small freshwater marsh. In July and August the young were quite -abundant, from which Dr. Heermann inferred that it does not migrate for -the purposes of incubation. Dr. Gambel, who procured his specimens at -the Mission of St. John, near Monterey, describes it as flying low and -circling over the plains in the manner of a _Circus_, and as feeding -on the small birds. It was easy of approach when perched on trees, and -uttered a loud shrill cry when wounded, and fought viciously. - -Lieutenant Gilliss, who found them in Chile, describes the nest as -composed of small sticks, and states that the number of the eggs is from -four to six, and that they are of a dirty yellowish-white with brownish -spots. The common name of this Hawk in Chile is _Bailarin_ (from the -verb _bailar_, to dance or balance), from the graceful and easy manner -in which it seems almost to float upward or to sink in the air. - -An egg of this species, in the collection of the Boston Society of -Natural History, measures 1.64 inches in length by 1.48 in breadth. In -shape it is very nearly spherical, and equally obtuse at either end. The -ground-color, though nowhere very distinctly apparent, appears to be of -a dull white, strongly tinged with a reddish hue. Distributed over the -entire egg are broad deep flashes of a dark mahogany-brown, intermingled -with others of a similar color, but lighter in shading. These cover the -egg more or less completely, in the greater portion of its surface. This -egg was taken near Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory, May 9, 1861, by -J. H. Clark, Esq., and sent to the Smithsonian Institution. - - -GENUS ICTINIA, VIEILLOT. - - _Ictinia_, VIEILL. 1816. (Type, _Falco mississippiensis_, WILSON.) - _Nertus_, BOIE, 1826. (Type, _Falco plumbea_, GMELIN.) - _Pœcilopteryx_, KAUP, 1844. (Same type.) - -[Illustration: ♂ =1485=, R. R. ½ - -_Ictinia mississippiensis._] - -[Illustration: ♂ =1486=, R. R. ¼ - -_Ictinia mississippiensis._] - -[Illustration: - - =32974=, ♀. ½ - =32974=, ♀. ½ - =32974=, ♀. ¼ - -_I. plumbea._] - -GEN. CHAR. Form falcon-like; the neck short, wings long, and pointed, -the primaries and rectrices strong and stiff, and the organization -robust. Bill short and deep, the commissure irregularly toothed, and -notched; gonys very convex, ascending terminally; cere narrow; nostril -very small, nearly circular; feet small, but robust; tarsus about equal -to middle toe, with a distinct frontal series of broad transverse -scutellæ; claws rather short, but strongly curved, slightly grooved -beneath, their edges sharp. Third quill longest; first of variable -proportion with the rest. Tail moderate, the feathers wide, broader -terminally, and emarginated. - -This genus is peculiar to America, the two most closely related genera -being _Elanus_ on the one hand and _Harpagus_ on the other. Its species -belong to the tropical and subtropical regions, one of them (_I. -plumbea_) generally distributed throughout the intertropical portions, -the other (_I. mississippiensis_) peculiar to Mexico and the southern -United States. - -In their habits, they are very aerial, like the genus _Nauclerus_, -sailing for the greater time in broad circles overhead, occasionally -performing graceful evolutions as they gyrate about. Like _Nauclerus_, -they are also partially gregarious, and, like it, feed chiefly on -insects and small reptiles, which they eat while flying. - - -Species. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. _Adult._ Uniform plumbeous, becoming lighter - (whitish) on the head, and darker (blackish) on the primaries and - tail. Inner webs of primaries with more or less rufous. _Young._ - Beneath whitish, striped longitudinally with brownish; above much - variegated: tail with several narrow whitish bands. - - 1. =I. mississippiensis.= _Adult._ Wings lighter than the tail, the - secondaries hoary whitish; inner webs of primaries with only obscure - spots of rufous, the outer webs with a very obscure stripe of the - same. Tail wholly black. _Young._ Stripes beneath reddish-umber; - lower tail-coverts with longitudinal shaft-streaks of the same. - Second to third quills longest; first shorter than seventh and - longer than sixth. Wing, 10.60–12.30; tail, 6.00–7.00; culmen, - .60–.65; tarsus, 1.30–1.55; middle toe, 1.00–1.10. _Hab._ Prairies - and savannas of the southern United States and Northern Mexico, from - Wisconsin and Georgia to Mirador. - - 2. =I. plumbea.=[75] _Adult._ Wing concolor with the tail, the - secondaries black; inner webs of the primaries almost wholly - rufous; outer webs with only a trace of rufous. Tail with about - three bands of pure white, formed by transverse spots on the inner - webs. _Young._ Stripes beneath brownish-black; lower tail-coverts - transversely spotted with the same; upper parts darker. Third quill - longest; first shorter or longer than the seventh. Tail more nearly - square. Wing, 10.50–12.20; tail, 5.60–6.80; culmen, .62–.70; tarsus, - 1.15–1.50; middle toe, 1.00–1.05. _Hab._ Tropical America, from - Paraguay to Southern Mexico. - - -Ictinia mississippiensis (WILSON). - -MISSISSIPPI KITE; BLUE KITE. - - _Falco mississippiensis_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. 25, f. 1, 1808.—LATH. - Gen. Hist. I, 275.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 72, 1831. _Nertus - mississippiensis_, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 314. _Milvus mississippiensis_, - CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 335, 1829. _Ictinia mississippiensis_, GRAY, - Gen. B. fol. sp. 2; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 48, 1844; Gen. & Sub-Gen. - Brit. Mus. p. 6, 1855.—CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. p. 106, 1854.—KAUP, - Ueb. Falk. Mus. Senck. p. 258, 1845; Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, - p. 57.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 140, 1855.—BREWER, Oölogy, I, 1857, - 41.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 13, 1866.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 327 - (Texas).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 28, 1869. _Falco plumbeus_, AUD. Orn. - Biog. II, 108, pl. cxvii; V, p. 374, 1831. _Ictinia plumbea_, BONAP. - Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 4, 1838; Ann. N. Y. Lyc. II, 30; Isis, 1832, p. - 1137.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 368, pl. 25, f. 1, 1832.—BREW. (WILS.) - Synop. 685, 1852.—AUD. Synop. B. Am. p. 14, 1839.—WOODH. (Sitgr.) Exp. - Zuñi & Colorad. p. 61, 1853.—NUTT. Man. 92, 1833. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (No. 1,486, Coll. R. Ridgway, Richland Co., -Ill., August 19, 1871). Head, neck, secondaries, and entire lower parts -plumbeous-ash, becoming, by a gradual transition, lighter on the head -and secondaries, where the shade is pale cinereous; the head anteriorly, -and the tips of the secondaries, being silvery-white. Lores and eyelids -black. Rest of the plumage dark plumbeous, approaching plumbeous-black -on the lesser wing-coverts, primaries, and upper tail-coverts, the tail -being nearly pure black. Primaries with an indistinct narrow concealed -stripe of chestnut-rufous on the outer webs, and larger spots of the -same on the inner webs; feathers of the head, neck, and lower parts -abruptly pure white beneath the surface, this showing in partially -exposed spots on the pectoral region and crissum. Scapulars also with -large concealed white spots. Shafts of primaries and tail-feathers black -on both sides. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–5–6, 1. First primary angularly, -the second concavely, emarginated. Tail emarginated, lateral feather -longest; depth of fork, .40. Wing, 11.75; tail, 6.80; culmen, .63; -tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.15. - -_Adult female_ (No. 1,487, Coll. Ridgway, Richland Co., Ill., August 19, -1871). Similar to the male, but head and secondaries decidedly darker, -hardly approaching light ash; scarcely any trace of rufous on the -primaries, none at all on outer webs; shafts of tail-feathers white on -under side. Wing, 11.80; tail, 7.25. Bill, cere, eyelids, and interior -of mouth, deep black; iris deep lake-red; rictus orange-red; tarsi and -toes pinkish orange-red; lower part of tarsus and large scutellæ of toes -dusky. (Notes from fresh specimens, the ones above described.) - -_Immature male_ (transition plumage; 1,488, Coll. Ridgway, Richland Co., -Ill., August 21, 1871.) Similar to the adult female, but the white spots -on basal portion of pectoral and crissal feathers distinctly exposed; -secondaries not lighter than rest of the wing. Tail-feathers with -angular white spots extending quite across the inner webs, producing -three distinct transverse bands when viewed from below. Inner web of -outer primary mostly white anterior to the emargination. Wing, 10.50; -tail, 6.25. Color of bill, etc., as in the adult, but interior of mouth -whitish, and the iris less pure carmine. - -_Immature female_ (Coll. Philadelphia Academy, Red Fork of the Arkansas, -1850; Dr. Woodhouse). Similar to the last. Wing, 11.10; tail, 6.31. - -_Young female_ (first plumage; Coll. Philadelphia Academy, North -Fork Canadian River, September 19, 1851; Dr. Woodhouse). Head, neck, -and lower parts white, with a yellowish tinge; this most perceptible -on the tibiæ. Each feather with a medial longitudinal ovate spot of -blackish-brown; more reddish on the lower parts. The chin, throat, and -a broad superciliary stripe, are immaculate white. Lower tail-coverts -each with a medial acuminate spot of rusty, the shaft black. Upper -parts brownish-black; wing-coverts, scapulars, and interscapulars, -feathers of the rump, and the upper tail-coverts, narrowly bordered -with ochraceous-white, and with concealed quadrate spots of the same; -primary coverts, secondaries, and primaries sharply bordered terminally -with pure white. Tail black (faintly whitish at the tip), with three -(exposed) obscure bands of a more slaty tint; this changing to white on -the inner webs, in the form of angular spots forming the bands. Lining -of the wing pale ochraceous, transversely spotted with rusty rufous; -under primary-coverts with transverse spots of white. Wing, 11.90; tail, -6.40. - -HAB. Central Mexico and Southern United States; common as far north as -Georgia (accidental in Pennsylvania, VINCENT BARNARD), on the Atlantic -coast, and Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, in the Mississippi Valley. -Exceedingly abundant summer bird on the prairies of Southern Illinois. - -Localities: Coban (SALVIN, Ibis, III, 1861, 355); E. and N. Texas -(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 327); Chester Co., Pa. (breeds; BARNARD.) - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 6; Philadelphia Academy, 4; New York Museum, 1; -Cambridge Museum, 1; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1; R. Ridgway, 3. Total, 16. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |10.60–11.85| 6.00–6.80| .60–.65|1.35–1.55| 1.00–1.10| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |11.30–12.30| 6.50–7.00| .60–.65|1.30–1.40| 1.00–1.05| 5 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. This Hawk appears to be confined to the extreme southern and -southwestern portion of the Gulf States. It is not known to occur -farther north than South Carolina on the Atlantic, though on the -Mississippi it has been traced much farther north. It is most abundant -about the Mississippi. It was first discovered by Wilson near Natchez, -where he found it quite abundant. Mr. Say afterwards observed it far -up the Mississippi, at one of Major Long’s cantonments. On Captain -Sitgreave’s expedition to the Zuñi and Colorado Rivers, it was found -to be exceedingly abundant in Eastern Texas, as well as in the Indian -Territory, more particularly on the Arkansas River and its tributaries. - -Dresser states that he found this Hawk by no means an unfrequent bird -in Texas, and generally in the same localities with the _Nauclerus -forficatus_. It was not very common near San Antonio, but was -occasionally found, and even breeds there, as he procured both the old -and the young birds during the summer. In travelling eastward in the -month of May, he first noticed them near the Rio Colorado, and was told -by the negroes on one of the plantations that they were then nesting. On -the 20th of May he shot a female on the banks of that river, from which -he extracted a fully formed egg. It was almost round, and rather large -for the size of the bird. Eastward from the Colorado he also saw this -Hawk quite often. - -[Illustration: _Ictinia mississippiensis._] - -Though the species, no doubt, occurs in Mexico, Mr. Sclater states -that all the Mexican _Ictiniæ_ which he has seen, collected by Sallè, -Boucard, and others, have belonged to _I. plumbea_ (Ibis, 1860, p. 104). -A single specimen from Coban, Central America, was obtained by Mr. -Salvin, but _I. plumbea_ was by far the most common species of _Ictinia_ -in Vera Paz. - -This species was first discovered within the territory of the United -States by Wilson, in his visit to Natchez. He had noticed the bird -sailing about in easy circles, and at a considerable height in the air, -generally in company with the Turkey Buzzards, whose manner of flight -it almost exactly imitated, so much so as to make it appear either a -miniature of that species, or like one of them at a great distance, both -being observed to soar at great heights previous to a storm. Wilson -conjectures that this apparent similarity of manner of flight may be -attributable to their pursuit of their respective kinds of food,—the -Buzzard on the lookout for carrion, and the birds of the present species -in search of those large beetles that are known to fly in the higher -regions of the air, and which, in the three individuals dissected by -him, were the only substances found in their stomachs. For several -miles, as he passed near Bayou Manahak, the trees were swarming with -a kind of _Cicada_, or locust, that made a deafening noise. He there -observed a number of these birds sweeping about among the trees in the -manner of Swallows, evidently in pursuit of the insects, which proved -indeed, on dissection, to be their principal food. - -One of these Hawks was slightly wounded by Wilson, and though disabled -and precipitated from a great height exhibited evidence of great -strength and an almost unconquerable spirit. As he approached to pick -it up, the bird instantly gave battle, striking rapidly with its claws, -wheeling round and round, and defending itself with great vigilance -and dexterity, while its dark red eye sparkled with rage. His captor -wished to preserve it alive, but, notwithstanding all his precautions in -seizing it, the Hawk struck one of its claws into his hand with great -force, and this could only be disengaged by Wilson’s dividing the sinew -of the heel with a pen-knife. As long as the bird afterwards lived with -Wilson, it seemed to watch every movement, erecting the feathers of the -back of its head, and eying him with a savage fierceness. Wilson was -much struck with its great strength, its extent of wing, its energy of -character, and its ease and rapidity of flight. - -Audubon regards this species as remarkable for its devotion to its -young, and narrates that in one instance he saw the female bird lift up -and attempt to carry out of his reach one of her fledglings. She carried -it in her claws the distance of thirty yards or more. - -He also describes their flight as graceful, vigorous, and protracted. -At times the bird seems to float in the air as if motionless, or sails -in broad and regular circles, then, suddenly closing its wings, is -seen to slide along to some distance, and then renews its curves. At -other times it sweeps in long undulations with the swiftness of an -arrow, passing within touching distance of a branch on which it seeks an -insect. Sometimes it is said to fly in hurried zigzags, and at others to -turn over and over in the manner of a Tumbler Pigeon. Audubon has often -observed it make a dash at the Turkey Buzzard, and give it chase, as if -in sport, and so annoy this bird as to drive it to a distance. It feeds -on the wing with great ease and dexterity. It rarely, if ever, alights -on the earth; and, when wounded, its movements on the ground are very -awkward. It is never known to attack birds or quadrupeds of any kind, -though it will pursue and annoy foxes and Crows, and drive them to seek -shelter from its attacks. The Mississippi Kite is said to be by no means -a shy bird, and may be easily approached when alight, yet it usually -perches so high that it is not always easy to shoot it. - -In Southern Illinois, Mr. Ridgway found this Kite to be a very abundant -summer bird on the prairies. There it is found from May till near -the end of September, and always associated with the Swallowtail -(_Nauclerus forficatus_.) It breeds in the timber which borders the -streams intersecting the prairies; but it is not until the hottest -weather of July and August that it becomes very abundant, at this -time feeding chiefly upon the large insects which swarm among the -rank prairie herbage. Its particular food is a very large species of -_Cicada_, though grasshoppers, and occasionally small snakes (as the -species of _Eutænia_, _Leptophis æstivus_, etc.), also form part of its -food. Its prey is captured by sweeping over the object and picking it -up in passing over, both the bill and feet being used in grasping it; -the food is eaten as the bird sails, in broad circles, overhead. Mr. -Ridgway describes the flight of this Kite as powerful and graceful in -the extreme, and accompanied by beautiful and unusual evolutions. - -According to Mr. Audubon, the nest of this species is always placed in -the upper branches of the tallest trees. It resembles a dilapidated -Crow’s nest, and is constructed of sticks slightly put together, Spanish -moss, strips of pine bark, and dry leaves. The eggs are three in number, -nearly globular, and are described by Mr. Audubon as of a light greenish -tint, blotched thickly over with deep chocolate-brown and black; but the -eggs thus described are those of some totally different species. - -The same writer mentions that a pair of these Hawks, whose nest was -visited by a negro sailor, manifested the greatest displeasure, and -continued flying with remarkable velocity close to the man’s head, -screaming, and displaying the utmost rage. - -The description given by Mr. Audubon of the egg of this species, and -also that in my North American Oölogy, of the drawing of an egg said to -be of this bird, taken in Louisiana by Dr. Trudeau, do not correspond -with an egg in the cabinet of the Boston Society of Natural History, -formerly in that of the late Dr. Henry Bryant. This egg measures 1.50 -inches in length by 1.32 in breadth, is very nearly globular, but is -also much more rounded at one end, and tapering at the other. It is -entirely unspotted and of a uniform chalky whiteness, with an underlying -tinge of a bluish green. It was found by Mr. C. S. McCarthy in the -Indian Territory, on the north fork of the Canadian River, June 25, -1861. The nest was made of a few sticks, and was in the fork of a -horizontal branch, fifteen feet from the ground. There were two eggs in -the nest. - -It was also found breeding by Mr. J. H. Clark at Trout Creek, Indian -Territory, June 21, and by Dr. E. Palmer at the Kiowa Agency (S. I. -13,534). - - -GENUS ROSTRHAMUS, LESSON. - - _Rostrhamus_, LESS. 1831. (Type, _Falco hamatus_, ILLIG.) - -GEN. CHAR. Wings and tail large, the latter emarginated. Bill very -narrow, the upper mandible much elongated and bent, the tip forming -a strong pendent hook; lower mandible drooping terminally, the gonys -straight; the upper edge arched, to correspond with the concavity of -the regular commissure. Nostril elongate-oval, horizontal. Tarsus -short, about equal to middle toe, with a continuous frontal series of -transverse scutellæ; claws extremely long and sharp, but weakly curved; -inner edge of the middle claw slightly pectinated. Third to fourth -quills longest; outer five with inner webs sinuated. - -[Illustration: - - =53081=, ♀. ¼ - =53081=, ♀. ½ - =53081=, ♀. ½ - -_Rostrhamus sociabilis._] - -The species of this genus are two in number, and are peculiar to the -tropical portions of America, one of them being confined to the Amazon -region, the other extending to Florida in one direction and Buenos -Ayres on the other. Their nearest allies are the species _Circus_ and -_Elanus_, like them inhabiting marshy localities, where their food is -found, which consists, in large part, of small mollusca. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. _Adult._ Prevailing color plumbeous-black, or - bluish-plumbeous; the tail and primaries black. Entirely concolored, - or with white tail-coverts. Cere and feet orange-red. _Young._ Spotted - with blackish-brown and ochraceous, the former prevailing above, the - latter beneath. - - 1. =R. sociabilis.= Tail-coverts, with terminal and basal zones - of the tail, white; that of the tail more or less shaded with - grayish-brown. _Adult._ Uniform blackish-plumbeous, darker on the - head, quills, and tail. _Hab._ South America, West Indies, and - Florida. - - Plumbeous of a glaucous cast, the head dark plumbeous, and - the wing-coverts lighter, inclining to grayish-brown. Wing, - 13.25–15.50; tail, 6.75–8.25; bill, .85–1.04; tarsus, 1.70–2.40; - middle toe, 1.40–1.55. (2 sp. P. A. N. S.) _Hab._ Florida and West - Indies … - - var. _plumbeus_. - - Plumbeous of a blackish cast, the head deep black, and the - wing-coverts not lighter, and not inclining to brownish. Wing, - 12.90–14.00; tail, 7.60–7.80; bill, .90–1.25; tarsus, 1.50–1.80; - middle toe, 1.45–1.65. _Hab._ South America … - - var. _sociabilis_.[76] - - 2. =R. hamatus.=[77] Tail-coverts, with end and base of the tail, - slaty-black. _Adult._ Uniform bluish-plumbeous, darker on the - head, wings, and tail. Tail uniform black, or with two narrow, - interrupted, white bands across the middle portion (♂, Brazil, B. S. - Coll.). Wing, 11.00–12.00; tail, 5.00–7.00; bill, 1.02–1.07; tarsus, - 1.75–1.90; middle toe, 1.45. _Hab._ Amazon region of South America. - - -Rostrhamus sociabilis, var. plumbeus, RIDGWAY. - -HOOK-BILL KITE; EVERGLADE KITE. - - _Rostrhamus sociabilis_, VIEILL. D’ORB. Hist. Nat. Cuba, av. p. - 15.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 38.—MAYNARD, Birds Florida, Prospectus, - 1872. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (No. 61,187, Everglades, Florida; C. J. Maynard). -Prevailing color plumbeous, becoming black on the secondaries, -primaries, and tail, somewhat brownish-ashy on the wing-coverts, and -with a glaucous cast on the neck, the head becoming nearly black -anteriorly. Tail-coverts (the longer of the upper and all of the lower) -and base of the tail pure white, this occupying more than the basal half -of the outer feather, and changing into grayish-brown next the black; -tail with a terminal band of grayish-brown, about .75 wide. Inner webs -of primaries marbled, anterior to their emargination, with grayish and -white. Tibiæ tinged with rusty fulvous. Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–2–6–7, 1. -Wing, 14.01; tail, 7.25; culmen, .95; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.55; -hind claw, 1.10, the toe, .90. Bill deep black; cere and naked lore -bright orange-red; feet deep orange-red. - -_Young female_ (Cuba; Dr. Gundlach, Coll. G. N. Lawrence). Prevailing -color above brownish-black, with a glaucous cast on the dorsal region; -tail deep black, with a faint greenish-bronze reflection, with white -and grayish base and tip, as in the adult. Each feather of the upper -parts rather broadly tipped with ochraceous-rufous; crown, occiput, and -auriculars streaked longitudinally with the same. Prevailing color of -the head and lower parts deep ochraceous, on the head forming a broad -superciliary stripe from the forehead back to the occiput; throat and -cheeks streaked longitudinally with dusky; crissum immaculate; other -lower parts, including lining of the wing, thickly covered with large -transverse spots of brownish-black. Upper tail-coverts white, with a -blackish shaft-line; tail with the basal third white anteriorly and -brownish-ashy next the black, and with a terminal band, about 1.00 -wide, of brownish-ashy, passing into white at the tip. Under surface of -primaries cream-color anterior to the emargination, towards the ends -grayish, with transverse spots of dusky. Wing-formula, 4, 3=5–2–6–7, 1. -Wing, 13.90; tail, 8.25; tarsus, 1.90; middle toe, 1.55. - -An older specimen in young plumage (11,755, Florida) differs as follows: -The colors generally are lighter, the ochraceous being more prevalent -and lighter in tint; the throat is immaculate, and the markings beneath -more longitudinal. The secondaries and primaries are broadly tipped with -ochraceous. Wing, 14.00; tail, 7.20; tarsus, 1.95; middle toe, 1.50. - -HAB. West Indies and Southern Florida. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 3; Coll. C. J. Maynard, 7; Philadelphia Academy, 2; -Museum Comp. Zoöl., 3; Coll. R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 16. - -HABITS. The Black Kite is a Central and South American species, well -known in that section, but having no other claim to be regarded as -a bird of North America than its presence in a restricted portion -of Florida, where it is, in the extreme southern section, not very -uncommon, and where it is also known to breed. It was first taken in -that peninsula by Mr. Edward Harris, and subsequently by Dr. Heermann. -It was supposed by Mr. Harris to breed in Florida, from his meeting with -young birds; and this supposition has been confirmed by Mr. Maynard, who -has since found them nesting, and procured their eggs. - -Mr. Salvin met with what he presumed to be this species in Central -America, ascribing the immense flights of Hawks seen by him in the month -of March, in the Pacific Coast region, migrating in a northwesterly -direction, to this Kite. The bird was well known to the Spaniards under -the name of _Asacuani_,—a term that has become proverbial for a person -who is constantly wandering from place to place. Mr. Leyland obtained -a single specimen of the _Rostrhamus_ near the Lake of Peten. In the -spring of 1870, Mr. Maynard met with several individuals of this species -among the Florida everglades. He first observed one on February 18, -but was not able to secure it. Visiting the same spot ten days later, -with Mr. Henshaw, three birds of this species were shot, and the nest -of one was discovered. It was at that time only partly completed, was -small, flat, and composed of sticks somewhat carelessly arranged. It was -built upon the top of some tall saw-grass, by which it was supported. -This grass was so luxuriant and thick that it bore Mr. Maynard up as he -sought to reach the nest, which did not contain any eggs. On the 24th -of March, Mr. Maynard discovered another nest of this species. It was -built in a bush of the _Magnolia glauca_, and was about four feet from -the water. It contained one egg. It was about one foot in diameter, was -quite flat, and was composed of sticks carelessly arranged, and lined -with a few dry heads of the saw-grass. The female was shot, and found to -contain an egg nearly ready for exclusion, but as yet unspotted. Other -eggs were subsequently procured through the aid of Seminole Indians, by -whom this Hawk is called _So-for-funi-kar_. - -[Illustration: _Rostrhamus sociabilis_ (young).] - -The usual number of eggs laid by this Kite is supposed to be two, as -in three instances no more were found, and this was said to be their -complement by the Indians. It also appeared to be somewhat irregular in -the time of depositing its eggs. - -This Hawk is described as very sociable in its habits, unlike, in -this respect, most other birds of prey. Six or eight specimens were -frequently seen flying together, at one time, over the marshes, or -sitting in company on the same bush. In their flight they resemble the -common Marsh Hawk, are very unsuspicious, and may be quite readily -approached. The dissection of the specimens showed that this bird feeds -largely on a species of freshwater shell (_Pomus depressa_ of Say). - -The egg of this species taken in Florida by Mr. Maynard is of a rounded -oval shape, equally obtuse at either end, and measures 1.70 inches -in length by 1.45 in breadth. The ground-color is a dingy white, -irregularly, and in some parts profusely, blotched with groups of -markings of a yellowish brown, shading from a light olive-brown to a -much duller color, almost to a black hue. These markings in the specimen -seen are not grouped around either end, but form a confluent belt around -the central portions of the egg. The following description is given by -Mr. Maynard of the other specimens taken by him. - -_Egg No. 1._ Ground-color bluish-white, spotted and blotched everywhere -with brown and umber. Dimensions, 1.72 × 1.45. _No. 2._ Ground-color -same as No. 1. Two large irregular blotches of dark brown and umber -on the larger end, with smaller confluent blotches and streaks of the -same, covering nearly the entire surface of that end; smaller end much -more sparsely spotted with the same. Dimensions, 1.76 × 1.40. _No. 3._ -Ground-color dirty brown. The entire egg, except the small end, covered -with a washing of dark brown, which forms dark irregular blotches at -various points, as if the egg had been painted and then taken in the -fingers before drying. Dimensions, 1.55 × 1.55. - - -GENUS CIRCUS, LACEPEDE. - - _Circus_, LACÉP. 1800, 1801. (Type, _Falco æruginosus_, LINN.) - _Pygargus_, KOCH, 1816. (Same type.) - _Strigiceps_, BONAP. 1831. (Type, _Falco cyaneus_, LINN.) - _Glaucopteryx_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco cineraceus_, MONT.) - _Spilocircus_, KAUP, 1847. (Type, _Circus jardini_, GOULD.) - _Pterocircus_, KAUP, 1851. (Same type.) - _Spizacircus_ and _Spiziacircus_, KAUP, 1844 and 1851. (Type, _Circus - macropterus_, VIEILL.) - -[Illustration: - - =1042=, ♀. ½ - ½ - ¼ - -_Circus hudsonius._] - -GEN. CHAR. Form very slender, the wings and tail very long, the head -small, bill weak, and feet slender. Face surrounded by a ruff of stiff, -compact feathers, as in the Owls (nearly obsolete in some species). Bill -weak, much compressed; the upper outline of the cere greatly ascending -basally, and arched posteriorly, the commissure with a faint lobe; -nostril oval, horizontal. Loral bristles fine and elongated, curving -upwards, their ends reaching above the top of the cere. Superciliary -shield small, but prominent. Tarsus more than twice the middle toe, -slender, and with perfect frontal and posterior continuous series of -regular transverse scutellæ; toes slender, the outer longer than the -inner; claws strongly curved, very acute. Wings very long, the third or -fourth quills longest; first shorter than the sixth; outer three to five -with inner webs sinuated. Tail very long, about two thirds the wing; -rounded. - -The relationships of this well-marked genus are, to _Accipiter_ on the -one hand, and _Elanus_ on the other; nearest the former, though it is -not very intimately allied to either. I cannot admit the subgenera -proposed by various authors (see synonomy above), as I consider -the characters upon which they are based to be merely of specific -importance, scarcely two species being exactly alike in the minute -details of their form. - -The species are quite numerous, numbering about twenty, of which only -about four (including the climatic sub-species, or geographical races) -are American. North America possesses but one (_C. hudsonius_, Linn.), -and this, with the _C. cinereus_, Vieill., of South America, I consider -to be a geographical race of _C. cyaneus_ of Europe. - -The birds of this genus frequent open, generally marshy, localities, -where they course over the meadows, moors, or marshes, with a steady, -gliding flight, seldom flapping, in pursuit of their food, which -consists mainly of mice, small birds, and reptiles. Their assault upon -the latter is sudden and determined, like the “Swift Hawks,” or the -species of _Accipiter_. - -In the following synopsis, I include only the three forms of _C. -cyaneus_, giving the characters of the European race along with those of -the two American ones. - - -Species and Races. - - =C. cyaneus.= Wing, 12.50–16.00; tail, 9.00–10.70; culmen, .60–.80; - tarsus, 2.42–3.25; middle toe, 1.10–1.55. Third to fourth quills - longest; first shorter than sixth or seventh; outer four with inner - webs sinuated. _Adult male._[78] Above pearly-ash, with a bluish cast - in some parts; breast similar; beneath white, with or without rufous - markings. _Adult female._ Above brown, variegated with ochraceous - on the scapulars and wing-coverts; beneath yellowish-white or pale - ochraceous, with a few longitudinal stripes of brown. _Young_ (of both - sexes). Like the adult female, but darker brown above, the spotting - deeper ochraceous, or rufous; beneath pale rufous, the stripes less - distinct. - - Tail and secondaries without a subterminal band of dusky; lower - parts without any markings. - - Wing, 12.50–15.00; tail, 9.00–10.70; culmen, .60–.75; tarsus, - 2.70–2.85; middle toe, 1.10–1.35. _Hab._ Europe … - - var. _cyaneus_.[79] - - Tail and secondaries with a subterminal band of dusky; lower parts - with rufous markings. - - Wing, 12.90–16.00; tail, 9.00–10.50; culmen, .65–.75; tarsus, - 2.90–3.25; middle toe, 1.20–1.55. Lower parts with scattered - irregular specks, or small cordate spots, of reddish-rufous. - _Hab._ North and Middle America … - - var. _hudsonius_. - - Wing, 12.40–14.50; tail, 8.50–10.50; culmen, .62–.81; tarsus, - 2.42–3.00; middle toe, 1.20–1.50. Lower parts with numerous - regular transverse bars of reddish-rufous _Hab._ South America … - - var. _cinereus_.[80] - - -Circus cyaneus, var. hudsonius (LINN.). - -MARSH HAWK; AMERICAN HARRIER. - - _Falco hudsonius_, LINN. Syst. Nat. p. 128, 1766.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. - 277, 1789.—LATH. Syn. I, 91, sp. 76, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, p. 97, sp. - C. 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 173, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 165, 1809. - _Circus hudsonius_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. ix, 1807.—CASS. B. - Cal. & Tex. p. 108, 1854; Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 38.—HEERM. P. R. R. - Rep’t, II, 33, 1855.—KENNERLY, P. R. R. Rep’t, III, 19, 1856.—NEWB. - P. R. R. Rep’t, VI, 74, 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rep’t, XII, ii, - 150, 1860.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 150, 1855.—COUES, Prod. B. Ariz. - 13, 1866.—BLAKIST. Ibis, 1861, 319.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 1864, 110 - (Brit. Coll.). _Circus cyaneus hudsonius_, SCHLEG. Mus. Pays-Bas, - _Circi_, 2, 1862. _Circus cyaneus_, var. _hudsonius_, (RIDGWAY) COUES, - Key, 1872, 210.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 37, 1869. _Strigiceps hudsonius_, - BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 35, 1850. _Falco spadicens_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. - p. 273, 1789.—FORST. Phil. Trans. LXII, 383, 1772. _Falco buffoni_, - GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 277, 1789.—LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 98, D, 1821. _Falco - uliginosus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 278, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 40, - 179; Syn. I, 90, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 271, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, - 173, 1800.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. li, f. 2, 1808.—SAB. App. Frankl. Exp. - p. 671. _Circus uliginosus_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 37, 1807.—DE - KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 20, pl. iii, figs. 5, 6, 1844.—JAMES. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. I, 88, 1831.—MAX. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 20. _Strigiceps - uliginosus_, BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 5, 1838.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. - Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 58. _Falco cyaneus_ & β. LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 40, - 1790; Syn. I, 91, 7 sp. 6 A.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 164, 1809. _Falco - cyaneus_, AUD. B. Am. pl. ccclvi, 1831.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. IV, - 21, 1831.—BONAP. Am. Orn. pl. 12; Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 33; Isis, 1832, - p. 1538.—PEAB. B. Mass. p. 82, 1841. _Circus cyaneus_, BONAP. Ann. - Lyc. N. Y. p. 33.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 391.—RICH. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 12.50–13.25; tail, 9.00–9.30; culmen, .60–.70; -tarsus, 2.75–2.90; middle toe, 1.10–1.25. Specimens, 8. ♀. Wing, -13.50–15.00; tail, 9.50–10.70; culmen, .75; tarsus, 2.70–2.85; middle -toe, 1.25–1.35. Specimens, 4. - -_Observations._—The adult female of _cyaneus_ is distinguishable from -that of _hudsonius_ by lighter colors and less distinct ochraceous -blotches on the shoulders. & SWAINS. Faun. Bor. Am. pl. xxix, 1831.—AUD. -Synop. p. 19, 1839.—BREW. (WILS.) N. Am. Orn. Syn. 685, 1852.—PEAB. -U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 63, 1848.—WOODH. in Sitgr. Rep’t, Exp. Zuñi & -Colorad. p. 61, 1853.—NUTT. Man. Orn. U. S. & Can. p. 109, 1833.—GIRAUD. -B. Long Isl’d, p. 21, 1844.—GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 78, 1844. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (10,764, Washington, D. C., December). Head, -neck, breast, and upper parts light cinereous, palest anteriorly where -it is uninterruptedly continuous; occiput somewhat darker, with a -transverse series of longitudinal dashes of white, somewhat tinged -with reddish. Back, scapulars, and terminal third of secondaries, with -a dusky wash, the latter fading at tips; five outer primaries nearly -black, somewhat hoary on outer webs beyond their emargination; lesser -wing-coverts faintly mottled with paler, or with obsolete dusky spots. -Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail bluish-cinereous, mottled -with white toward base; crossed near the end with a distinct band of -black, and with about five narrower, very obscurely indicated ones -anterior to this; tip beyond the subterminal zone fading terminally -into whitish. Whole under side of wing (except terminal third or -more of primaries) pure white; immaculate, excepting a few scattered -transverse dusky spots on larger coverts. Rest of under parts pure white -everywhere, with rather sparse transverse cordate spots of rufous. Wing, -14.00; tail, 9.20; tarsus, 2.80; middle toe, 1.30. Third and fourth -quills equal, and longest; second intermediate between fifth and sixth; -first 5.81 inches shorter than longest. - -Another specimen differs as follows: The fine cinereous above is -replaced by a darker and more brownish shade of the same, the head -and breast much tinged with rusty. Tail much darker, the last black -band twice as broad and near the tip; other bands more numerous (seven -instead of five), and although still very obscure on middle feathers are -better defined than in the one described; inner webs of tail-feathers -(especially the outer ones) tinged with cream-color; white of lower -parts tinged with rufous; the deep rufous transverse bars on the breast -and sides broader, larger, and more numerous than in No. 16,764; -abdomen and tibiæ with numerous smaller cordate spots of rufous; lower -tail-coverts with large cordate spots of the same, and a deep stain of -paler rufous; lining of wings more variegated. Wing, 14.10; tail, 9.00; -tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.30. - -_Adult female_ (16,758, Hudson’s Bay Territory; Captain Blakiston). -Umber-brown above; feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with -pale rufous; lores, and superciliary and suborbital stripes dull -yellowish-white, leaving a dusky stripe between them, running back from -the posterior angle of the eye. Lesser wing-coverts spattered with pale -rufous, this irregularly bordering and indenting the feathers; feathers -of the rump bordered with dull ferruginous. Tail deep umber, faintly -fading at the tip, and crossed by six or seven very regular, sharply -defined, but obscure, bands of blackish; the alternating light bars -become paler and more rufous toward the edge of the tail, the lateral -feathers being almost wholly pale cream-color or ochraceous, darker -terminally; this tint is more or less prevalent on the inner webs of -nearly all the feathers. Ear-coverts dull dark rufous, obsoletely -streaked with dark brown; the feathers of the facial disk are fine -pale cream-color, each with a middle stripe of dark brown; throat and -chin immaculate dirty-white, like the supraorbital and suborbital -stripes. Beneath dull white, with numerous broad longitudinal stripes -of umber-brown; these broadest on the breast, growing gradually smaller -posteriorly. Under surface of primaries dull white, crossed at wide -intervals with dark-brown irregular bars, of which there are five -(besides the terminal dark space) on the longest quill. - -_Juv._ (♀, 15,585, Bridger’s Pass, Rocky Mountains, August; W. S. -Wood). Upper parts very dark rich clove-brown, approaching sepia-black; -feathers of the head bordered with deep ferruginous, and lesser -wing-coverts much spotted with the same, the edges of the feathers being -broadly of this color; secondaries and inner primaries fading terminally -into whitish; upper tail-coverts tinged with delicate cream-color -(immaculate). Tail with four very broad bands of black, the intervening -spaces being dark umber on the two middle feathers, on the others fine -cinnamon-ochre; the tip also (broadly) of this color. Ear-coverts -uniform rich dark snuff-brown, feathers of a satiny texture; feathers -of facial disk the same centrally, edged with fine deep rufous. Entire -lower parts deep reddish-ochraceous or fulvous-rufous, growing gradually -paler posteriorly; immaculate, with the exception of a few faint -longitudinal stripes on the breast and sides. Under side of wing as in -the last, but much tinged with rufous. - -HAB. Entire continent of North America, south to Panama; Cuba, and -Bahamas. - -Localities: Oaxaca (SCL. 1859, 390); Orizaba (SCL. 1857, 211); -Guatemala, winter (SCL. Ibis, I, 221); Cuba (CAB. Journ. II, lxxxiii; -GUNDLACH, Repert. 1865, 222, winter); City of Mexico (SCL. 1864, 178); -E. Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 328, resident); W. Arizona (COUES); -Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 65); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 134). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 53; Museum Comp. Zoöl., 24; Boston Society, 8; -Philadelphia Academy, 10; Cab. of G. N. Lawrence, 5; R. Ridgway, 6. -Total, 106. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |12.90–13.85| 9.90–9.80| .60–.65|2.85–2.90| 1.20–0.00| 34 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |13.00–16.00| 8.80–10.50| .70–.75|2.85–3.25| 1.22–1.55| 32 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. The Marsh Hawk is one of the most widely distributed birds of -North America, breeding from the fur regions around Hudson’s Bay to -Texas, and from Nova Scotia to Oregon and California. It is abundant -everywhere, excepting in the southeastern portion of the United States. -Sir John Richardson speaks of it as so common on the plains of the -Saskatchewan that seldom less than five or six are in sight at a time -(in latitude 55°). Mr. Townsend found it on the plains of the Columbia -River and on the prairies bordering on the Missouri. The Vincennes -Exploring Expedition obtained specimens in Oregon. Dr. Gambel and Dr. -Heermann found it abundant in California. Dr. Suckley’s party obtained -specimens in Minnesota; Captain Beckwith’s, in Utah; Captain Pope, -Lieutenant Whipple, and Dr. Henry, in New Mexico; and Lieutenant Couch, -in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Dr. Woodhouse met with it abundantly from the -Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, throughout the summer, showing -conclusively that it breeds in those different sections of country. De -la Sagra, Lembeye, and Dr. Gundlach, all give it as a bird of Cuba, but -not as breeding there. - -Dall records it as very rare on the Yukon, and an occasional summer -visitor only at St. Michael’s, where an individual was killed as late -as November. Donald Gunn states that it makes its appearance in the -fur countries about the opening of the rivers, and departs about the -beginning of November. It preys upon small birds and mice, is very slow -on the wing, flies very low, and in a manner very different from all -other kinds of Hawks. - -In Nova Scotia it is very abundant, and is very destructive of young -game. Mr. Downes regards it as an indiscriminating feeder upon fish, -snakes, and even worms. He took two green snakes from the stomach of one -of them. - -[Illustration: _Circus hudsonius_ (male and female).] - -Mr. Dresser found them abundant throughout the whole country east of -the Rio Nueces at all seasons of the year. They were more abundant in -full blue plumage than elsewhere. Near San Antonio he met with them on -the prairies, where they feed on the small green lizards which abound -there, and which they are very expert in catching. Dr. Coues mentions -them as very abundant in Arizona. Dr. Kennerly met with them on both -sides of the Rio Grande wherever there was a marsh of any extent. Flying -near the surface, just above the weeds and canes, they round their -untiring circles hour after hour, darting after small birds as they rise -from cover. Pressed by hunger, they will attack even wild Ducks. Dr. -Kennerly also observed them equally abundant in the same localities in -New Mexico. Dr. Newberry mentions finding this Hawk abundant beyond all -parallel on the plains of Upper Pitt River. He saw several hundred in a -single day’s march. - -In Washington Territory both Dr. Suckley and Dr. Cooper found this Hawk -abundant throughout the open districts, and especially so in winter. Dr. -Cooper found it no less common in California, and among several hundreds -saw but two birds in the blue plumage. Near Fort Laramie he found it no -less common, but there, at least one half were in the blue plumage. From -this he infers that the older birds seek the far interior in preference -to the seaboard. - -Mr. Allen mentions it as common in winter about the savannas in Florida, -and Mr. Salvin states that it is a migratory species in Guatemala. It -occurred in the Pacific Coast Region, and examples were also received -from Vera Paz. - -In evidence of the nomadic character of the Marsh Hawk it may be -mentioned that specimens asserted to be of this species are in the -Leyden Museum that were received from the Philippines and from -Kamtschatka. - -In Wilson’s time this Hawk was quite numerous in the marshes of New -Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, where it swept over the low grounds, -sailing near the earth, in search of a kind of mouse very common in -such situations, and was there very generally known as the Mouse Hawk. -It is also said to be very serviceable in the Southern rice-fields in -interrupting the devastations made by the swarms of Bobolinks. As it -sails low and swiftly over the fields, it keeps the flocks in perpetual -fluctuation, and greatly interrupts their depredations. Wilson states -that one Marsh Hawk was considered by the planters equal to several -negroes for alarming the Rice-birds. Audubon, however, controverts this -statement, and quotes Dr. Bachman to the effect that no Marsh Hawks are -seen in the rice-fields until after the Bobolinks are gone. Dr. Coues, -on the other hand, gives this Hawk as resident throughout the year in -South Carolina. - -According to Audubon, the Marsh Hawk rarely pursues birds on the wing, -nor does it often carry its prey to any distance before it alights and -devours it. While engaged in feeding, it may be readily approached, -surprised, and shot. When wounded, it endeavors to make off by long -leaps; and when overtaken, it throws itself on the back and fights -furiously. In winter its notes while on the wing are sharp, and are said -to resemble the syllables _pee-pee-pee_. The love-notes are similar to -those of the _columbarius_. - -Mr. Audubon has found this Hawk nesting not only in lowlands near -the sea-shore, but also in the barrens of Kentucky and on the -cleared table-lands of the Alleghanies, and once in the high covered -pine-barrens of Florida. - -After having paired, the Marsh Hawks invariably keep together, and labor -conjointly in the construction of the nest, in sitting upon the eggs, -and in feeding the young. Their nests are variously constructed as to -materials, usually chiefly of hay somewhat clumsily wrought together -into the form of a nest, but never very nicely interwoven; occasionally, -in more northern localities, they are lined with feathers, in some cases -with pine-needles and small twigs. - -Richardson states that all the nests of this Hawk observed by him -were built on the ground by the side of small lakes, of moss, grass, -feathers, and hair, and contained from three to five eggs, of a -bluish-white color, and unspotted. The latter measured 1.75 inches in -length, and were an inch across where widest. The position and manner of -constructing the nest correspond with my own experience, but the size of -the eggs does not. The nests have been invariably on the ground, near -water, built of dry grass, and lined with softer materials. - -Mr. Audubon gives a very minute account of a nest which he found on -Galveston Island, Texas. It was about a hundred yards from a pond, on -a ridge just raised above the marsh, and was made of dry grass; the -internal diameter was eight, and the external twelve inches, with the -depth of two and a half. No feathers were found. This absence of a warm -lining in Texas really proves nothing. A warm lining may be required in -latitude 65° north, and the same necessity not found in one of 29°. A -nest observed in Concord, Mass., by Dr. H. R Storer, was on the edge of -a pond, and was warmly lined with feathers and fine grasses. Many other -instances might be named. - -The eggs found in the Galveston nest were four in number, smooth, -considerably rounded or broadly elliptical, bluish-white, 1.75 inches -in length, and 1.25 in breadth. Another nest, found under a low bush -on the Alleghanies, was constructed in a similar manner, but was more -bulky; the bed being four inches above the earth, and the egg slightly -sprinkled with small marks of pale reddish-brown. - -The prevalent impression that the eggs of this Hawk are generally -unspotted, so far as I am aware, is not correct. All that I have ever -seen, except the eggs above referred to from Texas, and a few others, -have been more or less marked with light-brown blotches. These markings -are not always very distinct, but, as far as my present experience goes, -they are to be found, if carefully sought. In 1856 I received from Dr. -Dixon, of Damariscotta, a nest with six eggs of a Hawk of this species. -The female had been shot as she flew from the nest. With a single -exception, all the eggs were very distinctly blotched and spotted. In -shape they were of a rather oblong-oval, rounded at both ends, the -smaller end well defined. They varied in length from 2.00 to 1.87 -inches, and in breadth from 1.44 to 1.38 inches. Their ground-color was -a dirty bluish-white, which in one was nearly unspotted, the markings so -faint as to be hardly perceptible, and only upon a close inspection. In -all the others, spots and blotches of a light shade of purplish-brown -occured, in a greater or less degree, over their entire surface. In two, -the blotches were large and well marked; in the others, less strongly -traced, but quite distinct. - -The nest was found in a tract of low land, covered with clumps of sedge, -on one of which it had been constructed. It is described as about the -size of a peck basket, circular, and composed entirely of small dry -sticks, “finished off or topped out with small bunches of pine boughs.” -There was very little depth to the nest, or not enough to cover the -eggs from view in taking a sight across it. “No feathers were found in -or about it. It was simply made of small dry sticks, about six inches -thick, with about one inch of pine boughs for finishing off the nest.” -The eggs were found about the 20th of May. They contained young at least -two weeks advanced, showing that the bird began to lay in the latter -part of April, and to sit upon her eggs early in the following month. - -It will be thus seen that the eggs of this Hawk vary greatly in size and -shape, and in the presence or absence of marking, varying in length from -1.75 to 2.00 inches, and in breadth from 1.25 to 1.50, and in shape from -an almost globular egg to an elongated oval. Some are wholly spotless, -and others are very strongly and generally blotched with well-defined -purplish-brown. - -This Hawk was found breeding in the Humboldt Valley by Mr. C. S. -M‘Carthy, on the Yellowstone by Mr. Hayden, at Fort Benton by Lieutenant -Mullan, at Fort Resolution by Mr. Kennicott, at Fort Rae and at Fort -Simpson by Mr. Ross, at La Pierre House by Lockhart, and on the Lower -Anderson by Mr. MacFarlane. - - -GENUS NISUS, CUVIER. - - _Accipiter_, BRISS. 1760. (Type, _Falco nisus_, LINN.) - _Nisus_, CUV. 1799. (Same type.) - _Astur_, LACÉP. 1801. (Type, _Falco palumbarius_, LINN.) - _Dædalion_, SAVIG. 1809. (Same type.) - _Dædalium_, AGASS. (Same type.) - _Sparvius_, VIEILL. 1816. (Same type.) - _Jerax_, LEACH, 1816. (Same type.) - _Aster_, SWAINS. 1837. (Same type.) - _Micronisus_, GRAY, 1840. (Type, _Falco gabar_, DAUD.) - _Phabotypus_, GLOG. 1842. (Same type.) - _Hieraspiza_, 1844, _Jeraspiza_, 1851, and _Teraspiza_, 1867, KAUP. - (Type, _Falco tinus_, LATHAM.) - _Hieracospiza_, AGAS. (Same type.) - _Nisastur_, BLAS. 1844. (Same type.) - _Urospiza_, 1845, _Urospizia_, 1848, and _Uraspiza_, 1867, KAUP. - (Type, _Sparvius cirrhocephalus_, VIEILL.) - _Leucospiza_, KAUP, 1851. (Type, _Falco novæ-hollandiæ_, GMEL.) - _Cooperastur_, BONAP. 1854. (Type, _Accipiter cooperi_, BONAP.) - _Erythrospiza_, KAUP, 1867. (Type, _A. trinotatus_ TEMM.? not of - BONAP. 1830!) - -GEN. CHAR. Form slender, the tail long, the wings short and rounded, -the feet slender, the head small, and bill rather weak. Bill nearly as -high through the base as the length of the chord of the culmen, its -upper outline greatly ascending basally; commissure with a prominent -festoon. Superciliary shield very prominent. Nostril broadly ovate, -obliquely horizontal. Tarsus longer than the middle toe, the frontal -and posterior series of regular transverse scutellæ very distinct, -and continuous, sometimes fused into a continuous plate (as in the -_Turdinæ_!). Outer toe longer than the inner; claws strongly curved, -very acute. Wing short, much rounded, very concave beneath; third to -fifth quills longest; first usually shortest, never longer than the -sixth; outer three to five with inner webs cut (usually sinuated). Tail -long, nearly equal to wing, usually rounded, sometimes even, more rarely -graduated (_Astur macrourus_) or emarginated (some species of subgenus -_Nisus_). - - -Subgenera. - - Less than one third of the upper portion of the tarsus feathered in - front, the feathering widely separated behind; frontal transverse - scutellæ of the tarsus and toes uninterrupted in the neighborhood of - the digito-tarsal joint, but continuous from knees to claws. Tarsal - scutellæ sometimes fused into a continuous plate … - - _Nisus._ - - More than one third (about one half) of the upper portion of the - tarsus feathered in front, the feathering scarcely separated behind; - frontal transverse scutellæ of the tarsus and toes interrupted in the - region of the digito-tarsal joint, where replaced by irregular small - scales. Tarsal scutellæ never fused … - - _Astur._ - -The species of this genus are exceedingly numerous, about fifty-seven -being the number of nominal “species” recognized at the present date. -Among so many species, there is, of course, a great range of variation -in the details of form, so that many generic and subgeneric names have -been proposed and adopted to cover the several groups of species which -agree in certain peculiarities of external structure. That too many -genera and subgenera have been recognized is my final conclusion, after -critically examining and comparing forty of the fifty-seven species of -Gray’s catalogue (Hand List of Birds, I, 1869, pp. 29–35). The variation -of almost every character ranges between great extremes; but when all -the species are compared, it is found that, taking each character -separately, they do not all correspond, and cross and re-cross each -other in the series in such a manner that it is almost impossible to -arrange the species into well-defined groups. From this genus I exclude -_Lophospiza_, Kaup (type, _L. trivirgatus_); _Asturina_, Vieill. (type, -_A. nitida_); _Rupornis_, Kaup (type, _R. magnirostris_); _Buteola_, -Dubus (= _Buteo_, type, _B. brachyura_, Vieill.); included by Gray under -_Astur_, as subgenera, and _Tachyspiza_, Kaup (type, _T. soloensis_); -and _Scelospiza_, Kaup (type, _S. francesii_); which are given by -Gray as subgenera of _Micronisus_, Gray (type, _Accipiter gabar_), -the species of the typical subgenus of which, as arranged in Gray’s -Hand List, I refer to _Nisus_. All these excluded names I consider as -representing distinct genera. - -The species of this genus are noted for their very predatory -disposition, exceeding the Falcons in their daring, and in the quickness -of their assault upon their prey, which consists chiefly of small birds. - - -SUBGENUS NISUS, CUVIER. - - _Accipiter_, BRISSON, 1760.[81] - _Nisus_, CUVIER, 1799. (Type, _Falco nisus_, LINN.; _A. fringillarius_ - (RAY), KAUP.) - _Jerax_, LEACH, 1816. (Same type.) - _Cooperastur_, BONAP. 1854. (Type, _Accipiter cooperi_, BONAP.) - _Hieraspiza_, 1844, _Jeraspiza_, 1851, and _Teraspiza_, 1867, KAUP. - (Type, _Falco tinus_, LATH.) - _Hieracospiza_, AGASS. (Same type.) - _Urospiza_, 1845, _Urospizia_, 1848, and _Uraspiza_, 1867, KAUP. - (Type, _Sparvius cirrhocephalus_, VIEILL.) - _Erythrospiza_, KAUP, 1867. (Type, _A. trinotatus_ (TEMM.?)) - _Micronisus_, GRAY, 1840. (Type, _Falco gabar_, DAUD.) - _Nisastur_, BLAS. 1844. (Same type.) - -[Illustration: =10759=, ♂. NAT. SIZE - -_Nisus fuscus._] - -[Illustration: - - =26588=, ♀. ½ - =26588=, ♀. ½ - -_Nisus cooperi._] - -The species of this subgenus are generally of small size and slender -form; but with a graceful and apparently delicate structure they combine -remarkable strength and unsurpassed daring. They differ from the species -of _Astur_ mainly in less robust organization. The species are very -numerous, and most plentiful within the tropical regions. The Old World -possesses about thirty, and America about fifteen, nominal species. -Several South American species are intimately related to the two North -American ones, and may prove to be only climatic races of the same -species; thus, _erythrocnemis_, Gray (Hand List, p. 32, No. 305) may -be the intertropical form of _fuscus_, and _chilensis_, Ph. and Landb. -(Hand List, No. 314), that of _cooperi_. But the material at my command -is too meagre to decide this. - -[Illustration: =26588=, ♀. ¼ - -_Nisus cooperi._] - -[Illustration: =26588=, ♀. ¼ - -_Nisus cooperi._] - -[Illustration: =10759=, ♂. ½ - -_Nisus fuscus._] - -In consequence of the insufficient material for working up the South -American species, I shall omit them all from the following synopsis of -the North American species and races.[82] - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. _Adult._ Above bluish slate-color; the tail with - obscure bands of darker, and narrowly tipped with white. Beneath - transversely barred with white and pinkish-rufous; the anal region - and crissum immaculate white. _Young._ Above grayish umber-brown, the - feathers bordered more or less distinctly with rusty; scapulars with - large white spots, mostly concealed; tail-bands more distinct than in - the adult. Beneath white, longitudinally striped with dusky-brown. - - 1. =N. fuscus.= Middle toe shorter than the bare portion of the - tarsus, in front; tarsal scutellæ fused into a continuous plate in - the adult male. Tail nearly even. Top of head concolor with the - back; tail merely fading into whitish at the tip. Concealed white - spots of the scapulars very large and conspicuous. Wing, 6.45–8.80; - tail, 5.70–8.20; culmen, .40–.60; tarsus, 1.85–2.25; middle toe, - 1.10–1.55. _Hab._ Whole of North America and Mexico. - - 2. =N. cooperi.= Middle toe longer than the bare portion of the - tarsus, in front; tarsal scutellæ never fused. Tail much rounded. - Top of the head much darker than the back; tail distinctly tipped - with white; concealed white spots of the scapulars very small, or - obsolete. Wing, 8.50–11.00; tail, 7.50–10.50; culmen, .60–.80; - tarsus, 2.10–2.75; middle toe, 1.30–1.85. _Hab._ Whole of North - America and Mexico. - - _Adult._ Rufous markings beneath, in form of detached bars, not - exceeding the white ones in width; dark slate of the pileum - and nape abruptly contrasted with the bluish-plumbeous of the - back; upper tail-coverts narrowly tipped with white; scapulars - with concealed spots of white. _Young._ White beneath pure; - tibiæ with narrow longitudinal spots of brown. Wing, 9.00–11.00; - tail, 8.00–9.80; culmen, .65–.80; tarsus, 2.45–2.75; middle - toe, 1.55–1.85. _Hab._ Eastern region of North America; Eastern - Mexico … - - var. _cooperi_. - - _Adult._ Rufous markings beneath, in form of broader bars, - connected along the shaft, almost uniform on the breast; black of - the pileum and nape fading gradually into the dusky plumbeous of - the back; upper tail-coverts not tipped with white, and scapulars - without concealed spots of the same. _Young._ White beneath - strongly tinged with ochraceous; tibiæ with broad transverse spots - of brown. Wing, 8.50–10.60; tail, 7.50–10.50; culmen, .60–.75; - tarsus, 2.10–2.75; middle toe, 1.30–1.75. _Hab._ Western region of - North America; Western Mexico … - - var. _mexicanus_. - - -Nisus fuscus (GMEL.) KAUP. - -SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. - - _Falco fuscus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 283, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 43, - 1790; Syn. I, 98, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 283, 1821.—MILL. Cim. Phys. - pl. xviii, 1796.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 86, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 161, - 1809.—AUD. B. Am. pl. ccclxxiii, 1821; Orn. Biog. IV. 522, 1831.—BREW. - (WILS.) Am. Orn. 685, 1852.—PEAB. B. Mass. III, 78, 1841.—THOMP. Nat. - Hist. Verm. p. 61, 1842.—NUTT. Man. 87, 1833. _Accipiter fuscus_, - BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 5, 1838; Consp. Av. 32, 1850.—GRAY, List - B. Brit. Mus. 38, 1844; Gen. B. fol. sp. 4, 1844.—CASS. B. Cal. & - Tex. 95, 1854; Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1855, 279; Birds N. Am. - 1858, 18.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 108, 1855.—WOODH. Sitgr. Exp. Zuñi - & Colorad. p. 61, 1853.—COOPER & SUCKLEY, P. R. R. Rep’t, VII, - ii, 146, 1860.—HEERM. Williamson’s Rep. 33.—NEWB. Williamson’s - Rep. 74.—COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. Jan. 1866, p. 7.—BLAKIST. - Ibis, III, 1861, 317 (fresh eggs).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 32, 1869. - _Astur fuscus_, DE KAY, N. Y. Zoöl. II, 17, pl. ii, fig. 2 (juv. - ♂), 1844.—GIRAUD, B. Long Isl’d, p. 19, 1844. _Nisus fuscus_, KAUP, - Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 64. _Falco dubius_, GMEL. Syst. - Nat. 1789, p. 281.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 43, 1790; Syn. Supp. I, 37, - 1802; Gen. Hist. I, 279, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. 1800, II, 122. _Falco - velox_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xlv, f. 1, 1808.—BONAP. An. Lyc. N. Y. II, - 29, 1433; Isis, 1832, p. 1137. _Accipiter velox_, BEECH. Voy. Zoöl. - p. 15. _Astur velox_, JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 68, 1831. _Falco - pennsylvanicus_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xlvi, fig. 1, 1808.—LATH. Gen. - Hist. I, 280, 1820.—TEMM. Pl. Col. 67. _Accipiter pennsylvanicus_, - VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, 338.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, ii, 32, 1815.—RICH. - Faun. Bor.-Am. II, 44, 1831.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, pp. 210, 215, - 1832.—SWAINS. Classif. B. II, 215, 1837. _Astur pennsylvanicus_, LESS. - Man. Orn. I, 92.—_James._ (_Wils._) Am. Orn. I, 70, 1831. _Nisus - pennsylvanicus_, CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 334, 1829.—LESS. Tr. Orn. - p. 59, 1831. _Falco columbarius_, var., SHAW. Zoöl. VII, 189, 1809. - _Accipiter ardosiacus_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, 1274, 1823. _Accipiter - fringilloides_ (not of VIGORS!), JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 215, 1832. - _? Nisus pacificus_, LESSON, Man. et d’Oiseaux, 1847, 177 (Acapulco to - California. Square tail). _Accipiter fuscus_, BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, - 18, pl. III, f. 23, 29; pl. V, f. 54. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (11,990, District of Columbia; A. J. Falls). -Above deep plumbeous, this covering head above, nape, back, scapulars, -wings, rump, and upper tail-coverts; uniform throughout, scarcely -perceptibly darker anteriorly. Primaries and tail somewhat lighter -and more brownish; the latter crossed by four sharply defined bands -of brownish-black, the last of which is subterminal, and broader than -the rest, the first concealed by the upper coverts; tip passing very -narrowly (or scarcely perceptibly) into whitish terminally. Occipital -feathers snowy-white beneath the surface; entirely concealed, however. -Scapulars, also, with concealed very large roundish spots of pure -white. Under side of primaries pale slate, becoming white toward bases, -crossed by quadrate spots of blackish, of which there are seven (besides -the terminal dark space) on the longest. Lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, -chin, throat, and lower parts in general, pure white; chin, throat, and -cheeks with fine, rather sparse, blackish shaft-streaks; ear-coverts -with a pale rufous wash. Jugulum, breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, and -tibiæ with numerous transverse broad bars of delicate vinaceous-rufous, -the bars medially somewhat transversely cordate, and rather narrower -than the white bars; laterally, the pinkish-rufous prevails, the bars -being connected broadly along the shafts; tibiæ with rufous bars much -exceeding the white ones in width; the whole maculate region with the -shaft of each feather finely blackish. Anal region scarcely varied; -lower tail-coverts immaculate, pure white. Lining of the wing white, -with rather sparse cordate, or cuneate, small blackish spots; axillars -barred about equally with pinkish-rufous and white. Wing, 6.60; tail, -5.70; tarsus, 1.78; middle toe, 1.20. Fifth quill longest; fourth but -little shorter; third equal to sixth; second slightly shorter than -seventh. Tail perfectly square. - -_Adult female_ (19,116, Powder River; Captain W. F. Raynolds, U. S. A.). -Scarcely different from the male. Above rather paler slaty; the darker -shaft-streaks rather more distinct than in the male, although they -are not conspicuous. Beneath with the rufous bars rather broader, the -dark shaft-streaks less distinct; tibiæ about equally barred with -pinkish-rufous and white. Wing, 7.70; tail, 6.90; tarsus, 2.10; middle -toe, 1.40. Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest; third equal to -sixth; second equal to seventh; first three inches shorter than longest. - -_Young male_ (41,890, Philadelphia; J. Krider.) Above umber-brown; -feathers of the head above edged laterally with dull light ferruginous; -those of the back, rump, the upper tail-coverts, scapulars, and -wing-coverts bordered with the same; scapulars and rump showing large, -partially exposed, roundish spots of pure white. Tail as in adult. Sides -of the head and neck strongly streaked, a broad lighter supraoral stripe -apparent. Beneath white, with a slight ochraceous tinge; cheeks, throat, -and jugulum with fine narrow streaks of dusky-brown; breast, sides, -and abdomen with broader longitudinal stripes of clear umber (less -slaty than the back), each with a darker shaft-line; on the flanks the -stripes are more oval; tibiæ more dingy, markings fainter and somewhat -transverse; anal region and lower tail-coverts immaculate white. - -_Young female_ (12,023, Fort Tejon, California; J. Xantus). Similar -in general appearance to the young male. Markings beneath broader, -and slightly sagittate in form, becoming more transverse on the -flanks; paler and more reddish than in the young male; tibiæ with -brownish-rufous prevailing, this in form of broad transverse spots. - -HAB. Entire continent of North America, south to Panama; Bahamas (but -not West Indies, where replaced by _A. fringilloides_, Vig.). - -Localities: Oaxaca (SCL. 1858, 295); Central America (SCL. Ibis, I, -218); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. VII, 1859); City of Mexico (SCL. -1864, 178); Texas, San Antonio (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 324); Western -Arizona (COUES); Mosquito Coast (SCL. & SALV. 1867, 280); Costa Rica -(LAWR. IX, 134). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 51; Philadelphia Academy, 14; New York Museum, 7; -Boston Society, 5; Museum, Cambridge, 9; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1; Coll. -R. Ridgway, 4; Museum W. S. Brewer, 1. Total, 92. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 6.45–7.00| 5.70–5.90| .40–.00|1.85–1.95| 1.10–1.20| 30 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 7.50–8.80| 6.90–8.20| .50–.60|2.20–2.25| 1.45–1.55| 40 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -Specimens from different regions vary but little in size. The largest -are 4,198, ♀, San Francisco, Cal., winter, 16,957, ♀, Hudson’s Bay -Territory, and 55,016, ♀, Mazatlan, Mexico, in which the wing ranges -from 8.40 to 8.50, the tail 7.00. The smallest females are 45,826, -Sitka, Alaska, and 11,791, Simiahmoo, W. T., in which the wing measures -about 7.80. A female (32,499) from Orizaba, Mexico, one (8,513) from -Fort Yuma, Cal., and one (17,210) from San Nicholas, Lower California, -have the wing 8.00, which is about the average. The largest males are -54,336, Nulato, Alaska, 58,137, Kodiak, Alaska, 27,067, Yukon, mouth -of Porcupine, and 55,017, Mazatlan, Mexico, in which the wing measures -7.00, the tail 5.60. The smallest males are 5,990, Orange, N. J., -8,514, Shoalwater Bay, W. T., 21,338, Siskiyou Co., Cal., 37,428, -Orizaba, Mexico, and 5,584, Bridger’s Pass, Utah; in this series the -wing measures 6.50–6.70, the tail 5.40–5.60. A specimen from Costa -Rica measures: wing 6.70, tail 5.35. Thus the variation in size will -be seen to be an individual difference, rather than characteristic of -any region. Some immature specimens from the northwest coast of North -America (as 45,828, ♂, Sitka, Rus. Am., 5,845, ♂, Fort Steilacoom, -W. T., 11,791, Simiahmoo, Puget Sound, and 8,514, Shoalwater Bay, -W. T.) are much darker than others, the brown above inclining to -blackish-sepia; no other differences, however, are observable. An adult -from the Yukon (54,337, ♀) has the rufous bars beneath remarkably faint, -although well defined; another (19,384, ♀, Fort Resolution), in immature -plumage, has the longitudinal markings beneath so faint that they are -scarcely discernible, and the plumage generally has a very worn and -faded appearance. A male in fine plumage (10,759, Fort Bridger, Utah) -has the delicate reddish-rufous beneath so extended as to prevail, and -with scarcely any variegation on the sides and tibiæ; the bars on the -tail, also, are quite obsolete. - -HABITS. This species is one of the most common Hawks of North America, -and its geographical range covers the entire continent, from Hudson’s -Bay to Mexico. Sir John Richardson mentions its having been met with -as far to the north as latitude 51°. Drs. Gambel and Heermann, and -others, speak of it as abundant throughout California. Audubon found it -very plentiful as far north as the southern shore of the Gulf of St. -Lawrence. It has been obtained in New Mexico by Mr. McCall, in Mexico -by Mr. Pease, in Washington Territory by Dr. Cooper and Dr. Suckley, -in Alaska by Mr. Dall, at Fort Resolution by Mr. Kennicott, at Fort -Simpson by Mr. B. R. Ross, etc. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin give it -as a rare visitant of Guatemala. It has been ascertained to breed in -Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, California, and Pennsylvania, and -it probably does so not only in the intervening States and Territories, -but also in all, not excepting the most southern, Florida, where its -nest was found by Mr. Wurdemann. - -[Illustration: _Nisus fuscus._] - -Dr. Woodhouse, who frequently observed this bird skimming over the -prairies while in search of its prey, states that its flight is so -peculiar that there is no difficulty in recognizing it, when taken in -connection with its form, short wings, and long tail, being very swift -and irregular in its movements, first high in the air, then close to the -ground, suddenly disappearing among the grass when it has seized the -object of which it was in pursuit. - -Mr. Dresser met with this Hawk in Texas, but nowhere south or west of -San Antonio, where it remains through the breeding-season, nesting in -the dense cedar-thickets. - -Mr. Audubon regarded it as the very miniature of the Goshawk, in its -irregular, swift, vigorous, varied, and yet often undecided, manner of -flight, and on occasion greatly protracted. When in search of its prey, -it is said to pass over the country, now at a moderate height, now close -over the land, and with a surprising swiftness. It advances by sudden -dashes, and pounces upon the object of its pursuit so suddenly as to -render hopeless any attempt to escape. It has frequently been known -to seize and kill a bird so large that it was unable to carry it, and -had to drop to the ground with it. In one instance Mr. Audubon saw it -strike a Brown Thrush, which it had darted into a thicket of briers to -seize, emerging at the opposite side. As Mr. Audubon ran up, the Hawk -attempted twice to rise with its prey, but was unable to carry it off, -and relinquished it. The Thrush was quite dead, and had evidently been -killed instantly. - -Mr. Downes, of Halifax, who speaks of this Hawk as common in Nova -Scotia, breeding all over that province, adds that it does not molest -the poultry-yards, being too weak to attack large prey. But this is not -universally the case. They are frequently destructive both to dove-cots -and to the younger inhabitants of the poultry-yard. Mr. Nuttall narrates -that in the thinly settled parts of Alabama and Georgia it seemed to -abound, and was very destructive to young chickens, a single one having -been known to come regularly every day until it had carried off twenty -or thirty. He was eyewitness to one of its acts of robbery, where, at -noonday and in the near presence of the farmer, the Hawk descended and -carried off one of the chickens. In another instance the same writer -mentions that one of these Hawks, descending with blind eagerness upon -its prey, broke through the glass of the greenhouse at the Cambridge -Botanic Garden, fearlessly passed through a second glass partition, and -was only brought up by a third, when it was caught, though very little -injured. - -At times this Hawk is seen to fly high, in a desultory manner, with -quick but irregular movements of the wings, now moving in short and -unequal circles, pausing to examine the objects below, and then again -descending rapidly and following a course only a few feet from the -ground, carefully examining each patch of small bushes in search of -small birds. - -Besides the smaller birds, young chickens, and pigeons, this Hawk has -been known to occasionally feed on small reptiles and insects, as also -upon the smaller quadrupeds. - -Mr. Audubon speaks of having met with three nests of this species, -and all in different situations. One was in a hole in a rock on the -banks of the Ohio River; another was in the hollow of a broken branch, -near Louisville, Ky., and the third in the forks of a low oak, near -Henderson, Ky. In the first case, the nest was slight, and simply -constructed of a few sticks and some grasses, carelessly interwoven, and -about two feet from the entrance of the hole. In the second instance -there was no nest whatever, but in the third the birds were engaged -in the construction of an elaborate nest. The number of the eggs was -four in one instance, and five in another. He describes them as almost -equally rounded at both ends; their ground-color white, with a livid -tinge, but scarcely discernible amid the numerous markings and blotches -of reddish-chocolate with which they were irregularly covered. In -a nest which was large and elaborately constructed of sticks, and -contained five eggs, found by Dr. H. R. Storer in Concord, Mass., -there was a single egg which nearly corresponds with this description. -It is, however, the only one among many specimens that at all agrees -with it. This specimen is a little more than usually elongate, and its -ground-color, which is a purplish-white, is nearly concealed by its -blotches of various shades of sepia-brown. In every other instance the -egg is very nearly spherical, the ground-color white, and beautifully -marked with large confluent blotches of sepia, varying in depth from -quite a light to a very dark shade. In one, these confluent markings -form a broad belt around the centre of the egg. In others, they are -chiefly distributed about the larger end. The contrast between the white -ground and the dark confluent dashes of brown is very striking. Except -in size, the eggs of this bird bear a marked resemblance to those of the -Sparrow Hawk of Europe. In a few instances, the brown markings have an -intermixture of red and purple. The egg measures 1.35 by 1.15 inches. - -In nearly every instance the nest of this Hawk has been constructed in -trees. It is usually large in proportion to the size of the bird, and -its materials are somewhat elaborately put together; it is composed -chiefly of large sticks and twigs, and the whole platform is covered -with a thin lining of dry leaves, mosses, grass, etc. Mr. John Krider, -of Philadelphia, found a nest in New Jersey, in the vicinity of that -city, which was built on the edge of a high rock. - -Mr. Robert Kennicott met with the nest of this species at Fort -Resolution. It was composed entirely of small dry spruce twigs, with the -exception of a half-dozen small flat bits of the scaly outer bark of the -spruce, laid in the bottom, and forming a sort of lining. No feathers or -other softer materials were used. The nest was shallow and broad. The -base was about eighteen inches in diameter, and was about eight feet -from the ground. It was in a small spruce in a thick wood and on high -ground. When disturbed, the female flew off a short distance; but on Mr. -Kennicott’s hiding himself returned and flew near the nest, continually -uttering a harsh rapid note. Near the nest were marks indicating the -place where the male passed the nights perched on a dry stick near the -ground. - -Mr. B. R. Ross observed these birds nesting thickly along the cliffs of -the Upper Slave River. They were more rare northward of Fort Simpson -than _F. columbarius_. - -Mr. William Street, of Easthampton, informs me that he has found this -Hawk nesting on Mount Tom, where he has known of six of their nests in -one season. In the spring of 1872 he found three nests, on the 24th -and 25th of May. They contained two eggs each. One of these, on the -27th contained three eggs, of which he took one; on the 3d of June two -more eggs had been laid. Two of these were taken, after which the birds -deserted the nest and resorted to an old squirrel’s nest, where they had -four more eggs, depositing one every third day. They arrive at Mount Tom -about the 1st of May. Their nests are made entirely of sticks, larger on -the outside, and smaller within. They usually build in a hemlock-tree, -selecting a thick clump. They are very noisy when they are at work -building their nest, and often betray their presence by their cries. -The younger the pair the more noisy they are. This Hawk appears to live -nearly altogether on small birds. Mr. Street mentions having found ten -or twelve skeletons in a single nest of this species. - - -Nisus cooperi (BONAP.). - -=Var. cooperi=, BONAP. - -COOPER’S HAWK. - - _Falco cooperi_, BONAP. Am. Orn. pl. x, fig. 1, 1825; Ann. Lyc. N. Y. - II, 433; Isis, 1832, 1137.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. IV, 1831, 3.—PEAB. - B. Mass. III, 78. _Accipiter cooperi_, GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. 38, - 1844; Gen. B. fol. sp. 6.—CASS. Birds Cal. & Tex. p. 96, 1854; Birds - N. Am. 1858, 16.—SCLAT. Pr. Z. S. 1859, 389 (difference from _A. - pileatus_, MAX.).—HEERM. P. R. R. Rep’t, VII, 31, 1857.—COOP. & SUCKL. - P. R. R. Rep’t, XII, ii, 145, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 7, - 1866.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323 (Texas).—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, 1861, - 317.—SCL. & SALV. Ex. Orn. I, 1869, 170.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 32, 1869. - _Astur cooperi_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. III, 363, 1832.—BONAP. List, - p. 5; Rev. Zool. 1850, 489; Consp. Av. 31.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 18, - pl. iv, p. 5.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rep’t, VI, iv, 74, 1857.—MAX. Cab. Journ. - VI, 1858, 13. _Falco stanleyi_, AUD. B. Am. pls. xxxvi, cxli; Orn. - Biog. I, 186. _Accipiter pileatus_ (not of MAX.!), STRICKL. Orn. Syn. - I, 109, 1855. _Accipiter cooperi_, BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, 20, pl. v, f. - 55. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (No. 10,086). Forehead, crown, and occiput -blackish-plumbeous; the latter snowy-white beneath the surface; rest of -upper parts slaty-plumbeous, the nape abruptly lighter than the occiput; -feathers of the nape, back, scapulars, and rump with darker shaft-lines; -scapulars with concealed cordate and circular spots of white; upper -tail-coverts sharply tipped with white. Tail more brownish than the -rump, sharply tipped with pure white, and crossed with three broad, -sharply defined bands of black, the first of which is concealed, the -last much broadest; that portion of the shaft between the two exposed -black bands white. Lores grayish; cheeks and throat white, with fine, -hair-like shaft-streaks of blackish; ear-coverts and sides of neck -more ashy, and more faintly streaked. Ground-color beneath pure white; -but with detached transverse bars of rich vinaceous-rufous, crossing -the jugulum, breast, sides, flanks, abdomen, and tibiæ; the white -bars everywhere (except on sides of the breast) rather exceeding the -rufous in width; all the feathers (except tibial plumes) with distinct -black shaft-lines; lower tail-coverts immaculate, pure white. Lining -of the wing white, with numerous cordate spots of rufous; coverts -with transverse blackish bars; under side of primaries silvery-white, -purest basally (tips dusky), crossed with quadrate bars of dusky, of -which there are six (the first only indicated) upon the longest quill -(fourth). Wing, 9.20; tail, 7.80; tarsus, 2.35; middle toe, 1.60. Fourth -quill longest; third shorter than fifth; second intermediate between -sixth and seventh; first, 2.80 shorter than longest; graduation of tail, -1.00. - -_Adult female_ (26,588, Washington, D. C.; Elliott Coues). Similar to -the male. Forehead tinged with brownish; upper plumage much less bluish. -Neck and ear-coverts uniformly rufous, with black shaft-streaks, there -being no ashy wash as in the male. Tail decidedly less bluish than in -the male, crossed with four bands, three of which are exposed. The -rufous bars beneath less vinaceous than in the male, but of about the -same amount, rather predominating on the tibiæ. Wing, 10.70; tail, 9.00; -tarsus, 2.45; middle toe, 1.80. Fourth and fifth quills longest and -equal; third longer than sixth; second intermediate between sixth and -seventh; first three inches shorter than longest. - -_Young male_ (55,498, Fort Macon, N. C., February; Dr. Coues). Above -grayish-umber; feathers of forehead, crown, and nape faintly edged -laterally with pale rusty; occiput unvaried blackish, feathers white -beneath the surface. Wing-coverts, scapulars, and interscapulars -narrowly bordered with pale yellowish-umber; rump and upper tail-coverts -bordered with rusty. Tail paler umber than the back, narrowly tipped -with white, and crossed by four bands of brownish-black, the first of -which is only partially concealed. Scapulars and upper tail-coverts -showing much concealed white, in form of roundish spots, on both webs. -Beneath clear white, without any yellowish tinge; throat with a medial -and lateral series of clear dark-brown streaks; jugulum, breast, sides, -flanks, and abdomen with numerous stripes of clear sepia, each showing a -darker shaft-streak; tibiæ with longitudinal streaks of paler and more -rusty brown; lower tail-coverts immaculate. - -_Young female_ (6,876 “Sacramento Valley, Cal.”; Dr. Heermann—probably -from Pennsylvania). Similar to young male; more varied, however. The -black middle streaks of feathers of head above narrower, causing more -conspicuous streaks; white spots of scapular region considerably -exposed; longitudinal stripe beneath narrower and more sparse. - -HAB. North America in general, but rare in the western division; Eastern -Mexico. Not found in West Indies, where replaced by _A. gundlachi_, -LAWR. - -Localities: Southeastern Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 323, breeds); -Arizona (_Coues_, Prod. 1866, 43); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 134). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 12; Philadelphia Academy, 16; New York Museum, 3; -Boston Society, 2; Cambridge Museum, 1; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 7; Coll. R. -Ridgway, 4; Museum, W. S. Brewer, 1. Total, 46. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 9.00–9.30| 8.00–8.50| .65–.00|2.45–2.65| 1.55–1.60| 7 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |10.20–11.00| 9.00–9.80| .75–.80|2.60–2.75| 1.65–1.85| 12 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - - -Var. mexicanus, SWAINSON. - -MEXICAN BLUE-BACKED HAWK. - - _Accipiter mexicanus_, SWAINS. F. Bor.-Am. II, 1831, 45.—JARD. - (ed. WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 1832, 215.—BONAP. Consp. 32 (under _A. - fuscus_).—CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. 96.—IB. P. A. N. S. 1855, 279; Birds - N. Am. 1858, 17.—COOP. & SUCKL. P. R. R. Rep’t, VII, ii, 1860, - 146.—COUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, 18.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, - 33. - -_Adult male_ (12,024, Fort Tejon, Cal.; J. Xantus). Forehead, crown, and -occiput plumbeous-black, feathers of the latter with basal two-thirds -snowy-white, partially exposed. Upper plumage deep plumbeous, darkest -anteriorly, the back being scarcely lighter than the nape; rump -fine bluish-plumbeous. No concealed white on the upper parts. Tail -brownish-plumbeous, narrowly tipped with pure white, and with four -sharply defined broad bands of black,—the first of which is faintest, -and concealed by the coverts, the last broadest; shafts of tail-feathers -deep brown throughout. Primaries and secondaries much darker than the -tail, more bluish; less so, however, than the scapulars. Lores whitish, -quite in contrast with the black of the forehead; cheeks and ear-coverts -dark ashy, slightly washed with reddish, and with obscure darker -streaks; chin and throat white, with sparse hair-like shaft-streaks of -black. Breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, and tibiæ fine vinaceous-rufous; -feathers (except on tibiæ) with fine hair-like shaft-streaks of black -(much narrower than in _cooperi_); breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks -with pairs of transverse ovoid white spots, not touching the shaft; -on the abdomen the white and rufous bars are of about equal width; on -the tibiæ the rufous is deepest, and exceeds the white; anal region -barred with rufous, more faintly than the abdomen; lower tail-coverts -snowy-white. Sides of the neck deep reddish-ashy, this washing the -whole side of the breast. Lining of the wing reddish-white, with -numerous crowded, cordate, somewhat blended spots of rufous; larger -coverts transversely spotted with blackish; under side of primaries -silvery-white (blackish for about the terminal inch), crossed with -quadrate spots of blackish, of which there are about seven on the -longest quill (fourth); the basal ones are, however, so much broken, -that the number varies in different individuals. - -_Young male_ (Fort Tejon, California). Forehead, crown, occiput, and -nape deep rusty-rufous; feathers with broad longitudinal streaks of pure -black. Rest of upper parts deep umber, darkest on the back; feathers -of back and rump, the upper tail-coverts, scapulars, and wing-coverts, -broadly bordered with rusty; scapulars with concealed white spots. -Tail ashy-umber, tipped (more broadly than in adult) with ashy-white, -crossed by four broad bands of brownish-black; the last (or subterminal) -of which is broadest, the first concealed by the coverts. Secondaries -and primaries similar in color to the tail, but darker; the first -showing five obsolete darker bands, and tipped (rather broadly) with -pale cinnamon-rufous. Ear-coverts and cheeks fulvous-white, thickly -streaked with dark brown. Lower parts white, washed with ochraceous on -jugulum and breast; each feather with a central longitudinal lanceolate -stripe of clear umber, the shaft of each black; these streaks are very -narrow on the throat, broadest on the breast and flanks. Tibiæ with -transversely ovate spots, and transverse bars of reddish-umber; lower -tail-coverts with narrow shaft-streaks of darker brown. Lining of wing -with cordate and ovate spots of dark brown. - -_Young female_ (42,136, Orizaba, Mexico; M. Botteri). Similar to the -young male; feathers of back, etc., less broadly margined with rusty. -Ochraceous wash on lower parts more decided; stripes beneath broader -and less lanceolate; on the sides broadly ovate, and on the flanks in -form of broad transverse bars; tibiæ more thickly spotted transversely; -lower tail-coverts immaculate. Wing, 9.00; tail, 7.80; tarsus, 2.25; -middle toe, 2.50. Fourth quill longest; third shorter than fifth; -second intermediate between sixth and seventh; first, 2.90 shorter than -longest. Graduation of tail, .90. - -HAB. Western region of North America; Mexico. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 22; Boston Society, 2; Museum, Cambridge, 2; Cab. G. N. -Lawrence, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 2; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 32. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 8.50–9.85| 7.50–9.20| .60–.70|2.10–2.75| 1.30–1.65| 24 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |10.20–10.60| 9.30–10.50| .70–.75|2.65–2.75| 1.65–1.75| 4 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. This common Hawk appears to have a very general distribution -over the United States, from South Carolina to New Brunswick, on the -Atlantic; from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, in the interior, to the -Saskatchewan, and from Southern California to Washington Territory, on -the Pacific. Mr. Boardman mentions it as found near Calais, but rare. -Mr. Verrill cites it as occurring in Western Maine, but not common. -I have received its eggs from South Carolina, where it is resident -throughout the year. Mr. Dresser met with it not uncommon near San -Antonio, and found it breeding on the Altascosa and Medina Rivers. Dr. -Coues says it is generally distributed throughout the Territory of -Arizona. Dr. Newberry found it common about San Francisco, and extending -north of the Columbia River. Mr. A. Schott obtained a specimen on the -Colorado River in Southern California, and Dr. Gambel and Dr. A. L. -Heermann speak of it as common throughout that State, while Dr. Cooper -and Dr. Suckley mention it as frequent both in Oregon and in Washington -Territory. A single specimen was taken by Mr. Salvin in Guatemala. Dr. -Cooper states that this Hawk is often killed about the farm-yards of -Washington Territory, where it seizes on chickens before the very eyes -of the owner, darting down like lightning, and disappearing again before -he can see what has caused the disturbance. It is said to be a constant -resident, and to breed within the Territory. - -[Illustration: _Nisus cooperi._] - -Mr. Audubon describes the flight of this Hawk as rapid, protracted, and -even, and as performed at a short distance from the ground, or over the -forest. It is said to move along in a silent gliding manner, and with -a swiftness even superior to that of the Wild Pigeon, rarely deviating -from a straight course except to seize its prey, and seldom mounting -in the air in circles. It is very bold and daring, Mr. Audubon having -known one to attack and kill a cock much larger and heavier than itself. -It frequently attacks and kills the common Ruffed Grouse. It breeds in -especial abundance in the Middle States, and particularly along the -banks of the Potomac River. I have received reliable information of its -nesting in Vermont, Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, -Virginia, and South Carolina, and probably nearly all of the States. Mr. -Gosse did not meet with it in Jamaica. - -Mr. Audubon states that he found its nest usually placed in the forks of -the branch of an oak-tree, towards its extremity. In general appearance -it resembles that of the common Crow, being composed externally of -numerous crooked sticks, and having a slight lining of grasses and -a few feathers. The eggs he describes as three or four in number, -almost globular, large for the size of the bird, of a dull white color, -granulated and rough to the touch. - -Dr. Hoy, in a communication to the Boston Natural History Society, -mentions finding four nests of this Hawk in a single season, and his -careful observations of the habits of the parent birds enabled him to -ascertain that in each instance the birds began to sit constantly upon -their nest as soon as a single egg had been deposited, and that, as a -consequence, the eggs having been deposited at varying intervals, each -one was found in a different stage of incubation from the other. In not -a single instance did he visit a nest without finding the parent bird -occupying it. - -These nests were all composed of sticks, rudely lined with strips of -bark and a few bunches of _Usnea barbata_. The nests were quite shallow -and small for a Hawk. Most of the eggs were sparingly sprinkled with -umber-brown. One set of these eggs was blotched with bluish-green, -which soon faded out. While the nests were being molested, the parent -Hawk would fly from tree to tree, uttering, in rapid succession, -_quick-quick-quick-quick_. - -Dr. Hoy states that the male of this species, during the nesting-season, -may frequently be seen flying high in the air, sporting, vaulting, and -turning somersaults on the wing, which habit has given to it the name -of Tumbler-Hawk. No Hawk is harder to shoot, and none commits greater -havoc among barn-yard fowls than this species. He has seen one strike a -large hen while she was flying wildly for safety, and kill her on the -spot, though it was obliged to abandon the game, as it proved too heavy -to carry off. - -I have specimens of its eggs from South Carolina, obtained by the -young sons of Rev. M. A. Curtis, of Society Hill. Mr. Curtis, Sen., -furnished me with the following description of its nest: “The nest of -the Cooper’s Hawk was built in the triple fork of a tall black gum -(_Nyssa multiflora_), near the top of the tree, which stood in a swamp. -It was formed of a layer of small sticks, ⅓ to ½ inch in diameter. Its -external diameter varied from 1½ to 2 feet. This layer was ⅞ of an inch -in thickness, with only a slight depression in the centre, hardly enough -to keep the eggs from rolling out. A few thin pieces of pine bark formed -the bed for the eggs.” - -Another nest, obtained in Randolph, Vt., by Charles S. Paine, Esq., -is thus described by him: “The nest was built of hemlock twigs, and -lined with small, thin pieces of hemlock bark, such as hang loosely on -the tree. The Hawk, when the nest was approached, did not whistle, as -some others of that family do, but uttered a cry of _ge! ge! ge! ge!_ -This was repeated several times, with great rapidity, by both male and -female.” - -The average size of the eggs of this bird is 1.56 by 1.94 inches. The -color is usually a uniform dull white, but is occasionally tinged with -as light bluish shade. They are nearly spherical, though not more so -than the eggs of several species, and are equal at either end. Their -surface is slightly granulated. The number of the eggs varies from three -to four, though occasionally there are five in a nest. - -The maximum length of the egg of this species is 2.00 inches, the -minimum 1.85; the maximum breadth 1.60, the minimum 1.50 inches. In -occasional instances I have known the eggs of this species more or less -distinctly marked, especially about the larger end, with blotches of a -light yellowish-brown. Those most distinctly marked in this manner were -taken and identified by Mr. Paine. - -A nest of this Hawk, found by Dr. J. W. Velie, was built on a -poplar-tree, about forty feet from the ground, and was composed of -sticks and lined with moss and leaves. There was a small cleared space -of three or four rods in extent, in the middle of which the tree stood, -and about a quarter of a mile from the main channel of the Mississippi -River, on Rock Island. - -The Cooper Hawk was found on Mount Tom by Mr. William Street, nesting -for the most part in pine or hemlock trees, usually choosing one in -a thick clump. They begin to lay about the first of May, usually -depositing four eggs. They are very shy, and it is almost impossible to -get within shot of them, even when they have young. They rarely molest -the poultry-yard, but seem to live chiefly on small birds and animals. -They leave their nest at once whenever it is approached, and will not -return until the intruder has gone. - -The var. _mexicanus_, originally described by Mr. Swainson from Mexican -specimens obtained near Real del Monte, has been ascertained to cross -our boundaries, and is found in all the territory between the Rocky -Mountains and the Pacific, as far north as Washington Territory. Dr. -Cooper has never met with this Hawk, but supposes its general habits, -and especially those regulating its migrations, closely resemble those -of _A. cooperi_, to which the bird itself, in all but size, is so -similar. Dr. Coues speaks of it as a common resident species in Arizona. -He states that he has seen young birds of this species, reared by the -hand from the nest, become so thoroughly domesticated as to come to -their master on being whistled for, and perch on his shoulder, or follow -him when shooting small birds for their food. They were allowed their -entire liberty. Their ordinary note was a shrill and harsh scream. A -low, plaintive, lisping whistle was indicative of hunger. - -Dr. Suckley, who met with this bird on Puget Sound, where a specimen was -shot on a salt marsh, states that, while soaring about, it resembled in -its motions the common Marsh Hawk, or Hen Harrier (_Circus hudsonius_). - - -SUBGENUS ASTUR, LACEPEDE. - - _Astur_, LACÉP. 1800. (Type, _Falco palumbarius_, LINN.) - _Dædalion_, SAVIG. 1809. _Dædalium_, AGASS. - _Sparvius_, VIEILL. 1816. - _Aster_, SWAINS. 1837. - _Leucospiza_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco novæ-hollandiæ_, GMEL.) - -The characters of this subgenus have been sufficiently indicated on -page 221, so that it is unnecessary to repeat them here. The species of -_Astur_ are far less numerous than those of _Nisus_, only about six, -including geographical races, being known. They are found in nearly all -parts of the world, except tropical America, the Sandwich Islands, and -the East Indies. - -[Illustration: - - =58982=, ♀. ½ - =58982=, ♀. ½ - -_Astur atricapillus._] - - -Species and Races. - - =A. palumbarius.= Wing, 12.00–14.50; tail, 9.50–12.75; culmen, - .80–1.00; tarsus, 2.70–3.15; middle toe, 1.70–2.20. Fourth quill - longest; first shortest. _Adult._ Above, continuously uniform - slate-color, or brown; the tail with several more or less distinct - broad bands of darker, and narrowly tipped with white. Beneath white, - with transverse lines or bars of the same color as the upper surface. - Top of the head blackish; a streaked whitish superciliary stripe. - _Young._ Above much variegated with brown and pale ochraceous; bands - on the tail more sharply defined. Beneath pale ochraceous, with - longitudinal stripes of dark brown. - - _Adult._ Above umber-brown, without conspicuously darker - shaft-streaks; top of the head dull dusky. Markings on the lower - parts in the form of sharply defined, broad, detached, crescentic - bars, and of an umber tint; throat barred. Tail with five broad, - well-defined bands of blackish. Wing, 12.25–14.25; tail, 9.40–11.10; - culmen, .80–.95; tarsus, 2.80–3.15; middle toe, 1.80–2.20. _Hab._ - Northern portions of the Old World … - - var. _palumbarius_.[83] - - _Adult._ Above bluish slate-color, with conspicuous darker - shaft-streaks; top of the head deep black; markings on the lower - parts in the form of irregularly defined, narrow, zigzag bars, or - fine lines, of a bluish-slaty tint; throat not barred. Tail with - only about four indistinct bands of blackish. Wing, 12.00–14.70; - tail, 9.50–12.75; culmen, .80–1.00; tarsus, 2.70–3.20; middle toe, - 1.70–2.00. _Hab._ Northern portions of North America … - - var. _atricapillus_. - - -Astur palumbarius, var. atricapillus (WILS.). - -AMERICAN GOSHAWK. - - _Falco atricapillus_, WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. lii, f. 3.—BONAP. - Nouv. Giorn. Pisa, XXV, pt. ii, p. 55. _Astur atricapillus_, BONAP. - Os. Cuv. Règ. An. p. 33.—IB. List, 1838, 5; Consp. 31.—WILS. Am. Orn. - II, 284.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. Jardine’s Contr. Orn. 1850, 66.—DE KAY, - Zoöl. N. Y. II, 19, pl. ii, fig. 4 (ad.), f. 5 (♂ juv.).—NUTT. Man. - 85.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 118.—NEWB. P. R. Rep. VI, iv, 74.—COOP. - & SUCK. P. R. Rep. XII, ii, 144.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 1860, - 110.—BLAKISTON, Ibis, III, 1861, 316.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, - 29.—BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, 17. _Falco palumbarius_, SAB. Frankl. Exp. - 670.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. II, 28.—AUD. Edinb. J. Nat. Geog. Sc. - III, 145.—IB. B. Am. pl. cxli; Orn. Biog. II, 241.—GIRAUD, B. Long - Isl’d, 18.—PEAB. B. Mass. III, 77. _Astur palumbarius_, SW. & RICH. - F. B. A. II, pl. xxvi.—JAMES. WILS. Am. Orn. I, 63.—AUD. Syn. B. Am. - 18.—BREWER, WILS. Am. Orn. 685, pl. i, fig. 5.—GRAY, List B. Brit. - Mus. 63. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (44,940, Boston, Mass.; E. A. Samuels). Above -continuous bluish-slate, shafts of the feather inconspicuously black; -tail darker and less bluish, tipped with white (about .25 of an inch -wide) and crossed by five broad, faintly defined bars of blackish, -these most distinct on inner webs (the first concealed by the upper -coverts, the second partially so; the last, or subterminal one, which -is about twice as broad as the rest, measuring about one inch in -width). Primaries darker than the tail (but not approaching black). -Forehead, crown, occiput, and ear-coverts pure plumbeous-black; feathers -snowy-white beneath the surface, much exposed on the occiput; a broad -conspicuous supraoral stripe originating above the posterior angle of -the eye, running back over the ear-coverts to the occiput, pure white, -with fine streaks of black; lores and cheeks grayish-white. Lower -parts white; the whole surface (except throat and lower tail-coverts) -covered with numerous narrow transverse bars of slate; on the breast -these are much broken and irregular, forming fine transverse zigzags; -posteriorly they are more regular, and about .10 of an inch wide, the -white a very little more. Chin, throat, and cheeks without transverse -bars, but with very sharp shaft-lines of black; breast, sides, and -abdomen, a medial longitudinal broad streak of slate on each feather, -the shaft black; on the tibiæ, where the transverse bars are narrower -and more regular, the shaft-streaks are also finer; anal region finely -barred; lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Lining of the wing -barred more coarsely and irregularly than the breast; under surface of -primaries with white prevailing, this growing more silvery toward the -ends; longest (fourth) with six oblique transverse patches of slate, -the outlines of which are much broken. Wing-formula, 4, 5, 3–6–2; 1=10. -Wing, 13.00; tail, 9.50; tarsus, 3.70, naked portion, 1.35; middle toe, -2.00; inner, 1.21; outer, 1.37; posterior, 1.00. - -No. 8,508 (Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound, Washington Territory; Dr. -Suckley. Var. _striatulus_, Ridgway). Similar to No. 44,940, but the -upper surface more bluish, the shafts of the feathers more conspicuously -black; the dorsal feathers nearly black around their borders. Tail-bands -nearly obsolete. Lower parts with the ground-color fine bluish-ash, -sprinkled transversely with innumerable zigzag dots of white, these -gradually increasing in width posteriorly, where they take the form -of irregular transverse bars; crissum sparsely and coarsely sprinkled -with slaty. Each feather of the lower parts with a very sharply defined -narrow shaft-stripe of deep black, these contrasting conspicuously with -the bluish, finely marked ground-color. Under surface of primaries -uniform slaty to their bases, the usual white spots being almost -obsolete. Wing-formula, 4–5, 3–6–2–7–8–9, 1. Wing, 12.50; tail, 9.10; -tarsus, 2.60, the naked portion, 1.40; middle toe, 1.75. - -_Adult female_ (12,239, Brooklyn, N. Y.; J. Ackhurst). Almost precisely -similar to the male. Slate above less bluish; bands on tail more -distinct, five dark ones (about .75 of an inch in width) across -the brownish-slate; obscure light bands indicated on outer webs of -primaries, corresponding with those on inner webs; lores more grayish -than in male; bars beneath more regular; longitudinal streaks blacker -and more sharply defined. Wing, 14.25; tail, 11.25; tarsus, 1.60–1.20; -middle toe, 1.95; inner, 1.40; outer, 1.45; posterior, 1.30. - -No. 59,892, (Colorado; F. V. Hayden, var. _striatulus_, Ridgway). -Similar to male No. 8,508, described above, but differing as follows: -interscapulars uniform with the rest of the upper surface; tail-bands -appreciable, much broader than in ♀, No. 12,239, the subterminal one -being 1.61, the rest 1.10, wide, instead of 1.10 and .70. The longest -upper tail-coverts with narrow white tips; white spots on inner webs of -primaries more distinct. Black shaft-streaks on lower surface broader -and more conspicuous. Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–6–2–7, 1=10. Wing, 14.70; -tail, 11.50; tarsus, 2.50; the naked portion, 1.10; middle toe, 2.00. - -_Young male_ (second year, No. 26,920, Nova Scotia, June; W. G. Winton). -Plumage very much variegated. Head above, nape, and anterior portion -of the back, ochraceous-white, each feather with a central stripe of -brownish-black, these becoming more tear-shaped on the nape. Scapulars, -back, wing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts umber-brown; the -feathers with lighter edges, and with large, more or less concealed -spots of white,—these are largest on the scapulars, where they occupy -the basal and middle thirds of the feathers, a band of brown narrower -than the subterminal one separating the two areas; upper tail-coverts -similarly marked, but white edges broader, forming conspicuous terminal -crescentic bars. Tail cinereous-umber, with five conspicuous bands of -blackish-brown, the last of which is subterminal, and broader than -the rest; tip of tail like the pale bands; the bands are most sharply -defined on the inner webs, being followed along the edges by the white -of the edge, which, frequently extending along the margin of the black, -crosses to the shaft, and is sometimes even apparent on the outer web; -the lateral feather has the inner web almost entirely white, this, -however, more or less finely mottled with grayish, the mottling becoming -more dense toward the end of the feather; the bands also cross more -obliquely than on the middle feathers. Secondaries grayish-brown, with -five indistinct, but quite apparent, dark bands; primaries marked as in -the adult, but are much lighter. Beneath pure white, all the feathers, -including lower tail-coverts, with sharp, central, longitudinal streaks -of clear dark-brown, the shafts of the feathers black; on the sides -and tibiæ these streaks are expanded into a more acuminate, elliptical -form; the crissum only is immaculate, although the throat is only very -sparsely streaked; on the ear-coverts the streaks are very fine and -numerous, but uniformly distributed. - -No. 18,404 (west of Fort Benton, on the Missouri, May 16, 1864; Captain -Jas. A. Mullan, var. _striatulus_). Similar to No. 26,920, but colors -much darker. Upper parts with dark brown prevailing, the pale borders to -the feathers very narrow, and the basal very restricted and concealed; -upper tail-coverts deep ashy-umber, tipped narrowly with white, and with -large subterminal, transversely cordate, and other anterior bars of -dusky. Tail ashy-brown, much darker than in No. 26,920, with five broad, -sharply defined bands of blackish, without any distinct light bordering -bar. White of the lower parts entirely destitute of any yellowish tinge, -the stripes much broader than in No. 26,920, and deep brownish-black, -the shafts not perceptibly darker; tibiæ with transverse bars of dusky; -lower tail-coverts with transverse spots of the same. Wing, 12.25; tail, -9.70. - -_Young female_ (second year, No. 26,921, Nova Scotia; W. G. Winton). -Head above, nape, rump, and upper tail-coverts, with a deep ochraceous -tinge; the characters of markings, however, as in the male. Bands on the -tail more sharply defined, the narrow white bar separating the black -from the grayish bands more continuous and conspicuous; lateral feathers -more mottled; grayish tip of tail passing terminally into white. Beneath -with a faint ochraceous wash, this most apparent on the lining of the -wings and tibiæ; streaks as in the male, but rather more numerous, the -throat being thickly streaked. - -No. 11,740 (Puget Sound, October 26, 1858; Dr. C. B. Kennerly. Var. -_striatulus_). Similar to No. 18,404, but more uniformly blackish above; -tip of tail more distinctly whitish; stripes beneath broader and deeper -black, becoming broader and more tear-shaped posteriorly, some of the -markings on the flanks being cordate, or even transverse. Wing-formula, -4, 5, 3–6, 2–7–8–9–10=1. Wing, 13.00; tail, 10.80; tarsus, 2.80; middle -toe, 1.80. - -_Young female_ (first year, No. 49,662, Calais, Me.; G. A. Boardman). -Differs from the female in the second year (No. 26,921) as follows: On -the wings and upper tail-coverts the yellowish-white spots are less -concealed, or, in fact, this forms the ground-color; secondary coverts -ochraceous-white, with two very distant transverse spots of dark brown, -rather narrower than the white spaces; tips of feathers broadly white; -secondaries grayish-brown, tipped with white, more mottled with the -same toward bases, and crossed by five bands of dark brown, the first -two of which are concealed by the coverts, the last quite a distance -from the end of the feathers; upper tail-coverts white, mottled on -inner webs with brown, each with two transverse broad bars, and a -subterminal cordate spot of dark brown, the last not touching the edge -of the feather, and the anterior bars both concealed by the overlaying -feather. Tail grayish-brown, tipped with white, and with six bands -of blackish-brown; these bordered with white as in the older stage. -Markings beneath as in the older stage, but those on the sides more -cordate. Wing-formula, 4, 5, 3–6–7–2–8–9, 1, 10. Wing, 14.00; tail, -11.50. - -In regard to the form indicated in the above descriptions as “var. -_striatulus_, Ridgway,” I am as yet undecided whether to recognize it -as a geographical race, or to merely consider the two adult plumages as -representing different ages of the same form. Certain it is that there -is a decided difference in the young plumage, between the birds of this -species from the eastern portion of North America and those from the -western regions; these differences consisting in the very much darker -colors of the western individuals, as shown by the above descriptions. -My first impression in regard to the adult dress, after making the -first critical examination of the series at my command, was, that the -coarsely mottled specimens were confined to the east, and that those -finely mottled beneath were peculiar to the west; and this view I am not -yet prepared to yield. I have never seen an adult bird from any western -locality which agrees with the eastern ones described above; all partake -of the same characters as those described, in being finely and faintly -mottled beneath, with sharp black shaft-streaks, producing the effect -of a nearly uniform bluish ground, the black streaks in conspicuous -contrast, the tail-bands nearly obsolete, etc. But occasional, not -to say frequent, individuals obtained in the eastern States, which -agree in these respects with the western style, rather disfavor the -view that these differences are regional, unless we consider that -these troublesome individuals, being, of course, winter migrants, have -strayed eastward from the countries where they were bred. The Colorado -female described above exhibits a rather suspicious feature in having a -single feather, on the lower parts, which is coarsely barred, as in the -eastern style, while all the rest are finely waved and marbled as in -the western. If this would suggest that the differences supposed to be -climatic or geographical are in reality only dependent on age, it would -also indicate that the finely mottled individuals are the older ones. - -If future investigations should substantiate this suggestion as to the -existence of an eastern and a western race of Goshawk in North America, -they would be distinguished by the following characters:— - - Var. =atricapillus=. _Adult._ Markings of the lower surface coarse and - ragged; feathers of the pectoral region with broad medial longitudinal - streaks of the same slaty tint as the transverse bars, and with only - the shafts black. Tail-bands distinct. _Young._ Pale ochraceous - markings prevailing in extent over the darker (clear grayish-umber) - spotting. Stripes beneath narrow, clear brownish; those on the flanks - linear. Wing, 12.25–14.25; tail, 10.00–12.75; culmen, .80–1.00; - tarsus, 2.90–3.15; middle toe, 1.70–1.95. _Hab._ Eastern region of - North America. - - Var. =striatulus=. _Adult._ Markings of the lower parts fine and - delicate, and so dense as to present the appearance of a nearly - uniform bluish-ashy surface; feathers of the pectoral region without - the medial stripes of slaty, but with broad shaft-streaks of deep - black, contrasting very conspicuously with the finely mottled general - surface. Tail-bands obsolete. _Young._ Darker (brownish-black) - markings prevailing in extent over the lighter (nearly clear white) - ones. Stripes beneath broad, brownish-black; those on the flanks - cordate and transverse. Wing, 12.00–13.60; tail, 9.50–12.20; culmen, - .85–1.00; tarsus, 2.70–3.15; middle toe, 1.70–.185. _Hab._ Western - region of North America. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -Var. _atricapillus_. - -National Museum, 8; Philadelphia Academy, 7; New York Museum, 3; Boston -Society, 2; G. N. Lawrence, 4; W. S. Brewer, 2; Museum, Cambridge, 2; R. -Ridgway, 2. Total, 30. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |12.25–13.00|10.00–10.50| .80–.85|2.90–3.05| 1.70–1.80| 5 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |14.00–14.25|11.50–12.75| .90–1.00|2.90–3.15| 1.80–1.95| 7 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -Var. _striatulus_. - -National Museum, 9; R. Ridgway, 1; Museum, Cambridge, 1 -(Massachusetts!). Total, 11. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |12.00–13.25| 9.50–10.00| .85–.90|2.70–3.00| 1.70–1.80| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |13.50–13.60|11.80–12.20| .90–1.00|3.00–3.15| 1.85–0.00| 2 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -[Illustration: _Astur atricapillus._] - -HABITS. The dreaded Blue Hen Hawk, as our Goshawk is usually called in -New England, is a bird of somewhat irregular occurrence south of the -44th parallel. It occurs in the vicinity of Boston from November to -March, but is never very common. In other parts of the State it is at -times not uncommon at this season. It is common throughout Nova Scotia, -New Brunswick, and Northern Maine, and may undoubtedly be found breeding -in the northern portions of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. In the -summer of 1872, Mr. George Baxter, of Danville, Vt., procured a nest -containing three young birds, which were sent to the New York Central -Park. Mr. Downes speaks of it as “far too common” in the vicinity of -Halifax, where it is very destructive to Ducks, Pigeons, and poultry. -Mr. Boardman gives it as common near Calais, where it breeds, and where -he has taken its eggs. Mr. Verrill mentions it as resident in Western -Maine, where it is one of the most common Hawks. Mr. Allen found it -usually rare near Springfield, but remarkably common during the winter -of 1859–60. He afterwards mentions that since then, and for the last ten -winters, he has known them to be quite common during several seasons. -Mr. C. J. Maynard is confident that this species occasionally breed -in Massachusetts. He once observed a pair at a locality in Weston, -until the latter part of May. It was found breeding in Iowa by Mr. -S. N. Marston. Mr. Victor Brooke records in the Ibis, 1870, p. 538, the -occurrence, in Ireland, of an example of this species. It was shot in -the Galtee Mountains, in February, 1870. The bird was a mature female, -with the ovary somewhat enlarged. The stomach contained the remains of a -rabbit. - -On the Pacific coast it is comparatively rare in California, though much -more abundant farther north, in Oregon and in Washington Territory. -Dr. Cooper noticed several in the dense spruce forests of Washington -Territory, and regarded it as a special frequenter of dark woods, where -other Hawks are rarely seen. Dr. Suckley also obtained several specimens -of this bird both at Fort Dalles and at Fort Steilacoom. - -Sir John Richardson met with this Hawk and procured several specimens in -the Arctic regions, and Captain Blakiston also met with it in the valley -of the Saskatchewan. He states that it ranges throughout the interior -from Hudson’s Bay to the Rocky Mountains and Mackenzie River. He found -it breeding on the Saskatchewan, and one of his specimens was shot on -its nest. The Goshawk was obtained at Sitka by Bischoff; and a pair was -taken by Mr. Dall, April 24, 1867, within a few miles of Nulato Fort, -on the Yukon River. The nest was on a large poplar, thirty feet above -the ground, and made of small sticks. No eggs had been laid, but several -nearly mature were found in the ovary of the female. The nest was on a -small island in a thick grove of poplars, a situation which this species -seemed to prefer. Mr. Dall adds that this was the most common Hawk in -the valley of the Yukon, where it feeds largely on the White Ptarmigan -(_Lagopus albus_), tearing off the skin and feathers, and eating only -the flesh. Mr. Dall received skins from the Kuskoquim River, where it -was said to be a resident species. - -Dr. Suckley speaks of this Hawk as bold, swift, and strong, never -hesitating to sweep into a poultry-yard, catch up a chicken, and make -off with it almost in a breath. Its manner of seizing its prey was by a -horizontal approach for a short distance, elevated but a few feet from -the ground, a sudden downward sweep, and then, without stopping its -flight, making its way to a neighboring tree with the struggling victim -securely fastened in its talons. For strength, intrepidity, and fury, -Dr. Suckley adds, it cannot be surpassed. It seems to display great -cunning, seizing very opportune moments for its attacks. In one instance -it was several days before he was able to have one of these birds -killed, although men were constantly on the watch for it. So adroit -was it in seizing opportunities to make its attacks, that it regularly -visited the poultry-yard three times a day, and yet always contrived to -escape unmolested. He found these birds much more plentiful during some -months than at other times, and attributed it to their breeding in the -retired recesses of the mountains, remaining there until their young -were well able to fly, and then all descending to the open plains, where -they obtain a more abundant supply of food. - -Mr. Audubon states that in Maine the Goshawk was said to prey upon -hares, the Canada and Ruffed Grouse, and upon Wild Ducks. They were so -daring as to come to the very door of the farm-house, and carry off -their prey with such rapidity as to baffle all endeavors to shoot them. -Mr. Audubon found this Hawk preying upon the Wild Ducks in Canoe Creek, -near Henderson, Ky., during a severe winter; as the banks were steep and -high, he had them at a disadvantage, and secured a large number of them. -They caught the Mallards with great ease, and, after killing them, tore -off the feathers with great deliberation and neatness, eating only the -flesh of the breast. - -The flight of this bird he describes as both rapid and protracted, -sweeping along with such speed as to enable it to seize its prey with -only a slight deviation from its course, and making great use of its -long tail in regulating both the direction and the rapidity of its -course. It generally flies high, with a constant beat of the wings, -rarely moving in large circles in the manner of other Hawks. It is -described as a restless bird, vigilant and industrious, and seldom -alighting except to devour its prey. When perching, it keeps itself more -upright than most other Hawks. - -Audubon narrates that he once observed one of these birds give chase -to a large flock of the Purple Grakles, then crossing the Ohio River. -The Hawk came upon them with the swiftness of an arrow; the Blackbirds, -in their fright, rushing together in a compact mass. On overtaking -them, it seized first one, and then another and another, giving each a -death-squeeze, and then dropping it into the water. In this manner it -procured five before the poor birds could reach the shelter of a wood; -and then, giving up the chase, swept over the waters, picking up the -fruits of its industry, and carrying each bird singly to the shore. - -Mr. Audubon, who observed these Hawks in the Great Pine Forest of -Pennsylvania, and on the banks of the Niagara River, near the Falls, -describes a nest as placed on the branches of a tree, and near the -trunk. It was of great size, and resembled that of a Crow in the manner -of its construction, but was much flatter. It was made of withered twigs -and coarse grass, with a lining of fibrous strips of plants resembling -hemp. Another, found by Mr. Audubon in the month of April, contained -three eggs ready to be hatched. In another the number was four. - -Mr. Dall states that the eggs are usually four in number, of a -greenish-white color, and were usually all laid by the first of -May. An egg of this bird, obtained by Mr. Dall at Nulato, April 27, -1858, measures 2.28 inches in length and 1.90 in breadth. It is of a -rounded-oval shape, and is of a uniform dead-white color, with hardly -a tinge of green. Another, obtained by Mr. Charles Pease near the -head-waters of the Unalakleet River, measures 2.32 by 1.80 inches, and -the ground-color is more distinctly greenish-white. A few small spots of -a bronze-brown are scattered in isolated marking irregularly over the -egg. Lieutenant Bendire writes that he has found the eggs of this Hawk -in Montana; that their number in a set is usually two, and an unspotted -white. - - -GENUS ASTURINA, VIEILLOT. - - _Asturina_, VIEILL. 1816. (Type, _Falco nitidus_, LATHAM.) - -GEN. CHAR. Somewhat similar to _Astur_, but of much heavier and more -robust build; tarsi longer and stouter, tail shorter and less rounded, -wings longer, etc. Bill more elongated than in _Astur_, the cere -longer, and the festoon on the commissure more developed; nostril -oval, horizontal. Wings rather short, but less concave beneath than -in _Astur_; third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than eighth -or ninth; four outer quills with their inner webs sinuated. Tail -considerably shorter than the wing, slightly emarginated, the lateral -pair of feathers longest. Feet large and robust, when outstretched -reaching almost to the end of the tail; tarsi very robust compared to -the toes, about one and a half times as long as the middle toe, the -frontal and posterior rows of transverse scutellæ very distinct and -regular; outer toe longer than inner; claws strong, well curved, but not -very acute. Sexes alike in color; old and young plumages very different. - -[Illustration: - - =34002=, ♀. ½ - =34002=, ♀. ¼ - =34002=, ♀. ½ - -_Asturina plagiata._] - -This genus is peculiar to tropical America, and contains but a single -species, the _A. nitida_, with its two climatic races, _nitida_ of South -America and _plagiata_ of Middle America. The species of _Rupornis_, -Kaup (_R. magnirostris_ and _R. leucorrhoa_), have been associated with -the species of the present genus, but they are very distinct. The genera -(or, more properly, subgenera) most nearly related to _Asturina_ are -_Leucoptrinis_, Kaup, of tropical America, and _Kaupifalco_, Bonap., -of Western Africa. The former differs mainly in more or less rounded, -instead of emarginated, tail, and in having the old and young plumages -similar; the latter in having the posterior face of the tarsus without a -well-defined row of transverse scutellæ. - - -Species and Races. - - =A. nitida.= Wing, 9.80–11.50; tail, 6.70–8.00; culmen, .80–1.00; - tarsus, 2.50–2.90; middle toe, 1.40–1.75. _Adult._ Above clear - ash, paler on the head and darker on the rump; the general surface - with more or less appreciable transverse bars, or indications of - bars, of a paler shade, and with darker shafts. Upper tail-coverts - immaculate white. Tail deep black, fading into pale grayish-brown - at the end, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed by two to three - white bands. Lower parts, including the tibiæ, axillars, and throat, - regularly barred with deep ash and white, the two colors about - equal in extent; chin and crissum immaculate white. _Young._ Above - blackish-brown, variegated with pinkish-ochraceous. Tail umber, tipped - with pinkish-brown or dull whitish, and crossed by six to seven narrow - bands of black. Beneath white, sometimes tinged with ochraceous; the - breast, abdomen, and sides with longitudinal tear-shaped spots of - black. - - _Adult._ Upper surface distinctly barred, the lighter bars - predominating; the top of the head as distinctly barred as the lower - parts. _Young._ Tibiæ immaculate white or pale ochraceous. Culmen, - .80–.90. _Hab._ South America, from S. E. Brazil and W. Ecuador, to - Panama … - - var. _nitida_.[84] - - _Adult._ Upper surface only obsoletely barred, or almost uniform; - the top of the head without any bars. _Young._ Tibiæ transversely - barred with dusky. Culmen, .75–.80. _Hab._ Middle America, north to - the southern border of the United States; straying northward in the - Mississippi Valley, to Southern Illinois … - - var. _plagiata_. - - -Asturina nitida, var. plagiata (SCHLEG.). - -MEXICAN HAWK. - - _Asturina nitida_, CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 35.—SCL. & SALV. Ibis, - 1859, 217.—SALV. Ibis, 1861, 68.—SCL. P. Z. S. 1857, pp. 201, 227; - 1859, pp. 368, 389; 1864, 178.—LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. IX, 133.—OWEN, - Ibis, III, 1868 (egg white). _Asturina cinerea_, CASS. P. A. N. S. - 1855, 283 (not of VIEILL.!). _Asturina plagiata_, SCHLEG. Mus. - Pays-Bas. _Asturinæ_, p. 1.—SCL. & SALV. P. Z. S. 1868, 173; 1869, - 130.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 30, 1869.—RIDGW. Am. Nat. VI, July, 1872, - 430; VII, April, 1873, 203; (Southern Illinois, August). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (51,343, Mazatlan, Mexico; Ferd. Bischoff. -“Length, 16.00; extent, 38.00”). Above deep, rather dark cinereous, -becoming paler and finer on the head above, where the feathers have the -shafts (finely) black; wings with obsolete lighter bars; rump almost -black. Upper tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Tail pure black, tipped -with pale grayish-brown (this passing terminally into white); about -1½ inches from the tip is a continuous band of white, half an inch in -width; and a little over an inch anterior to this is another narrower -and less perfect one. Primaries approaching black at ends; the tips -broadly edged with dull white, as also the ends of secondaries. Head -uniform fine delicate ashy, becoming white on chin and throat, and -approaching the same on the forehead; shafts of feathers on head above, -and neck, black; neck with obsolete paler transverse bars, these most -distinct on jugulum; the breast, abdomen, sides, flanks, axillars, and -tibiæ are regularly barred transversely with cinereous and pure white, -the bars of each about equal, the white, however, gradually increasing, -and the ashy bars narrowing posteriorly, the tibiæ being finely barred; -lower tail-coverts immaculate pure white. Lining of the wing white, -with very sparse, faint, transverse zigzag bars next the axillars and -on larger coverts; under surface of primaries white anterior to their -emargination, beyond which they are more silvery, leaving about an inch -of the terminal portion black, the end of each, however, ashy; outer -two quills crossed by narrow bars of ashy, the rest with indications of -the same, near the shaft. Fourth quill longest; third scarcely shorter; -second shorter than fifth; first intermediate between eighth and ninth. -Wing, 10.50; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 2.60; middle toe, 1.50. - -_Adult female_ (34,002, Mazatlan, June; Colonel Grayson). Cinereous -above darker, the fasciæ of the wings hardly observable; front and -throat scarcely whitish; rump almost pure black; second tail-band much -broken and restricted. Ashy prevailing on the jugulum; ashy bars beneath -rather broader. Wings, 11.00; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 2.80; middle toe, -1.70. - -_Young male_ (35,060, Rio de Coahuyana, W. Mexico, October; J. Xantus). -Above, from bill to upper tail-coverts, dark bistre-brown, almost black; -feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with pinkish-ochraceous, -or sulphuret of manganese color; scapulars with nearly whole outer -webs of this color, they being blackish only along edges and at ends; -middle wing-coverts spotted with the same. Secondaries and primaries -faintly tipped with whitish; secondaries with indications of darker -bands, and outer webs of primaries with still more obscure ones; upper -tail-coverts white, with sagittate specks of black, one or two on each. -Tail umber-brown (considerably lighter than the wings), tipped with -pinkish-ash (this passing terminally into dull white), and crossed -with six or seven bands of black (these becoming gradually, but very -considerably, narrower toward the base). Beneath white, with vinaceous -tinge (this deepest laterally); breast, abdomen, and sides with large -tear-shaped or cuneate spots of black; tibiæ with numerous transverse -bars of the same. - -_Young female._ Similar to last, but the brown lighter, and more -approaching umber. - -HAB. Middle America (from coast to coast), from Costa Rica and Guatemala -to southern border of United States. Arizona, breeding (BENDIRE). -Southern Illinois (Richland Co.) June (RIDGWAY). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 13; Philadelphia Academy, 3; Boston Society, 5; Cab. -G. N. Lawrence, 1; R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 24. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 9.80–11.50| 7.20–7.80| .85–.95|2.50–2.70| 1.55–1.70| 7 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ | 9.50–11.30| 6.70–8.00| .80–1.00|2.75–2.70| 1.40–1.75| 4 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ⚪? |10.00–11.70| 6.80–8.00| .90–.95|2.65–2.80| 1.50–1.65| 4 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. This is a Mexican and Central American Hawk, which occasionally -crosses the borders of the United States, having been seen by Mr. -Ridgway in Southern Illinois, and found breeding, by Captain Bendire, -in Arizona, near Tucson. It has been found in the State of New Leon, -one of the most northern provinces of Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch, who -has, however, supplied no notes as to any peculiarities in its habits. -It was said to breed in the tops of lofty trees, and to have eggs of a -greenish-white, resembling those of _Astur atricapillus_. In Central -America it is said by Salvin to be abundant in the hot country on both -coast regions of the Republic of Guatemala, but it is not found in the -temperate regions. Its food consists of lizards, and its flesh is in -consequence very rank. - -[Illustration: _Asturina plagiata._] - -Mr. Robert Ridgway has met with this Hawk as far to the north as -Southern Illinois. It was seen and twice shot at on the 19th of August, -1871, on Fox Prairie, in Richland County. Mr. Ridgway came across it -while hunting Swallow-tail and Mississippi Kites. The bird, while being -annoyed by these Hawks, was well seen, and there cannot be the slightest -doubt as to its identity. - -Mr. Robert Owen found this Hawk, known in Guatemala by the local name of -_Gavilan_, a common name for the whole race of birds of prey, breeding -at San Geronimo, April 3, 1860. The nests are usually found in the -high trees which are scattered over the plain, and not unfrequently -within a few yards of the Indian ranchos. Two eggs seemed to be the -complement laid by one bird. These eggs are described by Mr. Owen as all -white, without any natural coloring. The inner coating of the shell is -sea-green, seeming to confirm the apparently close connection between -the genera of _Astur_ and _Asturina_. - -Mr. G. C. Taylor met what he presumed to be this Hawk in great abundance -at Comayagua, Honduras, in January. He saw a pair making their nest on -the top of a lofty cotton-tree. - -Captain Bendire found this species not uncommon and breeding in the -vicinity of Tucson, in Arizona. He found two nests, one of which was -taken June 6, the other a few days later. They were very slightly built -of sticks and strips of bark, and placed in low trees on the banks of -Reledo Creek. The nest contained two eggs. These are of a rounded oval -shape, are quite tapering at one end and rounded at the other. They are -of a uniform bluish-white color and unspotted, and measure 2.00 inches -in length by 1.60 inches in breadth. - - -GENUS ANTENOR, RIDGWAY. - - _Antenor_, RIDGWAY. (Type, _Falco harrisi_, AUD.) - _Craxirex_, AUTHORS, not of GOULD.[85] - -[Illustration: - - =42559=, ♀. ¼ - =42559=, ♀. ½ - =42559=, ♀. ½ - -_Parabuteo harrisi._] - -GEN. CHAR. Similar to _Asturina_, but form heavier, the bill and wings -more elongated, the tail slightly rounded, and the lores almost naked. -Bill very much as in _Asturina_, but more elongated, the top of the -cere longer in proportion to the culmen, and the commissural lobe -more anterior; the upper and lower outlines more nearly parallel. -Nostril oval, horizontal, with an exposed cartilaginous tubercle. Lores -nearly naked, with scant bristles. Wing long (much as in _Buteo_); the -fourth or fifth quill longest, and the first shorter than the eighth -to the tenth; outer four with inner webs sinuated. Tail long, more -than two thirds the wing; even or slightly rounded. Feet robust, when -outstretched reaching nearly to the end of the tail; tarsus nearly -twice the length of the middle, very robust, the frontal and posterior -rows of scutellæ very distinct; outer toe longer than the inner; claws -strong, well curved, and acute. Sexes alike; young and old plumages very -different. - -This genus includes a single species, the _P. unicinctus_, with its -two climatic races, _unicinctus_ of South America and _harrisi_ of -Middle America. It is most nearly related to the genus _Urubitinga_, -of tropical America, the species of which are sluggish and almost -Caracara-like in their habits, though they are hardly more so than our -own _Buteones_. The genus _Craxirex_ of Gould having been founded upon -_Buteo galapagoensis_, a species strictly congeneric with _B. borealis_, -it is necessary that a new generic name should be instituted for the -present species, since it so well merits separation to that rank. I -accordingly propose the name given at the head of this chapter. - - -Species and Races. - - =P. unicinctus.= Wing, 11.65–14.60; tail, 9.00–11.00; culmen, - .82–1.10; tarsus, 2.78–3.75; middle toe, 1.52–2.00. _Adult._ General - color brownish-black or blackish-brown, uniform, or slightly - variegated by light spotting; the lesser wing-coverts and tibiæ deep - rufous, or chestnut. Tail black; the end and base white, as are - also the tail-coverts. _Young._ Plumage greatly variegated. Above - blackish-brown, the feathers edged with rusty; head and neck streaked - with pale ochraceous. Lower parts pale ochraceous or yellowish-white, - the breast and abdomen with longitudinal ovoid spots of blackish; - tibiæ with transverse bars of dark rusty; lower tail-coverts with - black shaft-streaks. Lesser wing-covert region only washed with - rufous. Tail grayish-brown, whitish at the tip, and crossed by narrow - bands of dusky. - - _Adult_ with the blackish much broken up by lighter spotting. Wing, - 11.65–14.60; tail, 9.00–10.50; culmen, .82–1.02; tarsus, 2.78–3.40; - middle toe, 1.52–1.85. _Hab._ South America … - - var. _unicinctus_.[86] - - _Adult_ with the blackish continuous and uniform. Wing, 12.35–14.50; - tail, 9.80–11.00; culmen, .90–1.10; tarsus, 3.15–3.75; middle toe, - 1.65–2.00. _Hab._ Middle America, north into southern border of - United States … - - var. _harrisi_. - - -Parabuteo unicinctus, var. harrisi (RIDGWAY). - -HARRIS’S BUZZARD. - - _Falco harrisi_, AUD. B. Am. pl. cccxcii, 1831.—IB. Orn. Biog. V, - 30. _Buteo harrisi_, AUD. Synop. 1839, 5.—BONAP. List, 3.—DE KAY, - Zoöl. N. Y. II, 11.—_Craxirex unicinctus_, var. _harrisi_, RIDGWAY, - P. A. N. S. Philad. Dec. 1870, p. 142. _Buteo unicinctus_, var. - _harrisi_, COUES, Key, 1872, 215. “_Craxirex unicinctus_, TEMM.” - CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 46.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 329 (Texas).—COUES, - P. A. N. S. 1866, 13 (Arizona). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (17,230, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California; J. -Xantus). General plumage uniform sooty-black, purest on the tail, -somewhat tinged with chestnut on the rump. Lesser wing-coverts and -lateral half of each web of middle coverts, also the tibiæ, rich -deep chestnut, perfectly uniform. Upper and lower tail-coverts, and -broad basal and terminal zones of tail, pure white, the anterior band -concealed (except on outer feathers) by the upper coverts, and about -twice the width of the last, which is about 1 inch wide. Tail-coverts -with a few irregular narrow shaft-streaks of blackish. Lining of wing -deep chestnut, like the shoulders; each greater covert with a black -shaft-streak; primaries beneath plain black. Wing, 14.50; tail, 10.00; -tarsus, 3.25; middle toe, 2.00. Fourth and fifth quills longest and -equal; third considerably shorter; second intermediate between sixth and -seventh; first 3.40 shorter than longest. - -_Adult female_ (42,559, Iztlan, Mexico; Colonel Grayson). Generally -similar to the male; the black, however, less pure and more brownish, -the chestnut more extended, the whole rump being of this color, the last -feathers merely being blackish in the middle. White of tail-coverts -without blackish streaks. Wing, 14.60; tail, 10.30; tarsus, 3.25; middle -toe, 1.95. - -_Immature male_ (second year, 50,763, Tepic, Mexico; Colonel Grayson). -Upper parts similar to adult, but less uniform; the nape and back with -feathers edged with rusty; sides of head and neck very much streaked. -Breast and abdomen light ochraceous, with large longitudinal oval spots -of black; tibiæ light ochraceous, with rather distant transverse bars -of dark rusty-brown; lower tail-coverts ochraceous-white, with black -shaft-lines. Rufous on the wings more extended and more broken; none -on the rump. Terminal band of tail narrower and less sharply defined -than in adult; inner webs of primaries with basal two-thirds white, -irregularly mottled with dusky. “Iris chestnut-brown; cere, chin, and -space round the eyes yellow.” - -_Immature female_ (second year, 15,260, Fort Buchanan, New Mexico; Dr. -Irwin). Black spots beneath larger and more irregularly defined; tibiæ -strongly barred with dark rufous; posterior edge of basal band of tail -much broken. - -HAB. Middle, or northern tropical, America, from the Isthmus of Panama -northward into the southern United States; Mississippi (AUDUBON); Texas -(Mus. S. I.; DRESSER); Arizona (COUES). - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 216). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 13; Philadelphia Academy, 3; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2; -Coll. R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 19. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |12.35–13.75| 9.80–10.20| .90–.95|3.15–3.20| 1.65–1.70| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |14.25–14.50|10.80–11.00|1.08–1.10|3.40–3.75| 1.90–2.00| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HABITS. This Hawk has a very limited range within the United States, -and Mr. Audubon, who was the first to meet with it there, obtained only -a single specimen from Louisiana. Supposing it to be an undescribed -species, he named it in honor of his friend, Mr. Edward Harris. - -[Illustration: _Parabuteo harrisi._] - -This species is occasionally found in the lower portions of the States -of Mississippi and Louisiana, but becomes much more abundant in the -southwestern sections of the latter State, and in Texas is common, -especially about the mouth of the Rio Grande. In one variety or the -other it is frequently met with throughout Mexico, and Central America, -and is also said to be an occasional visitant of Cuba and Jamaica. - -Mr. Dresser found this Hawk common throughout Texas to the Colorado -River, beyond which he noticed but few. It was the only Hawk he noticed -at Matamoras in the summer. He describes it as a heavy, sluggish bird, -seldom seen on the wing, and subsisting, so far as he could see, -entirely on carrion. All along the road from Brownsville to San Antonio, -he noticed it either perched on some tree by the roadside, or busy, in -company with Vultures and Caracaras, regaling on some offensive carrion. -He found it breeding in the neighborhood of San Antonio, Medina, and -Altascosa Rivers, having eggs in the month of May. A nest found on the -4th of May, near the Medina River, was built of sticks, very slightly -lined, and was placed in a low hackberry-tree. The eggs were four -in number, and described as white, with a faint bluish tinge, very -sparingly spotted and blotched with red. - -Other writers also agree in representing this Hawk as heavy and -sluggish in habit, and as frequenting streams of water, and its food as -consisting chiefly of the reptiles and smaller animals which frequent -the banks of rivers and creeks. It builds its nests on low trees, -in the immediate vicinity of its hunting-ground, and often over the -water, constructing them of coarse flags and water-plants. The nests -are usually not very large for the birds, are flattened or with very -slight depressions, and the materials are very loosely put together. -The eggs are from three to five in number, usually white and unspotted, -occasionally with more or less of a yellowish or tawny tinge. In some -instances they are faintly marked with light dashes or stains of a -yellowish-brown, and, more rarely, are also marked with small blotches -of sepia-brown, and with smaller dottings of purplish-drab. Their -average measurement is, length 2.13, breadth 1.69 inches. - -Our knowledge of the eggs of these Hawks is derived from the collection -of the late Dr. Berlandier, of Matamoras, in the Province of Tamaulipas, -Mexico. In the cabinet of that gentleman were several varieties, now in -the possession of the Smithsonian Institution, and presented to it by -Lieutenant Couch. - -[Illustration: _Onychotes gruberi, Type,_ (=41703.= _California._)] - -[Illustration: =41703= ¼ ½ - -_Onychotes gruberi._] - - -GENUS ONYCHOTES, RIDGWAY. - - _Onychotes_, RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Philad. Dec. 1870, 142. (Type, _O. - gruberi_, nov. sp.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill short, the tip remarkably short and obtuse, and only -gradually bent; cere on top about equal to the culmen, very broad -basally in its transverse diameter, and ascending, in its lateral -outline, on a line with the culmen; commissure only faintly lobed. -Nostril nearly circular, with a conspicuous (but not central or bony) -tubercle; cere densely bristled below the nostril, almost to its -anterior edge; orbital region finely bristled. Tarsus very long and -slender, nearly twice the length of the middle toe; toes moderate, the -outer one decidedly longer than the inner; claws very long, strong, and -sharp, and curved in about one quarter the circumference of a circle. -Tibial feathers short and close, the plumes scarcely reaching below the -joint. Feathers of the forehead, gular region, sides, and tibiæ, with -white filamentous attachments to the end of the shafts. Wing very short, -much rounded, and very concave beneath; fourth quill longest; first -shorter than ninth; four primaries emarginated, and one sinuated, on -inner webs; five sinuated on outer webs. Tail about two thirds as long -as wing, rounded. Outstretched feet reaching beyond end of tail. - -This genus has no very near relatives among the American _Falconidæ_, -nor, indeed, among those of other portions of the world. It is, perhaps, -most closely related to the genus _Rupornis_, of South America, from -which, however, it is very distinct. It is represented by a single -species, the type of which, supposed to have come from California, still -remains unique. - -The elongated legs, reaching considerably beyond the rather short tail, -the close thigh-plumes, the long and extremely acute claws (somewhat -like those of _Rostrhamus_), with the short, rounded, and very concave -wing, are its most striking peculiarities. Besides these distinguishing -features, the short, thick bill, very deep through the base, and the -filamentous attachments to the shafts of the feathers of certain parts -of the body, are also very characteristic. The latter feature may -possibly be a mark of immaturity, but I have seen nothing like it in -other _Raptores_, and it seems to be more analogous to the nuptial -ornaments seen in the Cormorants (_Phalocrocoracidæ_). - - -Species. - - =O. gruberi.= Wing, 10.10; tail, 6.50; culmen, about .80; tarsus, - 2.70; middle toe, 1.45; posterior claw, 1.00, its digit .80. - _Immature_ (?). Uniform grayish-umber, tinged with dull rufous on the - neck; lining of the wing and tibiæ dull grayish-cinnamon. Primaries - inclining to black, and showing just discernible, obscure hoary bars - on their basal half. Tail brownish-gray, with a hoary cast nearer the - shaft (not paler at the tip), and crossed with nine or ten narrow - bars of dusky, these becoming hardly distinguishable basally and - terminally. Inner webs of the primaries plain white anterior to their - emargination. Head laterally and beneath obsoletely streaked with - whitish. _Hab._ “California.” - - -Onychotes gruberi, RIDGWAY. - -GRUBER’S HAWK. - - _Onychotes gruberi_, RIDGWAY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. Dec. 1870, p. - 149. - -[Illustration: _Onychotes gruberi._] - -SP. CHAR. _Immature?_ (41,703, “California”; F. Gruber). Outstretched -feet reaching beyond tail. General plumage dull dark-bistre, with a -grayish-umber cast in some lights, darkest on the head above and back; -the posterior lower parts paler and more reddish; throat and neck much -tinged with pale rusty (this obsoletely bordering the feathers, which -here have fine whitish filaments attached to the shafts); primaries -uniform black. Tail like the rump, but with a more hoary tinge (not -paler at the tip), and crossed with seven or eight very narrow obscure -bars of darker, the last of which is distant an inch or more from the -end. Lining of wing dark bistre, much tinged with rusty, this prevalent -toward the edge; under surface of primaries white anterior to their -emargination, beyond which they are ashy, approaching black at ends; -ashy portion with distant, very obsolete, dusky bars, but the cheeks and -throat streaked obsoletely with this color. No distinct white anywhere -about the head or neck. Wing, 10.00; tail, 5.80; tarsus, 2.70; middle -toe, 1.40; inner, .90; outer, 1.10; posterior, .80; hind claw, 1.00 -(chord); inner claw, .91; on front of tarsus, twelve exposed large -transverse scutellæ; only 1.70 of the tarsus exposed. - -The type of this species still remains unique. It was sent to the -Smithsonian Institution by Mr. Gruber, who labelled it as having been -obtained in California. Nothing is known of its habits. - - -GENUS BUTEO, CUVIER. - - _Buteo_, CUV. 1799. (Type, _Falco buteo_, LINN. = _Buteo vulgaris_, - BECHSTEIN.) - _Craxirex_, GOULD, 1838. (Type, _Buteo galapagoensis_, GOULD.) - _Pæcilopternis_, KAUP, 1847. (Type, _Falco borealis_, GM.) - _Tachytriorchis_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco pterocles_, TEMM.) - -GEN. CHAR. Form robust and heavy, the wings long, and rather pointed, -the tail moderate and rounded, the bill and feet strong. Bill -intermediate between that of _Astur_ and that of _Parabuteo_. Wing long -and rather pointed, the third to fifth quill longest, the first shorter -than eighth; three to four with inner webs emarginated. Tail moderate, -slightly rounded. - -[Illustration: - - =1750=, ♀. ½ - =1750=, ♀. - =10571=, ♀. ½ - =10571=, ♀. ¼ - -_Buteo borealis_ (1750; 10571).] - -[Illustration: =52763=, ♂. ½ - -_Buteo zonocercus_ (52763).] - -[Illustration: =58505=, ♀. ¼ - -_Buteo swainsoni_ (58505).] - -The species of this genus are very numerous, especially within the -tropics, and are found all over the world, except in Australia. About -thirty nominal species are known, of which about fifteen distinct -species, not including geographical races, belong to America. A single -species, _B. solitarius_ (_Pandion solitarius_, Peale), (Gray’s Hand -List, I, 15, No. 136,) belongs to the Sandwich Islands. The genus seems -to be wanting in the Australian and East Indian regions. - -The following species and races belong to the North American fauna. - - -Species and Races. - - =A.= Three outer primaries with their inner webs cut or emarginated. - - 1. =B. pennsylvanicus.= Wing, 9.85–11.40; tail, 6.30–8.00; culmen, - .70–.80; tarsus, 2.15–2.80; middle toe, 1.20–1.40. Third to - fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh. _Adult._ Tail - dull black, paler at the tip, crossed by two to four bands of - dilute umber, or brownish-white, varying in width, but the last - always broadest. Upper tail-coverts tipped and barred with white. - Lower parts dull rufous-brown, nearly unbroken on the breast, but - posteriorly much variegated with roundish transverse spots of - white, forming broad transverse bars, interrupted by the dusky - shaft. Upper parts dark umber, darker on the back. _Young._ Tail - dull grayish-umber, growing darker terminally, narrowly tipped - with whitish, and crossed by about six narrow and indistinct bands - of dusky; these gradually becoming obsolete basally, the last much - broader. Lower parts white, or light ochraceous, with longitudinal - spots of dark brown or blackish on the sides of the breast and - abdomen, and roundish or transversely cordate ones on the sides, - flanks, and tibiæ. A conspicuous “mustache” on the cheeks, from - the rictus down. Upper parts much as in the adult. _Hab._ Eastern - North America, and Middle America, south to Bogota and Caraccas. - - 2. =B. swainsoni.= Wing, 12.00–17.00; tail, 6.50–9.00; culmen, - .80–.95; tarsus, 2.95–2.70; middle toe, 1.50–1.70. Third to - fourth (usually third) quills longest; first usually longer than - seventh. _Adult._ Tail dark grayish-brown, sometimes with a hoary - cast, crossed by five to seven, or more, narrow bands of dusky, - usually very obscure, and becoming obsolete basally. Colors of - other portions extremely variable; the upper parts, however, - continuous, unvariegated, dark brown, or blackish; the lower - parts sometimes also entirely dusky, except the tail-coverts, - which are always (?) barred with white. _Normal plumage._ A dark - area covering the jugulum and breast, dull rufous in the ♂, and - dark grayish-brown in the ♀. Other lower parts whitish, sometimes - pure, and nearly immaculate, but usually more or less tinged with - ochraceous and rufous, and transversely barred with various shades - of brown. _Young._ Tail hoary brownish-gray, crossed by numerous, - very indistinct, narrow bands of darker, and faintly tipped with - whitish. Ground-color of the head, neck, and lower parts, light - ochraceous, or cream-color (sometimes nearly white), the anterior - upper parts with large longitudinally ovate spots of black; these - assuming the form of streaks on the head and neck. Sides of the - breast with an aggregation of larger spots of the same, and sides - with sparser hastate or deltoid spots. Upper parts purplish-black, - more or less variegated with ochraceous; the relative proportion - of the two colors varying with the individual. - - Wing, 14.40–17.00; tail, 8.00–9.50; culmen, .80–.95; tarsus, - 2.30–2.70; middle toe, 1.50–1.70. Weight 1½–3½ lbs. _Hab._ - Western Province of North America, from the Mississippi Valley, - and the region of the Great Lakes (Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, to - Arkansas, also Canada and Massachusetts) to the Pacific … - - var. _swainsoni_. - - Wing, 12.00–15.30; tail, 6.50–9.00; culmen, .85–.90; tarsus, - 1.95–2.60; middle toe, 1.50–1.60. Colors similar, but the young - paler than that of var. _swainsoni_. Adult unknown. _Hab._ - Middle and South America, and southern border of the western - United States, from New Mexico to Buenos Ayres (two specimens, - Costa Rica, and Buenos Ayres, Mus. S. I.) … - - var. _oxypterus_. - - =B.= Four outer primaries with their inner webs cut. - - _a._ Form light, the legs slender; tail of adult without a - subterminal band of black more distinct than the others. - - 3. =B. zonocercus.= Wing, 15.50–17.40; tail, 8.50–10.75; culmen, - .90; tarsus, 2.50–2.80; middle toe, 1.60–1.85. Entirely deep - black, with more or less concealed pure white spotting. _Adult._ - Tail carbonaceous-black, with three very broad zones, of pure - white on inner webs and ash on the outer webs. _Young._ Tail dark - brown, the inner webs more or less, sometimes entirely, white, - crossed by numerous oblique bands of black. _Hab._ Mexico (chiefly - western?) and adjacent southwestern portions of the United States - (Arizona, COUES; Southern California, San Diego, COOPER). - - 4. =B. lineatus.= Wing, 11.25–14.25; tail, 8.00–10.00; culmen, - .75–.90; tarsus, 2.70–3.25; middle toe, 1.30–1.50. Fourth to - fifth quill longest; first shorter than seventh. Outer webs of - the primaries with quadrate spots of whitish; lesser wing-coverts - dark rufous; lower parts rufous more or less barred with whitish, - or whitish spotted longitudinally with dusky. _Adult._ Head, - neck, lesser wing-coverts, and lower parts deep rufous, the lower - parts more or less barred posteriorly with whitish. Primaries and - tail black; the former with quadrate spots of pure white on the - outer webs, and the latter crossed by six narrow bands of pure - white, and tipped with the same. _Young._ Head, neck, and lower - parts whitish, usually more or less tinged with ochraceous, and - with longitudinal markings of dusky. Primaries and tail dusky; - the former mostly ochraceous anterior to the sinuation of their - outer webs, the latter crossed by numerous narrow bands of pale - grayish-brown, these becoming paler and more ochraceous toward the - base. Lesser wing-coverts more or less tinged with dark rufous. - - _Adult._ Lower parts light rufous barred with white. _Young._ - White prevailing on the lower parts. _Hab._ Eastern Province of - the United States … - - var. _lineatus_. - - _Adult._ Lower parts deep dark rufous, almost free from bars, - except posteriorly. _Young._ Dark spotting on the lower parts - predominating. _Hab._ Pacific Province, and southern Western - Province, of the United States … - - var. _elegans_. - - _b._ Form robust and heavy, the tarsus stout; tail of the adult with - a subterminal band of black broader than the other. - - 5. =B. borealis.= Wing, 13.25–17.75; tail, 8.50–11.30; culmen, - .90–1.15; tarsus, 2.70–3.40; middle toe, 1.60–1.95. Weight, - 2½ to 4 lbs. Third to fifth quill longest; first shorter than - seventh and shorter than tenth. Colors extremely variable, ranging - from entirely pure white beneath, through various shades of - ochraceous and rusty, and greater or less amount of darker spots - and bars, to an entirely uniform brownish-black. _Adult._ Tail - deep rufous, generally paler at the tip; with or without black - bars. _Young._ Tail grayish-brown, crossed by nine or ten bands of - black, much narrower than the gray ones. Lower parts always with - white predominating. - - Tibiæ and lower tail-coverts without transverse bars, at any - age. Lower parts with white always predominating. Tail never - with more than one bar of black. - - Feathers of the head and neck edged laterally with rufous; - scapulars and wing-coverts much variegated with whitish; upper - tail-coverts white, barred with rufous. Throat with blended - streaks of blackish, this usually predominating; tibiæ and - lower tail-coverts plain yellowish-white. _Hab._ Eastern - Province of North America, to the Missouri plains … - - var. _borealis_. - - Similar, but colors much paler, the lower parts entirely pure - white, with little or no spotting on the abdomen. Tail usually - destitute of the black subterminal band. _Hab._ Plains, from - Texas to Minnesota … - - var. _krideri_. - - Similar to the last, but lower parts strongly tinged with - rufous on the tibiæ, and upper parts much darker. Tail - always destitute of the subterminal black band. _Young_ not - distinguishable from that of var. _calurus_. _Hab._ Cape St. - Lucas … - - var. _lucasanus_. - - Whole head, neck (except the throat), and upper parts, - continuously uniform unvariegated brownish-black; that of - the neck meeting narrowly across the lower part of the - throat, leaving the whole throat almost immaculate white. - Posterior lower parts fine, deep pinkish-ochraceous; tibiæ - deep reddish-ochraceous; upper tail-coverts plain rufous. - _Hab._ Central America (from Tres Marias, Western Mexico, to - Costa Rica and Veragua) … - - var. _costaricensis_. - - Tibiæ and lower tail-coverts always with distinct transverse - bars. Tail often with more or less complete transverse bars of - black to the base. Lower parts with an excess of ochraceous and - darker markings, frequently wholly blackish. - - Varying, from individuals distinguishable from the darker - examples of var. _borealis_ only by the presence of bars on - the tibiæ and crissum, through others with various degrees - of rufous tinge and dusky spotting and barring beneath, to a - perfectly melanistic condition, in which the bird is almost - uniformly black, and the tail with continuous, regular bars of - black to the base. _Hab._ Western Province of North America, - from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific … - - var. _calurus_. - - 6. =B. harlani.= Wing, 15.00–16.20; tail, 8.80–10.50; culmen, - 1.00; tarsus, 2.75–2.90; middle toe, 1.50–1.70. Lateral toes - nearly equal; tibial plumes much developed, reaching below - the bases of the toes. Entirely brownish-black (except the - tail), the concealed bases of the feathers snowy-white. _Adult._ - Tail confusedly mottled with dusky and white, upon a grayish - ground; sometimes more or less tinged with rufous. _Young._ Tail - grayish-brown, with nine very regular, sharply defined bands of - brownish-black, about equal in width to the gray ones. Lower parts - wholly dusky. _Hab._ Southwestern United States, east of the Rocky - Mountains, from Kansas to Texas. - - 7. =B. cooperi.= Wing, 15.75; tail, 9.10; culmen, 1.10; tarsus, - 3.25; middle toe, 1.70. _Adult._ Head, neck, and beneath, pure - white, the head above and nape streaked with dusky; lining of the - wing white, with a large black patch. Above nearly uniform dusky, - the primaries plumbeous. Tail longitudinally mottled with light - rufous, cinereous, and dusky; the former prevailing. _Hab._ Santa - Clara County, California. - - -Buteo pennsylvanicus (WILS.). - -BROAD-WINGED HAWK. - - _Falco pennsylvanicus_, WILS. Am. Orn. VI, 92, pl. liv, f. 1, - 1812.—LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 263, 1821.—AUD. B. Am. pl. xci, 1831; - Orn. Biog. I, 461, 1831.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 29, 434; Isis, - p. 1137, 1832.—NUTT. Man. I, 105, 1833.—TEMM. Pl. Col. 67, 1836. - _Buteo pennsylvanicus_, BONAP. Ois. Cuv. Règ. An. p. 35, 1830; Eur. - & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838; Consp. Av. p. 19, 1850.—AUD. Syn. p. 7, - 1839.—BREW. (WILS). Am. Orn. Syn. p. 648, 1852.—GRAY, Gen. sp. 8, - 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 16, 1844.—CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. Syn. p. - 100, 1854.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 32, 1855.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 11, - pl. v, fig. 11, 1844.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 29, 1858.—GRAY, Hand List, - B. 7, 1869.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas). _Astur pennsylvanicus_, - CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 332, 1829.—JAMES. (WILS.) Orn. I, 65. - _Falco latissimus_, WILS. Am. Orn. (last ed.) VI, 92, pl. liv, f. - 1, 1812. _A. ? latissimus_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 294. _Falco - wilsoni_, BONAP. Obs. Wils. Nouv. Journ. Ac. Sc. N. Y. III, 348. - _Pœcilopternis wilsoni_, KAUP, Mon. Fal. Cont. Orn. p. 75, 1850. - _Sparvius platypterus_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, 1273 (quot. Wils. pl. - liv, fig. 1), 1823. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Upper surface dark umber-brown, the feathers -gradually paler toward edges; on the back, the feathers more uniformly -dusky, causing a prevalent blackish appearance. Rump and upper -tail-coverts blackish vandyke-brown; the latter tipped with pure white, -and with a concealed bar of same, about the middle of each feather. Tail -dull black, with an obscure terminal band of dull brown, this fading -terminally into whitish; across the middle of the tail a broad band of -dull light umber (in some individuals approaching dull white) about ¾ -of an inch in width; about as far anterior to the main band as this -is from the tip is another much narrower and more obscure band of the -same color, crossing just beyond the ends of the coverts, or concealed -by them. Primaries uniform brownish-black, fading on terminal edge -into pale brown. Head above, and broad but inconspicuous “mustache,” -running from beneath the lore downward across the cheek, dull black; -the crown posteriorly, with the occiput and nape, having the dull black -much broken, caused by the lateral streaks of dull rufous on all the -feathers; this dull rufous tint prevails on the rest of the head and -neck, as well as the breast, leaving the lores and chin and lateral -portion of frontlet alone whitish; throat streaked with blackish. -Beneath dull brownish-rufous; that of the breast almost unvaried; -medially, however, are roundish spots of white on opposite webs, but -these are not confluent; posteriorly these spots become gradually more -numerous and more transverse, forming on the flanks transverse bands, -almost continuous; on the tibiæ the white prevails, the rufous bars -being more distant, and connected only by a brown shaft-line; lower -tail-coverts less numerous, transverse spots of dull rufous. Lining -of the wing ochraceous-white, with sparse, rather small, irregularly -deltoid spots of dull rufous; under surface of the primaries unvaried -white, as far as their emargination, beyond which they are black. Fourth -quill longest; third a little shorter; second intermediate between fifth -and sixth; first about equal to the ninth. _Female_ (extremes 30,969, -Brookline, Mass., and 30,895, Mirador, Mexico; the latter the larger.) -Wing, 11.00–11.30; tail, 6.80–7.10; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.30. -_Male_ (32,309, Moose Factory, Hudson’s Bay Territory). Wing, 10.50; -tail, 6.30; tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 1.20. - -_Young male_, second year? (39,106, Remedios, Cuba, June; N. H. Bishop). -Upper parts similar to adult, but a reddish tint appreciably washing -the edges of the interscapulars and (less noticeably so) the scapulars. -Bands on tail nearly as in adult; but very near the base is a fourth, -very narrow and faintly defined, pale band, while the bases of all -the feathers are much mottled with white. Dull rufous of the breast -not continuous, but in the form of large longitudinal broad spots, -occupying the greater middle portion of each feather; abdomen, sides, -and tibiæ with smaller and more cordate spots of dull rufous; the lower -tail-coverts immaculate; the decided ochraceous tinge beneath, deepest -posteriorly. - -_Young_, first year (11,984, Washington, D. C.). The blackish above -is much variegated, being broken by the narrow rusty borders to -interscapulars, rump, and lesser wing-coverts; the broader and more -ochraceous borders to scapulars and greater wing-coverts, and partially -concealed whitish spotting on the former. Upper tail-coverts white, with -broad bars of blackish-brown; secondaries and primaries edged terminally -with whitish. Tail dull umber-brown, growing darker terminally; narrowly -tipped with white, and crossed with six obscure, narrow bands of dusky, -the (concealed) bases of all the feathers white. Superciliary region, -cheeks, chin, throat, and entire lower parts, delicate pale ochraceous, -or whitish cream-color; a conspicuous “mustache,” a medial longitudinal -series of streaks on the throat, with large longitudinal ovate spots on -sides of breast, cordate spots on sides and flanks, and sagittate spots -on tibiæ, clear blackish-brown. The ochraceous deepest on the abdomen -and crissum. Wing beneath as in adult. - -A very young bird, scarcely fledged (33,598, Milltown, Me.; G. A. -Boardman), differs from the last in a much more continuous black shade -above, the deeper ochraceous beneath, and larger, as well as more -numerous, blackish spots beneath. - -In the adult plumage of this species, the principal variation is in the -continuity or distinctness of the anterior light band on the tail, and -the extent and depth of shade of the brown beneath. The first feature -is characteristic of most specimens, only one (55,980, ♂, Costa Rica) -being without it; it is broadest and most conspicuous, as well as less -concealed by the coverts, in the females, and this appears to be the -principal sexual difference. The dull brownish-rufous of the under -parts is most prevalent in a specimen from Mirador, Mexico (30,895, ♀ -? September; Dr. Sartorius), in which specimen the breast is almost -continuously of this color, and the lower tail-coverts are strongly -barred (or transversely spotted) with the same; the ground-color beneath -is also more ochraceous than in any other individual. In the Costa-Rican -specimen (the one lacking the anterior tail-band), the brown beneath -is quite different from that of the others, being of a much more ashy -shade; the lower tail-coverts are also immaculate. The brown markings -beneath are most sparse in 20,389, from Coban, Vera Paz (January; O. -Salvin); in this, also, the tail-bands are very distinct, and almost -white. - -A young bird from Costa Rica (30,412; Dr. Frantzius) is exactly similar -to No. 27,048, from Fort Garry, Selkirk Settlement. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 18; Philadelphia Academy, 6; Boston Society, 3; New -York Museum, 2 (Caraccas); Museum, Cambridge, 2; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 5; -Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 38. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ | 9.85–10.70| 6.50–7.00| .70–.00|2.15–2.80| 1.20–1.38| 11 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |11.00–11.40| 7.00–8.00| .70–.78|2.20–2.70| 1.30–1.40| 14 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HAB. Eastern North America southward along Gulf coast through Louisiana, -into Mexico and Central America; Cuba, Ecuador, Upper Amazon, Caraccas -(N. Y. Museum). - -Localities: Ecuador, winter (SCL. 1858, 451); Orizaba (SCL. 1857, 211); -Upper Amazon (SCL. 1857, 261); Cuba (CAB. Journ. II, lxxxii; GUNDLACH, -Rept. 1865, 223; resident); Panama (LAWR. VII, 1861, 288); S. E. Texas -(DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325; breeds); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 133). - -HABITS. The Broad-winged Hawk appears to be distributed over eastern -North America, somewhat irregularly, as far north as the British -Provinces, and as far west at least as the Mississippi. It has been -found in Florida by Mr. Wurdemann, where it was said to be not uncommon. -It is a resident in Cuba, where it breeds; but it has not been taken -in Jamaica. It has also been detected in Guatemala by Mr. Skinner. -Audubon states that he never met with it in Louisiana, but Mr. Dresser -found it not uncommon from the Nueces eastward. In September he noticed -several near the Mission of San Patricio, and during the winter obtained -several specimens near San Antonio. In May he shot a young bird on -the Medina River, and early in June he found a nest containing young -on the Colorado. It was on a high cottonwood-tree, and in an almost -inaccessible position. - -[Illustration: _Buteo pennsylvanicus._] - -It is not mentioned by Mr. Downes as occurring in Nova Scotia, though I -think it quite probable it may be found there; but it is quite common -near Calais, both in Eastern Maine and in New Brunswick. Professor -Verrill gives it as a common summer visitant in Oxford County, Me., -near Norway, and as still more abundant near the Umbagog Lakes, and -apparently the most common Hawk in that vicinity. He found its nest, -June 12, containing two eggs nearly hatched. It is to be met with -throughout Massachusetts, having been found breeding near Williamstown, -Springfield, and also in the vicinity of Boston. Its nest was also met -with in Middlebury, Vt., by the late Professor Adams. Mr. McIlwraith, of -Hamilton, Canada, has noted extensive migrations of this Hawk in March -of different years, as many as twenty or thirty being in view at one -time, passing at a considerable height, and moving in circles towards -the northwest. Others, that appeared to be stragglers from the main -body, were met with in the woods. Dr. Hoy states it to be rather common -near Racine, and Mr. Kumlien has obtained it in the vicinity of Lake -Koskonong. From all these data it may naturally be inferred that this -Hawk has a pretty general distribution from Florida to Texas, and from -New Brunswick to the Mississippi Valley, probably extending northward -into the Saskatchewan Valley and south-westerly to Central America. - -The Broad-winged Hawk was first described by Wilson, who shot a single -specimen that had been feeding on a meadow-mouse. On his approach it -uttered a whining whistle and flew to another tree. Another of the same -species was observed, and its movements were in wide circles, with -unmoving wings. Nuttall never met with it, and regarded it as very rare. - -Audubon characterizes this Hawk as spiritless, inactive, and deficient -in courage, seldom chasing other birds of prey, but itself frequently -annoyed by the little Sparrow-Hawk, the Kingbird, and the Martin. It -only attacks birds of a weak nature, young chickens, and ducklings, -and feeds on small animals and insects. It is usually found singly, is -easily approached, and when wounded throws itself on its back, erects -its top feathers, utters a hissing sound, and attempts to defend itself -with its talons. - -A nest of this bird, found by Mr. Audubon, is said to have been about -the size of that of the Crow, and to have been placed in the larger -branches of a tree, near the trunk. It was composed externally of dry -sticks and briers; internally, of small roots, and lined with numerous -large feathers. The nest found by Professor Adams, near Middlebury, Vt., -was quite large, and was coarsely constructed of sticks, and lined only -with fibrous roots and fine grass. In this instance the eggs were three. -This is the more usual number, though occasionally four or five are -found. - -Mr. Boardman informs me that Mr. Audubon’s account of the spiritless -manner in which one of these Hawks suffered him to capture it on its -nest does not at all correspond with his own experience. He has, on -the contrary, found it one of the most courageous and spirited of its -family. On one occasion, when a man employed by him was ascending to a -nest, a parent bird assailed the disturber with great fury, tore his -cap from his head, and would have done the man serious injury had it -not been shot. In another instance one of these birds attacked a boy -climbing to its nest, and fastened its talons in his arm, and could not -be removed until it was beaten off and killed with a club. - -The eggs of this Hawk have an average length of 2.09 inches, and an -average breadth of 1.61. The smallest egg measures 1.94 by 1.50 inches, -and the largest 2.11 by 1.72 inches, showing considerable variation -in their relative capacity, but not so much as is found among the -eggs of other species. In shape, the eggs are of a slightly rounded -oval, one end a little less obtuse than the other. The ground-color -is of a grayish or dirty white, occasionally with a slightly silvery -shading. These are marked, usually over the entire egg, in irregular -distribution, with varying shades of brown. The more common is a -light tawny or reddish-brown. Intermingled with these blotches are -often found a peculiar faint purplish-brown, dull shading of a light -yellowish-brown, and a deep rich shade of purplish-brown, approaching -occasionally almost in intensity to black. These may occur separately, -or they may all be found blended in the same egg. The size, shape, -and peculiar coloring of the eggs of this Hawk make them readily -recognizable, though not readily permitting a satisfactory description. - -A nest of this Hawk, taken by Mr. J. P. Ritchie, May 18, 1863,—the -parent female of which was secured also,—is described as having been -made of large sticks, very loosely put together, lined with a few pieces -of bark. It was placed in the crotch of a tree, close to the trunk, and -twenty feet from the ground, and contained two eggs. - - -Buteo swainsoni, BONAP. - -Var. =swainsoni=, BONAP. - -SWAINSON’S HAWK; BAIRD’S HAWK. - - _Buteo swainsoni_, BONAP. Comp. List, p. 3, 1838; Consp. Av. p. - 19, 1850; Proc. Ac. N. S. Phil. p. 280, 1855; Birds N. Am. 19, - 1858.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rep’t, II, 32, 1855.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 30, - 1855.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324 (Texas).—GAMB. Journ. Ac. N. S. Phil. - n. δ. I, 27.—COUES, Prod. B. Ariz. 9, 1866.—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, 1861, - 317 (fresh eggs).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 7, 1869. _Falco buteo_, PENN. - Arct. Zoöl. II, 207, sp. 103 (♀ Juv.), 1785.—AUD. B. Am. pl. ccclxxii, - 1831; Orn. Biog. IV, 508, 1831. _Falco obsoletus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. - 268, 1789.—KERR, Trans. Gmel. II, 501, 1792.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 28, - sp. 61, 1790; Synop. Supp. I, p. 30; Gen. Hist. I, p. 254, 1821.—DAUD. - Tr. Orn. II, 104, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 152, 1812. _Buteo cinereus_, - VIEILL. Ois. Am. 1807. _Buteo vulgaris_, RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. Am. - p. 5, 1831.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 56, 1808.—BREW. (WILS.) Am. - Orn. p. 303; Synop. p. 684, 1852. _Buteo montanus_, NUTT. Man. Orn. - U. S. & Canad. I, 112, 1833. _Buteo bairdi_, HOY, Proc. Ac. Sc. Phil. - VI, 451, 1853.—CASSIN, B. of Cal. & Tex. pl. xli, 1854; Birds N. Am. - 21, 1858.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 37, 1855. _Buteo insignatus_, CASS. - B. Cal. & Tex. p. 102, pl. xxxi, 1854; Birds N. Am. 23, 1858.—HEERM. - P. R. R. Rep’t, VII, 31, 1857.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 38, 1855.—COUES, - Prod. B. Ariz. 9, 1866.—BRYANT, Proc. Bost. Soc. X, 1865, 90 (= - _swainsoni_). _? Buteo gutturalis_, MAX. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 17 (and - eggs). - -SP. CHAR. Form robust and strong, like _B. borealis_; wings long -and pointed; only three outer primaries with their inner webs cut. -Feet robust, the tarsi strong. Dimensions: Wing, 14.40–17.00; tail, -8.00–9.50; culmen, .80–.95; tarsus, 2.30–2.70; middle toe, 1.50–1.70. -Weight, 1½–3½ lbs. Colors: Tail dark grayish-brown with a hoary cast, -crossed by numerous obscure narrow bands of a darker shade. _Adult_, -uniform blackish-brown above; upper tail-coverts barred with white. -Throat and lower parts posterior to the breast white or pale ochraceous; -a broad patch across the breast uniform brown,—reddish-rufous in -the male, and grayish-umber in the female,—the whole lower surface -varying to entirely uniform dull brownish-black, though intermediate -shades. _Young_, with the ground-color of the plumage soft ochraceous, -or cream-color; the head, neck, dorsal region, and sides of the -breast, with tear-shaped spots of brownish-black, with a faint purple -reflection. Upper parts purplish-black, variegated with ochraceous, -sometimes almost wholly black. Tail as in the adult, but more hoary. - - -_a._ _Normal plumage._ - -_Adult male_ (53,105, Truckee River, Nevada, July; C. King, R. Ridgway). -Head, neck, and upper parts blackish-brown; scapulars slightly -variegated with a rufous mottling; upper tail-coverts white tinged with -rufous, and with transverse bars of blackish-brown, about six on each -feather. Tail dark brown like the back, approaching black terminally, -basally with a slight hoary cast; crossed by about ten narrow, very -obscure bands of nearly black. Front and whole throat clear white, -immaculate, and sharply defined against the surrounding blackish; lores -dusky. Whole breast, cinnamon-rufous (forming a wide, sharply defined -band), marked laterally with the brown of the neck; each feather with -a shaft-line of black; rest of lower parts, including whole lining of -the wing, continuous ochraceous white, the latter region unvariegated; -sides with sparse, faint, transverse bars of rufous, and shaft-lines of -darker. Under side of primaries light slate anterior to emargination, -beyond which they are black; slaty portion crossed by very obscure bars -of darker. Fourth quill longest, third scarcely shorter; second equal -to fifth; first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Length, 19.75; -extent, 48.00; wing, 15.40; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.32; middle toe, 1.60. -(Weight 1½ lbs.) Bill slate-black, bluish basally; cere, and angle of -mouth, light dull lemon yellow; iris deep hazel; tarsi and toes deep -chrome yellow, claws black. - -[Illustration: - - =58505=, ♀. ½ - =58505=, ♀. ½ - -_Buteo swainsoni_ (Nevada).] - -_Adult female_ (58,507, Great Salt Lake City, Utah, May; C. King, R. -Ridgway). Similar to the male, but pectoral area blackish-brown, like -the back; blackish-brown of upper surface untinged with rufous, all -the feathers, however, fading on edges; bands of the tail scarcely -distinguishable on outer webs; white of forehead very restricted; lining -of the wing barred with small cordate or deltoid spots of black; under -surface of primaries plain deep slate. Abdomen and sides variegated with -a few irregular longitudinal spots, and on the latter, transverse bars -of dark brown; tibiæ with faint bars of rufous. Fourth quill longest; -third scarcely shorter; second very slightly shorter than fifth; first -intermediate between seventh and eighth. Length, 21.50; extent, 54.00; -wing, 16.50; tail, 8.50; tarsus, 2.70; middle toe, 1.70. (Weight, 2¾ -lbs.) - -_Young_ (10,761, Rocky Mountains, September; C. Drexler). Head, neck, -and entire lower parts fine delicate light ochraceous, or cream-color; -feathers of the crown, occiput, and neck, each with a medial stripe -of black, of less amount, however, than the ochraceous; forehead, -supraoral region, and ear-coverts, with only a few very fine hair-like -shaft-streaks; on the chin, and across the cheeks, are longitudinal -spaces of blended streaks of black, the latter forming a conspicuous -“mustache”; sides of the breast with large ovate spots of black; middle -of the breast with less numerous, smaller, and more longitudinal ones -of the same; sides, flanks, and abdomen, with broad hastate spots, -more irregular and transverse on the former; throat, tibiæ, anal -region, and lower tail-coverts immaculate. Upper surface generally, -deep black; feathers bordered with pale ochraceous, the scapulars -and middle wing-coverts much variegated with the same. Secondary -coverts, secondaries, and primaries narrowly tipped with white. Upper -tail-coverts pale ochraceous, barred with black. Tail ashy-brown, very -much lighter than the rump (more hoary than in the adult), narrowly, but -clearly, tipped with white, and crossed by ten or twelve narrow bands of -black, more distinct than in the adult. Under surface of primaries more -whitish than in the adult. - - -(_b._ _Melanistic condition_; = _B. insignatus_ of Cassin.) - -Adult male (22,567, Onion River; R. McFarlane). Entirely brownish black, -whole under surface of wings included; lower tail-coverts equally -barred with white and black. Tail blackish slate, narrowly paler at -the tip, and crossed with numerous oblique bars of dusky black; upper -tail-coverts barred obsoletely with lighter slaty-brown. Wing, 15.00; -tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.20; middle toe, 1.50. Fourth quill longest; third, -next; second, shorter than fifth; first, slightly shorter than eighth. - -_Adult female_ (12,927, Utah Valley, July; C. S. McCarthy). Similar; -lower tail-coverts white, tinged with rusty, and barred with brown; -tibiæ tinged with chestnut. Wing, 16.50; tail, 8.80; tarsus, 2.60; -middle toe, 1.65. Third and fourth quills equal and longest; third -shorter than fifth; first equal to eighth. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 27; Philadelphia Academy, 2; Boston Society, 1; Museum, -Cambridge, 1; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2; W. Brewster, 1; R. Ridgway, 5. -Total, 39. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |14.40–15.25| 8.25–9.00| .80–.90|2.30–2.65| 1.50–1.60| 11 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |14.75–16.50| 9.00–0.00| .80–.95|2.50–2.70| 1.55–1.65| 11 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -HAB. Western regions of North America, east to the Mississippi Valley, -north to the Arctic regions; Wisconsin; Arkansas; Canada; Massachusetts. - -Localities: S. Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 324); Arizona (COUES?); -Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 216, “_insignatus_”). - -The young plumage described above is the _Buteo bairdi_, Hoy, of -authors. The melanistic plumage is _B. insignatus_, Cassin. - -The young birds of this species are as variable as the adults; thus, -No. 53,210, ♂, has the fine ochraceous of the lower parts entirely free -from spots, except across the breast; on the upper parts the ochraceous -spotting is so extended as to almost prevail, while another, from the -same nest, has the black beneath exceeding the ochraceous, the tibiæ -being thickly spotted, and the lower tail-coverts barred. Both these -specimens belong to a brood of four, which were hardly able to fly, and -were shot, with their parents, the male of which is the one described, -while the female (No. 53,206) is a very dark example of _insignatus_, -Cassin. - -The type of _bairdi_, and another Wisconsin specimen, are in the -collection of the Philadelphia Academy. In plumage, they are unlike -any others I have seen, though there is as little resemblance between -these two as between any I have compared. Dr. Hoy’s type (Racine, -Wisc., January, 1854) differs from others, in exceedingly pale colors; -the cream-color beneath is scarcely spotted, there being only a few -triangular spots and shaft-lines of black on the sides; the lining -of the wing is entirely immaculate. Above, the black is unusually -continuous; the under surface of the primaries is unusually white. Wing, -15.00; tail, 8.00. - -The other specimen (Menonomee Marsh, Milwaukee, Wisc., spring of 1851) -is just the opposite extreme in plumage, being unusually dark, for a -young bird. Beneath, the black spots are so large as to nearly cover -the whole surface, while the continuity of the black of the upper part -is almost unbroken. The head above, and nape, and broad “mustache” -stripe from angle of mouth down to the jugulum, with nearly the whole -pectoral area, unbroken black, leaving the gular region and side of the -head pale, but thickly streaked. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.80; tarsus, 2.35; -middle toe, 1.50. These specimens may be said to form about the extremes -of the young plumage. An Iowa skin (No. 59,052; Ricksecker) is like the -average of far-western examples. - -The melanistic condition bears to the normal plumage of _swainsoni_ -precisely the same relation that the black _calurus_, Cassin, does to -the usual style of the western variety of _borealis_ (_borealis_ var. -_calurus_ = _montanus_, Cassin); the variable series, connecting these -two extremes, and designated by the name _borealis_ var. _calurus_, -which covers the whole, finds an exact parallel in the present species. - -A specimen from the Platte (5,576, ♂, August; W. S. Wood) is entirely -dark rufous-brown beneath (excepting the lower tail-coverts), with the -shafts of the feathers black. - -This species is entirely distinct specifically from the _B. vulgaris_ -of Europe. The latter has four, instead of only three, outer primaries -deeply emarginated, and is very dissimilar in every stage of plumage. - - -Var. oxypterus, CASSIN. - -SHARP-WINGED HAWK. - - -(_Normal young plumage._) - - _Buteo oxypterus_, CASS. P. A. N. S. VII, 1855, 282.—IB. Birds N. - Am. 1858, 30.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 28.—COUES, P. A. N. S. - 1866, 9.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 8.—COOPER, Birds Cal. 1870, 480. _Buteo - albicaudatus_, “VIEILL.,” SCLATER, P. Z. S. 1869, 634, No. 22. - - -(_Melanistic plumage._) - - _Buteo fuliginosus_, SCLATER, P. Z. S. Lond. 1858, 356.—IB. Trans. - Z. S., July, 1858, 267, pl. lxii.—RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Dec. 1870, 142. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult; melanistic plumage_ (No. 12,117, Mazatlan, Mexico; -Colonel Abert). Entirely fuliginous-black, darkest on head and back; no -white on forehead. Tail cinereous-umber, crossed with seven very regular -and continuous bands of black, the subterminal one of which is broadest. -Lower tail-coverts, and larger under wing-coverts, with transverse bands -of dull white; lining of the wing unvaried black; under surface of -primaries silvery-white, that portion beyond their emargination black, -the whitish portion crossed by distant, very obsolete, transverse bars. -Third quill longest; fourth and fifth scarcely shorter, and nearly -equal; second equal to sixth; first shorter than eighth. Tail square; -scutellæ of the tarsus very faintly defined, or, in fact, scarcely -detectable (probably accidental), Wing, 13.00; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 1.95; -middle toe, 1.55. - -_Young male; normal plumage_ (No. 8,550, Fort Fillmore, New Mexico; -Dr. T. C. Henry, U. S. A.). Head, neck, and lower parts, soiled -ochraceous-white. Feathers of the head above, and neck laterally and -behind, with medial stripes of blackish-brown; jugulum, breast, sides, -flanks, and abdomen, with large rounded spots of blackish-brown; tibiæ -with transverse bars of the same; lower tail-coverts almost immaculate. -A conspicuous “mustache” of blended dusky streaks, from angle of the -mouth across the cheeks, the dusky suffusing the lores. Whole oral -region scarcely variegated pale yellowish; whole chin and throat -immaculate. - -Prevailing tint above, blackish-brown, becoming purplish-black on -primaries; whole outer surface of wing plain, but interscapular region -somewhat variegated with partially concealed, irregular blotches of -deeper ochraceous than the lower parts; upper tail-coverts with pairs -of indistinct white spots. Tail grayish-brown (white at extreme base), -crossed with about ten narrow, indistinct, but regular bands of dusky. -Lining of the wings yellowish-white, with sparse cordate spots of -blackish, this tint prevailing over the under primary coverts; under -surface of the primaries pure purplish-black after their emargination, -but anteriorly plain hoary brown, growing paler basally. On inner webs -are very indistinct transverse spots of dusky, touching neither the -edge nor shaft of the feather, and entirely concealed when the wing is -closed. Shafts of primaries pure white on under side; on outer, dark -brown. Wing-formula, 3–4–2–5–6–7–1, 8. Three outer primaries emarginated -on inner webs; second, third, and fourth, sinuated on outer. Wing, -13.70; tail, 7.00; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.35. Primaries project -beyond secondaries, 5.50. (Cassin’s type.) - -[Illustration: - - =12117.= ½ - =12117.= ½ - -_Buteo oxypterus_ (Mazatlan).] - -_Young female_ (33,508, San José, Costa Rica; J. Carmiol). Differs from -the type chiefly in lighter colors. The whole forehead very broadly -immaculate dull white, this continuing back to the occiput in a broad -unstreaked superciliary stripe; along the upper edge of the ear-coverts -is a rusty suffusion, with condensed, fine dusky streaks, forming an -indistinct stripe separating the wholly white ear-coverts from the -supraoral stripe; the “mustache” is very conspicuous; the breast has a -few large tear-shaped spots of clear blackish-brown, and the sides have -very sparse, irregular, and more sagittate spots of the same; the whole -posterior parts are immaculate. The upper parts are more variegated -with paler, the wing-coverts and rump having the feathers irregularly -bordered with whitish. The upper tail-coverts are white, barred with -dark brown. Tail, hoary brown, crossed by nine or ten nearly obsolete, -narrow bands of dusky. Whole lining of the wings immaculate, except the -conspicuous patch on the primary coverts. The whole under surface of the -primaries is uniform slaty, gradually deepening into black towards ends. -Wing-formula, 3–4–2–5–6–7, 1. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 2.45; -middle toe, 1.55. Primaries project beyond secondaries, 6.00. - -HAB. Tropical America, from the southern border of the United States to -Buenos Ayres. - -The melanistic specimen described above agrees perfectly with Mr. -Sclater’s excellent figure of his _B. fuliginosus_ above cited, and -the only discrepancy in the description is in the measurements,—those -given for the _B. fuliginosus_ being, wing 12.00, tail 6.50, and -tarsus 2.60. This difference—certainly not great—very likely indicates -the proportions of the sexes, while the discrepancy as regards the -length of the tarsus, it is probable, results from a different mode of -measurement. - -The present form is very nearly related to the true _B. swainsoni_, -and, though distinguishable, we find it difficult to express points -of absolute difference. The essential distinctions, however, are the -longer primaries and lighter colors of the present bird, there being -in the immature plumage of _oxypterus_ no approach to the deep, fine -ochraceous, the characteristic and prevalent tint of the young _B. -swainsoni_. The spots beneath are more sparse, and there does not appear -to be that tendency to their aggregation on the sides of the breast as -generally seen in _swainsoni_. - -Both agree, however,—and differ from all other species,—in the unbarred -slate-color of the under surface of primaries, the plain black of the -outer surface, conspicuous “mustache,” obscurely barred gray tail, etc. -In fact, the general pattern is almost exactly the same, while there is -little difference in relative proportions. - -In view of the very appreciable, though rather indefinite, differences -above indicated, and the obscure history of the present bird, we prefer, -at least until more familiar with its different stages, to recognize it -under the above name. - -A third specimen, from Buenos Ayres (Conchitas; William H. -Hudson),—exactly similar, in all particulars, to the two specimens -described,—was labelled by Mr. Sclater, _B. albicaudatus_, Vieill., -which is usually placed as a synonyme under B. pterocles, an exclusively -South American species; though belonging strictly to the same section -of the genus with the present bird and _B. swainsoni_, it is quite -distinct, the Smithsonian Collection containing numerous examples -illustrating the several stages of plumage. - -HABITS. Taking the two varieties together, this species appears to range -over the entire continent of America, from the Arctic regions to the -cold-temperate portion of South America. In Arctic America it appears to -have a western distribution, though extending far to the north during -the breeding-season, and being more or less nomadic during the winter. A -single well-marked specimen was taken by Mr. Brewster, in the winter of -1871–72, in the eastern part of Massachusetts. It was first noticed by -Dr. Richardson, and was by him supposed to be identical with the common -Buzzard of Europe. It was met with in the fur country, where it was -migratory, arriving there early in April, and departing again about the -end of September. It frequented the low alluvial points of land which -stretch out under the high banks of rivers, where it might be observed -sitting for a long while motionless on the bough of a tree, waiting -patiently for some small birds or quadrupeds to pass within its reach. -As soon as it perceived anything of the kind, it would glide silently -into the air and sweep easily but rapidly down upon its prey. One of Dr. -Richardson’s specimens was found to have two whole toads in its stomach. - -Dr. Richardson states that this Buzzard builds its nest on a tree, of -short sticks, lining it sparingly with deer’s hair. The eggs, from three -to five in number, are described as equalling in size those of the -domestic fowl, and as having a greenish-white color, with a few large -dark brown blotches at the larger end. It was seen by the doctor as far -to the north as the 57th parallel. - -Mr. Audubon’s drawing and description of this bird were taken from a -specimen obtained by Dr. Townsend from the Columbia River. A number -of specimens have been obtained by the various government exploring -expeditions. A single specimen was taken by Mr. Dresser near San -Antonio, in Texas. - -Captain Blakiston (Ibis, 1861, p. 317) obtained several specimens of -this Buzzard at the forks of the Saskatchewan River, in the stomach -of one of which he found three toads. He states that it was quite -abundant in that neighborhood. He adds that Mr. Bourgeau procured -several specimens of the eggs, identified by also obtaining the parents. -These eggs are said to have been white, more or less blotched with red. -Mr. Bernard Ross also obtained this bird on the Mackenzie River, where -it was rare. - -[Illustration: _Buteo swainsoni_ (adult).] - -This Hawk was observed by Mr. Dall, in Alaska, a skin having been -obtained at Koyukuk, May 26, from an Indian. Mr. Dall states that it -prefers the thickets and woody places, is not so often seen as some of -the other species. It generally builds a very large nest of sticks, and -begins to lay about the last of April. The young are hatched out about -the 30th of May. It was only a summer visitor. He found not only the -bones of rabbits, squirrels, and mice about its nest, but also those of -ducks, and in one instance part of a white-fish. - -Dr. Heermann obtained an egg of this species in Northern California, -which had a yellowish-white ground-color, marked with obscure cloudings -of a purplish-gray, and irregular patches of a light tone of umber -brown. It measured 2.31 inches in length, and 1.84 in breadth. - -We are indebted to Dr. W. J. Hoffmann for the following interesting -note in relation to the nesting of this species: “On the 28th of May, -1871, we encamped on Antelope Creek, forty miles north of the Central -Pacific Railroad Station, Argenta, Nevada. The stream of water, which -is small, is fringed with willows, averaging about twelve feet in -height. Strolling along the underbrush, I came to the nest of the -_Buteo swainsoni_, which was built on the top of a willow, and in its -construction took in several distinct limbs, so as to give better -support. The nest, about two feet across and one foot in thickness, -was constructed of thin sticks and fragments of roots. The inside was -lined with leaves of tule and grass. The nest contained two eggs. Only -eight feet from this nest, on the same bush, and at the same height, a -female of _Icterus bullocki_ was on her nest. These birds appeared to be -living together in harmony, having been in constant sight of each other -for several weeks, as the condition of the eggs proved. I deem this -remarkable only as showing a rapacious and an insectivorous bird living -so closely together that one might at any time have been made the prey -of the other by a single spread of the wings.” - -[Illustration: _Buteo swainsoni_ (young).] - -Dr. Gideon Lincecum, of Washington County, Texas, speaks of this species -as one of the common Hawks of the Texan prairies. He states that it -nests on the ground in the prairie; lays six eggs, sometimes on tall -trees,—when it chooses to rear its young in the forest. It is apt to -pounce on a brood of young poultry when it sees them, but being rather -timid does not like to go about the houses. Its principal food is -grasshoppers, prairie rats and mice, and small birds. Dr. Lincecum has -often seen it when the grass on the prairie was burning, in the spring -of the year, constantly on the wing, in front of the fire, catching the -grasshoppers, rats, mice, and any small game that is driven out of the -grass by the crackling fire; and it will keep in the smoke so close -to the fire that it soon becomes almost as black as soot. He further -remarks that, “when any one approaches their nest on the prairie, they -will make a pretty bold attempt to frighten or decoy him away from it. -It first tries to lead the intruder off, by alighting in the grass near -by, and screeching loudly as if something was greatly the matter; you -approach him, and with much seeming difficulty it makes out to move off -a little farther, still screeching louder than before, and this piece -of deception it will repeat time after time, improving a little in its -powers of locomotion as it gets you farther from the nest, until it -judges it is far enough,—that you have lost the place in the unmarked -sea of grass,—when it seems to fly as well as ever; it circles round -once or twice, going still farther off, and settles silently down in -the deep grass. This last performance is to induce the belief that it -has returned to the nest. But if you refuse to be led astray by these -manœuvres, and remain about its nest, it will make a good fight. One -came very near knocking off my hat one day when I did not know I was -intruding on its premises.” - -The _Buteo bairdi_ of Hoy is now ascertained to be only an immature -form. It was first met with in Wisconsin, and since then has been taken -in various western localities. - -A pair of these birds was found by Mr. Ricksecker, breeding in this -plumage, in Utah. The nest was built in a young aspen-tree. The egg is -marked with larger and more deeply marked blotches than usual, and is -nearly of an exact oval shape, measuring 2.30 inches in length by 1.75 -in breadth. The ground-color is white, with a slight tinge of rufous, -over which are diffused, over the whole surface, fine markings of a -reddish, rust-tinged brown. Besides these the larger end, and some other -portions of the surface, are boldly dashed with large blotches of the -same color, but of a deeper shade. - -A black Buzzard, originally described as _Buteo insignatus_, is now -known to be only an individual melanistic condition of the species. -It was first met with in the vicinity of Montreal, and the specimen -belonging to the Natural History Society of that city was described as -new by Mr. John Cassin. A similar specimen was taken by Mr. Macfarlane -at Fort Anderson, where it was breeding. It was met with rather -abundantly by Dr. Heermann on the San Joaquin River, in California, and -seen along his route for a considerable distance. He described it as -sluggish in its habits, perching for hours in a quiescent state on some -tall tree, and permitting the hunter to approach without showing any -signs of fear. - -[Illustration: _Buteo swainsoni_, var. _oxypterus_ (young).] - -Dr. Cooper found this bird pretty common in the vicinity of San Diego, -in March, 1862, when they were apparently migrating northward. In their -habits they appeared to resemble the larger varieties of Buzzards. Mr. -Salvin obtained a single specimen of a Hawk at Duenas, which is referred -by Mr. Gurney to this variety (Ibis, I, 216). - -The variety _oxypterus_, of this species, was first described from an -immature specimen obtained at Fort Fillmore, New Mexico. It ranges -southward throughout tropical America to Buenos Ayres. - - -Buteo zonocercus, SCLATER. - -BAND-TAIL HAWK. - - _?? Buteo albonotatus_, G. R. GRAY, Isis, 1847, p. 329. _Buteo - zonocercus_, SCLATER, Trans. Zoöl. Soc. Lond. IV, pt. vi, 263, - 1858.—COUES, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 46.—ELLIOT, Birds N. A. pl. - xxxiii.—GRAY, Hand List I, 8, 1869.—COOPER, Birds Cal. 1870, 479. - -[Illustration: - - =52763=, ♂. ½ - =52763=, ♂. ½ - =52763=, ♂. ¼ - -_Buteo zonocercus._] - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (36,872, Hassayampa River, Arizona Territory, August; -Dr. Coues). Entirely carbonaceous black; forehead pure white, and -feathers of occiput, neck, and breast the same beneath the surface; this -on under parts, showing as transverse, ovate spots on webs of feathers, -partially exposed. Tail black, faintly tipped with pale ashy, crossed -(about 1¾ inches from the end) by a band of hoary plumbeous, nearly an -inch in width; about half an inch anterior to this is another plumbeous -band, about as broad as the black one which separates it from the last; -and about the same distance, near the base, is another, much narrower, -and less continuous ashy band. The outlines of these bands are rather -irregular; and on the inner webs the plumbeous is replaced by snowy -white, which, not exactly corresponding to the plumbeous of outer webs, -is rather more extended, as well as more sharply defined, forming three -very conspicuous transverse zones (decreasing in width towards the base -like those on outer webs), observable only when the tail is spread, -or from below. On the two middle feathers both webs are plumbeous and -black; and on the lateral feathers, the white prevails on the inner web, -the black bands being broken up into narrow zigzags. Primaries less -intensely black than the back, and showing obscure transverse bands of -deeper black; lining of the wing unvariegated black; under surface of -primaries pale plumbeous, passing into hoary white on edges, and crossed -from base to ends with very irregular, transverse bars of blackish, -these breaking up into a mottling, or blended speckling, along the edges -of the feathers. Owing to moulting stage, the wing-formula cannot be -ascertained. Wing, 15.50; tail, 8.50; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.60. -Length, 19½; extent, 47½. - -_Young male_ (52,763, Mazatlan, Mex.; Colonel A. J. Grayson). Generally -similar to the preceding; feathers of neck, back, and under parts more -conspicuously spotted with white beneath the surface, these spots -considerably exposed on the breast and upper tail-coverts. Tail deep -dark vandyke-brown, faintly tipped with paler, and crossed with numerous -narrow oblique bands of black; subterminal one broadest, being about -three fourths of an inch in width; the next one is not a fourth as wide, -and crosses about an inch anterior to the last; the distance between the -black bands diminishes towards the base of the tail, so that after the -seventh of these, no more can be distinguished. Inner webs passing into -whitish towards edges, this prevailing on lateral feathers. Fourth quill -longest; third scarcely shorter; fifth but little shorter than third; -second intermediate between fifth and sixth; first equal to eighth. -Wing, 15.30; tail, 8.80; tarsus, 2.40; middle toe, 1.60. Length, 15¾; -alar extent, 48. Bill black at tip, bluish-brown at base; iris dark -brown. - -HAB. Guatemala, Mexico, and adjoining parts of United States; Arizona -(COUES); Santa Clara Co., Cal. (COOPER). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 2. Total, 4. - -There can be but little doubt that this plumage denotes a younger -stage of the same species as the _B. zonocercus_ of Sclater. The adult -bird described above is moulting, and two tail-feathers of the old -plumage, which have not yet been cast, are precisely like those of this -specimen, the new ones being entirely different, as will be seen by -the description. Taking with this the exact similarity of the pattern -of under side of primaries, as well as the plumage in general, and the -sameness of proportions, one cannot but be convinced of their identity. -The localities of the two specimens are also so near that it is scarcely -possible they are distinct. - -The plumage of this stage is parallel, in its relation to the adult, -with that of the young of _B. albifrons_ var. _minutus_, both differing -from the mature stage in nearly the same particulars, the more numerous -bands on the tail distinguishing the young of nearly all _Buteos_ from -adults of the same species. - -An adult specimen from Mexico, in the collection of the Philadelphia -Academy (without number or other indications on the label), though -resembling the two specimens described, in all essential points, differs -from them in regard to the coloration of the tail. The main differences -are as follows: Tail deep black basally and subterminally, the tip (very -narrowly) and a middle zone about 2.00 inches broad, and 1.80 from the -tip, being duller and more brownish-black, this irregularly defined -anteriorly, but of sharp regular definition along the posterior border; -the subterminal black band is very precisely defined on the inner webs, -and anterior to this nearly the whole inner web is white, irregularly -blotched with black towards the base, however; the markings of somewhat -longitudinal direction; the outer webs are black to the very base. Wing, -16.50; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.70; middle toe, 1.80. Wing-formula, 4, -3–5–2–6–7, 1. - -Whether this is a progressive stage of plumage or a mere individual -peculiarity, I do not feel certain, but am inclined to the latter -opinion. Both this specimen and the immature one described are labelled -_B. albonotatus_, Gray; I have been unable to refer to Gray’s original -description; if there is no doubt of its being pertinent to the immature -stage described, then this will be the name of the species, as it has -priority; I should much regret, however, to discard the very appropriate -and characteristic name _zonocercus_, for the other, as Mr. Sclater’s -species is so satisfactorily described and accurately figured, while the -original description of _albonotatus_ is very meagre and difficult of -reference. - -[Illustration: _Buteo zonocercus_ (adult).] - -HABITS. This Hawk is a Mexican and Guatemalan species which occasionally -strays into our borders in Arizona and in Southern California. Dr. -Cooper was the first of our naturalists to meet with this species within -the United States, shooting an individual on the 23d of February, 1862, -thirty miles north of San Diego, and within five of the coast. It was -associating with specimens of _B. insignatus_ and other Hawks wintering -there, and seemed rather sluggish and tame. He saw no other Black Hawks -in that neighborhood. Two years afterwards, September 24, 1864, Dr. -Coues also procured a single specimen on the Gila River. He regards the -species as restricted, within our borders, to the warm valley of the -Gila and the Lower Colorado. We possess no information in regard to -any distinctive specific habits it may possess. This species was first -described by Dr. Sclater from a Guatemalan specimen. - -The bird described as _B. albonotatus_ is presumed to be identical with -this species. It was observed by Mr. Salvin on the southern slope of the -Cordillera, in Guatemala, which appears to be the true habitat of this -species, but even there it cannot be said to be common. He states that, -like many others of its class, it is a feeder on beetles and locusts. - - -Buteo lineatus, GMELIN. - -Var. =lineatus=, GMELIN. - -RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. - - _Falco lineatus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 268, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. - 27, 1790; Syn. I, 56, sp. 36, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 268, 1821.—DAUD. - Tr. Orn. II, 158, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 153, 1812.—WILS. Am. Orn. - pl. liii, f. 3, 1808.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 296, 1831; Syn. p. 7, 1839. - CUVIER, Reg. Anim. ed. 2, I, 334, 1829. _Buteo lineatus_, JARD. - (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 290, 1832.—AUD. Syn. p. 7, 1839.—BREWER, (WILS.) - Am. Orn. 684, 1852.—CASSIN, Birds Cal. & Tex. Syn. 99, 1854; Birds - N. Am. 1858, 28.—BONAP. Comp. Av. p. 19, 1850.—KAUP, Web. Falk. Mus. - Senck. 1845, p. 261.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 30, 1855.—BREWER, Oölogy, - 1857, 28, pl. iii, f. 25.—MAX. Cab. Journ. VI, 1858, 19.—GRAY, Hand - List, I, 7, 1869. _Poecilopternis lineatus_, KAUP, Mon. Fal. Cont. - Orn. p. 76, 1850. _Falco hyemalis_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. 274, 1789.—LATH. - Ind. Orn. 35, 1790; Syn. I, 79, sp. 62, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, p. - 91.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 110, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 153, 1812.—WILS. - Am. Orn. pl. 35, fig. I, 1808.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 33; Isis, - p. 1138, 1832.—AUD. B. Am. pl. lvi, 71, 1831; Orn. Biog. I, 364, - 1831. _F. hyemalis_, var. LATH. Ind. Orn. Supp. p. 8, 1801; Syn. - Supp. II, 39, 1802. _Circus hyemalis_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. - vii, 1807.—JAMES. Wils. Am. Orn. I, 88 & 87, 1808. _B. hyemalis_, - LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 81, 1831.—BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838. - _Astur hyemalis_, JARD. Wils. Orn. II, 72, 1808.—VIEILL. Enc. Méth. - III, 1273, 1823. _Nisus hyemalis_, CUV. Reg. An. ed. 2, I, 334, 1829. - _Buteo fuscus_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. v, 1807. _Astur fuscus_, - BONAP. Oss. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 37, 1830. _Falco buteoides_, NUTT. Man. - I, 100, 1832. _Buteo cooperi_ (not of Cassin), ALLEN, Am. Nat. III, - 1869, 518 (young of _B. lineatus_!) - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (32,509, Washington, D. C., January). Head, neck, -and interscapulars deep rufous (above becoming darker posteriorly), -each feather with a medial stripe of blackish-brown. Throat and cheeks -almost destitute of rufous tinge, the ground being dull white,—the -dusky forming an indistinct “mustache,” and an imperfect, obsolete -collar (formed by confluent, or suffused streaks), across the throat. -Breast, sides, abdomen, and tibiæ rather light rufous, becoming paler -posteriorly; breast with shaft-streaks of blackish; the rufous of -sides of breast almost unvaried; abdomen, sides, and middle of the -breast, with transverse bars of ochraceous white; tibiæ uniform pale -ochraceous; anal region and lower tail-coverts, immaculate white. -Lesser wing-coverts chestnut-rufous, feathers with black shaft-streaks, -these becoming larger posteriorly; scapulars and middle wing-coverts -edged broadly with rufous, and obsoletely spotted on inner webs with -white.—this somewhat exposed; secondaries dark clear brown, tipped and -crossed with two (exposed) bands of white; primaries black, fading at -tips into dilute grayish-brown, and with quadrate spots of white on -outer webs. Rump uniform blackish-brown; upper tail-coverts tipped -and banded with black. Tail clear brownish-black, crossed with six -sharply defined narrow bands of white, the last of which is terminal, -and the first two concealed by the upper coverts. Lining of the wing -nearly uniform pale rufous, with very sparse, deeper rufous, somewhat -transverse spots; under surface of primaries silvery white, crossed -by broad bands, these where the white is clearest being pale rufous, -bordered with dusky, but as the white grows more silvery they darken -into black; the longest (fourth) has eight of these spots, including -the subterminal, very broad one. Fourth quill longest; fifth, just -perceptibly shorter; third, a little shorter; second, considerably -longer than sixth; first equal to ninth. Wing, 13.00; tail, 8.50; -tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.33. - -_Adult female_ (11,991, Washington, D. C.; Dr. W. Wallace). Generally -similar to the male, but rufous more extended, this tinging the outer -webs of secondaries and primaries. On the under parts the rufous is -rather deeper, and the tibiæ are strongly barred, and even the lower -tail-coverts have obsolete spots of the same. Wing, 13.75; tail, 9.00; -tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.50. - -_Younger_ (41,683, Washington, D. C.; Dr. Coues). Upper plumage -precisely as in adult, but the black prevailing on head above, and -nape. Beneath ochraceous-white, deepest on the tibiæ; breast, abdomen, -sides, and tibiæ, with diamond-shaped spots of dark rufous-brown, -connected along the shaft of the feathers, running thus, in a peculiar, -longitudinal, chain-like series (19.50; 42.50; cere, legs, and feet -bright chrome-yellow; anterior scales of tarsus with greenish tinge). - -_Young male_ (No. 1,210). Ground-color of head, neck, and under -parts white; feathers of head and neck, with medial stripes of -dark clear vandyke-brown, leaving a superciliary space, and the -ear-coverts scarcely striped; a blackish suffusion over cheeks, -forming a “mustache,” and large longitudinal spot of the same on -middle of throat; breast, abdomen, sides, and flanks, with rather -sparse, irregularly sagittate spots of clear vandyke-brown, those on -the sides of breast more longitudinal; tibiæ, with a faint ochraceous -tinge, and with sparse, small, and irregular specks of brown; lower -tail-coverts with a very few distant isolated bars of the same. -Upper parts generally, clear dark vandyke-brown; interscapulars and -wing-coverts edged (most broadly beneath the surface) with pale rufous; -middle wing-coverts with much white spotting on upper webs, partially -exposed; wing-coverts generally, and scapulars, narrowly bordered with -white; secondaries narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with about -four (exposed) bands of paler grayish-brown; primaries inclining to -black; faintly margined at ends, with whitish; outer webs anterior to -the emargination, rufous-white, with distant, narrow bars of blackish, -these widening on inner quills; upper tail-coverts white with transverse -spots of blackish. Tail dark vandyke-brown, narrowly tipped with white, -and crossed with numerous narrow bands of pale grayish-brown, these -obsolete towards the base. Lining of the wing pale ochraceous, with a -few irregularly cordate spots of dark brown toward edge of wing; under -surface of primaries mostly white, the dusky bars not extending across -the web, except on inner quills. Wing, 13.25; tail, 9.30; tarsus, 2.85; -middle toe, 1.40. - -_Young female_ (11,994, Washington, D. C., January; C. Drexler). Almost -precisely similar; tibiæ unspotted; light bands of the tail more sharply -defined basally, and pale mottled rufous, instead of pale ashy brown. -Wing, 14.50; tail, 9.60; tarsus, 3.10; middle toe, 1.45. - -HAB. Eastern N. Am.; south to Florida; west to Texas and the tributaries -of the Missouri. - -Localities: Orizaba, SCL. 1857, 211; S. E. Texas, DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, -325 (breeds); Iverness Shore, England (Feb. 26, 1863), NEWCOME, Ibis, -1865, 549. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 19; Philadelphia Academy, 14; Boston Society, 8; Mus. -Cambridge, 16; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 4; Coll. R. Ridgway, 4. Total, 65. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+------------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. | Middle | Specimens. | - | | | | | | Toe. | | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+------------+ - | ♂ |11.25–13.50| 8.00–9.70| .75–.90|2.70–3.25|1.30–1.50|20 Northern.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+------------+ - | ♀ |13.35–14.25| 9.00–10.00| .80–.90|3.10–3.20|1.35–1.50| 7 Northern.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+------------+ - -This specimen may possibly indicate a mere individual variation, rather -than a progressive stage of plumage. - -A male (25,198, Washington, D. C., February) is as strongly barred -beneath as described in the female; thus it would appear that any -differences in plumage in the sexes are nothing more than individual -discrepancies. - -The yellowish outer webs of the primaries constitute a feature which -will serve to distinguish the young of the _Buteo lineatus_ from that of -every other North American species. - -A series of twelve specimens from Florida, in the Museum of Comparative -Zoölogy, at Cambridge, shows that the birds of this species from that -peninsula are very much smaller than northern ones; and though that of -the adults does not differ appreciably, the plumage of the young birds -is considerably darker than in northern specimens, and occasionally -approaches quite nearly to that of the young of var. _elegans_, the -markings on the lower parts, including the tibiæ, being often in the -form of transverse spots. - -The extreme measurements of this series are as follows: Wing, -10.90–12.75; tail, 7.70–8.50; culmen, .80–.90; tarsus, 2.90–3.20; middle -toe, 1.25–1.45. Specimens, 12. - - -Var. elegans, CASSIN. - -RED-BELLIED HAWK. - - _Buteo elegans_, CASS. P. A. N. S. 1855, 281.—IB. B. N. Am. 1858, - 28, plate.—HEERM. P. R. Rep. II, 32.—KENNERLY, P. R. Rep. III, - 19.—NEWB. VII, 75.—COOP. & SUCKL. XII, ii, 147.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, - 38.—? DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas).—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 9 - (Arizona).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 7.—COOPER, Birds Cal. 1870, 477. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (10,573, Ft. Tejon, California, “Oct. 22, -1857”; J. Xantus). Head, neck, interscapulars, anterior scapulars, -lesser wing-coverts, lining of the wing, and entire lower parts, dark -lateritious-rufous, inclining to chestnut on the shoulders. The upper -parts so colored have each feathers with a medial-ovate space of dull -black, giving a striped appearance; the lesser wing-coverts, however, -have each only a narrow shaft-line of black, these growing larger as -they approach the middle coverts. There is a strong black suffusion -over the cheeks, forming an obscure “mustache”; orbit blackish, -throat streaked with the same. The dark lateritious-rufous of the -jugulum and breast is perfectly continuous and uniform, varied only -by the obsoletely darker shafts of the feathers; sides and flanks -transversely barred with white; lining of the wing, and tibiæ, with very -ill-defined bars of paler rufous; anal region and lower tail-coverts -with broader and more sharply defined bars of the same. Scapulars and -middle wing-coverts brownish-black, narrowly tipped, and irregularly -spotted transversely, with pure white; secondaries and greater coverts -brownish-black, tinged with rufous, and broadly tipped and crossed, with -sharply defined bands of pure white, of which there are on secondaries -about six exposed (including the terminal band); primaries and their -coverts deep black (tinged anterior to their emargination with rufous), -tipped with pure white, and having spots of white on outer webs. Rump -and upper tail-coverts brownish-black, with indistinct transverse -bands of white, the latter sharply tipped with the same. Tail clear -brownish-black sharply tipped with white, and with about five sharply -defined bands of the same, about .30 of an inch in width. Under surface -of secondaries and primaries white to near the ends, where they are -black; the tips, however, again white; the white portion crossed by -regular transverse bands, those where the white is purest being light -rufous, but as the white shades toward the black they become dusky; the -rufous bars are, however, bordered with dusky. Fifth quill longest; -third and fourth longer than sixth; second a little shorter than sixth; -first intermediate between ninth and tenth. Wing, 12.50; tail, 8.00; -tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.40. - -_Young._ Predominating color, blackish-brown; this existing on under -parts in large, confluent sagittate spots, which are longitudinal on -throat and jugulum, and more transverse on sides, abdomen, tibiæ, -and lower tail-coverts, the ground-color of lower parts being dull -ochraceous. The head and neck, all around, presenting a uniform, -streaked appearance, the edges of the feathers being ochraceous, but -the black far exceeding this in amount. Interscapulars and scapulars -bordered with rusty rufous; wing-coverts more broadly bordered with -ochraceous, and with much concealed dull white spotting; lesser -wing-coverts, with a strong wash of rich dark rufous; secondaries tipped -with white, and crossed by two or three (exposed) broad bands of dull -ashy; primaries brownish-black, narrowly tipped with white, and with -ill-defined restricted spots of the same on outer webs. Rump uniform -blackish-brown, feathers faintly bordered with rusty; upper tail-coverts -tipped and barred with white. Tail brownish-black tipped with white, and -crossed with five narrow bands of dull light ashy. Lining of wing dull, -dingy ochraceous, with numerous transverse bars of brown; fourth quill -longest; third shorter than fifth; second longer than sixth; first equal -to ninth. Wing (male, 10,572, Fort Tejon), 12.00; tail, 8.40; tarsus, -2.82; middle toe, 1.35. Female (4,520, Santa Clara, Cal.; Dr. Cooper), -wing, 13.00; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.52. - -HAB. Pacific, and southern portion of the middle Provinces of the United -States; Mexico. - -Localities quoted: Texas (San Antonio, winter), (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, -325); Arizona (Coues, P. A. N. S. 1866, 9); city of Mexico (SCL. & SALV. -P. Z. S. 1869, 364). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 4; Philadelphia Academy, 4; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1; R. -Ridgway, 2. Total, 11. - - -_Measurements._ - -Wing, 12.00–13.00; tail, 8.75–9.50; culmen, .78–.90; tarsus, 3.00–3.12; -middle toe, 1.40–1.50. - -The young of the _Buteo elegans_ differs most remarkably from that of -_B. lineatus_; the pattern of coloration appears scarcely the same, -for the ochraceous on outer webs of primaries, anterior to their -emargination,—which is a feature distinguishing the immature _lineatus_ -from all other _Buteos_,—is in the present bird almost obliterated by -the extension of the dusky. - -HABITS. The Red-shouldered Hawk has an extended distribution, being -found more or less abundant from Florida to Nova Scotia, and from the -Atlantic to the Pacific coast it is replaced by the _Buteo elegans_. -Mr. J. A. Allen found it by far the most abundant of this family in -Florida. In Texas the two races, _lineatus_ and _elegans_, appear to -occur together, Mr. Dresser having met with both near San Antonio. The -Red-shouldered Hawk was noticed by this writer from the river Neuces -eastward. He found it breeding in the heavily wooded river bottoms of -the Medina, and several others of the rivers of Texas, but did not -succeed in procuring the eggs. It breeds abundantly in Florida, and -thence throughout the United States as far north as Northern Vermont, -Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Lieutenant Bland notices it as a common -and migratory species in Nova Scotia, but Mr. Downes speaks of it as -rare near Halifax, where he only met with two specimens. Mr. Boardman -gives it as quite common near Calais, breeding there and probably -resident. In Western Maine Mr. Verrill regarded the species as a not -very common summer resident, where it was also known to breed, as he -met with its nest and eggs May 24, 1860. It is quite common in Eastern -Massachusetts, where it is found all the year, but where it is more -abundant in the fall, from the addition of northern migrants, than at -any other time. A few are found throughout the winter, keeping about -open springs and in sheltered situations. Mr. Allen also speaks of it as -not uncommon in the western part of the same State. It was not taken or -seen by Richardson in northern regions, nor does it appear to have been -observed in any of the West India Islands. - -The history and habits of this very common Hawk seem to have been -involved, among earlier writers, in a confusion that seems hardly -explicable. Wilson described and always regarded the young and old as -two distinct species, calling the former _hyemalis_, giving to it a -northern residence, and the mature bird _lineatus_. Mr. Audubon repeated -this error at first, and sought to demonstrate its correctness by giving -to the two forms very dissimilar habits. Bonaparte believed these -forms to be identical, and Nuttall did the same, but was altogether -in error as to its distribution. He was not aware of its presence in -Massachusetts, where it is at times the most abundant of the raptorial -birds. This writer only met with it in the Southern States, where he -found it very common in swampy situations. He speaks of its having a -quailing cry of mutual recognition, which is a plaintive echoing note, -like _keé-oó_, which is continued with little intermission for nearly -twenty minutes. He describes the species as not shy, and as very easily -approached. These Hawks remain mated throughout the year, and their -affectionate treatment of each other is in striking contrast with the -selfish indifference of the Red-tail species when their breeding-season -is ended. - -Nuttall observed it feeding on frogs, cray-fish, and even insects, -and rarely troubling larger game. In only one instance did he see one -descend upon a Plover. Wilson saw them attack Plover, Sand-pipers, -Larks, and even Hawks; but the last is very rare and exceptional. I have -never known one of this species to molest the poultry-yard. From 1828 to -1838, during my stay in Roxbury, a pair of these Hawks were residents -within a few hundred yards of the house, where, as they never molested -the tenants of the barn-yard, they were not allowed to be disturbed. -Their breeding-place we could not find, but they kept about an open -spring during the winter, feeding upon small game, and were not at all -shy. One of them unfortunately was wounded, and was kept in confinement -several days. It was the male bird, in full adult plumage, and was by -no means wild, feeding readily upon what was given to it, even with -our near presence. It would not tolerate a too great familiarity, but -manifested great irritation if we attempted to approach it. Its wing -had been badly shattered, and it finally died from mortification of the -wound. It would never submit to be handled, and fought desperately when -we sought to have its limb bound up. After we gave up this attempt as -impossible it became rather more familiar, and would even at last greet -me with a welcome cry of recognition, and take its food from my hand. - -Wilson, in speaking of the adult bird, states that this Hawk has a high -and very irregular flight, and is quite different from that of species -with longer wings. In his account of the immature plumage, he notes -its arrival in Pennsylvania early in November, and its departure in -March. He speaks of it as a dexterous catcher of frogs, and adds that it -sometimes so stuffs itself that it can fly with difficulty. He has found -the remains of ten frogs in the stomach of a single individual. - -The Red-shouldered Hawk constructs a large nest, not unlike that -of the Crow, in the forked branches of a high tree. It is composed -externally of sticks, and is lined with moss and soft leaves. The eggs -are four in number, and occasionally three or two. When the nest is -approached, the bird utters loud, frequent, and peculiar cries of alarm -and resentment, not unlike _keé-oó!_ rapidly repeated, but makes no -attempt at resistance. The pair return year after year to the same nest, -even when it has been robbed the previous season. - -The eggs of this Hawk are of a very uniform spheroidal-oval shape, -but slightly pointed at one end, and exhibit certain very general -characteristics in the colors of their markings, but vary greatly in -their size. The length varies from 2.20 to 2.00, and the breadth from -1.81 to 1.56. The ground-color is usually a dingy white, rarely pure -white, and frequently with decidedly brownish tinge. The blotches are -most frequently of a yellowish umber color; sometimes blotches of -sienna-brown, slate-drab, and more obscure shades of brown are present, -and these colors are not unfrequently confusedly mingled. An egg from -Cheraw, S. C., has a ground-color of a light drab, tinged with slate and -without any blotches whatever. It is not uncommon to find these nearly -unspotted eggs in the same nest with others very boldly and profusely -blotched. The Cheraw egg measures 2.00 by 1.56 inches; an egg from -Massachusetts, 2.20 by 1.81: their relative capacity being nearly as -three to four. They average about 2.10 by 1.68 inches. - -Mr. L. Heiligbrodt found the nest of this Hawk near Austin, Texas. One -egg was taken from the nest, and in a few days after a second was found -to have been deposited (S. I. 15,894). - -The handsome variety known as _B. elegans_ is generally spoken of by all -familiar with its habits, as well as with its appearance, as the almost -exact counterpart of the Red-shouldered Hawk, replacing that form on the -west coast. - -[Illustration: _Buteo elegans._] - -In regard to its distinctive specific habits but little is as yet known, -but it is probable they are not essentially different from those of -the _lineatus_, Dr. Cooper bearing positive testimony to this fact. He -found this Hawk common in the southern part of the State, especially -near San Diego, but he did not meet with any in the Colorado Valley. -On his approach to one of them, it would always fly off from its usual -perch, circling up high into the air, and uttering short shrill screams -in rapid succession in the manner of the _lineatus_. He noticed a pair -constantly at one place near a ranch, and supposed they were about -building there, but was not able to find the nest. - -Among the memoranda of Mr. Xantus, made at Fort Tejon, Cal., is one -dated May 9, mentioning the finding the nest of this species. It -contained four eggs, was built in an old decayed tree, in a swamp, and -was about fifteen feet from the ground. The nest was large and made of -sticks. - - -Buteo borealis (GMEL.). - -RED-TAILED HAWK. - -SP. CHAR. Form heavy and robust; wings moderate, the third to fifth -quill longest; the first shorter than the seventh; outer four with -inner webs cut. Feet strong, the tarsi and toes robust, and claws not -very acute. Dimensions: Wing, 13.50–17.25; tail, 8.50–11.30; culmen, -.90–1.15; tarsus, 2.70–3.40; middle toe, 1.60–1.95; weight, 2½ to 4 -lbs. Colors: _Adult_: tail, deep lateritious-rufous, paler at the tip, -and usually with a subterminal bar of black (sometimes without any bar, -and sometimes with numerous bars to the base). Above blackish-brown, -more or less variegated with whitish on the scapulars and wing-coverts; -beneath white, usually with a belt of blackish spots across the abdomen; -sometimes wholly dusky or blackish beneath, but the pectoral region -always appreciably lighter than the abdomen; under surface of primaries -plain white anterior to their emargination. _Young._ Tail grayish-brown, -with nine or ten narrow, sharply defined bands of blackish. Pattern -of other parts as in the adult, but the white purer, and the plumage -generally with less rufous. - -HAB. Entire continent of North America; West Indies. - -The plumage varies from wholly dusky blackish, with a paler, more -brownish, pectoral area, and the tail of the adult with numerous black -bars, or indications of bars, to the very base (var. _calurus_), through -various proportionate degrees of rufous and dusky, to entirely pure -white beneath, without any spotting; the tail of the adult without a -single black bar (vars. _krideri_ and _lucasanus_). - - -Var. borealis, GMELIN. - -EASTERN RED-TAIL. - - _Falco borealis_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 266, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. - 25, 1790; Syn. I, p. 50, 1780; Supp. II, 34, 1787; Gen. Hist. I, - p. 265, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 157, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 112, - 1812.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. lii, fig. 1, 1808.—SAB. Frankl. Exp. p. - 670.—WAGL. Isis, p. 517, 1831.—BONAP. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. II, pp. 32, - 434; Isis, p. 1138, 1832.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. li, 1831; Orn. Biog. I, - p. 265, 1831; Syn. VI.—GRAY, Genera, 1840.—RICH. F. B. A. II, 50, - 1831.—NUTT. Man. I, 102, 1840.—GOSSE, Birds Jam. II, 1847.—DOUGH. - Cab. I, 229, pl. xxx, 1830. _Buteo borealis_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. - Hist. Nat. IV, p. 478, 1819; Enc. Méth. III, p. 1222, 1823.—VIG. - Zoöl. Journ. I, p. 340; Zoöl. Beech. Voy. p. 15.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, - pt. 2, p. 47, 1826.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 79, 1831.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. - Orn. I, pp. 82, 84, 1808.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, pp. 280, 282, - 1808.—BREW. (WILS.) Am. Orn. p. 450; Synop. p. 684.—BONAP. Eur. & N. - Am. B. p. 3, 1838; Consp. Av. p. 19.—AUD. Synop. p. 6, 1839.—GRAY, - Gen. B. fol. sp. 6, 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 34, 1844.—PUCHER. - Rev. Zoöl. p. 214, 1850.—GOSSE, B. Jam. p. 11, pl. ii, 1847.—CASS. - B. Cal. & Tex. Syn. p. 97, 1854; Proc. Ac. Sc. Philad. p. 279, - 1855.—GAMB. Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. N. S. I, p. 26.—NUTT. Man. - Orn. U. S. & Canad. p. 102, 1833.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, p. 9, pl. - viii, f. 17 (Juv.), 1844.—PEAB. Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. III, p. 80, - 1837.—THOMP. Hist. Verm. App. p. 63, 1853.—PEALE, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. - 62, 1848.—TOWNS. Sit. Exp. Zuñi & Color. p. 59.—KAUP, Ueb. Falk. Mus. - Senck. p. 261, 1845.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 29, 1855.—MAX. Cab. Journ. - VI, 1858, 17.—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, 1861, 318.—WOOD, Am. Nat. III, - 1869, 393.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, 7. _Astur borealis_, CUV. Règ. - An. (ed. 2), I, 332, 1829.—SWAINS. Class. B. I, 316; II, 215, 1837, - _Pœcilopternis borealis_, KAUP, Isis, Mon. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. - 76. _Falco leverianus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. 266, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. - p. 181, 1790; Syn. Supp. I, 31, 1787; Gen. Hist. I, 620, 1821.—DAUD. - Tr. Orn. II, 126, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 151, 1812.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. - lii (Juv.), 1808.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 265. _Buteo leverianus_, VIG. - Zoöl. Journ. I, 340.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 47, 1815. _Falco - aquilinus_, BARTR. Tran. p. 390, 1791. _Accipiter ruficaudus_, VIEILL. - Ois. Am. Sept. pl. xiv, bis. 1807. _Buteo fulvus_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. - Sept. p. 34; Nouv. Dict. Hist. IV, p. 468 (quot. _F. jamaicensis_), - 1819. _Buteo ferrugineocaudus_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. vi, - 1807.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 337. _Buteo americanus_, VIEILL. Nouv. - Dict. Nat. IV, 477 (quot.), Ois. Am. Merid. pl. vi, Enc. Méth. III, - 1224, 1823. _? Buteo gallinivorus_, VIEILL. Ois. _Buteo borealis_, - BREWER, N. A. Oölogy, 1857. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Upper parts rich blackish-brown, approaching black -on the back; scapulars and middle wing-coverts edged and barred beneath -the surface with dull white, and tinged along edges with ochraceous. -Wings generally of a paler shade than the back; secondaries fading into -nearly white at tips, and, with the greater coverts, obscurely barred -with darker; primaries nearly black, tips edged with pale brown, this -passing into whitish. Rump uniform blackish-brown, feathers obscurely -bordered with rusty. Upper tail-coverts ochraceous-white, nearly pure -terminally, and with about two distinct transverse bars of deep rufous. -Tail rich uniform lateritious-rufous, passing narrowly into white at -the tip, and about an inch (or less) from the end crossed by a narrow -band of black. Head and neck with the feathers medially blackish-brown, -their edges rusty-rufous, causing a streaked appearance; the rufous -prevailing on the sides of the occiput, the ear-coverts, and neck. The -blackish almost uniform on the forehead and on the cheeks, over which it -forms a broad “mustache”; lores and sides of frontlet whitish. Throat -white, with broad stripes of pure slaty-brown; lower parts in general -ochraceous-white; tibiæ and lower tail-coverts immaculate; across the -abdomen and flanks (immediately in front of the tibiæ) is a broad -interrupted belt of longitudinal black blotches, those on the abdomen -tear-shaped, on the flanks larger and more irregular, throwing off bars -toward the edge of the feathers; whole pectoral area variegated only -with a few shaft-streaks of black (these growing broader laterally), and -sometimes washed with rusty. Lining of the wing ochraceous-white, with -sparse diamond-shaped spots of pale rufous, and shaft-streaks of darker; -under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargination, beyond -which they gradually deepen into black; the innermost ones are finely -mottled with slaty, and with imperfect transverse bars of the same. - -_Male._ Wing, 13.50–16.50; tail, 8.50–10.00; culmen, .95–1.08; tarsus, -1.40–3.20; middle toe, 1.60–1.70. Weight, 2½–3 lbs. - -_Female._ Wing, 15.25–17.75; tail, 9.50–10.50; culmen, 1.00–1.15; -tarsus, 3.15–3.40; middle toe, 1.70–1.80. Weight, 3–4 lbs. - -_Young_ (28,154, Philadelphia; J. Krider). Above similar to the adult, -but lacking entirely any rufous tinge, the scapulars and wing-coverts -more variegated with whitish. Tail light grayish-brown (very much -lighter than the rump), tinged, especially basally, with rufous, -narrowly tipped with white, and crossed with nine or ten narrow, curved -bands of black; upper tail-coverts white, with broad bars of black. -Head as in the adult, but the rufous wanting, leaving the streaks black -and white; forehead more broadly white; chin and throat wholly white, -the latter with a collar of dusky streaks across the lower part; whole -pectoral region entirely immaculate, pure white; abdominal band as in -the adult; tibiæ somewhat tinged with ochraceous, unvariegated. - -HAB. Eastern North America; not in West Indies, nor west of the -Missouri. - -Localities: (?) Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 64). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 9; Philadelphia Academy, 13; Boston Society, 8; Museum, -Cambridge, 15; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 3; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 50. - -The true _Buteo borealis_, as restricted, may always be distinguished -from the var. _calurus_, its western representative, by its having the -posterior lower parts (tibiæ and lower tail-coverts) entirely free -from transverse bars, and by lacking indications of transverse bars on -the tail, anterior to the conspicuous subterminal one. It differs from -the var. _costaricensis_, in having the head and neck conspicuously -striped with rufous, and the throat thickly striped with black, almost -obliterating the white; in the conspicuous abdominal belt of large black -spots, and in having the tibiæ lighter ochraceous than the breast; -from the var. _lucasanus_ and var. _krideri_, it is distinguished by -having the black tail-band, more spotted under parts, and in the upper -tail-coverts being white, banded with rufous, instead of plain white, or -deep rufous, uniform with the tail. - -A specimen (No. 1,750, Carlisle, Pa.; S. F. Baird) appears at first -sight much like the var. _calurus_, being very dark; the tibiæ, anal -region, and the lower tail-coverts are, however, not barred as in this, -and the tail possesses but the subterminal band. - -An immature specimen (No. 21,488; John Krider) from Philadelphia has the -tibiæ quite distinctly barred, but less conspicuously so than in young -of var. _calurus_. - - -Var. krideri, HOOPES. - -WHITE-BELLIED RED-TAIL. - - _Buteo krideri_, HOOPES, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1873, p. — - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Similar to var. _borealis_, but beneath continuous -pure white, without rufous tinge, and without distinct spots across -the abdomen, or lacking them entirely; above much lighter, the brown, -light rufous, and white being about equal in amount. Upper tail-coverts -immaculate white; tail pale rufous, the shafts pure white, and the webs -mixed with white along their edges, its amount increasing toward the -base; no trace of a dusky subterminal bar, or else only indicated by -badly defined spots. - -_Young._ Differing from that of var. _borealis_ in the immaculate, -snowy-white lower parts, nearly equal extent of the white and dusky on -the upper parts, and whitish cast of the tail. - -Two females (one shot from nest of two eggs, near Alexandria, Minn., -May 8, 1872,[87] and the other, also shot from nest of two eggs, near -Pelican Lake, Minn., May 21, 1872[88]) are entirely absolutely pure -white beneath, there being but the faintest indications of markings in -the region of the usual abdominal belt; even the whole under side of the -wing is almost immaculate. The ground-color of the upper parts is pale -grayish-brown, about equally variegated transversely, on the scapulars -and tertials, with white. In one of them, the sides of the head and neck -are pale fawn-color, the “mustache” from the rictus brownish-black in -conspicuous contrast; the upper parts are nearly equally variegated with -brown, light rufous, and white, the latter predominating posteriorly. -The upper tail-coverts are immaculate white. The tail-feathers are light -rufous, with pure white shafts, considerably mixed with white along the -edges of the feathers, the white considerably increasing towards the -base of the tail. Of the subterminal dusky band there is no trace in one -specimen, while in the other it is indicated by transverse spots, while -the inner webs along the shafts are much variegated with transverse -dusky spots. The male specimen (shot at Chippewa Lake, Minn., from nest -(!) of two eggs May 19, 1872[89]) is considerably darker, nearly like -the average plumage of eastern var. _borealis_. Still the white of the -lower parts is remarkably pure, being of an almost snowy clearness, -without any trace whatever of an ochraceous tinge. - -No. 8,532, Devil’s River, Texas (Nov. 1855; Dr. C. B. Kennerly), differs -only in being a little less pure white beneath, the lower parts being -very appreciably tinged with rufous posteriorly. - -HAB. Plains of the United States, from Minnesota to Texas (Devil’s -River, M. S. I.). - - -Var. lucasanus, RIDGWAY. - -ST. LUCAS RED-TAIL. - - “_Buteo borealis_ var. _lucasanus_, RIDGWAY,” COUES, KEY, 1872, 216 - (under _B. borealis_). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ General appearance of the normal plumage of var. -_calurus_, but the upper parts more uniformly blackish, and the upper -tail-coverts and tail uniform rufous, the latter without a trace of a -black bar. Beneath nearly uniform reddish ochraceous, or light rufous, -the usual abdominal belt merely indicated by a few inconspicuous spots; -no trace of transverse bars on the lower parts. _Female_ ? (No. 16,925, -Cape St. Lucas, Sept. 15, 1859; J. Xantus). Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.50; -tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 1.60. Wing-formula 5, 4, 3, 2–6–7–8–9, 1, 10. - -_Young._ Not distinguishable, by positive characters, from that of var. -_calurus_. - -HAB. Peninsula of Lower California. - -All adult specimens from the peninsula of Lower California agree with -that described above, in the peculiar features which I consider as -characterizing a well-marked local race. The present form is most nearly -related, in its adult dress, to the var. _krideri_ of the plains, in its -unbarred tail and immaculate lower plumage, but differs from this in -having the upper parts nearly black instead of almost white, the upper -tail-coverts deep rufous, like the tail, instead of white, and the lower -parts rufous instead of white; in the rufous lower plumage and very dark -upper parts, it closely resembles var. _costaricensis_[90] of Central -America and Southern Mexico, but the latter has a barred tail, entirely -continuous black above, plain white throat patch, and other minor -differences, besides having a quite different young plumage. As to the -young plumage of var. _lucasanus_, I cannot find any character by which -it can with certainty be distinguished from that of var. _calurus_. - - -Var. calurus, CASSIN. - -WESTERN RED-TAIL; BLACK RED-TAIL. - - _Buteo calurus_, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. VII, 281, 1855; - Birds N. Am. 1858, 22.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 38, 1855.—COUES, Prod. - Orn. Ariz. p. 8, 1866.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 7, 1869. _Buteo montanus_ - (not of NUTTALL!), CASSIN, Birds N. Am. 1858, 26.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. - VI, iv, 1857.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. - P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 147, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 7, - 1866.—_Buteo swainsoni_ (not of BONAP!), CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. p. 98, - 1854. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Similar to var. _borealis_, but darker, with more -rufous and blackish in the plumage; tibiæ always, and flanks and crissum -usually, barred with rufous; throat with the dark streaks suffused and -widened, so as to form the prevailing color. Tail with indications of -transverse bars anterior to the usual subterminal one, these varying in -number and distinctness with the individual. Whole plumage sometimes -sooty black, the breast, however, covered by an appreciably paler patch, -usually of a somewhat rufous hue. Tail sometimes with regular and -continuous narrow bands to the very base. - -_Young._ Very much darker than that of var. _borealis_, the pattern -being similar, but the dark markings much expanded and more numerous; -tibiæ with heavy transverse spots of dusky. - -HAB. Western region of North America, from the Rocky Mountains to the -Pacific; south into Mexico; West Indies (Jamaica and Cuba, Mus. S. I.). - -Localities quoted: (?) Xalapa (SCLATER, P. Z. S. 1859, 368); Oaxaca -(SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 389); (?) Cuba (CAB. Journ. II. lxxxii; GUNDL. Rep. -1865, 223; resident. “_B. borealis_”); S. E. Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, -324). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 44; Philadelphia Academy, 18; Boston Society, 6; Coll. -G. N. Lawrence, 2; R. Ridgway, 5. Total, 75. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.| Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - | ♂ |13.50–16.00| 9.50–10.00| .90–1.10|2.90–3.30| 1.70–1.80| 30 N. Am.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - | ♀ |16.00–17.25| 9.50–11.30|1.00–1.08|3.30–3.40| 1.80–1.95| 16 N. Am.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - | ♂ |13.25–14.00| 9.00–0.00|1.00–0.00|3.30–0.00| 1.80–0.00|2 Jamaican.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - | ♀ | 14.50–0.00| 9.00–0.00|1.10–0.00|3.25–0.00| 1.75–0.00|1 Jamaican.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - | ♂ | 15.50–0.00| 9.50–0.00|1.15–0.00|3.10–0.00| 1.85–0.00| 1 Cuban.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+-----------+ - -A large collection of specimens of this race presents a series -connecting _borealis_ with the black form known as “_calurus_”; every -possible condition between the two being indicated in the range of -individual variation. The lightest styles as distinguished from var. -_borealis_ always have the tibiæ barred with rufous; the crissum, also, -is generally barred, on the throat the blackish-brown predominates, and -the tail has more or less perfect bars to the roots of the feathers; -generally, however, these are merely indicated by projections from the -shafts. - -The extreme condition of this is the melanistic form which Mr. Cassin -described as “_Buteo calurus_”; the darkest example of which (5,481, -Petaluma, Cal.; E. Samuels) is entirely blackish-brown, wings and -scapulars with feathers somewhat paler at tips; breast inclining to dark -sepia-brown, the feathers with black shaft-streaks; tibial feathers -faintly tipped with pale grayish-brown; lower tail-coverts tipped and -barred with rufous; upper tail-coverts deep rufous barred with black; -tail deep chestnut-rufous, the subterminal black band very broad, and -anterior to this are nine or ten imperfect narrower black bands. - -These fuliginous examples have always a more or less appreciably lighter -pectoral area, corresponding to the white of this region seen in the -lighter styles. - -Of this race, almost each individual has its own characteristic -markings, and scarcely two are to be found alike in a very large series -from Western North America. All the specimens from the Rocky Mountains -to the Pacific, and from the table-lands of Mexico, as well as from Cuba -and Jamaica, are referrible to this variety, although we are not aware -that in the latter region the bird ever becomes black. In the latter -island this species (as is also the case with many other birds) seems to -be remarkably subject to albinism. In the peninsula of Lower California -it is replaced by the var. _lucasanus_, and in Central America by -the very different var. _costaricensis_; from both of which it may -be distinguished by the numerous transverse rufous bars crossing the -posterior under parts, which character serves also to distinguish the -lightest examples from the eastern typical _borealis_. - -A specimen (50,761; Colonel Grayson) from the Socorro Island, S. W. -Mexico, is like some Fort Tejon specimens. - -No. 41,759 (immature), Merida, Yucatan (Dr. Schott), is remarkably -light colored, or, rather, is unusually variegated with whitish above; -the tail, also, is almost white; the bands, however, very conspicuous. -The lower parts are as thickly spotted as in specimens from Washington -Territory. - -The young bird of this western style is as different from that of the -eastern as is the adult, and the essential differences are about the -same,—i.e. darker colors, or a predominance, or, rather, increase in -size, of the dark markings. The numerous heavy transverse spots on -the tibia constitute a persistent feature of the young of the var. -_calurus_, as compared with the almost, or perfectly, immaculate white -of those in var. _borealis_. - -It being certain that the _Buteo montanus_ of Nuttall is really the _B. -swainsoni_, and not the variety of _borealis_ so called by Mr. Cassin, -it becomes necessary to drop this name in connection with the present -bird, and transfer it as a synonyme to _swainsoni_. In its place, Mr. -Cassin’s name _calurus_ must be substituted, under which was described -the melanistic condition of the present variety of _borealis_. - -In describing his _B. montanus_, Nuttall cites Audubon’s plate of -“_Falco buteo_,” which, of course, is a name by which the _B. swainsoni_ -was first designated before it was distinguished from the _B. vulgaris_ -of Europe. Audubon’s plate represents, unmistakably, the adult female of -the _Buteo swainsoni_. - -HABITS. The well-known Red-tailed Hawk is widely distributed throughout -North America from the West Indies and Central America to the Arctic -regions, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. - -According to Sir John Richardson, it is common in the fur countries, -which it visits in summer, and where a few are known to breed. Specimens -were taken by his party on the Rocky Mountains, the plains of the -Saskatchewan, and at the York factory. These were all between the 53d -and the 57th parallels of latitude. - -[Illustration: _Buteo borealis_ (adult).] - -Mr. Salvin cites it as generally and plentifully distributed throughout -Guatemala, from whence numerous examples in all stages of plumage, from -the young to the adult, were transmitted by Mr. Skinner. It was also -found at Dueñas by him. Mr. Swainson states that this Hawk was taken on -the plains of Mexico by Mr. Taylor. A single specimen was received by -Mr. Lawrence from Panama. Mr. Gosse states that it is the most common -bird of this family in Jamaica, where it is a resident, and where it -breeds. Mr. Lembeye and Dr. Gundlach both include it in their lists of -the birds of Cuba, and the latter marks it as breeding in that island. -It has been observed in Florida by Mr. Allen, and is not uncommon in all -the New England States, where it is resident throughout the year. In the -Southern States it is most abundant in the winter months. - -Specimens of this bird are recorded in the government reports as -obtained from the Yellowstone, from the Pecos River in Texas, and from -Fort Fillmore in New Mexico. Mr. Dresser found it common throughout -all of Texas in all seasons of the year, breeding in all parts, but -preferring the heavily timbered country. He obtained its eggs from -Systerdale and from the Medina River. - -This Hawk is a strong and powerful bird, with a firm, steady, and -protracted flight, frequently at a great elevation, and often moving -quite a distance without any apparent motion of the wings. It is said -to generally descend upon its prey from some fixed position, as the -branch of a tree, and rarely to dart upon it when flying. It is a -cautious bird, and rarely ventures near a house for poultry except when -the dwelling is isolated and near its own haunts. It preys chiefly upon -small quadrupeds, small birds, and reptiles. It usually darts upon a -snake from the branch of a tree, and seizing it near the head bears it -writhing through the air. In the valley of the Saskatchewan, Richardson -states that it watches for the marmots, and when one imprudently -ventures from its burrow, darts upon it, bears it a short distance off, -and tears it to pieces. - -As they fly, these birds utter a very peculiar and unpleasantly harsh -cry or scream, which they repeat very frequently. Capt. Blakiston -observed this at the Red River settlement, and speaks of it as the -Squealing Hawk. - -Though said to be thus generally cautious in exposing itself to danger -in approaching a poultry-yard, it is not always thus cautious. Mr. -Downes mentions an instance where one of these birds entered a garden in -Halifax to pounce upon a tame Crow, and was captured alive by the owner. - -Mr. Audubon states that after rearing their young they no longer -remain mated, but separate and evince rather jealous hostility to each -other than good-will. When one has taken any prey in sight of another, -the latter will pursue and struggle with it for possession of the -plunder. In these fights they scream vociferously while struggling for -possession. - -In the Southern States these Hawks begin to build in February; in the -Middle States, from March the 24th to April 15th; and in New England -usually from April to May. They construct a large nest, composed -externally of coarse sticks and twigs, and lined with dried grasses, -moss, and leaves, built for the most part in the fork of a lofty tree. -The eggs are usually four in number. - -Mr. Augustus Fowler of Danvers, who is familiar with the habits of this -bird, writes me that in Massachusetts they usually begin to build their -nests about the first of April, selecting some tall tree near the middle -of the woods, the branches of which form a crotch near its trunk. To -this chosen spot the female carries a sufficient quantity of sticks for -its outside (the male taking no very active part in the matter), and for -its inside she uses the bark from the dead branches of the chestnut, -which she beats and pecks to pieces with her bill, making it soft and -pliable, or gathers the fallen leaves of the pine, or some other soft -material, which she finds conveniently, as a lining, which is about one -inch in thickness. It is thirteen inches in diameter from outside to -outside, and seven inches in diameter on the inside, while its depth -is two and a half inches. The female usually lays five eggs, which are -spherical, of a dirty-white color, and marked with large blotches of -brown; on some they cover almost the whole egg, while others are marked -mostly on the large end, and some even of the same nest are so faintly -marked as to appear almost wholly white. They are 2.12 inches in length -and 1.95 in diameter. - -In Jamaica, according to Mr. March, these Hawks do not confine -themselves to any particular mode or place for breeding, height seeming -to be their chief object. He has found their nest in a quite accessible -tree, not more than twenty feet from the ground, and near a frequented -path. In another instance a pair nested for several years on the roof -of the turret of the belfry of the Spanishtown Cathedral church. The -nest he describes as a platform of dry sticks, more than a foot across -and two or three inches thick. The bed of the nest is about six inches -across and two deep, of fine inner bark, grass, and leaves, containing -four or five eggs, nearly spherical, measuring 2.25 by 2.75 inches, of a -dirty or clayish white, dashed with blotches and spots of vandyke-brown -and umber, often running with a light shade into the ground-color. - -The eggs of the Red-tail exhibit great variations in nearly every -respect except their shape, which is pretty uniformly a spheroidal-oval. -Their ground-color varies from white to a dingy rusty drab, their -markings vary greatly in colors, shades, size, frequency, and -distribution. In some the markings are small, few, and light, and the -egg appears to be of an almost homogeneous brownish-white. In others -the ground is completely concealed by large and confluent blotches of -deep and dark purplish-brown, burnt umber, and a peculiar shade known as -Dutch umber. In some the markings are distributed in fine and frequent -granulations, diffused over the entire surface of the egg, producing -the effect of a color of uniform umber brown, through which the ground -of yellowish-white can only be traced by a magnifying-glass. Four eggs -in my cabinet average 2.22 inches in length by 1.72 in breadth. The -largest egg measures 2.55 by 1.90 inches; the smallest, 2.10 by 1.70. -The capacity of the largest to the smallest is nearly as five to four. - -The season in which this Hawk deposits its eggs varies considerably. Mr. -Jackson of West Chester, Penn., gives March 24 the earliest, and April -15 the latest, in which he has met with its fresh eggs. - -Mr. Ridgway obtained two eggs of this Hawk at Mount Carmel, Ill., on -the 6th of March, the nest having been commenced early in February. It -was placed on the summit of a black-gum tree (_Nyssa multiflora_), and -rested upon the topmost branches, about ninety feet from the ground. -It was lined with corn-husks, gathered from a field close by. The eggs -(No. 12,740, S. I. Collection) measure, respectively, 2.45 and 2.50 in -length, by 1.95 and 2.00 in breadth. Their color is plain bluish-white, -entirely free from markings of any kind. - -In California, the var. _calurus_ is stated to be common in all parts -of the State not destitute of trees, and to reside permanently wherever -found, pairing only during the breeding-season. They prey upon hares -and other small quadrupeds, upon smaller birds, and upon reptiles. -Dr. Cooper states that at times, when food is plenty, they become -excessively fat. They are known to occasionally seize a fowl from the -farm-yard. During the middle of the day, in the cold weather, they are -said to soar very high in the air, and occasionally to disappear also in -the manner of their eastern relatives, the _Buteo borealis_. They are -said to be abundant and resident species in Washington Territory, having -been found by Dr. Suckley quite numerous at Puget Sound, but scarcer -on the Upper Columbia, east of the Cascade Mountains. It seems to be -more daring than is common with the _borealis_, for Dr. Suckley states -that while he was stationed at Fort Steilacoom he noticed that the -poultry-yards were as much harassed by this Hawk as by the Goshawk, not -hesitating to seize poultry from the very doors of the dwelling-houses. - -Dr. Kennerly states that this Hawk was met with by him between the coast -of Texas at Indianola, and the Rio Grande at El Paso del Norte. It -seemed to feed indifferently upon reptiles, particularly lizards, and -the smaller quadrupeds and birds. - -Dr. Cooper states that the nests of this species are numerous in the -valleys and on the lower mountains of California. They are generally -built in the forks of a sycamore or other large trees, and formed of -twigs pretty finely constructed, and with a very distinct cavity. Eggs, -taken by Dr. Cooper near San Diego, were laid about the 20th of March, -and were three in number. They measured 2.28 by 1.76 inches, were -of a dull yellowish-white, with faint brown spots. While Dr. Cooper -was climbing to the nest, the old birds darted towards him from a -neighboring bluff, but when within a few feet of his head they turned -away and did not attempt to make an assault. - -Two eggs belonging to the variety _calurus_ were obtained by Mr. E. -Samuels near Petaluma, Cal., in 1856; measure 2.31 inches in length by -1.87 in breadth. The shape of one egg is an almost exact ovoid, slightly -tending to a spheroid, one end being hardly perceptibly larger than the -other. Its ground-color is a very light buff, the spottings and markings -giving to it the effect of a yellowish-white. It is marked over the -entire surface with blotches, dashes, and lines of a light tint of a -brown tending to vandyke. These are mixed with markings of a lighter -purplish-brown. The markings, of both shades, are chiefly oblong in -shape, and run with the length of the egg. They bear no resemblance to -any eggs of the _B. borealis_ that I have ever seen, and are unlike -those of other Hawks so far as I am aware. It was built on the top of -a large evergreen-oak, at least seventy feet from the ground, and was -constructed entirely of large, coarse sticks, lined with a few stray -feathers. The male bird was shot as it flew from the nest, which was so -hidden by the thick branches that it would have escaped detection. - -The black form of this species was first described by Mr. Cassin as -_Buteo calurus_, in 1855, from a specimen procured by Dr. Henry near -Fort Webster, New Mexico. In this plumage it was afterwards met with -by Mr. Emanuel Samuels, near Petaluma, in California, who found it -breeding, and was fortunate enough to secure the parent bird on its -nest. - -The nest was built near the top of an evergreen-oak, at the height of -about sixty feet from the ground, and contained two eggs just on the -point of hatching. It was constructed of sticks, and was lined with -moss. Both birds were about the spot. The male bird, manifesting much -more courage than his mate in resistance to the intruders, was shot. The -female was wounded, but escaped. - -One of these eggs measures 2.25 inches in length by 1.79 in breadth. -Its capacity is considerably less than that of the specimens just -described; its shape is a much more oblong-oval; one end is evidently -more pointed than the other. Its ground-color is a dirty cream-white, -covered, chiefly at the larger end, with blotches and smaller markings -of a dark shade of a brown almost exactly corresponding with that known -as vandyke-brown, with smaller markings and spottings of a lighter shade -of the same. The latter are distributed at intervals over its entire -surface. - -A nest, found by Mr. Xantus near Fort Tejon, is stated by him to have -been found in a swamp. It was built in a water-oak, was about fifteen -feet from the ground. The nest was very large and was built of coarse -sticks. It contained four eggs. - - -Buteo harlani (AUDUBON). - -HARLAN’S HAWK; “BLACK WARRIOR.” - - _Falco harlani_, AUD. B. Am. 1831, pl. xxxvi; IB. Orn. Biog. I, - 441.—BREWER (WILS.), Am. Orn. Synop. 1852, 684. _Buteo harlani_, - BONAP. List, 1838, 3.—AUD. SYNOP. 1839, 6.—GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. - 18.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 11.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 30.—CASS. Birds - N. Am. 1858, 24 (adult, but not the description of young, which is - that of _B. borealis_, var. _calurus_).—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, - 43.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 7 (under _B. borealis_).—RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. - Dec. 1870, 142.—COUES, Key, 1872, 216. - -SP. CHAR. Form strong and heavy, like _B. borealis_, but still more -robust; tibial plumes unusually developed, long and loose, their -ends reaching to or beyond the base of the toes; lateral toes nearly -equal. Four outer primaries with inner webs cut. Dimensions: Wing, -14.25–15.75; tail, 8.80–10.00; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.75–3.25; middle -toe, 1.50–1.70. Colors: Nearly uniform black, varying from a sooty to a -carbonaceous tint, with more or less of concealed pure white. _Adult._ -Tail confusedly mottled longitudinally, with grayish, dusky, and white, -often tinged or mixed with rufous, the different shades varying in -relative amount in different individuals; a subterminal band of black. -_Young._ Tail grayish-brown, crossed by about nine very regular and -sharply defined, broad bands of black, about equal in width to the gray -ones. - -_Adult male_ (Lawrence, Kansas, Oct., 1871; in Collection of Kansas -University). General color deep, almost carbonaceous, black, showing -much exposed white on the head, neck, and breast, all the feathers of -which are snowy white beneath the surface, the black being merely in -the form of tear-shaped spots on the terminal portion of the feather; -chin, lores, and front pure white; upper parts in general, the posterior -lower parts and the lining of the wing, with the black unbroken, but -all the feathers—except the under wing-coverts—more or less spotted -with white beneath the surface, on a grayish ground; these spots being -usually arranged in pairs on each side of the shaft, on the flanks; -tail-coverts, above and below, spotted irregularly with bright rufous, -in nearly equal amount with the black and white. Alulæ, primary coverts, -and primaries, with quadrate spots of plumbeous on their outer webs, -forming transverse bands; under surface of primaries plumbeous-gray -except at ends, but much broken by coarse marbling of white, this -prevailing anteriorly, where it is much confused, but posteriorly about -equal with the grayish, and exhibiting a tendency to form quadrate -spots. Tail, with the ground-color white, but this nearly hidden on the -upper surface by a longitudinal mottling of dark and light ashy, this -growing more uniform terminally, where it becomes slightly suffused with -reddish and crossed by a subterminal, broad but broken and irregular, -band of black, the tip again very narrowly grayish and reddish. - -[Illustration: =6851.= ½ - -_Buteo harlani._] - -Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–2, 6; 1=10. Wing, 15.00; tail, 8.80; culmen, 1.00; -tarsus, 2.75; middle toe, 1.50; lateral toes equal. Plumage of the -flanks, abdomen, tibiæ, and crissum remarkably lengthened and lax, the -latter reaching within two inches of the tip of the tail, and the tibial -plumes reaching to the base of the toes. - -_Adult female_ (6,851, Rio Grande, lat. 32°; Dr. T. C. Henry, U. S. A.). -Whole plumage purplish black, or chocolate-black, with a purplish -lustre; feathers everywhere pure white at bases, this exposed, however, -only on the occiput, or where the feathers are disarranged. Forehead, -lores, and chin white. Secondaries and primaries more brown than -other portions, crossed by distinct bands of black,—about six on the -secondaries. Whole lining of the wing and upper tail-coverts continuous, -unvariegated black. Under surface of the primaries ashy-white, more -slaty terminally; ends with distinct, and other portions with obsolete -mottled, bars of dusky. Tail ashy-brown on outer webs, white on inner; -both with a confused, rather longitudinal mottling of blackish; -terminally, there is a broad nearly continuous subterminal band -indicated by blotches, these mixed very slightly with a rufous tinge. -Primaries injured by shot, therefore proportions of the quills cannot be -determined. Wing 15.75; tail, 9.10; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 2.90; middle -toe, 1.60; outer, 1.15; inner, 1.15. - -_Young_ (Phil. Acad. Coll.; San Antonio, Texas, 1860; Dr. A. L. -Heermann). Like the preceding, but basal white rather more exposed, and -somewhat fulvous on the breast; the sides, axillars, lining of the wing, -and lower tail-coverts have very obsolete transverse spots of the same. -Under surface of primaries unvariegated silvery white anterior to their -emargination, beyond which they are more hoary, along the edge black, -this portion with about five transverse spots of black. Tail grayish -ashy-brown to the tip, crossed with about nine very sharply defined -bands of black, of equal width with the gray ones. Lores grayish-white. -Wing-formula, 4, 3, 5–2–6–7–8=1. Wing, 14.25; tail, 10.00; tarsus, 3.25; -middle toe, 1.70. - -HAB. Southern Mississippi Valley, from Louisiana (Aud.) and Texas (Mus. -S. I.); north to Eastern Kansas (Coll. Kansas Univ.). - -Localities quoted: Guatemala (SCLATER, Ibis I, 216 (?)); Arizona (COUES, -P. A. N. S. 1866, 43). - -There is not a doubt in my mind as to the propriety of separating this -bird from any close relationship to the _B. borealis_, nor of the -correctness of considering it the _B. harlani_ of Audubon. It only can -be referred to Audubon’s plate and description, both of which agree -perfectly with the younger plumage described. - -The specimens Mr. Cassin describes as the “adult” _B. harlani_ are -really such; but those which he describes as the “young” are the -young of the Western Red-tail (_B. borealis_ var. _calurus_). The -California specimens to which Mr. Cassin refers, as identified by Mr. -Lawrence as _B. harlani_, are in reality the melanistic condition of _B. -swainsoni_, or the “_insignatus_” of Cassin. The present bird appears to -be restricted to Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and adjacent portions, -north to Kansas, and probably Eastern Mexico. - -HABITS. This Hawk was first described by Audubon from a pair obtained by -him near St. Francisville, Louisiana. They had bred in that neighborhood -for two seasons, were shy and difficult of approach, and for a long -while eluded his pursuit. The female was shot while sailing over his -head, and wounded in the wing. He endeavored to preserve it alive and to -carry it as a present to the Zoölogical Society, but it refused all food -and died in a few days. This specimen is now in the British Museum. The -male bird was also obtained a few days later, and this too was brought -to him yet alive but also wounded. It was even more fierce and wilder -than the female, would erect the feathers on its head, open its bill, -and prepare to strike with its talons when any object was brought near -to it. - -This species, though smaller than the Red-tail, to which he regarded it -as allied, Audubon thought greatly superior to it in flight and daring. -Its flight is described as rapid, greatly protracted, and so powerful -as to enable it to seize the prey with apparent ease, or effect its -escape from its stronger antagonist, the Red-tail, which pursued it on -all occasions. It had been seen to pounce upon a fowl, kill it almost -instantly, and afterwards drag it along the ground several hundred -yards. It was not seen to prey on hares or squirrels, but seemed to -evince a marked preference for poultry, partridges, and the smaller -species of wild duck. He saw none of the young, but was told that they -appeared to be of a leaden-gray color at a distance, and at the approach -of winter became as dark as their parents. - -Mr. Dresser states that he noticed this bird on several occasions near -San Antonio but was not fortunate enough to shoot one. He received -one specimen that had been shot by a lad on the Medina River. He was -informed by a man living near there, who was a good sportsman and a -careful observer, that he had several times found their nests, and Dr. -Heermann is said to have obtained the eggs there several years before. -Dr. Coues did not meet with it in Arizona, where it probably, however, -will yet be found. Specimens have been received from Mexico, as is -stated by Cassin, and a Buzzard, which Mr. Salvin referred to this -species, was seen by him near Dueñas, where it was by no means common. - -A specimen of this species has recently been taken in Kansas, near -Lawrence, as recorded by Professor Snow, and fully identified at the -Smithsonian Institution. - - -Buteo cooperi, CASSIN. - -COOPER’S RED-TAILED HAWK. - - _Buteo cooperi_, CASS. P. A. N. S. Philad. VIII, 1856, 253.—IB. Birds - N. Am. 1858, 31, pl. xvi.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, - 1860, 148.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 8.—RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Dec. 1870, - 142.—COUES, Key, 1872, 43. - -[Illustration: =8525.= ½ - -_Buteo cooperi._] - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (8,525, Santa Clara, California, Oct. 1856; Dr. J. G. -Cooper). Head, neck, and whole lower parts white; feathers of the head -and neck with medial longitudinal streaks of black, the white prevailing -on the occiput and superciliary region,—the black predominating over -the cheeks, forming a “mustache”; throat with fine lanceolate blackish -streaks; sides of the breast with broader, more cuneate markings of the -same; flanks with narrow, lanceolate stripes, these extending sparsely -across the abdomen; tibiæ, and lower tail-coverts immaculate, the -inner face of the former, however, with faint specks. Upper plumage in -general dark plumbeous-brown, inclining to black on the back; plumbeous -clearest on primaries, which are uniformly of this color, the inner -ones inclining to fine cinereous. Scapulars and wing-coverts spattered -with white beneath the surface. Rump black; upper tail-coverts white -tinged with rufous, and with irregular, distant transverse bars of -blackish. Tail with light rufous prevailing, but this broken up by -longitudinal daubs and washes of cinereous, and darker mottlings running -longitudinally on both webs; basally, the ground-color approaches white; -tips white, and a distinct, but very irregular, subterminal band of -black, into which the longitudinal mottlings melt; outer webs of lateral -feathers entirely cinereous, and without the black band. Under side of -the wing white, with a large black space on the lining near the edge; -under surface of primaries white anterior to their emargination, finely -mottled with ashy, and with indistinct transverse bands terminally. -Fourth quill longest; third shorter than fifth; second equal to sixth; -first equal to tenth. Wing, 15.75; tail, 9.10; tarsus, 3.25; middle toe, -1.70. - -[Illustration: _Buteo cooperi_ (adult).] - -This remarkable Hawk is certainly not to be referred to the _B. -borealis_, as has been suggested, the proportions of the two being quite -different, while there is no similarity of plumage. In plumage, _Buteo -cooperi_ very closely resembles the adult of _Archibuteo ferrugineus_, -and the suggestion has been made that it is a hybrid between this and -the Red-tail. The markings of the head, and the general tint of the -upper parts, are almost precisely as in the former bird, while the -tail is exactly similar in character of markings, the only difference -being the more reddish tinge and black subterminal band, which are, in -fact, the only characters approximating it to the _Buteo borealis_. The -feet are, however, very much stronger than in the _A. ferrugineus_, -while the tarsus is very much longer than in _borealis_, scarcely more -so, however, than in the former. The black patch on the lining of the -wing, however, is a feature shared by neither of these birds, being -one entirely peculiar to the _Buteo cooperi_. But one specimen—the one -described above—is known to have been obtained. Mr. J. A. Allen, in -his “Notes on some of the Rarer Birds of Massachusetts” (see “American -Naturalist,” Vol. III, p. 518, and a separate paper, p. 14), mentions -the capture of this species near Cambridge, Mass., but probably did not -actually see it. The specimen in question being in the possession of -Mr. C. J. Maynard, he kindly sent it to the Smithsonian Institution. On -examination, it proved to be a young _Buteo lineatus_, differing from -the average in somewhat lighter colors. - -HAB. Santa Clara County, California. - -The nearest ally of this species is the _B. ferox_, of the Palæarctic -Realm (Northern Asia and Africa and portions of Europe), which has -exactly the size and proportions of the present bird, and in certain -stages a very similar plumage. I have not seen an unquestionable -adult of _B. ferox_, but specimens almost adult, in the collection of -the Boston Society of Natural History, from the Himalaya Mountains, -come remarkably close to _B. cooperi_ in plumage, having like it a -black spot on the under side of the wing, but apparently on the under -primary-coverts, instead of on the lining, near the edge; the tail -is also very similarly colored. Upon the whole, I consider the _B. -cooperi_ to be a good species, with _B. ferox_, Gmelin, of Asia, etc., -as its nearest relative, unless it proves to be a hybrid between _Buteo -borealis_ and _Archibuteo ferrugineus_, which I think is less likely to -be the case. - -HABITS. A single individual of this bird was shot by Dr. Cooper near -Mountain View in Santa Clara Valley, California, in November, 1855. -It still remains unique in collections, and during his more recent -explorations Dr. Cooper has not been able to obtain any additional -specimens or see any like it. Those he mistook for this bird and to -which he refers in his report on the birds of Washington Territory, he -is satisfied were only the _Archibuteo ferrugineus_. The suggestion -of Sclater, that the bird is not distinct from _Buteo erythronotus_, -is negatived, according to Mr. Ridgway, by the fact of their actually -belonging to different sections of the genus. - - -GENUS ARCHIBUTEO, BREHM. - - _Archibuteo_, BREHM, 1828. (Type, _Falco lagopus_, GMELIN.) - _Triorchis_, KAUP, 1829 (nec. LEACH, 1816). (Same type.) - _Butaëtes_, LESS. 1831. (Same type.) - _? Butaquila_, HODGS. 1844. (Type, _Butaquila strophiata_, HODGS.) - _? Hemiaëtus_, HODGS. 1844. (Same type.) - -CHAR. Similar to _Buteo_, but bill and feet weaker, wings longer, and -tarsi feathers in front, to the toes. Bill small, compressed anteriorly, -but very broad through the gape; upper outline of the cere ascending -basally; nostril broadly oval, nearly horizontal. Tarsus densely -feathered in front and on the sides down to the base of the toes; naked -behind, where covered with irregular scales. Tarsus more than twice -as long as the middle toe; basal half of the toes covered with small -scales; outer toe longer than the inner; claws long, strongly curved, -acute. Feathering of the head and neck normal. Wing very long; the third -to fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh; outer four or five -with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail moderate, rounded. Plumage full -and soft. - -The relationship of this well-marked genus appears to be nearest to -_Buteo_ and _Circus_, with an approach to _Circætus_ in character of -the plumage, especially the wing. The Old World species, belonging to -the subgenus (?) _Butaquila_, numbering two or three, according to -different authors, I have not seen, and consequently cannot say whether -they are really congeneric with the American species or not. Exclusive -of these, two species are known, both of which belong to North America, -one of them (_A. lagopus_) being found also in Europe and Africa. These -differ very considerably from each other, in the details of external -structure, probably quite as much as they do from the Asiatic forms -above mentioned. The following synopsis will express the differences -between the two North American species, and between the American and -European races of the one common to both continents. - -[Illustration: - - =54338=, ♀. ½ - =54338=, ♀. ½ - =54338=, ♀. ½ - =54338=, ♀. ¼ - =41720=, ♀. ½ - =54338=, ♀. ½ - - 41720, _A. ferrugineus_. - 54338, _Archibuteo lagopus_.] - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Tail more or less white basally; inner webs of the - primaries white, without bars, anterior to their emargination. Head - and neck with longitudinal streaks of whitish and dusky (except in - melanistic individuals of _lagopus_ var. _sancti-johannis_). - - 1. =A. ferrugineus.= Wing, 15.90–17.60; tail, 9.50–11.00; culmen, - 1.00–1.20; tarsus, 3.10–3.45; middle toe, 1.40–1.65. Bill wide, - the base very broad and depressed. Beneath, continuous pure white, - without conspicuous spots, except sometimes a few scattered ones - along the sides and across the abdomen; breast immaculate, or with - only narrow shaft-streaks. Upper parts always with more or less - rufous. _Adult._ Upper parts and tibiæ fine rufous, the former with - longitudinal spots, the latter with transverse bars, of blackish. - Secondaries and primaries plumbeous, the latter with a hoary cast. - Tail white, washed with pale ash, and more or less stained along the - edges of the feathers (longitudinally) with light rufous; sometimes - with a badly defined indication of a dusky subterminal bar. _Young._ - Above dark grayish-brown, with only the borders of the feathers - rufous or ochraceous; tibiæ white, with sparse transverse spots - of dark brown. Tail white only on basal third, and on inner webs, - the remaining portion brownish-ashy, with several more or less - distinct darker bands. _Hab._ Western North America, from Arizona, - California, and Oregon, east to the Great Plains. - - 2. =A. lagopus.= Wing, 15.75–18.20; tail, 8.70–10.50; culmen, - .80–1.00; tarsus, 2.30–2.80; middle toe, 1.30–1.50. Bill narrow, - compressed; beneath more or less spotted with dusky, which usually - predominates; breast with large spots of dusky; no rufous on upper - parts, nor on tibiæ. _Adult._ Whitish, with transverse dusky spots. - On the lower parts, the dusky spots or cloudings, largest and most - suffused anteriorly (on the jugulum and breast). Terminal portion - of the tail with several irregular dusky bands. (Sometimes almost - entirely black, varying in shade from a brownish to a carbonaceous - tint!) _Young._ Above grayish-brown, longitudinally spotted with - dusky, and more or less edged with pale ochraceous, or rusty - whitish. Beneath ochraceous-white, with the spots largest and most - suffused posteriorly, forming a wide, more or less continuous belt - across the abdomen; markings on the jugulum and breast longitudinal. - Terminal portion of the tail without transverse bars. - - Spots on the jugulum, in the adult, suffused into a nearly uniform - patch. Never melanistic (?). _Hab._ Europe … - - var. _lagopus_.[91] - - Spots on the jugulum, in the adult, scattered. Frequently - melanistic. _Hab._ North America … - - var. _sancti-johannis_. - - -Archibuteo ferrugineus (LICHT). - -CALIFORNIA SQUIRREL HAWK. - - _Falco ferrugineus_, LICHT, Berl. Trans. 1838, p. 429. _Lagopus - ferrugineus_, FRASER, Proc. Zoöl. Soc. Lond. 1844, p. 37. _Archibuteo - ferrugineus_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 3, 1844.—CASS. B. of Cal. & - Tex. 1854, p. 104; Birds N. Am. 1858, 34.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. - 18.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 41, 1855.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 31, - 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. XII, ii, 149, 1860.—COUES, Prod. - Orn. Ariz. p. 10, 1866 (anatomical notes).—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, 1861, - 318 (Saskatchewan; eggs).—FRASER, Pr. Z. S. 1844, 37.—GRAY, Hand List, - I, 10, 1869. _Archibuteo regalis_, GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 39, - 1844; Gen. B. fol. pl. vi. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (41,719, Fort Whipple, Arizona, Dec. 2, 1864; -Dr. Coues). Ground-color of head and neck white; each feather with a -medial streak of black, these growing broader posteriorly, and along -the upper border of the ear-coverts are so blended as to form an -indistinct stripe back from the eye. Entire lower parts (except tibia) -and whole under surface of the wing continuous pure white; breast with -a faint tinge of delicate ochraceous; tibia and tarsus reddish-white, -tinged with or inclining to deep ferruginous on upper portion, and with -numerous transverse bars of darker ferruginous and blackish; sides of -the breast with a very few hair-like shaft-streaks of black; flanks -with a few distant, dark ferruginous bars; axillars with two or three -cordate spots of ferruginous near ends; feathers of the lining next the -body, with blended irregularly hastate spots of rufous; under primary -coverts shading into cinereous on terminal half, and with obscure -broadly hastate spots of a darker shade of the same; primaries slaty -beyond their emargination, deepening gradually toward their tips. Back, -scapulars, and lesser and middle wing-coverts fine rufous, each feather -with a broad median, longitudinal spot of brownish plumbeous-black, -these on the back rather exceeding the rufous; longer wing-coverts and -secondaries ashy-umber, with very obsolete transverse bands of darker; -primary coverts more ashy, and more distinctly banded; primaries fine -chalky cinereous, this lightest on outer four; shafts pure white. Rump -nearly uniform brownish-black,—posterior feathers rufous with medial -black blotches; upper tail-coverts snowy white on outer webs, inner webs -more rufous; a few concealed blackish transverse spots. Tail pale pearly -ash, becoming white basally, and with a wash of dilute rufous along -the edge of outer webs; inner webs white, with an ashy tinge thrown in -longitudinal washes; outer feathers nearly white, with faint pale ashy -longitudinal mottlings; shafts of tail-feathers pure white. Fourth quill -longest; third but little shorter; second very much shorter than fifth; -first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Wing, 16.75; tail, 9.20; -tarsus, 2.95; middle toe, 1.35. - -“Length, 22.50; extent, 54.50. Iris clear light yellow; cere, edges of -commissure, and feet bright yellow; bill very dark bluish horn; mouth, -purplish flesh-color, livid bluish along edges.” - -_Adult female_ (41,720, Fort Whipple; Dr. Coues). Almost exactly like -the male, but black spots on rufous portions of upper parts much -restricted, forming oblong spots in the middle of each feather; rump -almost entirely rufous, variegated, however, with black. Longitudinal -lines on breast more distinct; transverse bars on flanks and abdomen -more numerous; tibial and tarsal feathers wholly deep rufous or -ferruginous, the bars more blackish. Third and fourth quills equal -and longest; second intermediate between fifth and sixth; first equal -to eighth. Wing, 17.25; tail, 9.75; tarsus, 2.95; middle toe, 1.40. -“Length, 23.25; extent, 56.50. Iris light ochraceous-brown.” - -_Young female_ (6,883, Los Angeles, California; Dr. Heermann). General -plumage above, grayish-brown; interscapulars, scapulars, lesser and -middle wing-coverts, and feathers of head and neck, edged laterally -with light rufous; secondaries passing broadly into pale ashy at -ends; primaries slaty-brown, with obscure darker bands; no appearance -of these, however, on secondaries; rump entirely blackish-brown; -upper tail-coverts wholly white. Tail hoary slate, basal third (or -more) white, the junction of the two colors irregular and broken; tip -obscurely paler; feathers obscurely blackish along edges, and with -obsolete transverse spots of the same; white prevailing on inner webs. -Beneath entirely pure white, scarcely variegated; tibiæ and tarsi with -a few scattered small transverse spots of blackish; flanks with larger, -more cordate spots of the same. (Breeds in this plumage.) - -HAB. Western North America from California to the Missouri, and from the -Saskatchewan to Texas. - -Localities: Texas (Fort Stockton), (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 325); Western -Arizona (COUES. Pr. A. N. S., 1866, 40). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -Nat. Mus., 10; Philad. Acad., 2; Boston Soc., 2; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. -Total, 16. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |15.90–17.00| 9.50–10.50|1.00–1.18|3.10–3.45| 1.40–1.50| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |17.00–17.60|10.50–11.00|1.08–1.20|3.20–3.40| 1.60–1.65| 6 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -The variations in this species are very slight, and never sufficient -to mislead the student. One specimen (26,590, ♂; Fort Tejon, Cal.; -J. Xantus) differs from the adults described in having the abdomen -quite closely barred, the streaks on the breast distinct, the -rufous above tinging the secondary coverts, and spreading over the -upper tail-coverts, while the tibiæ and tarsi are of a very deep -ferruginous,—the bars black. - -In a specimen from the Platte (5,577, ♂; W. S. Wood) white prevails on -the tibiæ, the bars being dark ferruginous upon a white ground; the -flanks are similarly marked, the other lower parts, however, immaculate; -there is much concealed white on the scapulars. The rufous tinge of the -tail is very deep, while there is a transverse series of black blotches, -indicating the course of a transverse band near the end. - -HABITS. The California Squirrel Hawk appears to be an exclusively -western species, occurring as far to the east as Nebraska and Kansas, -and as far to the north as the Plains of the Saskatchewan and Washington -Territory. It occurs as far to the southeast as Texas, and has been -found also in New Mexico and in Arizona. - -This species was first noticed and described in a paper on the natural -history of California published in the Transactions of the Royal Academy -of Berlin, in 1838, by Professor Lichtenstein, a Prussian naturalist. It -was first brought to the notice of American naturalists by Mr. Edward M. -Kern, of Philadelphia, who accompanied Colonel Fremont in his expedition -of 1846, and who brought home specimens. - -Dr. Coues found it quite abundant about Fort Whipple, where it was -especially numerous in the winter, and where also he thinks it probable -that it is a permanent resident. He found it more generally frequenting -meadows, plains, and the more open woods. He usually found their -stomachs filled with arvicolæ and other small quadrupeds peculiar to -that country. It could always be readily recognized by its conspicuously -white under parts, contrasted with its dark chesnut tibiæ and reddish -back. - -[Illustration: _Archibuteo ferrugineus._] - -At San Pedro, on the southern coast of California, he again found this -Hawk very common. It there alights very freely on the ground, where he -often observed it. At Fort Whipple he only saw it on trees. At San Pedro -its choosing thus the bare plain may have been a matter of necessity. - -Dr. Kennerly observed a single individual of this species in a -“prairie-dog-town” of large extent, near Fort Davis. It was intently -watching at the hole of one of these animals. While in this position, -it was observed to strike at the prairie-dog with its claw, when one of -these animals protruded its head. As it was very intently watching its -prey, it was easily approached and shot. - -Dr. Heermann observed this Hawk in the valley of the Sacramento, where -he thought it rather rare, but afterwards, during his connection -with the government surveying party under Lieutenant Williamson, in -the southern part of the State, he found it very abundant. On one -occasion five or six individuals were in view at the same moment, -among the mountains, sixty miles east of San Diego. It was there much -more abundant than any other species. As large tracts of that country -frequented by these birds are entirely without trees, they alight on the -ground or on some slightly elevated tuft of grass, or a stone, where -they sit patiently for hours watching for their prey, which was always -found to consist of mice and other small quadrupeds. In one instance the -crop was found filled with the remains of a ground squirrel. - -Dr. Heermann states that he found the nest and eggs of this bird on the -Consumnes River. The nest was in the fork of an oak, and was composed of -coarse twigs and lined with grasses; the eggs were two in number, white -with faint brown dashes. The nest was placed in the centre of a large -bunch of mistletoe, and would have escaped notice had not the Hawk, in -flying, betrayed her retreat. - -The eggs, however, differ essentially in size from those mentioned -by Capt. Blakiston, and it is quite possible that Dr. Heermann was -mistaken in his identification. One of these eggs was figured in the -North American Oölogy, and resembles much more an egg of Swainson’s -Buzzard than any egg I have since seen of this species. - -The specimens procured by Mr. Kerr were taken in the Tulare Valley, -in January, 1846, and are stated in his notes to have been remarkably -fat, and in excellent condition generally, so that some of his party -shot these birds whenever opportunity offered, for the mess-kettle, and -considered them very good eating. - -Dr. Cooper states that in the spring and fall these Hawks abound in -Southern California, migrating in summer through the interior plains -of the Columbia and the Platte Rivers, at least as far north as the -Dalles. He found it in winter at Martinez, and is of the opinion that -few migrate beyond the State. It was usually to be seen slowly sailing -over the plains, sometimes in circles, and occasionally pouncing down -obliquely on its prey, which consists principally of the large ground -squirrel. It rarely, if ever, attacks poultry, and limits its prey to -wild animals, and is therefore a decided friend to the farmer. - -Capt. Blakiston met with this bird breeding between the north and the -south branches of the Saskatchewan River, April 30, 1858. The nest was -placed in an aspen-tree, twenty feet from the ground, was composed -of sticks, two and a half feet across, and lined with buffalo wool. -The eggs were four in number. Those taken from another nest near the -same locality were five in number. This nest was in a tree, and was -only ten feet above a lake. Two eggs were taken by Mr. Bourgeau on -the Saskatchewan Plains, July 9. These differences in seasons, from -April to July, are suggestive either of great variations in the time of -nesting, or of there being two broods in a season. The eggs obtained by -Capt. Blakiston measured, one 2.60 by 2.00 inches, the other 2.50 by -1.95 inches, and are described as having been white with large distinct -blotches and smaller specks of two shades of brown. The other was more -obscurely blotched with a paler brown, and at the same time freckled all -over. - -An egg of this species taken by H. R. Durkee near Gilmer in Wyoming -Territory, May 9, 1870, measures 2.43 inches in length by 1.95 in -breadth. The ground-color is a creamy white, over which are very -uniformly distributed on every part of the egg, in nearly equal -proportions, blotches, plashes, and smaller markings of a dark burnt -umber. The nest from which this egg was taken was composed of sticks, -and was placed among rocks. The nest contained but one egg. The parent -bird was secured, and there was no question as to identification. - - -Archibuteo lagopus, var. sancti-johannis (PENN.). - -ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK; BLACK HAWK. - - _Falco sancti-johannis_, PENN. Arct. Zoöl. pl. ix, 1785.—GMEL. - Syst. Nat. p. 273, 1789.—LATH. Index Orn. p. 34, 1790; Syn. I, 77; - Gen. Hist. I, 276.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 105, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, - 150, 1809.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 32.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 381, - 1831.—GIRAUD, B. Long Island, p. 6, 1844.—KERR, Trans. Gmel. II, - 507, 1792. _Buteo sancti-johannis_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 287, - 288, 1832.—NUTT. Man. Orn. U. S. & Canad. p. 98, 1833.—DE KAY, Zoöl. - N. Y. II, 7, pl. ii, fig. 3, 1844. _Butaëtes sancti-johannis_, CUV. - Règ. An. (ed. 1), i, 323, 1829.—BONAP. List, p. 3, 1838. _Archibuteo - sancti-johannis_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2, 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. - p. 39, 1844.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 18, 1850.—CASS. Birds Calif. & Tex. - p. 103, 1854.—BLAKIST. Ibis, III, 1861, 318 (eggs).—KAUP, Monog. - Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 75.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 40, 1855.—BREWER, - Oölogy, 1857, 34, pl. iii, f. 28.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 33.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 10, 1869. _Falco spadiceus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 273, - 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 27, 1790; Gen. Hist. I, 279.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. - II, 109, 1800. _Buteo spadiceus_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. I, 34, 1807. - _Falco lagopus_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxiii, f. 1, 1808.—BREW. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. Syn. 648, 1852.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 32; Isis, 1852, - 1138.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. clxvi, 422, 1831; Orn. Biog. II, 377; V, - 217. _Buteo lagopus_, RICH. Faun. Bor. Am. II, pl. xxviii, 1831.—AUD. - Synop. p. 8, 1839.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 77, 1831.—JARD. (WILS.) - Am. Orn. II, p. 54, 1832.—NUTT. Man. Orn. p. 97, 1833.—PEAB. B. - Mass. p. 79, 1841. _Archibuteo lagopus_, CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, p. - 32.—BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, 36, pl. iii, f. 29.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. - Rept. VII, ii, 148, 1860.—COUES, Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 16, 1866. _Falco - niger_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. liii, figs. 1 and 2, 1808.—LATH. Gen. Hist. - pp. 256, 257, 1821. _Buteo niger_, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. ii, p. 47, - 1815.—VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, 340.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, pp. 79, 80, - 1831.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), i, 326, 1829. _Buteo ater_, VIEILL. Nouv. - Dict. Nat. Hist. IV, 482, 1866; Enc. Meth. III, 1227. - - -_a._ _Normal plumage._ - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (43,073, Fort Resolution, June; J. Lockhart). -Ground-color of the upper parts dull umber-cinereous, this more -rufous on the shoulders, and dull white on nape, scapulars, inner -secondaries, and upper tail-coverts; rump entirely black, feathers -bordered with whitish. All the feathers above with central oblong or -irregular spots of black, this color predominating on top of head, and -forming transverse bands across the wing-coverts and secondaries; upper -tail-coverts pure white, each marked with an exceedingly irregular -transverse spot of black. Tail white on basal two thirds, and narrowly, -but sharply, tipped with the same; subterminal portion pale mottled -cinereous, with a very broad zone of black next the terminal white, and -anterior to this three narrower and more irregular bands of the same. -Primaries blackish-cinereous, with obsolete darker bands. Ground-color -of head and lower parts dull white; cheeks thickly streaked with -black; ear-coverts and throat more sparsely streaked; forehead and -sub-orbital region plain whitish. Breast with large, longitudinal but -very irregular, oblong spots of dark brown, these largest and somewhat -confluent laterally; lower part of breast with much less numerous and -less longitudinal spots; tibiæ strongly tinged with rusty, and with -tarsus, abdomen, crissum, and flanks having irregular transverse spots -of blackish-brown; lower tail-coverts unvariegated. Lining of wing -white, with numerous spots of black, these becoming more rusty towards -the axillars; a large space of continuous clear black, covering the -under primary coverts and the coverts immediately anterior; under -surface of primaries and secondaries pure white, the former becoming -black at ends, the latter ashy; no bars, except toward shafts, of the -latter. Fourth quill longest; third equal to fifth; second intermediate -between fifth and sixth; first equal to eighth. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; -tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.30; bill, 1.30 and .90. - -_Adult female_ (28,156, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. Krider). Generally -similar to the male. On head and nape, however, the yellowish-white -predominates, the central black being much reduced; on the other hand, -there is less white on the upper parts, the dull cinereous-drab being -much more evenly spread; darker markings less conspicuous. Tail white -only at the base, the remaining portion being pale cinereous-drab -crossed with four or five distinct, very regular bands of black, the tip -being very broadly ashy. Flanks with ground-color light umber-drab, and -marked with transverse bands of black. Lower surface generally as in -the male; tail-coverts with two or three blackish spots, apparently out -of place. Fourth quill longest; fifth much shorter than third; second -intermediate between fifth and sixth; first intermediate between seventh -and eighth. Wing, 17.00; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.40; middle toe, 1.30; -bill, 1.30 and .85. - -_Young_ (25,934, United States). Upper surface generally light umber, -becoming lighter on scapulars and middle wing-coverts, but showing -nowhere any trace of spots or bands; wings, scapulars, and back with -blackish shaft-streaks; primaries approaching black toward ends, -becoming white basally; upper tail-coverts white, with a hastate stripe -of brown along shaft; tail, basal half white, terminal half plain drab, -becoming darker terminally, the tip narrowly white. Head, neck, and -lower plumage in general, white stained with ochraceous, this deepest -on tibiæ and tarsi; head and neck streaked with dark brown, ear-coverts -almost immaculate; breast with oblong spots of clear brown; flanks, -abdomen, and anal region continuous uniform rich purplish vandyke-brown, -forming conspicuous transverse belt; tibiæ and tarsi scarcely varied, -the few markings longitudinal; lower tail-coverts immaculate. Under side -of wing much as in adult; black area, however, more extended; lining -much tinged with rufous, and with longitudinal streaks of dark brown. - - -_b._ _Melanistic condition._ - -_Adult male_ (28,153, Philadelphia; J. Krider). General plumage -blackish-brown, the head streaked by whitish edges of the feathers; -wing-coverts, secondaries, primaries, and tibial plumes paler -terminally; tarsi mottled with whitish; upper and lower tail-coverts -tipped obscurely with white. Tail narrowly tipped with dull white, and -with about five very obsolete pale ashy bands. Lining of wing black, -spotted with white near edge; whole under surface of the primaries pure -white anterior to their emargination, beyond which they are black. Third -and fourth quills equal and longest; second intermediate between fifth -and sixth; first shorter than seventh. Wing, 16.00; tail, 8.85; tarsus, -2.45; middle toe, 1.25. - -_Adult female_ (12,008, Philadelphia; C. Drexler). Continuous pure -carbonaceous black; forehead white; occiput same beneath surface. Tail -paler at tip, and crossed with four ill-defined though continuous bands -of ashy white, the last of which is distant over two and a half inches -from the tip; lower tail-coverts with a few white spots. Whole lining of -wing glossy coal black; under surface of primaries, anterior to their -emargination, white mottled with ashy. Fourth and fifth quills equal and -longest; third only a little shorter; second a little longer than sixth; -first intermediate between seventh and eighth. Wing, 16.50; tail, 9.00; -tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, 1.20. - -_Young._ Similar, but the tail dusky, growing whitish toward the base, -and without any bars. - -HAB. Whole of North America north of Mexico, but breeding northward of -the United States. - -Localities: Western Arizona (COUES, Pr. A. N. S., 1866, 48). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 44; Philadelphia Academy, 17; Boston Society, 1; Museum -Comparative Zoölogy, Cambridge, 10; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 6; Coll. W. S. -Brewer, 3; R. Ridgway, 4. Total, 85. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |15.80–16.80| 9.80–10.00| .85–.90|2.75–2.80| 1.35–0.00| 18 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |16.15–17.70| 9.00–10.50| .90–1.00|2.80–0.00| 1.30–1.40| 8 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | |15.75–18.00| 9.00–11.00| .80–1.00|2.15–3.00| 1.20–1.50| 40 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -That all the North American Rough-legged Hawks, whether light or dark -(excepting of course the _A. ferrugineus_), are one species, and also -one race, there appears to be but little doubt; a critical comparison -and minute examination of about one hundred specimens also proves that -the dark plumage, usually separated as “_A. sancti-johannis_,” has -nothing to do with age, sex, season, or locality, but that, as in _Buteo -borealis_ var. _calurus_ and _B. swainsoni_, it is a purely individual -condition, black birds being black, and light birds being light, from -the first plumage till death. Each phase has its young and adult stages -distinctly marked, as the above diagnoses point out. It however appears -to be the fact that certain regions are frequented more by birds of one -color than another, and of the many hundreds of specimens sent from -the Arctic regions to the Smithsonian Institution by officers of the -Hudson’s Bay Company, none exhibited the blackish plumage which, on the -other hand, appears most abundant about Hudson’s Bay. - -The North American birds are distinguishable from European ones (var. -_lagopus_) by the characters given in the synopsis on p. 1619, and -description, on p. 1624. - -HABITS. The Rough-legged Hawk of North America bears so close a -resemblance to the European species, in all respects,—plumage, habits, -and eggs,—that the two are generally considered to be identical. The -distribution of the American variety appears to be nearly throughout -the entire Union, from the Atlantic to the coast of the Pacific, and -from New Mexico to the Arctic regions. It was taken at Fort Steilacoom, -and at Shoal-water Bay in Washington Territory, by Drs. Suckley and -Cooper. It was not seen by Mr. Dresser in Texas nor by Dr. Woodhouse in -New Mexico, but it was taken near Zuñi by Dr. Kennerly, was found from -Mimbres to the Rio Grande by Dr. Henry, and obtained near Fort Fillmore -by Captain Pope, and at Fort Massachusetts by Dr. Peters. - -The Rough-legged Hawk is quite abundant in spring and fall in the -neighborhood of Niagara Falls. In the fall of 1872, Mr. James Booth met -with a pair of this species, accompanied by their young. The latter were -fully grown. The male bird was in very black plumage, while the female -was unusually light, the pair thus presenting well-marked illustrations -of the two types, the black _sancti-johannis_ and the common _lagopus_. -The parents were secured, and are now in the museum of the Boston -Society of Natural History. One of the young was also shot, but I did -not see it. It was said to have been only a little less dark plumaged -than the male parent. - -It is very abundant throughout the Arctic regions, where it was found -breeding in the Anderson River country by Mr. MacFarlane, from whom were -received valuable notes and a large number of specimens of birds and -eggs. It was observed generally by Dr. Richardson’s party, but owing to -its extreme wariness only a single specimen was obtained. Richardson -noted its arrival in the fur countries in April or May, and gives the -time of its departure as early in October. - -Dr. Kennerly mentions finding this Hawk quite abundant in the vicinity -of the Pueblo Zuñi, where it confined itself in the neighborhood of the -stream, watching eagerly for ducks, which seemed to be its favorite -prey. - -[Illustration: _Archibuteo lagopus_ (Europe).] - -Dr. Cooper found a large number of these Buzzards on a low point near -the sea-coasts, at Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory, in October. -This point was covered with small pines, on the dead tops of which they -were observed sitting in the manner of owls. Occasionally one would -dart down after a mouse, and alight a short distance off. At times -they would call to each other with a loud scream, but they usually sat -motionless and silent for hours together. Some remained there throughout -the winter, and he had no doubt that a few build near the mouth of the -Columbia, where he saw young birds in July. In California, the same -writer states, this species is only a winter visitor, and has never been -observed by him south of Santa Clara Valley. - -Dr. Coues mentions the taking of a single specimen of this bird in the -Territory of Arizona in the winter, but no others were observed. - -Audubon never met with this species south of North Carolina nor west of -the Alleghanies. He regarded it as a sluggish bird, confining itself -to the meadows and low grounds bordering the rivers and salt marshes, -where its principal food appeared to be moles, mice, and other small -quadrupeds. He has never known it to attack a duck on the wing, although -it will occasionally pursue a wounded one. Except when alarmed, it -flies low and sedately, and manifests none of the daring courage or -vigor so conspicuous in most Hawks. They are also described as somewhat -crepuscular in habit, watching for their food long after sunset, and -Mr. Richardson speaks of their hunting for their prey “by the subdued -daylight which illuminates even the midnight hours in the high parallels -of latitude.” For these nocturnal hunts it is well fitted by the -softness of its plumage, which renders its flight noiseless, like that -of the more nocturnal birds. - -These birds were once quite abundant in the low lands and marshes in the -vicinity of Boston, but are now comparatively rare. They were abundant -during October and November, and again in April. They usually kept -on or near the ground, appeared to feed chiefly on small quadrupeds -or reptiles, were never known to molest the poultry-yard, or even to -destroy other birds. - -[Illustration: _Archibuteo sancti-johannis_ (black plumage).] - -They were very wary, and when approached with a gun would slowly and -deliberately move off to a safer distance. Wilson found them quite -abundant, during the winter months, in the meadows on the Delaware and -Schuylkill Rivers, near Philadelphia, where they are still common. -Though rendered very shy by the frequent attempts made to shoot them, -they would never fly far at a time, usually from one tree to another, -making a loud squealing noise as they arose. They all disappeared early -in April. - -He also speaks of them as common during winter in the lower parts of -Maryland, as well as in the extensive meadows below Newark, N. J. He -mentions having often seen this Hawk coursing over the surface of -meadows long after sunset, and many times in pairs. They roost near -these low grounds, and take their station at daybreak near a ditch, -watching with patient vigilance for their prey. - -Wilson, Audubon, and Nuttall appear to have known nothing in regard to -the breeding of the Rough-legged Hawk. A pair was seen by Richardson at -their nest, which was built of sticks, and on a lofty tree standing on -a low moist alluvial point of land, in a bend of the Saskatchewan; but -they were too wary to be shot, and he makes no mention of their eggs. - -My nephews, H. R. and F. H. Storer, found a pair of Rough-legged Hawks -nesting on a rocky cliff on the coast of Labrador, near the harbor of -Bras d’Or. The nest was very rudely constructed of sticks, and placed -on a high rock directly over the water, inaccessible from below, but -readily approached from above. It contained three young birds and an -egg. The young Hawks were just ready to fly, and all scrambled out -as the nest was approached, and rolled the egg to the bottom of the -cliff, but without injuring it. The nest contained four or five large -rats peculiar to that region, collected by the old birds for their -young. The old birds were in the light plumage. At the same time a young -bird was taken alive from another nest by one of the sailors of their -party, which was quite black even in its immature dress, and strikingly -different from the young just mentioned. - -Mr. MacFarlane’s very complete and careful notes mention, in detail, no -less than fifty-eight nests of this species as procured and identified -by his party. Of these, forty-six were built on trees, generally spoken -of as being large pines, and usually about twenty feet from the ground. -Twelve nests were found built on the edge of steep cliffs of shaly mud -on the banks of creeks, rivers, and lakes. - -The nests that were taken from trees are described as having been built -in a crotch, not far from the top, and to have been formed externally of -dry twigs, sticks, and small branches, warmly lined with down, feathers, -and fine hay. Those found upon cliffs and high river-banks were made -of similar materials, but usually with a smaller base of sticks, and a -greater supply of hay, moss, and other soft materials. The number of -eggs varied from three to five, never more than the latter, and were -at times in differing stages of incubation in the same nest. Whenever -the nest was approached, the parent birds always manifested great -uneasiness, and uttered vociferous screams of distress. The eggs were -generally found from the 27th of May to the 25th of June. Those taken -after the 20th of June usually contained well-developed embryos. The -species was met with by Mr. MacFarlane in great abundance in various -localities,—near Fort Anderson, lower down on the Anderson River, near -the Arctic coast, and in the vicinity of Rendezvous Lake. - -One of the Indians collecting for Mr. MacFarlane informed him that on -the 9th of June he discovered the nest of one of these Hawks on a ledge -of shaly mud. As he could not kill the parents, he set a snare about -the nest. Going to it later in the day, he was disappointed at finding -his snare set aside, the eggs gone, and the birds not to be seen. He -presumed the parents had removed the eggs, of which there had been -three, to a safer place. Several nests were also taken on the shores and -among the islets of the Arctic coast, west of Liverpool Bay. - -The egg of the Rough-legged Hawk taken by the Storers in Labrador -measures 2.06 inches in length by 1.88 in breadth, and is nearly -spherical. The ground-color is a soiled white or a light drab, and is -marked with a few faint, ill-defined spots of light umber, distributed -at intervals over the entire surface. - -Two European specimens in my collection are so nearly like the American -that the same description would answer for both. They are a trifle -larger, but their color and markings are exactly the same. These eggs -vary from 2.25 to 2.12 inches in length, and the breadth of each is -1.75 inches. In one specimen the ground-color is of a deeper shade of -dingy-white, with larger blotches, and its purplish-slate markings are -intermingled with those of umber. A fourth, from Switzerland, varies -from most others of this species, and is marked over a cream-colored -ground with very numerous and quite large blotches of different shades -of umber and sepia-brown. It measures 2.25 by 1.93 inches. - -Six eggs taken by Mr. MacFarlane have an average length of 2.18 and -an average breadth of 1.79 inches. Their greatest length is 2.24, and -their least 2.12 inches. There is but very little variation in their -breadth, or only from 1.76 to 1.80 inches. Occasionally these eggs are -of a nearly uniform dingy-white, nearly unmarked, and only by very faint -cloudings. These cases are rare. Generally they have a creamy-white -ground and are boldly marked with blotches of a varying intensity of -umber or sepia-brown. Intermingled with these are obscure markings of a -purplish-slate. - -The dark variety of the Rough-legged Falcon, recognized by some as the -_A. sancti-johannis_, Mr. Ridgway is disposed to regard as rather an -individual melanism of the common species, rather than as a distinctive -race. In this form it appears to be quite generally distributed over the -continent, rather in isolated pairs than as a common bird. It was not -taken on the Anderson River by Mr. MacFarlane, where the _lagopus_ style -was extremely common, hundreds of skins having been sent by him to the -Smithsonian Institution. - -The dark-colored birds are seen occasionally in Massachusetts in the -winter season, and are usually found frequenting low alluvial tracts -in search of small quadrupeds and frogs, and occasionally well-marked -specimens have been secured in the neighborhood of Boston. A pair was -found breeding near the mouth of the Kennebec River in Maine, and the -eggs were secured. They were not readily distinguishable from those -of the common Rough-legged Hawk. It is also said, on the authority of -Mr. John Krider of Philadelphia, to have been found breeding in New -Jersey, and the eggs taken. The parent bird was not secured. These eggs -resembled well-marked eggs of the _lagopus_. Wilson, who observed birds -in this plumage on the marshy banks of the Delaware, describes them as -remarkably shy and wary, frequenting river-banks, and feeding on mice, -moles, and other small game, sailing a good deal and at a great height, -which is not the habit of the _lagopus_, and was seen by him to kill a -Duck while on the wing. It has been seen to sit for an hour at a time -on a stake by the side of marshes, in an almost perpendicular position, -as if dozing. It flies with great ease, and occasionally with great -swiftness, and rarely with any flapping of the wings; was most numerous -on the Delaware in the winter, but was occasionally to be seen there in -the summer. Such is Wilson’s account of its habits as observed by him, -and these are partially confirmed by Nuttall from his own observations. -It is, however, quite probable that they are mistaken in claiming an -essential or specific difference in the habits of the two former. Mr. -Audubon regarded it as the adult of the _lagopus_, and appears not to -have been familiar with its habits. - -Captain Blakiston mentions the occurrence of the dark bird on the -Saskatchewan Plains, where the parent bird and three eggs were obtained -by M. Bourgeau, a French collector, in the summer of 1858, and where it -is spoken of as not uncommon. Mr. Andrew Murray, in his Contributions -to the Natural History of the Hudson Bay Territories, records specimens -from Hudson Bay and the country lying between its western shore and -Lake Winnipeg. Dr. Gambel speaks of this bird as common in California. -Dr. Cooper refers to one obtained by Mr. Lorquin at San Francisco. Mr. -Lawrence cites it among the birds of New York. Mr. Boardman gives it as -rare near Calais. Mr. Verrill also gives it among the birds of Western -Maine, where the _lagopus_ was not observed, but where this form was a -regular winter visitant. - -The Storers found the Black Hawk not uncommon on the cliffs near Bras -d’Or, and their observations of its habits, as contrasted with those of -the still more common Rough-legged Hawk, left no doubt in their mind -of their specific distinction. While the Black Hawk was observed to be -a bold, vigorous, and spirited bird, easy and swift in its motions, -and preying upon other birds while on the wing, the Rough-legged was -comparatively sluggish, inoffensive, and subsisted only upon rats, mice, -moles, frogs, and other small game. A nest containing young birds was -found, and one of the latter caught alive. Both old and young were in -the same black plumage. The young Hawk was fierce and intractable, and -its whole air and manner were utterly unlike the conduct of the young -of the other species. Unfortunately, it broke from its confinement and -escaped. - -The eggs from New Jersey, attributed to this bird by Mr. Krider, vary -in the number and depth of coloring of their markings, the blotches in -one being darker and less generally distributed. They measure 2.06 by -1.69 inches. Their ground-color is a yellowish white, intermingled with -which are faint markings and blotches of a brownish-purple. Over these -are diffused confluent blotches of russet-brown. - -An egg from near Wiscasset, taken by Edmund Smith, Esq., the parent of -which was secured, measures 2.22 by 1.75 inches, has a white ground, and -is marked and blotched with deep umber-brown. These markings are chiefly -at one end and only vary in their depth, and are unmixed with any other -shading or colors. - - -GENUS AQUILA, AUCTORUM. - - _Aquila_, MŒHR. 1752. (Type, _Falco chrysætos_, LINN.) - _Aëtos_, NITZSCH, 1840. (Same type.) - _Hieroaëtus_, 1844, and _Hieraëtus_, 1845, KAUP. (Type, _Falco - pennatus_, GMEL.) - _Pteroaëtus_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco vulturinus_, DAUD.) - _Uroaëtus_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Vultur audax_, LATH.) - _Pseudaëtus_, HODGS. 1844. (Type, _Falco bonelli_, TEMM.) - _Tolmaëtus_, BLAS. 1845. (Same type.) - _Eutolmaëtus_, BLAS. 1848. (Same type.) - -[Illustration: - - =41901=, ♀. ¼ - =9128=, ♀. ¼ - =41901=, ♀. ¼ - =41901=, ♀. ¼ - =54338=, ♀. ½ - =12006=, ♀. ¼ - =19124=, ♀ ? ¼ - - 9128. _Haliaëtus leucocephalus._ - 41901 : 12006 : 19124. _Aquila chrysaëtus_, var. _canadensis_. - 54338. _Archibuteo lagopus_ (tarsus from behind).] - -GEN. CHAR. Form robust and structure powerful; the bearing and general -aspect that of _Buteo_ and _Archibuteo_. Wing long, the primaries long -and strong, with their emarginations very deep. Tail rather short, -slightly rounded or wedge-shaped. Bill stronger than in the preceding -genera, its outlines nearly parallel, and the tip somewhat inclined -backward at the point; commissure with a more or less prominent festoon; -nostril narrowly oval, vertical; skin of the cere very hard and firm. -Superciliary shield very prominent. Feet very strong, the membrane -between the outer and middle toes very well developed; tarsus less than -twice as long as the middle toe; outer toe equal to, or longer than, the -inner; claws very long and strong, very much graduated in size; scutellæ -of the toes small except on the terminal joint, where they form broad -transverse plates; tarsi densely feathered all round down to the base -of the toes; tibial plumes well developed, loose-webbed, their ends -reaching down to or beyond the base of the toes. Feathers of the nape -and occiput lanceolate, acute, and distinct, forming a nuchal “cape” -of differently formed feathers. Third to fifth quill longest; first -shorter than the seventh; outer five or six with their inner webs deeply -emarginated. - -This genus is almost peculiar to the Old World, where about seventeen -so-called species are known, while America has no member of the genus -exclusively its own, the single North American species being the same -as the European one. Though the details of external structure vary -somewhat, and the size ranges from that of a _Buteo_ to that of a -sea-eagle (_Haliaëtus_), the generic characters given in the above -diagnosis apply well to all the species. The species of _Heteropus_, -Hodgson, 1842 (_A. malayensis_, REIN. and _H. gurneyi_, Gray), I -remove entirely from _Aquila_, since they differ so strikingly in many -important respects. With the general aspect of _Aquila_, _Heteropus_ -has the outer toe disproportionately shorter than the inner (instead -of equal to it, or longer), which curious feature it shares only -with _Geranospiza_ of tropical America, and _Polyboroides_ of South -Africa,—both terrestrial _Buteonine_ forms of specialized structure. -An entirely peculiar feature of _Heteropus_ is the great length and -straightness of the claws. Its bill is more like that of _Archibuteo_ -than like that of _Aquila_. - -The North American and European races of the single species which occurs -on the former continent may be distinguished as follows:— - - -Species and Races. - - =A. chrysaëtus.= Wing, 23.00–27.00; tail, 14.00–16.00; culmen, - 1.50–1.90; tarsus, 3.40–4.20; middle toe, 2.40–3.10. Third to - fifth quill longest first shorter than seventh or eighth. Color - blackish-brown, or umber-brown, nearly uniform, except on the tail; - nuchal cape of lanceolate feathers, and tarsi of a paler and more - tawny tint. _Adult._ Tail transversely clouded with ashy, and not - white at the base; feathers of the body not distinctly white beneath - the surface. _Young._ Tail with the basal half plain white, the - terminal portion plain blackish; feathers of the body distinctly white - beneath the surface. _Hab._ Nearctic and Palæarctic Realms. - - Tarsi of adult pale umber; of young, dirty whitish. _Hab._ - Palæarctic Realm … - - var. _chrysaëtus_.[92] - - Tarsi of adult deep umber; of young light brown. _Hab._ Nearctic - Realm … - - var. _canadensis_. - - -Aquila chrysaëtus, var. canadensis (LINN.). - -GOLDEN EAGLE; RING-TAILED EAGLE. - - _Aquila chrysaëtus_ (not of LINN.!), RICH. & SW. F. B. A. II, - 1831, 12.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, 1832, 304.—BONAP. List, 1838, - 2.—AUD. Synop. 1839, 9.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 4, pl. vi, f. 14 - (_Juv._).—CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. 109.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 55 (in - part).—BREWER, Oölogy, 1857, 45.—COUES, Key, 1872, 219. _Falco - chrysaëtus_, (LINN.) MAX. Cab. J. 1858, VI, 9.—BLAS. Ber. XVI, Vers. - Deutsch. Orn. 1862, 83 (“absolutely identical with European”). _Falco - canadensis_, LINN. S. N. (ed. 10), 1766, 88. _Aquila canadensis_, - WILS. Am. Orn. 1808, pl. lv, f. 1.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. II, 1855, - 30.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 41.—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 13.—GRAY, - Hand List, I, 40. _Falco niger_, GMEL. S. N. 359. _Aquila nobilis_, - PALL. Zoög. Ros. As. 1811. _Aquila fulva_ (not of LINN.!), NUTT. Man. - Orn. 1833, 62.—PEAB. B. Mass. 1841, 71. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (24,167, Fort Crook, North California, Dec. 25; -D. F. Parkinson). General plumage fuliginous-black, this deepest on the -head, throat, lower surface in general, under surface of the wings, -back, scapulars, shoulders, secondaries, primaries, and rump; middle and -secondary wing-coverts, upper and under tail-coverts, tarsi and inside -of tibiæ, considerably paler, inclining to light umber. Lanceolate -feathers of occiput and nape with the exposed portions light fulvous, -the shafts black; dusky beneath the surface. Tail black, somewhat paler -on basal half, and with about three irregular, obsolete zigzag bands -of pale brown (on two middle feathers ashy); no concealed white on -breast. Fifth quill longest; third and fourth intermediate between fifth -and sixth; second considerably shorter than sixth; first intermediate -between eighth and ninth. Length, 31.60; extent, 78.30. Wing, 24.50; -tail, 13.40; culmen, 1.60; from base of cere, 2.15; tarsus, 3.85; middle -toe, 2.40; hind claw (chord) 1.90. - -_Adult female_ (12,006, Washington, D. C., March 7, 1869; C. Drexler). -Almost exactly like the male. Black covering forehead, ear-coverts, -cheeks, chin, throat, foreneck, and under parts generally (except the -tarsi, inside and front of tibiæ, and lower tail-coverts, which are -light fulvous, the tarsi palest), more tawny than in the male. The -lanceolate, pale, tawny feathers, which in the male cover only the -occiput and neck, in the female extend forward over the top of the head, -leaving the forehead only blackish. Upper parts and tail as in the -male. Fourth quill longest; third slightly shorter than fifth; second -intermediate between sixth and seventh; first intermediate between -eighth and ninth. Wing, 26.00; tail, 14.25; culmen, 1.70; tarsus, 3.80; -middle toe, 2.70; hind claw, 2.15; inner toe, 1.90; outer, 2.00; inner -claw, 1.80; middle, 1.35; outer, 1.10. - -_Young male_ (49,684, Camp Grant, near Tucson, Arizona, July 10, -1867; Dr. E. Palmer). Continuous deep sepia-black, with a purplish -lustre; breast and scapulars with large concealed spots of pure white; -lanceolate feathers of the “mane” dull brown, not conspicuously -different from the throat; under surface of primaries showing much -white basally, this most extended on inner feathers. Upper and under -tail-coverts more brownish than the rump, the basal portion white. Basal -half or more of tail white (more ashy on outer feathers), distinctly -defined against the broad, pure black, terminal zone; tarsi dull white, -clouded with dilute brownish; inside of tibiæ with feathers tipped with -white. - -_Young female_ (older?) (9,121, Washington, D. C., Dec., 1856; B. -Cross). Similar, but black more brown; “mane” as in adult; tarsi dull -whitish brown; tail-coverts deep umber-brown; tail as in young male, but -terminal band narrower, the white occupying nearly the basal two thirds. -Wing, 25.70; tail, 14.75; culmen, 1.65; middle toe, 2.80; hind claw, -2.20. - -HAB. Whole of North America north of Mexico; most common in mountainous -regions. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 8; Philadelphia Academy, 2; Boston Society, 2; -Cambridge Museum, 2; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2. Total, 16. - -_Measurements._ - - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - |Sex.| Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. |Middle Toe.|Specimens.| - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♂ |23.00–24.50|14.00–15.00|1.50–1.62|3.65–3.80| 2.40–2.80| 5 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - | ♀ |25.00–27.00|15.00–16.00|1.68–1.85|4.15–4.20| 2.55–2.80| 7 | - +----+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+-----------+----------+ - -A young male from Massachusetts (No. 39, Lexington; Dr. S. Kneeland), in -the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History, has the tail -plain black, the extreme base and tip white. - -Though the Golden Eagles of North America can be distinguished by the -characters given in the diagnosis on p. 312 from those of Europe, the -differences are appreciable only on direct comparison. The American bird -is darker in all its shades of color, the difference being most marked -in the young plumage, which in var. _chrysaëtus_ has the tarsal features -nearly white, and in var. _canadensis_ light brown, the brown of other -portions being also considerably darker. The American bird appears to be -rather the larger. - -HABITS. The Ring-tailed or Golden Eagle of North America is found -throughout the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from New -Mexico to the higher Arctic regions. - -In its geographical distribution, the Golden Eagle of North America -appears to be chiefly confined to the mountainous regions, and the more -northern portions, but to be nowhere abundant. Sir John Richardson saw -but few individuals in the Arctic regions, nor does he appear ever to -have met with its nest. Individual birds on the Atlantic coast have -been occasionally obtained,—once as far south as Philadelphia, twice -at Washington,—but very rarely. Several specimens appear to have been -obtained among the mountains of New Mexico by Dr. Henry’s party. - -Although not mentioned by either Dr. Heermann or Dr. Gambel in their -lists of the birds of California, it was found in Oregon by Dr. -Townsend, and is said by Dr. Cooper to be quite common in almost all -parts of California during the colder months. It is, however, much less -numerous than the White-headed Eagle. It is very much more a mountain -bird, and its descent into the plains or to the sea-coast is said to be -quite rare. Dr. Adolphus Heermann, in his Report of the survey between -Fort Yuma and San Francisco, speaks of seeing one of these birds near -Livermore Pass, and of meeting others in Northern California, and of an -individual killed in the mountains near Mokelumne River. He regarded -it, both in that state and elsewhere, as a rare and wild bird. It is -not mentioned as occurring in Greenland. It was found breeding in Napa -Valley, Cal., by Mr. F. Gruber. - -[Illustration: _Aquila chrysaëtus._] - -A bird was secured alive in Brighton, near Boston, in 1837, by being -taken in a trap which had been set for another purpose. Its occurrence, -however, near the sea-coast, is very rare, and even among the mountains -it is never found except in occasional pairs. It breeds in the -mountainous portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, -and was formerly not unfrequent among the cliffs of the Hudson River. -Steamboats and railroads have, however, driven this wild bird from -its romantic retreats in that quarter. In Franconia, N. H., for quite -a number of years, a pair occupied a nest on an inaccessible rock, -near the top of a mountain, known as Eagle Cliff, in sight of, and -opposite, the Profile House. Repeated efforts have been made to reach -its nest, but thus far without success. In the summer of 1855 a renewed -attempt was made to scale the precipice over which the shelving rock, -on which the nest stands, projects. A party was formed, and although -they succeeded in ascending the mountain, which had never been achieved -before, they could reach only a point beyond and above, not the nest -itself. The attempt to pass to it was abandoned as too perilous. The -party reported a large collection of bones in its immediate vicinity, -with other evidences of the accumulated plunder of many years, as well -as a plentiful supply of fresh food at the time visited. - -Without here seeking to affect the question of identity of species, it -is interesting to note certain peculiarities in the European Golden -Eagle so far not noticed or of rare occurrence in the American birds. -Mr. I. W. P. Orde in the Ibis of 1861 (p. 112), gives a very interesting -account of a pair of Golden Eagles, which the previous season built -their nest in a large Scotch fir-tree, in a wood on the southern bank -of Glen Lyon, in Perthshire, within a few hundred yards of Meggerine -Castle. Four eggs were laid, two of which were hatched. The nest was -one of the Eagles’ own construction, and is specially interesting from -being in such near proximity to human habitations. Mr. Tristram (Ibis, -1859, p. 283, in his valuable note on the birds of North Africa), while -he never observed this Eagle in any of the cliffs among the mountain -ranges of the desert, found it almost gregarious, so abundant was it -among the Dayets. In one wood he saw no less than seven pairs of the -Eagles, each pair with a nest. There were, besides, many unoccupied -nests, and, indeed, very few terebinths of any size were without a huge -platform of sticks on the topmost boughs. The birds were undisturbed, -and consequently very fearless. On the other hand Mr. Salvin, in the -same volume (p. 180) among the mountains of Eastern Atlas, describes -very different manner of life in the same birds. “Whatever rock a -pair may choose for their eyrie, there they reign alone in dignified -solitude, nor do they allow a single Vulture, Kite, or indeed any other -species of rapacious bird, to occupy with their nest a single spot in -the same rock, however eligible for the purpose; nor are these other -species ever to be seen in the haunts of their exclusive majesties. The -whole southern precipice at Djebel Dekma was thus tenanted by a single -pair of this Eagle, as also several other rocks that came under our -notice. Instances of the Golden Eagle building in trees were by no means -of unfrequent occurrence.” - -[Illustration: =12006=, ♀. NAT. SIZE. - -_Aquila canadensis._] - -The extreme southern range of the European bird, its gregarious habit, -and the frequency of its building in trees, are all peculiarities not -observed in the American form. They are not necessarily conclusive, but -are at least suggestive. - -The Golden Eagle in this country usually constructs its nest on the -sides of steep, rocky crags, where its materials are coarsely heaped -together on a projecting shelf of rock. These consist of large sticks, -loosely arranged, and lined with other softer materials. In rare -instances they are said to build on trees, where rocky cliffs are not -to be met with. The eggs are usually three in number; sometimes two, or -only one. Mr. Audubon describes them as measuring 3.50 inches in length -by 2.50 in breadth; the shell thick and smooth, dull white, brushed -over with undefined patches of brown, which are most numerous at the -larger end. This description is not quite accurate in regard to size. -The European egg is presumed to be larger than the American, yet the -largest I have ever seen measures but 3.19 inches in length by 2.31 in -breadth. An egg of the European bird in the British Museum, and another -represented in Hewitson’s British Oölogy, which closely resembled it, -were marked over the entire surface with small but distinct blotches -of reddish-brown on a white ground. One in my collection, taken -in Scotland, is nearly unmarked. A distinctly bluish-white ground -is faintly stained with a few very obscure markings of slate and -purplish-brown. - -Mr. MacFarlane furnishes very full and interesting notes and -observations on the habits of our _canadensis_, as attentively studied -by him in the neighborhood of Anderson River, near the Arctic Ocean. Our -limits will only permit us to give a summary of his valuable memoranda. -In a large majority of instances the nests were built against the face -of a steep bank, some sixty or seventy feet from the ground, and about -thirty from the summit. They were very strongly constructed with dry -sticks, usually of willow, and formed a platform on the top, in the -centre of which the eggs were found on a bed composed of moss, hay, and -feathers. These platforms were usually about six by seven feet, and -ranged from four to six in height. It is said to be “not very scarce -in that quarter,” and to be “a resident, in the summer, of the entire -Arctic coast and rivers.” Mention is made of ten nests observed by him, -and eggs taken therefrom. In several instances these eggs were white -and unspotted, exciting his doubts whether they might belong to the -_leucocephalus_. - -According to Mr. MacFarlane they feed on ducks, mice, and other small -animals, partridges, and the fawn of the reindeer. In confinement they -are fierce and nearly untamable, though they readily eat the food that -is given them, whether fish or meat. Even when taken young from the -nest they evince the same fearless and intractable disposition. In one -instance a young female killed its older companion by piercing it with -her talons. When first observed, she was standing on and plucking the -feathers from the body of the slain bird. This was the second bird -this same ferocious, but comparatively tame, Eagle had thus destroyed. -When the cage was removed outside, though the weather was very cold, -the Eagles did not seem to mind it much, but exercised themselves with -jumping off and on their roosting-pole, and seemed very much interested -in all that was taking place within the Fort square. They kept their -plumage in a cleanly condition, and were generally a very clean bird -in all respects. During the fine weather the Eagles were more lively -than on other occasions. When feeding they drooped both wings, and, if -disturbed, arched their necks and moved their heads in a threatening -manner, spreading out their tails like a fan. They grasped the meat -or fish in the talons of either leg, and tore it with their beaks. -After feeding, they invariably removed any blood or other impurities -that may have adhered to the beak by scratching it with their talons -or rubbing it against the bars of their cage. Several of these birds, -in confinement, especially the female referred to, when their cage was -approached, would endeavor to attack Mr. MacFarlane, descending from -their sleeping-pole and making a rush at the front bars of the cage, -spreading the wings and flapping them with great force, and making -active demonstrations with beak and talons. Occasionally they would get -out of their cages; then it was no easy matter to get them back again, -as, when approached, they would throw themselves on their backs and -thrust out their talons in the most formidable manner. They nest as -early as the last of April or early in May, as largely developed embryos -were found on the 27th of May. When their nests were pillaged they -generally deserted them; but in one instance, where the female had been -snared upon her nest, and the eggs taken, the same nest was occupied the -following season by the male with another mate. The new mate was shot, -and proved to be a mature bird. Almost invariably the male birds were -too wary to be either shot or taken in a snare. Two of the nests of this -bird, pointed out by the Indians, appeared to have been used for several -years, and had been known to their discoverers for six or seven years -previous. The nests taken were in about latitude 69° 30′. - -In one particular case a nest had been discovered two years previously -by MacFarlane’s Esquimo interpreter. It had been occupied that season, -and a pair of Eagles had been recognized as its inmates. In 1863 the -nest was known to have been reoccupied, though he did not visit it. On -the 17th of May, 1864, he went to it and found both Eagles engaged in -repairing it. The female appeared to act as the builder, and the male as -the carrier of the materials, as well as the provider of provisions. The -nest was not complete, and contained two half-eaten Ptarmigans, but no -eggs. It was built against the face of a steep bank of a small stream, -and was of considerable bulk. When first constructed, the nest of this -Eagle is comparatively small, but as it is renovated every season, it -ultimately becomes large and bulky. A quantity of dry sticks and twigs -are laid lengthways over the greater portion of the platform of the -previous season, and the spaces between are filled up by smaller twigs, -mosses, and hay, and the centre is then covered with the two latter -ingredients, intermixed with deer’s hair, etc. This annual addition -varies in thickness from three to eighteen inches. In no instance did -Mr. MacFarlane find or hear of any accumulation of bones or other -_débris_ of food either on or in the neighborhood of the nests. In three -instances the nests were constructed in the tops of tall pines. In these -cases the sandy nature of the soil did not favor their building on the -sides of cliffs. - -The “Mountain Eagle,” as this species is called throughout the western -regions of the United States, was found by Mr. Ridgway to be a -common species throughout the Great Basin along the line of the 40th -parallel. It was daily seen soaring about the mountains, and nested on -inaccessible cliffs. A pair—the female leading—were observed to give -chase to a Sage Hen (_Centrocercus urophasianus_), chasing her on the -wing until the fugitive dropped down to the ground from exhaustion, -when she was picked up by the foremost of the Eagles, who then flew off -together to the summit of the mountain range (the East Humboldt) near -by, where they probably had their nest. - -An egg of this bird, taken by Mr. R. MacDonald among the mountains -west of the Lower Mackenzie River, measures 2.60 inches in length by -2.18 in breadth. The ground-color is of a rich pinkish cream-color, -boldly dashed with large blotches of three or four varying shades of -umber-brown, intermingled with a few finer markings of a lighter shade -of brown, and a few clouded markings of a purplish-slate. These markings -are grouped and confluent about the smaller end. Other specimens vary to -whitish, with faint obsolete blotches. - - -GENUS HALIAËTUS, SAVIGNY. - - _Haliaëtus_, SAVIG. 1809. (Type, _Falco albicilla_, LINN.) - _Thalassoaëtus_, KAUP, 1844. (Type, _Falco pelagicus_, PALLAS.) - _Cuncuma_, HODGSON, 1837. (Type, _Falco macei_, TEMM.) - _Pontoaëtus_, KAUP, 1844. (Same type.) - _Blagrus_, BLAS. 1849. (Same type.) - _Polioaëtus_, KAUP, 1847. (Type, _Falco icthyaëtus_, HORSF.) - _Icthyiaëtus_, LAFR. 1839 (nec KAUP, 1829). (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. Form robust, and organization powerful, as in _Aquila_; size -large. Bill very large, usually somewhat inflated, the chord of the arch -of the culmen more than twice the length of the cere on top; commissure -with a more or less distinct festoon and sinuation behind it. Nostril -oval, obliquely vertical. Feet robust and strong, the tarsus less than -one and a half times the middle toe; tarsus feathered in front and on -the sides for about one half its length; front of the tarsus and top of -the toes with an imperfectly continuous series of transverse scutellæ, -entirely interrupted in the region of the digito-tarsal joint; the other -portions covered with roundish, somewhat granular, scales, these larger -on the posterior face. Claws large, strongly curved, and more obtuse, -and less graduated in size, than in _Aquila_. No trace of a web between -outer and middle toes. Wing very large, the primaries well developed and -strong; third to fifth quill longest; first longer than the ninth; outer -five to six with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail variable in length -and shape, usually short and rounded, cuneate and with fourteen feathers -in _H. pelagicus_, and nearly even, and with twelve feathers, in _H. -macei_, the rest all having twelve feathers, varying in form with the -species. Feathers of the neck, all round, lanceolate. - -The species of this very strongly marked genus vary between great -extremes in the details of their external structure; but these -variations I consider to be mainly specific, though two well-defined -subgeneric divisions should be made, one to include the Old World _H. -leucogaster_, _H. vocifer_, and _H. icthyætus_, which have five, instead -of six, outer quills, with their inner webs cut, and the tarsus with the -frontal and posterior rows of broad transverse scutellæ nearly as well -developed and continuous as in _Buteo_. The last of these species has -the claws nearly uniform in size, and contracted and rounded underneath -almost as much as in _Pandion_; but the other species are less so, each -differing in this respect, so that I consider this as only indicating -the greatest perfection in the specialization of the piscatorial type -of modified structure. In the possession of fourteen tail-feathers, its -very large bill, naked lores, and general aspect, the _H. pelagicus_ -shows an approach to the Old World Vultures. - -About nine species are known, of which only two belong to North America, -one of them (_H. leucocephalus_) being peculiar to that continent. -Tropical America is without a single representation of the genus. -The majority of the species belong to the Indian region, only the -_H. albicilla_ and _H. pelagicus_ belonging to the Palæarctic Realm, -the former representing the western, and the latter peculiar to the -eastern, district of that zoögeographical division; it is the former -which straggles into the Nearctic fauna. The habits of the Sea Eagles -differ considerably from those of the true Eagles (_Aquila_) in very -important respects; they frequent the shores of the sea, lakes, or large -rivers, instead of mountainous portions, and feed chiefly—some of the -species entirely—on fish. Those of the subgenus _Polioaëtus_ are almost -precisely like _Pandion_ in their habits. - -[Illustration: - - =52509=,♀ ? ¼ - =9128=,♀. ¼ - =9128=,♀. ¼ - =28100.=(♀ ?) ¼ - =9128=,♀ ? ¼ - - 52509 : 9128. _Haliaëtus leucocephalus._ - 28100. _H. pelagicus._] - -The three closely allied species belonging to the northern portions of -the Northern Hemisphere may be distinguished by the characters given in -the following synopsis. - - -Species and Races. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. _Adult._ Bill, cere, and iris yellow. Tail, and - sometimes the head and neck, white. _Young._ Bill and cere black; iris - dark brown. Tail, head, and neck, blackish. - -[Illustration: - - =28100=,(♀ ?). NAT. SIZE. - =28100=,(♀ ?). ¼ - -_Haliaëtus pelagicus._] - - =A.= Tail of fourteen feathers, cuneate, or graduated, for nearly - half its length. Nostril with its lower end acute, bevelled - gradually to the level of the cere; upper outline of the cere very - convex; lore naked. - - 1. =H. pelagicus.=[93] Wing, 24.50–26.00; tail, 13.50–16.00; - culmen, 2.60; depth of bill, 1.80; cere, on top, 1.10; tarsus, - 3.50; middle toe, 2.95. _Adult._ Forehead, greater wing-coverts, - abdomen, and tail, white; other portions blackish-brown (AUCT.). - _Young._ Dark umber or blackish-brown, the feathers of the head - and neck with lighter shaft-streaks; tertials (except at ends) - and basal third, or more, of inner webs of tail-feathers, white; - tail-coverts much mixed with the same. _Hab._ Northeastern Asia. - - =B.= Tail of twelve feathers, only slightly rounded. Lower end of - the nostril rounded, opening more abruptly inward; upper outline of - the cere nearly straight; lores scantily feathered. - - 2. =H. albicilla.= Wing, 23.00–28.00; tail, 11.50–16.00; culmen, - 2.05–2.20; tarsus, 3.30–3.80; middle toe, 2.50–2.95; depth of - bill about 1.45; cere, on top, .85. _Adult._ Head and neck pale - grayish-fulvous, or dirty yellowish-gray, not abruptly lighter - than the body. Tail, only, pure white. Rest of the plumage, - including the tail-coverts, dark grayish-brown, inclining to - blackish on the primaries. _Young._ Prevailing tint of the upper - parts light isabella-color, or pale grayish-cinnamon, each feather - having a terminal triangular spot of blackish-brown. Breast soiled - white, with broad stripes of brownish-black; rest of the lower - parts nearly uniform fulvous-brown, the tibiæ darker. _Hab._ - Europe; Egypt; Greenland. - - 3. =H. leucocephalus.= Wing, 20.00–26.00; tail, 10.50–15.50; - culmen, 1.85–2.20; tarsus, 2.65–3.70; middle toe, 2.35–3.10; depth - of bill about 1.30; cere, on the top, .80. _Adult._ Head and - neck, tail and tail-coverts, pure white, immaculate (except in - transition dress). Rest of the plumage brownish-black. _Young._ - Brownish-black, showing much concealed white at the bases of the - feathers; ground-color inclining to umber-brown on the upper - surface; on the lower parts, the basal white much exposed and - predominating, the blackish forming longitudinal, tear-shaped - spots. Head and neck brownish-black, the penicillated feathers of - the nape seldom with whitish points. Tail-feathers and primaries - black, the inner webs usually more or less marked, longitudinally, - with buffy-whitish. _Hab._ The whole of North America. - -SP. CHAR. _Young female_(?) (28,100, Amoor River; Mr. Burlingame). -Form: very similar to _H. albicilla_ and _H. leucocephala_, but bill -altogether more robust, and feet rather less so, than in these. Tail, of -fourteen feathers! graduated for about one half its length. Dimensions: -About the size of the female of the two other species. Color: Generally -dusky vandyke-brown, a medial line on the lanceolate feathers of the -neck, and the border of the squamate ones of the tibiæ, decidedly -lighter. Entire plumage white at the base, this exposed wherever the -feathers are disarranged, and prevailing on the crissum. Tertials, basal -half of inner webs of primaries, the whole tail, and upper tail-coverts, -white with a yellowish tinge. Tertials, upper tail-coverts, and -tail-feathers, with a large terminal spot of clear grayish-black; on the -tail these form a rather irregular terminal zone, being on the middle -feather narrower, and broken into fine blotches. Bill, cere, lore, and -feet, yellow; end of upper mandible, and the claws, black. Wing-formula, -3, 4, 2, 5–6–7=1. Wing, 24.50; tail, 13.50; culmen, 2.60; depth of bill, -1.80; cere, on top, 1.10; tarsus, 3.50; middle toe, 2.95. - - -Haliaetus albicilla (LINN.). - -GRAY SEA-EAGLE. - - _Aquila albicilla_, BRISS. Orn. I, 427, 1760.—PALL. Zoog. Ross. As. I, - 345, 1811.—BENICK. Isis, 1824, pp. 878, 892.—SWAINS. Classif. B. II, - 207, 1837.—KUHL. Beiträg. Zool. pt. i, p. 76 (anat.), 1820.—TYZENHAUZ, - Rev. Zoöl. 1848, p. 235.—BAILLY, Orn. Sav. I, 110, 1853.—S. LONGCH. - Faun. Belg. p. 53, 1842. _Vultur albicilla_, LINN. Syst. Nat. p. 123, - 1766. _Falco albicilla_, PENN. Brit. Zoöl. p. 61, pl. A, 1812; ed. - 8vo, 1812, I, 209, pl. xviii.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 253, 1789.—LATH. - Ind. Orn. I, 9, 1790; Syn. I, 33, 1781; Supp. I, 11, 1802; Gen. Hist. - I, 46 A, 1821.—ODMANN, Nov. Act. Soc. Ups, IV, 225.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, - 79, 1812.—TEMM. Man. Orn. pt. i, 49; pt. iii, 26, 1820; Tab. Méth. p. - 3, 1836.—KITTL. Kupf. Vög. pl. ii, f. 2, 1832.—BRUNN. Orn. Bor. p. 3, - 1764.—FABER, Prod. Island, Orn. p. 1, 1822.—NAUM. Nat. Vög. Deutschl. - ed. nov. I, 224, pls. xii, xiii, xiv, 1822; Nachtr. p. 330, pl. ix, f. - 17.—FRISCH, Vög. Deutschl. pl. lxix, 70, 1739. _Haliaëtus albicilla_, - CUV. Reg. Anim. (ed. 1), I, 315, 1817; (ed. 2), I, 336, 1829.—BENN. - Gard. Zoöl. Soc. II, 33, 1831.—WERN. Atl. Ois. Eur. 1826.—LESS. Man. - Orn. I, 85, 1828.—VIG. Raffl. Life, p. 648. SELBY, Brit. Orn. I, 18, - pl. iii, iii^x, 1833.—GOULD, B. Eur. pl. x, 1837.—BONAP. - Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 3, 1838; Cat. Ucc. Eur. p. 19, 1842; Consp. Av. p. - 15, 1850; Rev. et Mag. Zoöl. p. 531, 1854.—CASS. B. Calif. & Tex. I, - p. 111, 1854.—GRAY, Gen. B. p. 3; ed. 2, p. 4; fol. sp. 1, pl. vii, - fig. 8.—BREHM. Vög. Deutschl. I, 14, pl. iii, f. 1, 1831.—CASS. Birds - N. Am. 43, 1858.—SCLAT. Pr. Z. S. 1863, 257 (found in Newfoundland - and Nova Scotia—this disproven!).—ELLIOT, Birds N. A. I. _Haliaëtus - albicilla_, GRAY, Hand List, I, 16, 1869. _Aquila ossifraga_, BRISS. - Orn. I, p. 437 (_Juv._), 1760.—KUHL, Beiträg. Zoöl. pt. i, p. 60, - pl. iv, figs. 1, 3, 3; pl. v, f. 1. _Falco ossifragus_, LINN. Syst. - Nat. p. 124, 1766.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 255, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. - p. 12, 1790; Syn. I, 30, 1781; Supp. I, 9, 1802; Gen. Hist. I, 48 - (_Juv._), 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 64, 1800.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, pl. - xviii, 1809.—RAFFL. LINN. Tr. VIII, 277 (var.). _Aquila leucocephala_, - MEYER, Taschenb. Deutsch. Vögelk. p. 16, 1810. _Falco melanotus_, - GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 254, 1789. _Falco albicaudus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. - p. 258, 1789. _Falco hinularius_, LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 15, 1790; Syn. - I, 39, sp. 16, 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 47 B, 1821.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 80, - 1809. _Falco pygargus_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 62, 1800. _Falco albicilla - borealis_, FABER, Isis, 1827, p. 56; Prod. Island, Orn. p. 1, 1822. - _Haliætus nisus_, SAVIG. Descr. Egyp. pt. i, 86, 1809.—VIEILL. Faun. - Franç. p. 10, pl. v, figs. 1, 2.—DEGL. Mém. Soc. Sc. Lille, 1831, p. - 213.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 40, pl. viii, fig. 2, 1831.—ROUX, Orn. Prod. I, - 16, pl. ix, x, 1825. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult male_ (56,034, Europe; Schlüter Collection). Plumage -almost continuously umber-brown, becoming black on the primaries; on the -head and neck approaching pale grayish-brown. Tail (but not the coverts) -white, much mottled with dusky at base; shafts of the quills white. -Wing-formula, 3–2=4–5–6, 1. Wing, 23.00; tail, 11.50; culmen, 2.20; -depth of bill, 1.45; cere, above, .85; tarsus, 3.30; middle toe, 2.50; -outer, 2.00; inner, 1.70; posterior, 1.40. Bill and feet yellow. - -_Young._ Head and neck blackish-brown, feathers whitish beneath the -surface, the long pencillate feathers of the nape tipped inconspicuously -with the same; prevailing color of the upper surface isabella-color -(much more reddish than in corresponding age of _leucocephalus_) each -feather with a terminal triangular spot of blackish-brown; tertials -more whitish. Secondaries rich dark brown; primaries deep black, their -shafts dark brown. Tail brownish-black much spotted with isabella-color, -or soiled creamy-white, this occupying most of the inner webs. Breast -soiled white, each feather with a conspicuous broad medial stripe of -brownish-black; abdomen more fulvous; tibiæ nearly uniform dark brown. -Rump nearly uniform vinaceous-fulvous. Bill black. Feet yellow. - -_Male_ (56,037, North Europe; Schlütter Coll.). Wing, 26.00; tail, -12.50; culmen, 2.20. - -_Female_ (56,039, North of Europe; Schlütter Coll.). Wing, 28.00; tail, -16.00; culmen, 2.45; depth of bill, 1.55; cere above, .70; tarsus, 3.65; -middle toe, 3.50. - -_Hab._ Europe and in Greenland. - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 3; Philadelphia Academy, 3; New York Museum, 2; Boston -Society, 2; Cambridge Museum, 1. Total, 11. - -_Measurements._ - - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - | Sex. | Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. | Middle |Specimens.| - | | | | | | Toe. | | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♂ Ad. |23.00–24.00| 11.50–0.00|2.10–2.20|3.30–3.70|2.50–2.85| 2 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♂ Juv.|24.75–26.00| 12.50–0.00|2.05–2.20|3.80–0.00|2.70–0.00| 2 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♀ Juv.|27.80–28.00|14.00–16.00|2.20–2.45|3.50–3.65|2.95–3.50| 2 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - -HABITS. The White-tailed or Gray Sea Eagle is common to the sea-coast of -Europe, where it inhabits only the parts of the country adjacent to the -sea, and rears its young on the cliffs. It occurs in Greenland, and is -on that ground included in the fauna of North America. It has not yet -been traced south of Greenland, nor has it been found in any part of our -continent. - -The Sea Eagle in Europe is rarely found inland. It builds its nest on -rocky cliffs projecting over the water, on the shores of Scotland, -the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Norway, Russia, etc. The nest is -constructed of sticks, or, where these are not convenient, of seaweed. -The eggs are two or three in number. Their ground-color is a clear -white, usually unmarked, but occasionally stained with small, faint -spots of light brown. The measurements of two in my collection, both -from Scotland, but obtained at different times by H. F. Walter, Esq., of -London, are as follows: Length 2.69 inches, breadth 2.19 inches; length -2.13 inches, breadth 2.25 inches. - -[Illustration: _Haliatus albicilla_ (Europe).] - -The following, in relation to their breeding and distribution, is taken -from Mr. Yarrell’s excellent work on the Birds of Great Britain:— - -“The White-tailed Eagle builds its nest on high rocks, and lays two -eggs, about the same size of those of the Golden Eagle, but with very -little or no red color on the white ground. The young are at first -covered with a soiled white down, and even at this age the beaks and -claws of the eaglets are of very large size. A pair of Golden Eagles -have been known to rear their young in the same spot for eight seasons -in succession; and Mr. Mudie has mentioned that, being thus attached to -a particular locality, their young, when able to provide for themselves, -are driven away by the parent birds to get their living elsewhere; but -the more erratic White-tailed Eagles, quitting the breeding station -when the season is ended, leave their young to forage over the district -in which they have been raised. In confinement, the White-tailed Eagle -sometimes becomes sociable.... One kept by Mr. Hoy laid three eggs in -the same season; and a female in the possession of Mr. Selby laid an egg -after having been kept in confinement twenty years.... The White-tailed -Eagle breeds in the Hebrides, in Orkney and Shetland. Mr. Dunn, in his -useful Guide to these latter islands, names the particular localities -in which they may be found, but states that they are much more numerous -in winter than in summer. This accords with the opinion of Mr. Temminck -and others that this species returns to the southward from high northern -latitudes as the season advances.... This Eagle frequents Denmark, -Sweden, the west coast of Norway, and from thence as far north as -Iceland and Greenland, but is not found in North America. Mr. Temminck -believes that this Eagle follows the flocks of geese that annually -resort to the Arctic regions in summer to rear their young. It is found -in Siberia, at Lake Baikal, and inhabits Russia, from whence to the -southward it is spread over the European continent generally.” - - -Haliaëtus leucocephalus (LINN.). - -BALD EAGLE; AMERICAN EAGLE. - - _Aquila leucocephala_, BRISS. Orn. I, 422, 1760.—VIEILL. Ois. Am. - Sept. pl. iii, 1807.—PALLAS, Zoog. Ross. As. I, 347, 1811.—SWAINSON, - Classif. B. II, 207, 1837; Anim. Menag. 106, 1838.—S. LONGCH. - Faun. Belg. 53, 1842. _Falco leucocephalus_, LINN. Syst. Nat. 124, - 1766.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. 255, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. 11, 1790; Syn. I, - 29, 1781; Supp. p. 9, 1802; Gen. Hist. I, 45, 1821.—PENN. Arct. Zoöl. - pp. 194 and 196, 1785.—WILS. Am. Orn. pl. xxxvi, 1808.—TEMM. Man. - Orn. pt. i, 52; pt. ii, 27, 1820; Tab. Méth. 3, 1836.—SHAW, Zoöl. - VII, 78, 1809.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 26.—GREEN, Silliman’s Am. - Journ. IV, 89; Isis, 1832, p. 1136.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 160, 1831; - Birds Am. pl. xxxi, 1831.—BREWER, (WILS.) Am. Orn. Synop. 683, - 1852. _Haliaëtus leucocephalus_, SAVIG.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, - 326.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 40, 1831.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. 2, p. 13, - 1826.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 21, 33, 1808.—JARD. (WILS.) Orn. II, - 89, 307.—RICH. F. B. A. II, 15, 1831.—BENNETT, Gard. Zoöl. Soc. II, - 37, 1831.—BONAP. Eur. & N. Am. B. 3, 1838; Cat. Ucc. Eur. 19, 1842; - Consp. Av. 15, 1850; Rev. et Mag. Zoöl. 1854, p. 531.—MAX. Cab. Journ. - VI, 1858, 3.—BLAKISTON, Ibis, III, 1861, 320.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 328 - (Texas, breeding).—GOULD, B. Eur. pl. xi, 1837.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. - sp. 3, 1844; List Birds Brit. Mus. 2, 1844.—AUD. Synopsis Birds Am. - 10, 1839.—NUTTALL, Man. Orn. U. S. & Canad. 72, 1833.—PEALE, U. S. - Expl. Exp. 71, 1848.—PEAB. Birds Mass. 73, 1841.—GIRAUD, Birds Long - Island, 9, 1844.—WOODH. Sit. Expl. Zuñ. & Colorad. 59, 1853.—CASSIN, - B. Calif. & Tex. I, 111, 1854.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 5, pl. i, f. - 1, 1844.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. VII, 30, 1857.—NEWB. P. R. R. Rept. - VI, 75, 1857.—WERN. Atl. Ois. Eur. 1826.—BREHM, Vögel Deutschl. 17, - 1831.—CASS. Birds N. Am. 1858, 43.—COOP. & SUCK. P. R. R. Rept. - XII, ii, 151, 1860.—COUES, Prod. B. Ariz. 13, 1866. _Haliaëtus - leucocephalus_, GRAY, Hand List, I, 16 (1869). _Falco candidus_, - GMEL. Syst. Nat. 258, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. 14, 1790; Syn. I, 36, - 1781; Gen. Hist. I, 240, 1821.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 51, 1800.—VIEILL. - Ois. Am. Sept. I, 30, 1807. _Falco pygargus_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, - 62, 1800. _Falco ossifragus_, WILS. Am. Orn. pl. lv, f. 2 (_Juv._), - 1808. _Falco leucogaster_, LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 242, 1821. _Vultur - albicilla_, FABER, Faun. Grœnl. 53, 1780. _Falco washingtoni_, - AUD. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 1, I, 1828, 115.—IB. Orn. Biog. I, 58; - Birds Am. pl. xi.—BREWER, (WILS.) Am. Orn. 683.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. - Orn. IV, 261. _Haliaëtus washingtoni_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. II, - 92.—BONAP. List, 1838, 3.—GRAY, Gen. fol. sp. 4.—AUD. Synop. Birds - Am. 10.—CASS. B. CAL. & Tex. 110.—IB. Birds N. Am. 1858, 42.—STRICKL. - Orn. Syn. I, 51, No. 82. _Falco washingtonianus_, NUTT. MAN. pl. - lxvii. _Haliaëtus leucocephalus_, BREWER, Oölogy, 1851, 48, pl. iv, f. - 37. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult._ Entire head and neck, upper and lower tail-coverts, -and tail, immaculate pure white. Rest of the plumage brownish-black, -the feathers fading toward the edges, these paler borders being most -conspicuous on the upper surface. Primaries uniform deep black. -Bill, cere, superciliary shield, and feet, deep chrome-yellow; iris -Naples-yellow. _Male_ (12,017, Philadelphia; C. Drexler). Wing, 22.00; -tail, 10.50; culmen, 1.90; top of cere, .80; depth of bill, 1.30; -tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 2.60; outer, 2.00; inner, 1.50; posterior, -1.30. Wing-formula, 3=4–5, 2–6; 1=7. _Female_ (11,986, Philadelphia; -C. Drexler). Wing, 25.00; tail, 12.75; culmen, 2.20; top of cere, -.80; tarsus, 3.10; middle toe, 2.85. Wing-formula, 3=4, 5–2–6–7–1, 8. -_Young._ Second year (?) (No. 58,977, Mount Carmel, Wabash County, -Illinois, Dec.; D. Ridgway). Head and neck brownish-black, white beneath -the surface, the penicillate ones of the nape tipped with pale brown. -Prevailing color of other portions blackish-brown, inclining to umber -on the dorsal region, wing-coverts, and lower parts; all the feathers -white at their roots, this much exposed on the lower parts, where the -brown forms tear-shaped terminal spots; axillars and lining of the -wing white, each feather of the latter region with a medial lanceolate -stripe of blackish-brown. Primaries and tail brownish-black; inner -webs of secondaries and tail-feathers spattered longitudinally with -creamy-white. Bill and cere black; iris brown; feet yellow. Wing, 25.50; -tail, 15.00; culmen, 2.10; tarsus, 3.10; middle toe, 2.60. - -_Young_, _first year_ (No. 41,595, Eastern United States?). Whole -plumage nearly uniformly black, this very continuous above; beneath, the -basal white is much exposed, producing a somewhat spotted appearance. -Primaries and tail deep black, the inner webs of the latter sprinkled -with cream-color. - -_Young in down_ (Washington, D. C.). Downy covering uniform deep -sooty-gray; the sprouting feathers on wings, etc., all brownish-black. - -Specimens from the Pacific Coast have the plumage rather deeper black; -but scarcely any other differences are appreciable. Measurements of -specimens are as follows:— - - “_Male_” (?) (45,838, Sitka; Bischoff). Wing, 24.50; tail, 12.50; - culmen, 2.00. - - _Female_ (45,835, Sitka; Bischoff). Wing, 25.00; tail, 12.50; culmen, - 2.20. - -Of these, the male is continuous deep black, the head, neck, tail, -and tail-coverts pure white in sharp contrast; the female is less -continuously black,—more so, however, than in eastern specimens; the -white portions are as pure as in the male. - -An immature bird (9,130, Shoalwater Bay, W. T., Feb.; Dr. Cooper) -is almost like the Illinois specimen described, but is somewhat -larger, measuring, wing, 26.00; tail, 15.00; culmen, 2.20. It differs -somewhat in plumage also, the lower parts being nearly uniformly light -isabella-color, not variegated by the black spots; the whole wing -(except the quills) is pale isabella-brown, the wing-coverts with -terminal triangular spots of black; the back is also light-colored, like -the wings. - -[Illustration: - - =52509=, (♀ ?). NAT. SIZE. - =9128=, ♀ ? ¼ - -_Haliaëtus leucocephalus._] - -_Hab._ Entire continent of North America, north of Mexico. - -Localities quoted: Upper Texas; breeds (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 65). -Western Arizona (COUES, P. A. N. S., 1866, 49). - - -LIST OF SPECIMENS EXAMINED. - -National Museum, 17; Philadelphia Academy, 14; Boston Society, 3; Museum -Comparative Zoölogy, 3; Coll. R. Ridgway, 2; Coll. J. C. Sharp, Jr., 1; -W. S. Brewer, 1. Total, 41. - -_Measurements._ - - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - | Sex. | Wing. | Tail. | Culmen. | Tarsus. | Middle |Specimens.| - | | | | | | Toe. | | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♂ Ad. |20.00–23.00|11.00–13.00|1.85–2.00|2.65–3.40|2.35–2.65| 10 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♂ Juv.|23.50–25.00|12.00–15.25|1.95–2.20|3.20–3.30|2.70–2.90| 5 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♀ Ad. |23.50–25.00|12.50–13.50|1.90–2.20|3.40–3.60|2.55–2.80| 7 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - |♀ Juv.|25.50–26.00|15.00–15.50|2.10–2.20|3.25–3.70|2.55–3.10| 2 | - +------+-----------+-----------+---------+---------+---------+----------+ - -The “Bird of Washington” of Audubon was, without the least doubt, a -very large immature female, in about the second year: the discrepancies -between Audubon’s figure and description, and the real characters of -the young Bald Eagle, are very probably the result of carelessness -and faulty memory; the stretch of wing of “10 feet 2 inches” is, no -doubt, an exaggeration; and the peculiar scutellation of the tarsus, -as exhibited in his plate, was as certainly caused by this portion of -the figure being worked up from memory. The probability is also that -the description was made up, or at least very much added to, from this -plate, as there is no record of Mr. Audubon’s specimens having been -preserved. It is by no means strange that persons should consider these -large grayish Eagles a different species from the smaller white-headed -ones, since their proportions are as different as their colors; and -throughout the country, unscientific people, and among them experienced -hunters, distinguish the three stages described above as the “bald,” -“big gray,” and “black” Eagles. Nothing is more certain, however, than -that all are only different stages of one and the same bird. - -In the preceding table of measurements the old and immature specimens -are given separately, in order to prove the remarkable fact that the -latter have longer wings and tails than the former. This feature is not -confined to the present bird, however, but applies as a general rule to -all _Falconidæ_. - -HABITS. The White-headed Eagle is widely diffused throughout the North -American continent, from about latitude 58° north to the Gulf of Mexico -and Central America. - -Sir John Richardson, in _Fauna Boreali-Americana_ (Vol. II, p. 15), -states that he did not meet with this species north of 62°, although -he found it common between that point and Lake Superior. He also -states that they leave the fur-countries in October, when the rivers -are frozen. Subsequently, in his expedition overland to the Arctic -Seas, in 1848, he found occasion to change his first impressions quite -materially. He gives it as abundant at Half-Moon Lake, in latitude -56° north. He also speaks of finding both the Osprey and White-headed -Eagle building their nests on the banks of Bear Lake River, in about -60° north. We find in his notes, that White-headed Eagles made their -appearance at Fort Confidence, latitude 66° 54′, as early as May -17, before the ice had given way in the rivers; and in his tables -of phenomena observed at the Cumberland House, in latitude 54°, we -also observe that a White-headed Eagle was seen as early as the 24th -of March, “being almost always the first of the summer birds which -arrives.” - -[Illustration: _Haliaëtus leucocephalus._] - -Mr. MacFarlane found these Eagles breeding on Lockhart River, latitude -67° 30′, but does not regard it as abundant in that locality, and from -the information he has received from the Indians, he presumes latitude -68° to be its extreme northern range. In the following year, 1862, this -supposition was in part confirmed by his finding a pair breeding on -the same river, near its junction with the Anderson, in latitude 68° -north. Mr. B. E. Ross states that it ranges to the Arctic Circle, and is -numerous around Great Slave and Bear Lakes. It proved to very common at -Sitka, where Bischoff obtained a number of specimens. - -Dr. Cooper, during his journey northward to the 49th degree, found -this one of the most abundant birds of the Falcon tribe in Washington -Territory, particularly along the Columbia River. It is a constant -resident in the Territory, and is said to lay its eggs as early as -February. He saw large numbers along the Columbia, sitting on some log -or cliff over the water. He never met with it about high mountain tops -nor on the plains east of the Rocky Mountains. - -Dr. Newberry met with this Eagle in the interior of Northern California, -along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. He found it very common -at the Cascades of the Columbia, at the Falls of the Willamette, and -still more abundant about the chain of lakes in the Klamath basin, and -also in the Cascade Range, among the mountain lakes, and wherever fish -was attainable. They exhibited little shyness, and were easily brought -within rifle range. - -In Florida, Mr. Allen found this bird very common, breeding as early as -January. It was very abundant on the upper St. John’s, and especially -so at Lake Monroe. It is also equally common in Texas, according to -Dresser, especially near the headwaters of some of the rivers. He -was told by his guide, Westfall, that in passing a distance of forty -miles he had noticed eight nests. It also breeds on the Altacosa. Dr. -Woodhouse found these birds, but nowhere very abundant, from the Gulf of -Mexico to the Pacific, along his entire route, and Dr. Coues observed -them near Fort Whipple. - -The statements of Temminck that this Eagle has been taken accidentally -in Central Europe, Switzerland, and Germany, and also that it breeds in -Northwestern Europe, are not now credited; and more recent scrutiny of -these supposed facts cast discredit upon them, and show that there is no -well-authenticated instance of its having been detected in Europe. - -The White-headed Eagle appears to be equally well adapted by nature for -the endurance of heat or cold, and is apparently indifferent to either. -Its residence is influenced only by its abundance of food, especially -that of fish; and it seems to matter very little whether that plenty -is procurable within the Arctic Circle or on the coast and rivers of -Florida and Texas. In places like the Falls of Niagara, where the stream -is ever liable to contribute the remains of animals destroyed by the -descent of the torrent, this Eagle is especially abundant. Unscrupulous, -greedy, voracious, not select in its choice of food, and capable of -providing for itself when necessity compels, we find this not altogether -unsuitable emblem of our country now enacting the tyrant and robber and -plundering the Fishhawk of the fruits of its industry, now sharing with -the Raven and the Vulture the dead salmon of the Columbia, and in other -places diving for and catching its own fish. The impetuosity and skill -with which it pursues, overtakes, and robs the Fishhawk, bearing off a -fish it has just taken, must be witnessed to be appreciated; and the -swiftness with which the Eagle can dart down upon and seize the booty, -which the Hawk has been compelled to let fall, before it reaches the -water, is not the least wonderful feature of this striking performance. -On the banks of the Columbia, where there are no Fishhawks to depend -upon, this bird finds an easy subsistence on the vast numbers of dead -and dying salmon which abound; and in Florida Mr. Allen has observed it -dive and catch its own fish. This is also confirmed by the statements of -other naturalists. Wilson also accuses this Eagle of destroying great -numbers of young pigs in the Southern States, young lambs, and even -sickly sheep; and in one instance it attempted to carry off a child, -which was only saved by its dress giving way. - -The White-headed Eagle breeds along the Atlantic coast from the St. -Lawrence to Florida, and thence westward to Mexico along the coast and -among the tributaries of the Gulf. In the interior it breeds as far -north as the Arctic Circle. - -Richardson states that it abounds in the watery districts of Rupert’s -Land, and a nest may be looked for within every twenty or thirty miles. -Each pair appropriates a certain range of country, on which they are -said to suffer no intruders of their own species to encroach; but the -nest of the Osprey is often placed at no great distance from that of -the Eagle. Some of the voyagers had the curiosity to visit an Eagle’s -nest, which was built on the cleft summit of a balsam poplar, of sticks, -many of them as thick as a man’s wrist. It contained two young birds, -well fledged, with a good store of fish in a very odoriferous condition. -While the men were climbing the tree, the female parent hovered close -around, and threatened an attack on the invaders; but the male kept -aloof, making circles high in the air. - -In California, where the rocky coast is destitute of convenient trees, -the White-headed Eagle resorts to rocky cliffs as the safest and most -convenient places for nesting. We have the authority of Richardson -for the same deviation from its usual resort to trees in parts of the -fur-countries where the latter are wanting. The climate apparently -exerts a certain influence, though not so much as might be supposed. -In the Southern States it nests seven weeks earlier than in Maine, in -both of which regions it is resident throughout the year. Farther north, -where the severity of the cold, by closing the ponds and rivers with -solid ice, places their food beyond their reach, and where they are only -visitants in the warmer season, they, of course, nest still later, for -the reason that they do not reach these regions until after the breeding -season of more southern birds of the species. - -In the extreme Southern States, as in California, the White-headed -Eagle breeds as early as February. In Maine, the general impression has -been that the eggs are not deposited before May, and at a still later -period in the more northern portions of the United States. More recent -observations show this to be incorrect, and that these birds breed at -a much earlier season of the year. Mr. Audubon speaks of having once -shot a female on her eggs, near the Mississippi, as early as the 17th -of January. Dr. Gambel found White-headed Eagles nesting on the cliffs -along the shores of the Pacific in February and March. - -Having occasion to visit the State of Maine in April, 1856, near the -Damariscotta River, the banks of which stream are frequented by these -birds on account of the abundance of fish, I was informed that a pair -had constructed a nest in a neighboring wood, which they had occupied -for several successive years. The previous season (1855), late in -May, my informant had climbed a tree in the immediate neighborhood, -commanding a full view of the nest. It then contained young nearly -grown. From this statement I was led to conclude that there was no time -to be lost if we would secure the eggs before hatching. We accordingly -visited the nest on the 27th of April, and found it situated on a tall -pine, at least sixty feet from the ground. The tree stood in a swampy -wood, within a few rods of the stage road, and not more than half a mile -from the village of Damariscotta. It contained no limbs or branches to -facilitate ascent for at least the distance of thirty feet, and the -trunk at the base was from six to nine feet in circumference, rendering -it impossible to mount the tree by the aid only of the hands and feet. -My assistant was, however, drawn up, by means of a rope fastened round -his body, to a height where the branches of the tree rendered the -remainder of the ascent comparatively easy. While he was ascending, we -observed several Eagles flying over our heads, but at a great height. -One only approached us; but, as soon as we were noticed, the bird made -a precipitate retreat. It was apparently conveying food to the nest, -and was not at first aware of our presence; after which it hovered at -a distance, uttering hoarse, disagreeable cries of displeasure, not -unlike the imperfect barking of a dog. No attempt was made to molest or -interrupt the man as he ascended to, or after he had reached, the nest. -We found, when he had climbed to the nest, that the female had been -sitting upon it all the while, and only left when the unwelcome caller -was near enough to have reached her with his hands. She too flew over -the man’s head in somewhat close proximity, uttering frequent cries of -distress, but made no effort whatever to attack him. - -The nest was found to contain no egg, and but a single bird, apparently -about a fortnight old. It was some six or seven inches in length, -its weight between one and two pounds, and its head and claws -disproportionately large. It was covered uniformly with a thick, close, -and soft downy plumage, which was of a clean deep straw-color. There was -not the least admixture of gray or brown. The young bird was completely -helpless, and uttered almost constant cries for food. It ate readily -whenever fish or meat was offered it, but was unable to support itself -upon its legs. It was taken to my host’s house, where it was well cared -for, and for a while, with careful attention, it did well and grew -apace, manifesting a most inordinate and insatiable appetite. - -The nest was described to me by my assistant as a platform between -five and six feet in diameter, and at least four in thickness. It was -constructed of regular layers of large sticks, each several feet in -length, and from an inch to an inch and a half in thickness. Its surface -was perfectly flat, and was “finished off,” to use his expression, with -tufts of grass, dry leaves, mosses, lichens, small twigs, etc., etc. He -found in it, by the side of the young Eagle, four or five large eels, -each of which was about two feet in length, showing that the parent -birds provide liberally for their own wants and those of their young. - -Estimating the age of the young Eagle at ten days, and allowing four -weeks for incubation, and at least one week’s interval between the -deposition and the commencement of the parent bird’s sitting upon it, we -have very nearly the exact period at which the egg was laid, March 13. - -This occurred at the coldest period of the season, when the ground -was covered with snow to an unusual depth, and when the thermometer -indicated a temperature at that time frequently as low as 15° below -zero. - -The nest is usually of great size, composed of sticks from three to five -feet in length, pieces of turf, weeds, and moss. Its diameter is about -five feet, and its depth is not unfrequently as great. In the warmer -localities, where it breeds, the pair usually frequent the same nest -throughout the year, and make it their permanent place of resort. This -is also true, probably, wherever this Eagle remains throughout the year. -Mr. T. H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa., informs me that he met with -three fresh eggs of this species in Maryland, on the 11th of February, -1871. - -The eggs are usually two, sometimes three or four, in number; they -are nearly spherical, equally rounded at either end, and more or less -granulated on their surface. Their color is a dull white, unspotted, but -often stained by incubation to a dirty white or a light soiled drab. -Two eggs in my collection present the following measurements: Length -3 inches, breadth 2.75; length 2.88 inches, breadth 2.80. The first -was obtained in New Jersey by Alexander Wilson, the ornithologist; the -latter by Dr. Trudeau, in Louisiana. - -Another, taken from a nest in Texas by Dr. Heermann, measured 2.80 -by 2.20 inches. A fourth, from Sitka, measures 2.75 by 2.25 inches. -These measurements, so far as they may be taken as typical, exhibit but -little variation in size between the most northern and the most southern -specimens. - -Several nests were met with and the eggs taken by Mr. MacFarlane near -Anderson River. They were generally built in high trees not far from -river-banks. In a few instances the parents made hostile demonstrations -when their nests were robbed, but generally kept at a safe distance, -uttering loud and discordant sounds. The nests were built of dry sticks -and decayed branches, and lined with deer’s hair, mosses, hay, and other -similar soft materials. - -Mr. Dall was informed by the Indians that this species breeds among the -Alaskan mountains on inaccessible cliffs. This statement, however, may -have had reference to the Golden Eagle. - -[Illustration: _Falco communis_ (Europe), p. 138.] - - - - -FAMILY CATHARTIDÆ.—THE AMERICAN VULTURES. - - - _Cathartidæ_, GRAY, 1842.—HUXLEY, P. Z. S. 1867, p. 463. _Cathartinæ_, - LAFR. 1839. _Sarcorhamphidæ_, GRAY, 1848. _Gryphinæ_, REICH. 1850. - -The characters of this family have been given in sufficient detail (III, -1), so that a short diagnosis, showing its most readily observable -peculiarities, will here be sufficient. - -CHAR. Whole head, and sometimes the neck, naked; eyes prominent, and not -shaded by a superciliary shield. Cere much elongated, much depressed -anteriorly below the very arched culmen; nostrils longitudinal, -horizontal, the two confluent or perforate. Middle toe very long, and -the hind one much abbreviated. A web between the base of the inner and -middle toes. - -The family _Vulturidæ_,[94] as long recognized, included all the -naked-headed, carrion-feeding _Raptores_ of both the Old and the -New World. The later researches of science, however, have shown the -necessity of separating the Vultures of the latter continent from those -of the former, and ranking them as a distinct family, while at the same -time the Old World Vultures are found to be merely modified _Falconidæ_. -The resemblance between the _Cathartidæ_ and the vulturine _Falconidæ_ -is merely a superficial one of analogy, and not one of affinity. Being -the scavengers of the countries they inhabit, the latter thus perform -the same office in nature as the former, and for adaptation to a similar -mode of life their external characters are modified to correspond. -Close, however, as is the external resemblance between the two groups, -their osteological structure and internal anatomy is entirely different. - -The _Cathartidæ_ differ from the _Vulturinæ_[95] as to their external -structure in the following particulars, the osteological structure -being entirely different in the two groups, the latter being like the -_Falconidæ_ in all the characters which separate the latter family from -the _Cathartidæ_. - - =Cathartidæ.= Nostrils horizontal, perforate; a well-developed web - between the inner and middle toes, at the base. - - =Vulturinæ.= Nostrils vertical, not perforate; no trace of web between - inner and middle toes. - -In habits, the _Cathartidæ_ resemble the vulturine _Falconidæ_ of the -Old World. “They lack the strength and spirit of typical _Raptores_, -and rarely attack animals capable of offering resistance; they are -voracious and indiscriminate gormandizers of carrion and animal refuse -of all sorts,—efficient and almost indispensable scavengers in the -warm countries where they abound. They are uncleanly in their mode of -feeding; the nature of their food renders them ill-scented, and when -disturbed they eject the fetid contents of the crop. Although not -truly gregarious, they assemble in multitudes where food is plenty, -and some species breed in communities. When gorged, they appear heavy -and indisposed to exertion, usually passing the period of digestion -motionless, in a listless attitude, with their wings half spread. -But they spend most of the time on wing, circling high in the air; -their flight is easy and graceful in the extreme, and capable of being -indefinitely protracted. On the ground, they habitually walk instead of -progressing by leaps. Possessing no vocal apparatus, the Vultures are -almost mute, emitting only a weak hissing sound.” (COUES.) - -The _Cathartidæ_ all belong to the tropical and warm temperate portions -of the continent, only one species (_Rhinogryphus aura_) extending its -range as far as the border of the colder regions. The famous Condor -(_Sarcorhamphus gryphus_) of the Andes and the equally large California -species (_Pseudogryphus californianus_) are among the largest birds of -flight in the world, being exceeded in size by none, and rivalled but by -one or two of the Vultures of the Eastern Hemisphere. - -The following diagnoses based upon the external structure are sufficient -to characterize the very well-marked genera and subgenera of this -family. The distinctive osteological characters which accompany these -external features afford still more decided differences, and are -illustrated by the figures. - -[Illustration: _S. gryphus_, ♂, Chile. ¼ nat. size.] - -[Illustration: _S. papa_, ♀, Mazatlan. ¼ nat. size.] - - -Genera and Subgenera. - - =A.= Crop naked. _Male_ with a fleshy crest, or lobe, attached to - the top of the cere. Bill very robust and strong, its outlines very - convex; cere much shorter than the head. - - 1. =Sarcorhamphus.= Entire neck bare; nasal cavity entirely open; - posterior claw very thick and strongly curved. Tail even. - - Sexes different, the female lacking any fleshy caruncles, or - appendages, on the head and neck. Frontal lobe, or fleshy crest - of male, extending from the anterior border of the cere to the - middle of the crown; throat with a median wattle, or “dewlap”; - side of the neck with a somewhat convoluted or twisted caruncle, - extending from the side of the occiput obliquely downward, - across the neck to near the lower extremity of the gular wattle; - lower part of the foreneck with a pendent fleshy appendage. - Plumage beginning below the neck by a crescentic ruff of soft - white down, or cottony feathers, around the posterior portion. - Primaries longer than the secondaries; front of the tibio-tarsal - joint feathered … - - _Sarcorhamphus._[96] - - Sexes alike, the female possessing the caruncular appendages of - the head as well as the male. Frontal lobe attached to only the - middle portion of the cere, above the nostril; throat without - a median wattle; side of the neck without any caruncles; no - appendage on the foreneck; auricular region with longitudinal - corrugations, and occiput densely haired. Plumage beginning - below the neck by a ruff of broad, well-developed, normal - feathers. Primaries not longer than the secondaries. Front of - the tibio-tarsal joint naked … - - _Cathartes._[97] - - =B.= Crop feathered. Male without a fleshy crest, or other appendages, - on the head. Bill less robust, variable as to strength, its outlines - only moderately convex; cere nearly equal to the head in length. Sexes - alike. - - _a._ Entire neck bare; plumage commencing abruptly in a ruff of - lanceolate, or penicillate feathers, these continued on the breast - and abdomen. Head much elongated, the upper outline a slightly - convex plane, the forehead depressed below the level of the very - elevated dorsal outline of the cere. Posterior claw very thick and - strongly curved. - - 2. =Pseudogryphus.= Nostril occupying only the posterior third of - the nasal orifice, its anterior end acute. Bill weak, the terminal - hook only slightly developed, the mandibles broader than deep, the - lower as deep as the upper. Head and neck without corrugations - or caruncles. Tarsus slightly longer than the middle toe; fourth - or fifth quill longest; extremities of the quills reaching to or - beyond the end of the tail. Tail even. (_P. californianus._) - - _b._ Only the upper half, or less, of the neck bare; plumage - commencing gradually with normal, broad feathers; feathers of breast - and abdomen broad and normal. Head only moderately elongated, the - upper outline irregular, the forehead elevated above the dorsal - outline of the cere. Bill strong, the terminal hook well developed. - Posterior claw weaker, less curved. - - 3. =Rhinogryphus.= Nostril occupying the whole of the nasal - cavity, its anterior end broadly rounded; cere as deep as broad, - the upper and lower outlines divergent posteriorly, the former - considerably arched; lower mandible much less deep than the upper. - Skin of the neck without corrugations; a semicircular tuft of - antrorse radiating bristles in front of the eye. Wing very long, - the primaries reaching to or beyond the end of the tail. Tail much - rounded. (_R. aura_ and _R. burrovianus_.) - - 4. =Catharista.= Nostril occupying only the posterior half of - the nasal cavity, its anterior end contracted and acute; cere - depressed, much wider than deep, its upper and lower outlines - parallel, the former not perceptibly arched; lower mandible as - deep as the upper; skin of the neck transversely corrugated; no - tuft of bristles in front of the eye. Wing short, the primaries - reaching scarcely to the middle of the tail. Tail even, or - slightly emarginate. (_C. atratus._) - - -GENUS PSEUDOGRYPHUS, RIDGWAY. - - _Cathartes_, AUCT. (in part.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size very large, and aspect vulturine. Head much elongated, -with regular outlines; the entire head and neck bare of feathers, -the skin faintly wrinkled, but free from corrugations or caruncles. -Nostril small, occupying only the posterior third, or less, of the nasal -orifice, its anterior end acute. Plumage beginning at the bottom of the -neck in a ruff of lanceolate, acuminate feathers, these continued over -the breast and abdomen. Wings very large, the primaries and secondaries -well developed, the former longest, and reaching to, or beyond, the end -of the tail; fourth or fifth quill longest; outer five with inner webs -appreciably sinuated. Tail even. Sexes alike. - -[Illustration: _Pseudogryphus californianus._ ¼ nat. size.] - -The single species composing this very distinct genus belongs to -Western North America, and, so far as known, has the most restricted -distribution of any large raptorial bird in the world. It is remarkable -for its very large size, all its dimensions nearly, if not quite, -equalling those of the famed Condor of the Andes (_Sarcorhamphus -gryphus_). - - -Pseudogryphus californianus (SHAW). - -CALIFORNIA CONDOR, OR VULTURE. - - _Vultur californianus_, SHAW, Nat. Misc. IV, pl. ccci, 1797; Zoöl. - VII, 10, 1809.—LATH. Syn. Supp. II, 3, 1802; Ind. Orn. Supp. 2; Gen. - Hist. I, 7.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. IV, 259, 1831.—DOUGL. Zoöl. Journ. - IV, 328; Isis, 1831, 110.—REICH. Prakt. Nat. Vög. p. 18. _Cathartes - californianus_, CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 316, 1829.—BONAPARTE, Ann. - Lyc. N. Y. II, 221; Isis, 1832, 1135; List, 1; Consp. Av. 9.—SWAINS. - Classif. B. II, 206, 1837.—RANZ. Elem. di Zool. III, 23.—GRAY, Gen. - B. sp. 3, pl. ii.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 3, 1844.—NUTT. Man. I, 39, - 1833.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. ccccxxvi, 1831; Orn. Biog. V, 240; Synop. p. - 2, 1839.—BREW. (WILS.) Synop. p. 832, 1852.—PEALE, U. S. Expl. Exp. - VIII, 58.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 3, 1855.—KAUP, Thierr. p. 229.—CASSIN, - Birds N. Am. 1858, 5.—HEERM. P. R. R. Rept. II, 29, 1855.—NEWB. - P. R. R. Rept. VI, 73, 1857.—COOP. & SUCK. XII, ii, 141, 1860.—COUES, - Prod. Orn. Ariz. p. 6, 1866.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 3, 1869.—TAYLOR, - Hutchins’s Cala. Mag. III, 1859, 537 (fig. of egg and young).—GURNEY, - Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 39.—SCLAT. P. Z. S. 1866, 366 (with fig. from - life); 1868, 183 (fig. of young from life, same specimen).—COUES, Key, - 1872, 222. _Catharista californianus_, GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 4, - 1844. _Sarcorhamphus californicus_, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, 6, 1815.—VIG. - Zoöl. Journ. II, 375.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 1, 1831.—LICHT. - Orn. Calif. p. 8, pl. i. _Cathartes vulturinus_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 31, - 1820.—LESS. Man. Orn. VII, 10, 1828. - -SP. CHAR. Wing, 30.00–35.00; tail, 15.00–18.00; culmen, about 1.50; -length of head, 6.50–7.00; tarsus, about 4.50–5.00; middle toe, -4.00–4.50; outer, 3.10; inner, 3.60; posterior, 1.10; middle claw -(longest), 1.50; posterior (shortest), 1.90. Total length, .45–.50; -extent of wings, about 9 or 10 feet. - -_Adult._ Bill yellowish white; naked skin of the head and neck orange -and red; iris carmine (authors). General plumage dull black, the upper -surface with a faint bluish lustre, the feathers (excepting the primary -coverts, secondary coverts, and remiges) passing into dull brownish on -their margins, producing a squamate appearance. Scapulars and (more -appreciably) the secondaries and their coverts with a hoary grayish -cast, the latter white for most of their exposed portions (producing a -band across the wing), the white following the edges of the secondaries -nearly to their ends; primaries and tail-feathers, with their shafts, -uniform deep black. Whole lining of the wing (except the outer border) -and axillars pure white. Lower parts continuous dull carbonaceous-black, -the tips of the penicillate feathers with a hoary or chalky tinge. (No. -41,649, Monterey, California; Dr. C. A. Canfield. Wing, 32.00; tail, -15.00; culmen, 1.50; depth of bill, 1.20; length of head, 7.00; cere, on -top, 2.90; point of bill to anterior end of nostril, 2.50; tarsus, 5.00; -middle toe, 4.20.) - -_Young._ Bill dusky; naked skin of the head and neck dusky, and more or -less covered with soft, grayish down. Plumage duller black, with the -white wholly absent. (No. 41,707, Monterey; C. A. Canfield. Measurements -as in the last.) - -Localities: Fort Yuma (COUES, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. 1866, 42). - -HAB. Pacific Coast region from mouth of the Colorado to the Columbia? -Southern Utah (HENSHAW). - -HABITS. This large Vulture, so far as is known, is restricted to the -area on the Pacific Coast from the Columbia River to the Colorado, -and extending as far to the east as the Sierra Nevada. None are known -to have been taken in Mexico, and it very rarely goes north of the -Columbia. It is said to be most common in the hot interior valleys of -California, where are large herds of cattle, upon which it, to a large -extent, depends for its food. Dr. Cooper saw none on the Colorado, -and met with none east of the San Bernardino Mountains. Even at Fort -Mohave the cattle killed during the five months he resided there did not -attract one of these Vultures. - -Dr. Cooper did not see these birds in any number along the sea-coast, -and has noticed none on the islands or in the highest Sierra Nevada. -Yet they are said, when other food is scarce, to feed on dead seals and -whales; but this fact he has never witnessed. - -Dr. Newberry states that it was to him a pleasant portion of every day’s -experience, in his march through the Sacramento Valley, to watch the -graceful evolutions of this Vulture. In its colors the combination was -a pleasing one, while its flight was easy and effortless beyond that of -any other bird. Though a common bird in California, he found it much -more shy and difficult to shoot than its associate, the Turkey-Buzzard; -and it was never seen in such numbers or exhibiting such familiarity -as the smaller species which swarm, and are such efficient scavengers, -in our southern cities. After his party left the Sacramento Valley, he -saw very few in the Klamath Basin, and met with none within the limits -of Oregon. It is occasionally found there, but much more rarely than in -California. - -Dr. Newberry states that a fine specimen presented to Dr. Sterling on -his return to San Francisco ate freely of the meat given him, and was -for some time kept alive. It was, however, impatient of confinement, -and succeeded in tearing the cord that confined him from his legs, and -in making his escape. Dr. Cooper also saw one of these Vultures in -confinement, at Monterey, in the possession of Dr. Canfield. This was -a full-grown individual which he had raised from the nest. It had been -fed exclusively on fresh meat, had no offensive smell, and was clean -and shining. It was gentle and familiar, but seemed stupid, and dozed -most of the time on a fence. This was subsequently presented to the -Zoölogical Society of London, and formed the subject of our figure. The -figure of the young bird on the next page is taken from a photograph of -the same specimen at an early age. - -[Illustration: _Pseudogryphus californianus._] - -Dr. Heermann, in his Report on Lieutenant Williamson’s Survey, mentions -having observed this Vulture sailing majestically in wide circles at a -great height, and ranging by its powers of flight over an immense space -of country in search of food. Often when hunting in the Tejon Valley, -if unsuccessful, they would be several hours without seeing one of this -species; but as soon as they succeeded in bringing down any large game, -these birds would be seen rising above the horizon before the body -had grown cold, and slowly sweeping towards them, intent upon their -share of the game. In the absence of the hunter, unless well protected, -these marauders will be sure to drag out from its concealment the slain -animal, even though carefully covered with branches. Dr. Heermann states -that he has known them to drag out and devour a deer within an hour. -This Vulture possesses immense muscular power. Dr. Heermann has known -four of them to drag the body of a young grizzly bear, that weighed over -a hundred pounds, the distance of two hundred yards. Dr. Cooper states -that it visits the Columbia River in autumn, when its shores are lined -with great numbers of dead salmon, on which, in company with other birds -and various animals, it feasts for a couple of months. He considered -it, however, only a visitor at certain seasons, and not a resident even -through the summer. He did not see it, nor did he hear of its presence -at Puget Sound. - -[Illustration: _Pseudogryphus californianus._] - -It is stated by Douglas that these Vultures will in no instance attack -any living animal unless it be so severely wounded as to be unable -to walk. Their senses of sight and smell are very acute, especially -the former; and when searching for prey they soar to a very great -height, and if they chance to discover a wounded animal they immediately -follow and attack it whenever it sinks down. The first comers are soon -followed by others, and it is not long before the carcass is reduced -to a skeleton. After thus feeding, they remain for a while sluggish -and reluctant to move. At these times they perch on dead trees, with -their heads drawn down, and their wings drooping over their feet. -Except after feeding, or when protecting their nests, they are said to -be very wary, and are with great difficulty shot by the hunter. Their -flight is described as slow, steady, and graceful, and they glide along -with little or no perceptible motion of the wings, the tips of which -are curved upward in flying, in the manner of the Turkey-Buzzard. They -are said to appear most numerous and to soar the highest preceding -thunder-storms and tempests. - -Dr. Townsend states that in their walk they resemble a Turkey strutting -over the ground with great dignity, but are clumsy and awkward when they -endeavor to hasten their movements. When they attempt to rise from the -ground they always hop several yards, in order to give an impetus to -their heavy body. Dr. Cooper discredits the statement of Mr. Taylor, -that this Vulture has been known to kill and carry off a hare in its -claws. These are straight and weak, and not adapted for such uses. - -Dr. Heermann states that a nest of this bird with young was discovered -in a thicket on the Tuolumne River. It was about eight feet back from -the entrance of a crevice in the rocks, completely surrounded and -masked by thick underbrush and trees, and composed of a few loose -sticks thrown negligently together. He found two other nests, of a like -construction and similarly situated, at the head of Merced River and in -the mountains. From the latter the Indians were in the habit of yearly -robbing the young, to kill at one of their festivals. - -Mr. Alexander S. Taylor, of Monterey, published a series of papers -in a California journal relative to this Vulture. In one of these -he mentions that a Mexican _ranchero_, in hunting among the highest -peaks of the Santa Lucia range, disturbed two pairs of them from their -nesting-places, and brought away from one a young bird a few days old, -and from the other an egg. There was no nest, the eggs having been laid -in the hollow of a tall old robles-oak, in a steep _barranca_, near the -summit of one of the highest peaks. These birds are said by some hunters -to make no nest, but simply lay their eggs on the ground at the foot of -old trees or on the bare rocks of solitary peaks. Others affirm that -they sometimes lay their eggs in old nests of Eagles and Buzzards. Mr. -Taylor states that the egg weighed 10.50 ounces, the contents weighing -8.75. The egg was of a dead dull white color, the surface of the shell -slightly roughened. It was nearly a perfect ellipse in shape, and -measured 4.50 inches in length by 2.38 in diameter. The egg-shell held -nine fluid ounces of water. The young Vulture weighed ten ounces. His -skin was of an ocreous-yellow, covered with a fine down of a dull white. - -Dr. Canfield informed Dr. Cooper that he has seen as many as one hundred -and fifty of these birds at one time and place in the vicinity of -antelopes he had killed, and noticed that they invariably sighted -their prey. They are often killed by feeding on animals that have been -poisoned with strychnine. They are not feared by the _rancheros_, yet -Dr. Canfield has known a number to attack a young calf, separate it from -its mother, and kill it. A _vaquero_ having killed a large grizzly bear, -left it on the plains near the sea-shore, to return to the house, about -three miles distant, for assistance. On his return, after an absence -of about two hours, a flock of these Vultures had cleaned the entire -carcass, leaving only the skin and the skeleton. This Vulture and the -Turkey-Buzzard often feed together over the same carcass, and generally -do some fighting together. Many of them nest in the high mountains east -and south of the Carmelo Valley, and also near Santa Cruz, as well as in -the Santa Lucia range, and are found there throughout the year, but in -greater numbers from July to November. - -An egg of this species, in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution -(9,983), from San Rafael, California, obtained by Dr. C. A. Canfield, -measures 4.40 inches in length by 2.50 in breadth. It is of an -elongate-oval shape, but is decidedly more pointed at the smaller than -at the larger end. In color it is of a uniform pale greenish-blue, -almost an ashy greenish-white, and without spots. - - -GENUS RHINOGRYPHUS, RIDGWAY. - - _Cathartes_, AUCT. (in part). (Type, _Vultur aura_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size medium (about equal to _Neophron_), the wings and tail -well developed, the remiges very long and large. Head and upper portion -of the neck naked; the skin smooth, or merely wrinkled; a semicircular -patch of antrorse bristles before the eye. Nostril very large, with -both ends broadly rounded, occupying the whole of the nasal orifice. -Cere contracted anteriorly, and as deep as broad; lower mandible not so -deep as the upper. Plumage beginning gradually on the neck, with broad, -rounded, normal feathers. Ends of primaries reaching beyond the end of -the tail; third or fourth quill longest; outer five with inner webs -appreciably sinuated. Tail much rounded; middle toe slightly longer than -the tarsus. Sexes alike. - -[Illustration: _R. aura._ ¼ nat. size.] - -[Illustration: _R. aura._ (¼.)] - -[Illustration: _R. burrovianus._ (¼.)] - -[Illustration: _Neophron percnopterus._ (¼.)] - -[Illustration: _Rhinogryphus aura._ (¼.)] - -The species of this genus are only two in number, one of them (_aura_) -extending over the whole of America, with the exception of the colder -portions; the other (_burrovianus_) confined to the eastern tropical -region. They may be distinguished as follows:— - - -Species. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. General plumage nearly uniform blackish; no white. - _Adult._ Bill white; head reddish. _Young._ Bill and head dusky, or - blackish. - - 1. =R. aura.= Upper half of the neck bare all round. Feathers of the - upper surface with brown borders. Wing, 20.00–23.00; tail, about - 12.00. _Hab._ Entire continent and islands of America, except the - colder portions. - - 2. =R. burrovianus.=[98] Only the head and throat naked, the - feathers of the neck extending up to the occiput. Feathers of the - upper surface without brown borders. Wing, 18.00–18.50; tail, 9.00. - _Hab._ Eastern Tropical America (Brazil; Eastern Mexico??). - - -Rhinogryphus aura (LINN.). - -TURKEY-BUZZARD; RED-HEADED VULTURE. - - _Vultur aura_, LINN. Syst. Nat. 122, 1766.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. 246, - 1789.—LATH. Syn. I, 9; Syn. Supp. I, 2; Ind. Orn. 4.—Gen. Hist. I, 12, - pl. iii.—PENN. Arct. Zoöl. I, 221.—BART. Trav. Carol. p. 285.—VIEILL. - Ois. Am. Sept. pl. ii.—ORD (WILS.) Am. Orn. pl. lxxv, f. 1.—AUD. - Edin. New. Phil. Journ. II, 172.—DARW. Journ. Res. p. 68.—WAGL. Isis, - 1831, 517.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 36.—SELLS, Proc. Zoöl. Soc. pt. v, p. 33; - Mag. Nat. Ser. 2, I, 638.—LEDRU, Voy. Ténérif. Trinit. etc. II, 264. - _Cathartes aura_, ILLIG. Prod. Syst. 236, 1811.—CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 1), - 308; (ed. 2) I, 317.—SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 2.—VIG. Zoöl. Journ.—LESS. - Man. Orn. I, 73; Tr. Orn. p. 28.—BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. II, 23; Isis, - 1832, p. 1135; List Eur. & N. Am. B. p. 1.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. - II, 4.—JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 3; IV, 245.—BREWER (WILS.) Synop. - p. 682.—IB. N. A. Oölogy.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. cli; Orn. Biog. II, - 339; Synop. Birds Am. p. 2.—NUTT. Man. I, 43.—SWAINS. Classif. B. - II, 205.—DARW. Zool. Beag. pt. iii, p. 8.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 2; - List B. Brit. Mus. p. 3; List Gen. & Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 2.—DE - KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 2, pl. v, f. 12.—GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1.—PEALE, - U. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 58.—REICHENB. Prakt. Nat. Vög. p. 26.—KERR, - Transl. Gmel. II, 472.—MAX. Beit. III, 64.—RICH. (SCHOMB.) Faun. Brit. - Guiana, p. 742.—CAB. (TSCHUDI) Av. Consp. Wieg. Archiv, 1844, 262; - Faun. Per. Orn. p. 71.—D’ORB. Synop. Av. Mag. Zoöl. p. 2; Voy. Am. - Merid. Ois. p. 38 (R. Sagra); Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 4.—LICHT. Verz. - Doubl. p. 63.—HARTL. Syst. Ind. Azar. Pax. p. 1.—MAX. Cab. Journ. VI, - 1858, 2.—GURNEY, Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 42.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, 322 - (Texas).—COUES, Key, 1872, 222. _Percnopterus aura_, STEPH. Zoöl. - XIII, pt. ii, p. 7, 1826. _Vultur iota_, MOLIN. St. Chil. p. 265, - 1782.—GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 247.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 20.—LATH. Gen. Hist. - I, 15. _Cathartes iota_, BRIDG. Proc. Zoöl. Soc. pl. ii, p. 108; Ann. - Nat. Hist. XIII, 498. _Cathartes ruficollis_, SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 2, - 1824 (quote Catesby, pl. vi). _Cathartes falklandicus_, SHARPE, Ann. & - Mag. N. H. - -SP. CHAR. Length, about 27.00–30.00; extent of wings, about 6 feet; -weight, 4–5 pounds. Wing, 20.00–23.00; tail, 11.00–12.00. Culmen, about -1.00; tarsus, 2.25–2.30; middle toe, 2.50; outer, 1.55; inner, 1.25; -posterior, .80. Iris umber; tarsi and toes dirty whitish, tinged with -yellow or flesh-color. - -_Adult._ Bill chalk-white; naked skin of the head and neck livid -crimson, approaching dilute carmine on the cere, and sometimes with -whitish papillæ on the crown and before the eye. General plumage black, -this deepest and uniform on the lower parts; upper parts with a violet -lustre, changing to greenish posteriorly, all the feathers of the dorsal -region and the wing-coverts passing into brown on its borders. Primaries -and tail-feathers dull black, their shafts clear pale brown. ♂ (No. -12,015, Maryland; M. F. Force). Wing, 22.00; tail, 12.00; culmen, .95; -tarsus, 2.30; middle toe, 2.50; outer, 1.55; inner, 1.25; posterior, -.30. ♀ (No. 49,681, Camp Grant, Arizona; Dr. E. Palmer). Wing, 20.00; -tail, 11.50. - -_Young._ Bill, and naked skin of the head and neck, livid blackish, -the occiput and nape with more or less of whitish down. Plumage more -uniformly blackish, the brownish borders above less distinct; the -reflections of the plumage rather green than violaceous. - -HAB. Whole of Temperate America; resident to lat. 38° north. - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 213); Cuba? (CAB. Journ. II, lxxix; -GUNDLACH, resident); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1859); Jamaica -(GOSSE); Ecuador (SCL. Pr. Z. S. 1860, 287); Honduras (SCL. Ibis, II, -222); Trinidad (TAYLOR, Ibis, 1864, 78); S. Texas (DRESSER, Ibis, 1865, -322, breeding); Arizona (COUES, Prod. 1866, 42); Para (SCL. & SALV. -1867, 589). - -After having compared numerous specimens of this species from all -parts of its range, including Chile, Patagonia, Terra del Fuego, the -West India Islands, and all portions of Middle America and the United -States, I am unable to appreciate differences according to locality, -and cannot recognize any geographical races. As a rule, the specimens -from intertropical regions, as might be expected, are the smallest and -most brightly colored. The smallest in the series are those from Lower -California. - -HABITS. Probably none of the birds of America have so extended a -distribution as this Vulture, occurring, as it does, in greater or -less abundance from high northern latitudes at the Saskatchewan, -throughout North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in all -portions of South America, even to the Straits of Magellan. On the -Atlantic coast it is not common north of Central New Jersey, though -occasionally individuals have been seen as far north as New Brunswick -and Nova Scotia. Several specimens have been taken in various parts of -New England, from Calais, Me., to Connecticut. Mr. Lawrence cites it -as of rare and irregular occurrence near New York. In one instance he -noticed a company of nine individuals at Rockaway, Long Island. West -of the Alleghanies it has a much less restricted distribution, from -Central America almost to the Arctic regions. It is found more or less -frequently in all the Middle, the Southern, Western, and Northwestern -States, without an exception. It is met with in large numbers throughout -the entire Pacific coast of North America, from Lower California to -Washington Territory. Mr. Douglas saw vast numbers of this species in -Canada, near Sandwich and Lake St. Clair, during their breeding-season. -Dr. Richardson speaks of their having higher summer migrations in the -interior of the continent than on the Pacific coast, finding it along -the banks of the Saskatchewan, in latitude 55°, late in the month of -June. Mr. Say met with them in latitude 59°, and Lewis and Clarke -noticed them near the Falls of the Columbia River, in latitude 48°. Mr. -Blakiston states that an individual was shot at the Red River Settlement -as early as April 27, while the winter’s snow was still covering the -ground to the depth of a foot and the rivers were ice-bound. He also -observed it at Fort Carlton, in latitude 53°, on the 7th of May, and -again, on the 2d of September, in latitude 49°. - -Mr. T. H. Jackson, of West Chester, Pa., informs me that this Vulture -has been known to breed at Parkersburg, fifteen miles west of the -former place, in the summer of 1870, and that they also breed rather -plentifully on the banks of the Susquehanna, laying their eggs, two in -number, in caves among the rocks, as early as the 10th of April, and -that some remain in that vicinity all winter. - -[Illustration: _Rhinogryphus aura._] - -Dr. Cooper mentions their great abundance during the summer in all -parts of Washington Territory, frequenting the vicinity of prairies and -river-banks, but never appearing along the coast. They arrive at Puget -Sound about the middle of May, and undoubtedly breed in the Territory. -Dr. Suckley met with them at Fort Dalles, in Oregon, and also on Puget -Sound. He also met with them not far from Pembina. Dr. Newberry also -observed them in California and Oregon, quite common in the vicinity of -the towns and about the great rivers. In the Klamath Basin it was more -rare, and on the Des Chutes he scarcely saw any; but on the Columbia, -especially below the Cascades, they were very plentiful. - -Dr. Heermann found this bird ranging over the whole extent of -California, meeting them in great numbers in the vicinity of Fort Yuma, -at the junction of the Colorado and Gila Rivers. - -In the West India Islands these birds occur in Cuba, Jamaica, and -Trinidad; but according to Mr. E. C. Taylor, neither this nor any other -species of Vulture occurs in any of the islands between Trinidad and -St. Thomas, not even in Tobago or Porto Rico. At Trinidad they are very -abundant. - -Mr. G. C. Taylor found this Vulture common in Honduras, where, however, -it does not go much into the towns and villages, but is usually seen on -the outskirts and in the forests. In Guatemala, Mr. Salvin found it not -nearly so abundant as _C. atratus_, and there also, as in Honduras, it -frequented the more uncultivated and forest districts, leaving to the -latter all the duties of the scavenger. Captain C. C. Abbott found this -Vulture very common in the Falkland Islands, remaining the whole year -round, and breeding. - -The flight of the Turkey-Buzzard is graceful, dignified, and easy. It -sails with a steady, even motion, with wings just above the horizontal -position, with their tips slightly raised. They rise from the ground -with a single bound, give a few flaps to their wings, and then proceed -with their peculiar, soaring flight. They rise very high in the air, -moving round in large circles. They are of gregarious habits, and -usually associate in companies of from ten to a much larger number. -They feed upon all kinds of animal food, and are accused by Audubon of -sucking eggs and devouring the young of Herons and other birds. Yet -in Trinidad they were observed by Mr. E. C. Taylor associating with -the poultry apparently upon the most amicable terms, and, although -surrounded with chickens of all sizes, they were never known to molest -them. Mr. Audubon also states that they devour birds of their own -species when dead. They are said to walk well on the ground and on -the roofs of houses, and associate and even roost in company with the -Black Vulture. Dr. Heermann, who observed them on the desert between -the Colorado and Carissa Creek, where they find an ample supply of food -from numerous animals that there perish from want of grass and water, -states that they seemed to be on terms of amity both with the Ravens -and the California Vultures, but retire on the approach of the prairie -wolf. He adds that when a company of these Vultures have once commenced -upon a carcass, a scene of plunder, noise, confusion, and dispute -ensues, baffling all description. Each one strives, as best he may, to -bolt the morsel he has seized, or to rob his neighbor whose booty is -too voluminous to be despatched at once. As illustrating the peculiar -flight of this species, Dr. Newberry mentions that, having occasion to -shoot one for the purpose of determining its identity, the wounded bird -made no motion indicating it had been struck by the shot, but sailed -on with widely expanded and motionless wings as before; gradually it -“began to descend in wide and regular circles, till finally, without -a wing-flap, it settled as lightly as a feather on the prairie, and -remained motionless.” Upon going to the bird, Dr. Newberry found it -resting in the grass, the wings still widely and evenly expanded, but -the head drooping and life extinct. - -In the Southern States this Vulture is found equally in cities and -large villages, and near the coast, as well as in the interior, in -company with the Black Vulture (_C. atratus_), although the latter -species is chiefly confined to the coast, and is rare in the interior. -It is noticeable that in Guatemala and Honduras its habits are somewhat -different in these respects, being only found in wild places, leaving -the cities and sea-coast to the exclusive occupancy of the Black -Vulture. Mr. G. C. Taylor, who observed these birds in Kingston, -Jamaica, states that they were the only species seen, and that they were -always to be found either on the roofs of the houses or feeding on the -carrion in the streets. They made great noise with their feet as they -clattered over the shingles of the roofs. - -In Trinidad, where Mr. E. C. Taylor found this bird much less numerous -than the _atratus_, it kept to the open country, and was not found in -the towns. He could always readily distinguish it by its more graceful -flight and its aquiline appearance. They were generally to be seen -skimming over the tree-tops, as if trying how near they could go without -touching. On the Orinoco, though more numerous than in Trinidad, they -did not frequent the towns in the same familiar manner with the Black -Vulture. - -The Turkey-Buzzards, as well as the Black Vultures, are evidently -aided by a very powerful sight in distinguishing their food at a great -distance. They are frequently known to collect in large numbers, from -great distances, around the dead bodies of animals, where none were in -sight before. But it seems equally certain that they are also assisted -by an only less powerful sense of smell. Mr. Hill, cited by Mr. Gosse, -mentions a remarkable instance where these Vultures were attracted by a -strong smell of carrion to the house of a German emigrant, lying sick -of a fever, and where his neglected food had become offensive. In this -instance the sense of smell, unaided by that of sight, must have guided -these birds. - -Mr. G. C. Taylor, while residing at Kingston, often used to puzzle the -Vultures by throwing dried bird-skins stuffed with cotton out upon an -adjacent roof. Few seconds would elapse before a Vulture would pounce -upon them, and manifest a great disappointment in finding nothing to eat -in skins of so promising an appearance. He once wrapped the carcass of a -bird in a piece of paper, and threw it into the top of a thickly leaved -tree near his window. There it remained for a long while, the Vultures -sweeping within a few feet of it, almost brushing the leaves with their -wings, their sense of smell informing them that there was something -eatable close by, but their sight failing to solve the problem, owing to -the enclosure of the object in an envelope. - -The Turkey-Buzzard breeds on or near the ground, usually in hollow -trees, stumps, or decaying logs. It generally constructs no nest, -depositing the eggs with little or no preparatory pains for their -shelter. Mr. Ord found them breeding as early as the month of May in the -deep recesses of the solitary swamps of New Jersey. He describes the -nest as formed, without any painstaking, in a truncated hollow tree, and -in excavated stumps or logs, and mentions the number of eggs as from -two to four. Except in regard to the number of eggs, which is probably -never more than two, these observations substantially correspond with -other accounts of their breeding. In Jamaica, Mr. Gosse mentions that -the situations usually selected by the Turkey-Buzzard of that island for -laying and hatching its eggs are hollows and ledges of rocks in secluded -places or inaccessible crags and cliffs. A little dry trash, he adds, -or decaying leaves, are all the apology for a nest. On the island of -Galveston, where this Vulture was plentiful, Mr. Audubon several times -found its nest on a level part of the salt marshes, either under the -widespread branches of cactuses, or among tall grass growing beneath low -bushes. Mr. T. H. Jackson found this Vulture nesting in Maryland, with -fresh eggs, from April 10 to May 1. - -Dr. C. Kollock, of Cheraw, S. C., informs me that in his neighborhood -both this species and the Black Vulture frequent places in the interior -of swamps and thick woods, generally called Buzzards’ roosts. They -congregate there through the year in large numbers, and usually breed in -the immediate vicinity. Mr. Audubon visited one of these roosts, near -Charleston, S. C., which extended over two acres of ground, and was -entirely destitute of vegetation. - -Mr. Dresser, who found this species one of the most common birds of -Southern Texas, gives a somewhat different account of their nesting. -He found them breeding all through the country on the banks of streams -where the timber afforded a secure shelter. He saw many nests on the -banks of the Medina, Altacosta, and San Antonio Rivers; and these, he -states, were large and bulky, composed of sticks, and generally placed -at some height on a cypress or an oak near the river-bank. - -Captain C. C. Abbott states (Ibis, 1861, p. 149) that in the Falkland -Islands they lay their eggs, two in number, but sometimes three, under -a high bank amongst bushes, or on the top of a dead balsam log, without -constructing any nest. The time of their laying was the first week of -November. The young birds have the bare space of the head and neck of -a bluish color, as also the feet. The old birds go in pairs the whole -year. - -The eggs exhibit slight deviations in size, and occasionally the -nature of their markings, yet for the most part preserve specific -characteristics. The following are the proportions of four specimens, -which will represent their usual variations: 2.81 inches by 1.94; 2.75 -by 1.87; 2.94 by 1.87; 2.62 by 1.94. These were from New Jersey, South -Carolina, Louisiana, and Tamaulipas (Mexico). The more common varieties -have a ground of a light cream-color, marked with large confluent spots -of reddish-brown or chocolate, chiefly predominating at the larger -end, but also sparsely scattered over the entire egg. Intermixed with -these are less frequent markings of a light purplish or lilac shade of -drab. These are often so faint as only to be perceptible on a close -examination. An egg taken some years since in New Jersey, by Alexander -Wilson, and somewhat faded, is marked over the entire shell with -confluent spots of a dark greenish-brown, with no perceptible shades -of red or purple. Another variety from Cheraw, S. C., has a ground of -nearly pure white, is very nearly unspotted, and is only marked with a -few small dots and lines of red and indistinct purple at the larger end. - - -GENUS CATHARISTA, VIEILLOT. - - _Catharista_, VIEILL. 1816. (Type, _Vultur atratus_, BARTRAM.) - _Coragypys_, I. GEOFFROY, 1854. - _Cathartes_, AUCT. (in part). - -GEN. CHAR. Size of _Rhinogryphus_, but more robust, with shorter wings, -and very different flight. Wings with the remiges abbreviated, the -primaries scarcely reaching to the middle of the tail. Tail even, or -faintly emarginated. Head and upper portion of the neck naked, the -feathers extending farther up behind than in front; naked skin of the -side of the neck transversely corrugated; no bristles before the eye. -Nostril narrow, occupying only about the posterior half of the nasal -orifice, its anterior end contracted and acute. Cere not contracted -anteriorly, but the upper and lower outline parallel; much depressed, or -broader than deep. Plumage beginning gradually on the neck with normal, -or broad and rounded, feathers. Fourth or fifth quill longest; outer -five with inner webs sinuated. Tarsus longer than middle toe. - -[Illustration: _Catharista atrata._ ¼ nat. size.] - -This well-marked genus is composed of a single species, which is -confined to the tropical and warm temperate portions of America. The -difference from the other Vultures which this bird exhibits in its -habits, and especially in its flight, is very striking, and furnishes -additional characters distinctive of the genus. - - -Catharista atrata (BARTRAM). - -CARRION CROW; BLACK VULTURE. - - _Vultur atratus_, BARTRAM, Trav. Carol. 285, 1792.—MEYER, Zool. Ann. - I, 290.—ORD (WILS.) Am. Orn. pl. lxxv, f. 2.—AUD. Birds Am. pl. - cvi.—BREWST. Ed. Journ. Sc. Ser. 1, VI, 156. _Cathartes atratus_, - LESS. Man. Orn. I, 73, 1828.—RICH. & SWAINS. F. B. A. II, 6, - 1831.—DARW. Journ. Res. p. 68; Zool. Beag. pt. iii, p. 7.—SWAINS. - Classif. B. II, 206.—JAMES. (WILS.) Am. Orn. I, 10.—BREWER (WILS.) Am. - Orn. Synop. Birds Am. p. 682.—IB. N. A. Oölogy.—AUD. Synop. Birds Am. - p. 3.—BRIDG. Proc. Zoöl. Soc. pt. xi, p. 108; Am. Nat. Hist. XIII, - 498.—BONAP. Consp. p. 9.—DE KAY, Zoöl. N. Y. II, 3.—REICH. Prakt. - Nat. Vög. p. 27.—CASS. Bird N. Am. 1858, 5.—COUES, Key, 1872, 222. - _Catharista atratus_, GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, 3, No. 16. _Vultur - aura niger_ β, KERR, Transl. Gmel. 473, 1792. _Vultur aura_ (not of - Linn.!), DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 19 (quotes Pl. Enl. 187, 1800). _Vultur - urubu_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. ii, 1807.—LATH. Gen. Hist. I, 14. - _Cathartes urubu_, LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 27, 1831.—D’ORB. Voy. Am. Mérid. - Ois. p. 31, pl. i. _Percnopterus urubu_, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, 7, pl. - xxxi, 1826. _Vultur iota_, JARD. (WILS.) Am. Orn. III, 226, 1832.—ORD - (WILS.) Am. Orn. (ed. 2). _Neophron iota_, CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), - I, 317, 1829. _Cathartes iota_, BONAP. Ann. Lyc. N. B. p. 23; Isis, - 1832, p. 1135; List, p. 1.—KING, Voy. Beag. I, 532.—NUTT. MAN. I, - 46.—PEALE, U. S. Expl. Exp. VIII, 59. _Cathartes fœtens_, ILLIG. Mus. - Berol.—LICHT. Verz. Doubl. p. 63, 1823.—GRAY, Gen. B. sp. 1, pl. i, f. - 3.—MAX. Beitr. III, 58.—RICH. SCHOMB. Faun. Brit. Guian. p. 742.—CAB. - Av. Consp. Wieg. Archiv, 1844, 262; Faun. Per. Orn. p. 71.—HARTL. - Syst. Ind. Azar. p. 1. - -SP. CHAR. Form heavy; the wings and tail short, the latter square; the -remiges and rectrices very hard and stiff. Bill strong, the mandibles -broader than deep, and of about equal depth, the terminal hook well -developed; upper and lower outlines of the cere parallel, and nearly -straight. Nostril narrow, its anterior end contracted and pointed. Wing, -17.00–17.50; tail, 7.50–8.50; culmen, .90–.95; tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, -2.90; outer, 1.90; inner, 1.50; posterior, .75. - -_Adult._ Bill blackish, the point horny white; naked skin of the -head and upper part of the neck blackish. Entire plumage continuous, -perfectly uniform dull black; primaries becoming grayish basally (more -hoary whitish on their under surface), their shafts pure white for their -whole length. - -♂ (11933, St. Simon’s Island, Georgia; Dr. Wilson). Wing, 17.50; tail, -8.25. - -HAB. Tropical and warmer portions of America, especially near the -sea-coast. - -HABITS. The Black Vulture or Carrion Crow of the Southern States, though -found in a much less extended area than the Turkey Vulture, has yet a -very wide distribution. It is quite common along our Atlantic and Gulf -coasts from North Carolina to Mexico. It does not occur on the Pacific -coast of the United States, though given by Douglas as being abundant -on the Columbia River; indeed, it has not, that I am aware of, been -detected west of the Rocky Mountains. It is, however, as Dr. Gambel -states, very common about the Gulf of California, and at Mazatlan, -particularly, he saw it around the town in large companies. On the -Atlantic coast it is not often met with farther north than Wilmington, -N. C. I could not detect it near Norfolk, Va., nor could I ascertain -that it was known ever to occur there. Accidental specimens have been -taken, two on the coast of Massachusetts and one in the Bay of Fundy; -but such occurrences are very rare. Along the coast of all the Southern -States, from North Carolina to Texas, it is much more abundant than -its kindred species, even where, in the interior of the same State, -it is far less frequent. Along the banks of the Mississippi and its -tributaries, as far as Ohio to the east and Illinois to the north, it -is found more or less abundantly at certain seasons. It is met with -in several of the West India Islands, though rare in Jamaica. It is -abundant throughout Central America, and occurs in nearly all parts of -South America. Specimens were brought from Chile by Lieutenant Gilliss, -obtained near Santiago, where it was not common, and only found in the -mountainous regions of the interior. Darwin fixes its extreme southern -limit in latitude 41° south, near the Rio Negro, and he did not meet -with any in Chile or Patagonia. - -Mr. E. C. Taylor, in his paper on the Birds of the West Indies, mentions -the great abundance of Black Vultures at Port of Spain, in Trinidad. -They swarmed over the town, covered the roofs of the houses, and lived -on the best terms with the poultry. So tame and familiar were they that -he often poked them with his stick or umbrella as he walked through the -streets. At night they roosted in the trees in the gardens and squares -of the town. They were very abundant all over Trinidad and in the parts -of Venezuela he visited, but he found none in any of the islands from -Trinidad to St. Thomas. This species was not found in Jamaica by Mr. -Gosse, but Mr. March afterwards reported it as a “recent settler.” - -[Illustration: _Catharista atrata._] - -Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860, p. 22) found the Black Vulture very -abundant in Honduras, where it is always to be seen in the villages, -sitting on the roofs of the houses, wheeling in flocks high in the air, -or feeding on the offal in the streets. They were very tame and very -numerous, forty or fifty being frequently seen in a single company. They -abounded in all parts of Central America that he visited. - -With the exception of _Quiscalus macrurus_, Mr. Salvin regards this -species as the most familiar bird in Guatemala. At night they retired to -the forests, and in the early morning trooped back to their posts in the -streets and lanes, and about the tops of the houses and churches. They -generally nested in the forests, though in Antigua Guatemala they were -said to use the ruins of the old churches for that purpose. - -Mr. Dresser found this Vulture about equally common with the _R. -aura_ on the Lower Rio Grande, but much less common near San Antonio. -He usually found the two species in company, attended also by the -_Polyborus auduboni_ and _Craxirex harrisi_. They were found breeding -among the rocks at Systerdale, where they were said to be the only -species found. - -Dr. Coues did not meet with any in Arizona, nor were any taken on the -survey of the Mexican boundary. In South Carolina he considered it -chiefly confined to the lower country, while the _C. aura_ is more -generally distributed over the State. The two meet together freely, and -as they circle about in each other’s company they afford an excellent -opportunity of noticing the great differences in their mode of flight -and in the outline of their bodies and wings. On the other hand, Wilson, -Ord, and others deny that the two kinds live together. - -In the Southern Atlantic cities, especially Charleston and Savannah, the -Black Vulture is a semi-domestic bird, and is very abundant. It is also -to be found in the interior, but is neither so common nor so tame. - -The _Catharista atratus_ is said to be much more sensitive to cold -than the _aura_, and when the weather is at all unfavorable they cower -around the tops of chimneys to enjoy the heat. Though tolerated and even -protected by law, their filthy habits render them a source of annoyance -to those whose houses they frequent. Their value as scavengers and -the services they render in the removal of offal render them almost a -necessity in Southern cities. - -Both in their mode of flight and in their movements upon the ground -this species differs materially from the Turkey-Buzzard. The latter -walks steadily while on the ground, and when it mounts does so by a -single upward spring. The Black Vulture is ill at ease on the ground, -moves awkwardly, and when it essays to fly upward takes several leaps -in a shuffling sidelong manner before it can rise. Their flight is more -labored, and is continued by flapping several times, alternating with -sailing a limited distance. Their wings are held at right angles, and -their feet protrude beyond their tail-feathers. In all these respects -the differences between the two birds are very noticeable, and plainly -mark the species. - -Mr. Audubon states that at the commencement of the mating-season, early -in February, the gesticulations of the males are very conspicuous. They -strut in the manner of a Turkey-cock, open their wings, lower their -heads, and utter a puffing sound that is anything but musical. - -Alexander Wilson describes with great minuteness a scene he witnessed -near Charleston, where the carcass of a horse was devoured by these -birds, the ground for hundreds of yards around being black with them. -He counted at one time two hundred and thirty-seven, while others -were in the air flying around. He ventured within a few yards of the -horse without their heeding his presence. They frequently attacked -one another, fighting with their claws and striking with their open -wings, fixing their claws in each other’s head. They made a hissing -sound with open mouths, resembling that produced by thrusting a red-hot -poker into water, and occasionally a snuffling noise, as if clearing -their nostrils. At times one would emerge with a large fragment, and in -a moment would be surrounded by several others, who would tear it in -pieces and soon cause it to disappear. - -The Black Vulture breeds on or near the ground in the same manner as the -Turkey-Buzzard, in hollow logs, decayed trunks of trees, and stumps, -and also without this protection, the bare earth only being made use -of. It is said to make no nest. The eggs seldom, if ever, exceed two -in number. These are greater, both in their length and capacity, than -those of the Turkey-Buzzard, although the measurements of the birds -themselves would seem to show the latter to be apparently the larger -bird. The average weight of the Black Vulture’s egg, however, is about -one pound, or fifteen per cent greater than that of the Buzzard. -Three from Charleston, Galveston, and the Rio Grande furnish the -following measurements: 3.81 inches by 1.94; 3 by 2.06; 3.06 by 1.94. -The principal difference between the eggs of this and the preceding -species is in regard to their size. Their ground-color is the same, or -nearly the same,—a yellowish-white or cream-color, almost never a pure -white, and only in exceptional cases. The eggs are more elongate in -their shape, and the blotches are usually larger. These are of a dark -reddish-brown, confluent, and chiefly distributed around the larger -end. There are also markings, smaller and less frequent, of lilac and -purplish-drab, similar to those noticed in the eggs of _C. aura_. An -egg from the Rio Grande is marked with small spots of reddish-brown and -obscure lilac, equally distributed over the whole surface on a ground of -cream-color. - -Mr. Audubon is positive that this Vulture never breeds in trees, and -that they never build any nest, but deposit their eggs on the ground, -on a dead log, or in a hollow tree. Twenty-one days are required for -hatching their eggs, on which the male and female sit by turns and feed -each other. The young are covered with a light cream-colored down, and -are fed with regurgitated food, in the manner of Pigeons. As soon as -they are able, they follow their parents through the woods, at which -period their entire head and neck, which afterwards become bare, are -covered with feathers. - - -NOTE. - -The following figures are given to illustrate some of the cranial and -sternal peculiarities of the _Cathartidæ_. - -[Illustration: - - 14. Sarcorhamphus gryphus. One half natural size. - 3369. Pseudogryphus californianus. One half natural size. - 7260. Rhinogryphus aura. One half natural size. - 1588. Catharista atrata. One half natural size.] - -[Illustration: - - 14. Sarcorhamphus gryphus. Skull and palatine bones. One half - natural size. - - 1588. Catharista atrata. Skull and palatine bones. One half natural - size. - - 3369. Pseudogryphus californianus. Skull and palatine bones. One half - natural size. Sternum, 3369. One fourth natural size. - - 260. Rhinogryphus aura. Skull and palatine bones. One half natural - size. Sternum, 9007. One fourth natural size. - - 9007. Sarcorhamphus papa. Skull and palatine bones. One half natural - size.] - - - - -FAMILY COLUMBIDÆ.—THE PIGEONS. - - -CHAR. The basal portion of the bill covered by a soft skin, in which -are situated the nostrils, overhung by an incumbent fleshy valve, the -apical portion hard and convex. The hind toe on the same level with the -rest; the anterior toes without membrane at the base. Tarsi more or less -naked; covered laterally and behind with hexagonal scales. - -The bill of the _Columbidæ_ is always shorter than the head, thinnest in -the middle; the basal half covered by a soft skin; the apical portion -of both jaws hard; the upper one very convex, blunt, and broad at the -tip, where it is also somewhat decurved. There is a long nasal groove, -the posterior portion occupied by a cartilaginous scale, covered by a -soft cere-like skin. The nostrils constitute an elongated slit in the -lower border of the scale. The culmen is always depressed and convex. -The bill is never notched in the true Doves, though _Didunculus_ shows -well-defined serrations. The tongue is small, soft, and somewhat fleshy. - -The wing has ten primaries, and eleven or twelve, rarely fifteen, -secondaries; the latter broad, truncate, and of nearly equal length. The -tail is rounded or cuneate, never forked. - -The tarsus is usually short, rarely longer than the middle toe, -scutellate anteriorly, and with hexagonal plates laterally and behind; -sometimes naked. An inter-digital membrane is either wanting entirely, -or else is very slightly indicated between the middle and outer toes. - -The valuable monograph of Bonaparte in the second part of _Conspectus -Avium_ renders the task of arranging the American _Columbidæ_ in -proper sequence and of determining their synonomy comparatively easy. -He divides the family into _Lopholæminæ_, _Columbinæ_, _Turturinæ_, -_Zenaidinæ_, and _Phapinæ_, the second and fourth alone occurring in -North America. They may be briefly distinguished as follows:— - - =Columbinæ.= Tarsus shorter than the lateral toe; feathered above. - - =Zenaidinæ.= Tarsus longer than the lateral toes; entirely bare of - feathers. - - -SUBFAMILY COLUMBINÆ. - -CHAR. Tarsi stout, short, with transverse scutellæ anteriorly; feathered -for the basal third above, but not at all behind. Toes lengthened, the -lateral decidedly longer than the tarsus. Wings lengthened and pointed. -Size large. Tail-feathers twelve. - -This section of doves embraces the largest North American species, and -among them the more arboreal ones. The genera are as follows:— - - =Columba.= Head large; tail short, broad, and rounded. - - Outer toe much longer than the inner; bill rather short, stout … - - _Columba._ - - Outer toe scarcely longer than the inner; bill lengthened, - compressed … - - _Patagiœnas._ - - =Ectopistes.= Head very small; tail much lengthened, cuneate. - - -GENUS COLUMBA, LINNÆUS. - - _Columba_, LINNÆUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Type, _Columba livia_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill stout and rather short; culmen from the base of the -feathers about two fifths the head. Lateral toes and claws about equal, -reaching nearly to the base of the middle claw; the claws rather long, -and not much curved. Tail rather short, rounded, or nearly even; as long -as from the carpal joint to the end of secondaries in the closed wing. -Second and third quills longest. - -[Illustration: =8741= ♂. ½ ½ - -_Columba fasciata._] - -The genus _Columba_, as characterized above, includes the _C. livia_, or -domestic Pigeon, the differences between it and the American forms being -very slight. Reichenbach and Bonaparte separate the North American birds -from _Columba_, under the name of _Chlorœnas_, while _C. leucocephala_ -and a near ally of the West Indies (_C. corensis_) have been placed in -the subgenus _Patagiœnas_, Reichenbach. - -The variations of form among the numerous American members of _Columba_ -are more with the species, however, than with groups, and withal are so -exceedingly slight that an attempt at subdividing the genus is scarcely -justifiable. They may be arranged by the style of coloration as follows. -None of the American species have the forepart of the neck metallic, -as in the European species, or _Columba_ proper, as restricted, and -in which these metallic feathers have the fibres loose and blended, -instead of being compact; the feathers also have a well-defined squamate -arrangement in nearly or quite all the American _Columbæ_. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =A.= Tail with a broad terminal band abruptly lighter in color than - the basal portion, and with a more or less well-defined blackish band - across the middle. Nape with metallic reflections. - - _a._ A narrow nuchal band of white; the metallic feathers beneath - this, with their outlines distinct, producing a squamate appearance. - - 1. =C. fasciata.= Blackish band across the middle of the tail - narrow, and badly defined, and concealed by the coverts; terminal - portion of the tail much lighter than the basal part. Bill - yellow; crissum whitish; hood and anterior lower parts ashy - vinaceous-purple; dorsal region ashy. - - Bill tipped with black; wing-coverts conspicuously edged with - white; back with an olivaceous cast. Wing, 8.80; tail, 6.10; - culmen, .75; tarsus, 1.13; middle toe, 1.37; outer, 1.05; inner, - .94. _Hab._ Pacific Province of the United States, south to - Guatemala … - - var. _fasciata_. - - Bill entirely yellow; wing-coverts not distinctly edged with - white; back with a bluish cast. Wing, 8.30; tail, 6.20; culmen, - .80; tarsus, 1.04; middle toe, 1.27; outer, 1.00; inner, .88. - _Hab._ Costa Rica … - - var. _albilinea_.[99] - - 2. =C. araucana.=[100] Black band across the middle of the tail as - broad as the terminal lighter one, and wholly exposed; terminal - portion not lighter than the base. Bill black; crissum deep slate; - hood and lower parts deep purplish-vinaceous; dorsal region like - the breast. Wing, 8.35; tail, 6.20; culmen, .58; tarsus, 1.13; - middle toe, 1.26; outer, .90; inner, .77. _Hab._ Chile. - - _b._ No nuchal bar of white; metallic feathers of the nape with - their fibres blended, producing a soft even surface. - - 3. =C. caribæa.=[101] Tail much as in _C. fasciata_, but with a - much greater contrast between the nearly equal dark basal and - light terminal portions; the former more uniformly dusky, not - showing any distinct darker intermediate band. Bill black; hood - and lower parts light ashy-pinkish vinaceous; crissum white; - dorsal region ashy. Wing, 8.70; tail, 6.90; culmen, .81; tarsus, - 1.05; middle toe, 1.28; outer, .90; inner, .88. _Hab._ Jamaica. - - 4. =C. rufina.=[102] Terminal light band of the tail narrow, badly - defined. Bill black. Forehead, dorsal region, lesser wing-coverts, - neck and breast, deep chocolate-purple; forepart of the back with - a violet reflection. Other portions mainly ashy. Wing, 7.50; tail, - 5.00; culmen, .68; tarsus, .97; middle toe, 1.13; outer, .89; - inner, .78. _Hab._ Brazil, north to Guatemala. - - =B.= Tail of a uniform shade throughout. - - _a._ A metallic “cape” on the nape, each feather bordered with - black, producing a conspicuously squamate appearance; above this, - a broad, transverse, crescentic patch of dark maroon color. No - vinaceous tints on the body. - - 5. =C. leucocephala.= Hood white; metallic cape brassy-green; - throat, cheeks, etc., dark plumbeous-slate, like the rest of the - plumage. Bill yellow only at the tip. Wing, 7.70; tail, 5.50; - culmen, .66; tarsus, 1.00; middle toe, 1.25; outer, .85; inner, - .83. _Hab._ Cuba, and south Florida. - - 6. =C. corensis.=[103] Hood, with remaining portions of head and - neck, purplish-vinaceous; metallic cape vinaceous-purple. Bill - wholly yellow. Wing, 8.00; tail, 5.70; culmen, .63; tarsus, 1.05; - middle toe, 1.25; outer, .86; inner, .83. _Hab._ Porto Rico; St. - Thomas; Santo Domingo; Santa Cruz. - - _b._ No metallic reflections on the nape. - - Head and neck, all round, lower parts to the anal region, and a - patch on the lesser wing-coverts, reddish chocolate-purple. Rest - of plumage slaty-blue, darker on tail and primaries, and more - olivaceous on the dorsal region. - - 7. =C. flavirostris.= Feathers of the forehead reaching forward to - the anterior end of the nasal lobe, and wholly covering the cere - on top. Culmen much arched. Bill and claws yellow. Wing, 7.80; - tail, 5.40; culmen, .52; tarsus, 1.03; middle toe, 1.15; outer, - .82; inner, .75. _Hab._ Middle America, and southern borders of - Middle Province of United States, from Arizona and the Rio Grande; - south to Costa Rica. - - 8. =C. inornata.=[104] Feathers of the forehead reaching forward - to only about the middle of the nasal lobe, leaving the top of the - cere naked; culmen only moderately arched. Bill and claws black. - Wing, 9.20; tail, 6.60; culmen, .75; tarsus, 1.16; middle toe, - 1.47; outer, 1.18; inner, .97. _Hab._ Jamaica. - -[Plate: PLATE LVII. - - 1. Ortalida maccalli. _Ad._, Texas. - 2. Columba fasciata. ♂ Cal., 33661. - 3. Columba leucocephala. ♂ Fla., 8662. - 4. Ectopistes migratoria. ♂ 7115. - 5. Columba flavirostris. ♂ Mazatlan, 30893.] - - -Columba fasciata, SAY. - -BAND-TAILED PIGEON. - - _Columba fasciata_, SAY, Long’s Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 10.—BON. - Amer. Orn. I, 1825, 77, pl. viii.—WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, _Columba_, - No. 47.—NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 624.—AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 479, - pl. ccclxvii.—IB. Syn. 1839, 191.—IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 312, pl. - cclxxix.—TSCHUDI, Fauna Peruana, 1844–46, No. 261.—NEWBERRY, Zoöl. - Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R. VI, IV, 92.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 597.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 506. _Chlorœnas fasciata_, BONAP. - Consp. II, 1854, 51. _Columba monilis_, VIGORS, Zoöl. Beechey’s - Voyage, 1839, 26, pl. x. _Chlorœnas monilis_, REICH. Icones Av. - ccxxvii, fig. 2481. - -SP. CHAR. Above ash, inclining to olivaceous on the back, and with a -fine bluish cast on the rump, under surface of wings, and sides. The -primaries and basal portion of the tail dusky. Larger wing-coverts and -secondaries, with primaries, distinctly edged with white; terminal -third of tail of nearly the same tint as the wing-coverts, but the -basal portion much darker, with a rather indistinct, narrow dusky band -between the two shades, a little beyond the tips of the upper coverts. -Whole head, lateral and front part of neck, and lower parts to the -anal region, ashy vinaceous-purple, lighter, and more pinkish on the -abdomen; chin considerably lighter; anal region and crissum white. -A narrow half-collar of white across the upper portion of the nape; -feathers beneath this dull metallic golden-green, with an occasional -bronzy reflection, the feathers somewhat squamate. Bill and feet yellow, -the former black at the end; iris red. Length, about 15.00; wing, 8.80; -tail, 6.10. _Female_ smaller, and less deeply colored, the purplish tint -more ashy; sometimes with the nuchal white band obsolete or wanting; the -abdomen whitish, etc. - -HAB. Pacific Province of United States, and table-lands of Mexico, to -Guatemala. Oaxaca (SCL. 1858, 304); Xalapa, 1859, 369 (CORDOVA, 1856, -359); Guatemala (SALVIN, Ibis, II, 276); Fort Whipple, Arizona (COUES, -P. A. N. S. 1866, 93); Vera Cruz, alpine region (SUM. M. Bost. Soc. I, -562). - -[Illustration: _Columba fasciata._] - -Specimens—even those from the same locality—vary a great deal in size, -particularly as to the bill, and there is also considerable variation -in the shade and depth as well as the extent of the purplish tint; -this varies from a purplish-chocolate tint to nearly violaceous, and -sometimes tinges the ends of the lower tail-coverts; sometimes the back -has faint bronzy reflections. Guatemalan skins have the white edgings -to the wing-coverts less conspicuous than in northern ones, showing an -approximation to the features of var. _albilinea_ of Costa Rica; they -also have a shorter bill than California specimens. Oregon birds, on the -other hand, have longer bills than the California, and are considerably -darker in color. - -HABITS. The Band-tailed Pigeon was first met with in Long’s expedition -to the Rocky Mountains, and described by Say in 1823. It is found -from the northern Rocky Mountains westward to the Pacific, and from -Central America northward along the whole of the Pacific Coast as far -to the north as Washington Territory, and probably portions of British -Columbia. - -Mr. Townsend, quoted by Audubon, noticed this Pigeon from the eastern -spurs of the Rocky Mountains across to the Columbia River, where it was -very abundant. He noticed their arrival in very great numbers on the -17th of April, and they continued in large flocks even while breeding. -Their breeding-places were on the banks of the river, the eggs were -placed on the ground, under small bushes without any nest, where numbers -congregated together. The eggs were two in number, and are described as -of a yellowish-white color, some inclining to a bluish-white with minute -white dots at the larger end. - -These birds feed on the berries of the black-elder and the buds of the -balsam poplar. When sitting on the trees, they huddle close together in -the manner of the Carolina Parrot, and many may be killed at a single -discharge. Their flesh is said to be tender, juicy, and fine eating. - -Mr. Nuttall states that this Pigeon is always in flocks, and in Oregon -keeps only in the thick forests of the Columbia and the Wahlamet, and -during the summer is more particularly abundant in the alluvial groves -of the latter river, where he constantly heard its cooing, and saw -it in large flocks, feeding on the berries of the elder, the _Cornus -nuttalli_, and the seed-germs and young pods of the balsam poplar. Its -call is somewhat similar to that of the Carolina Dove, but is readily -distinguishable, is uttered at the usual intervals, and is repeated an -hour or two at a time, chiefly in the morning and evening. It remains -on the lower part of the Columbia nearly the whole year, feeding on the -berries of the tree cornel, moving south only in the severity of winter. - -Mr. Salvin found this Pigeon at Volcan de Fuego, in Guatemala, at an -elevation of six thousand feet, and at Coban. It was quite common in the -high forests of the Volcano. - -Dr. Woodhouse met with small flocks of these Pigeons in different parts -of New Mexico, and especially in the San Francisco Mountains, now -included within the limits of Arizona. - -This species was found at Los Nogales, in Mexico, July, 1855, by Dr. -Kennerly, and at New Leon by Lieutenant Couch. Dr. Kennerly states that -these beautiful birds were often observed in the valleys of the Santa -Cruz and Los Nogales Rivers, as well as among the oaks on the adjacent -hills. In the month of June they were found in small flocks of four or -five, rarely more. When flying, the wings often caused a flapping noise, -similar to that made by the domestic Pigeon. - -Dr. Newberry, in his Report on the zoölogy of Colonel Williamson’s -route, states that he met with this Pigeon at several points of his -journey. He speaks of it as an attractive bird, about the size and with -many of the habits of the domestic Pigeon. At McCumbers, northeast of -Fort Reading, the first individual was seen and killed by one of his -party. In that region they were not rare, and during the season of -acorns they subsist on those of the scrub-oak, which abounds in that -vicinity. On the Columbia they were seen in pairs, and near the Dalles -might readily be mistaken for domestic doves. - -Dr. Suckley found this Pigeon a very common bird in Washington -Territory, especially west of the Cascade Mountains. He saw but a single -flock containing five individuals east of those mountains. In 1856, -the first birds of this species that arrived in the spring made their -appearance about the 15th of May, which he found to be their customary -time of arrival. One or two individuals were first seen, and within two -or three days thereafter the main body of the migration followed. A -small number remained throughout the summer to breed, the rest proceeded -farther north. Those that remained generally made their nests in the -thick fir forests near water. During the summer they subsisted on wild -cherries and other berries, and later in the season, in the settled -parts of the country, on grain. About the first week in September -large flocks congregated on the stubble-fields in the vicinity of Fort -Steilacoom, and for two or three weeks thereafter their numbers were -daily augmented by arrivals from the north. Some of the flocks that he -saw in September, he states, must have contained at least a thousand -individuals. He was told that on the cultivated districts on Cowlitz -River, at the same season, they were in still greater numbers. By the -5th of October all had suddenly disappeared, except a few stragglers, -generally young birds. In their flights, Dr. Suckley states, they are -not quite as compactly crowded as in the case of the Passenger Pigeon. -During the summer, while they were breeding, their cooing and calls -could be heard quite a long distance. The name of this bird in the -Nisqually language is “Hubboh,” in imitation of their call. In the -autumn these birds are said to be excellent eating. - -According to Dr. Cooper, these Pigeons arrive at the Columbia River in -April, and frequent all the forests of the Territory until the end of -October, when they retire south. They keep about the borders of prairies -and clearings, and frequently do much damage to fields of grain, though -never found in such immense numbers as the common Passenger Pigeon east -of the Mississippi. In June they lay two white eggs about the size of -those of the House Pigeon, on the ground near streams or openings, and -without constructing any nests. During the summer they were observed to -feed upon wild peas, wild cherries, and other wild fruits and berries, -which are very abundant. Later in the season they seem to depend upon -acorns and other nuts. Their cooing is very much like that of the common -Pigeon. He saw none east of the Cascade Range. - -Mr. Ridgway did not meet with this Pigeon in his route from the Sierra -Nevada eastward to the Rocky Mountains, along the line of the 40th -parallel, and it is supposed not to occur in that latitude except near -the Pacific Coast. - -An egg of this Pigeon, given me by Dr. Holden, of Stockton, and obtained -in the Coast Range, is oval in shape, equally rounded at either end, and -of a dull white. It measures 1.49 inches in length by 1.15 in breadth. -Another, in the Smithsonian collection, measures 1.55 by 1.20 inches. - - -Columba leucocephala, LINN. - -WHITE-HEADED PIGEON. - - _Columba leucocephala_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 164.—BONAP. - J. A. N. S. Ph. V, 1825, 30; Syn. 119; Am. Orn. II, 1828, 11, pl. - xv.—NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 625.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 443; V, 557, - pl. clxxvii; Birds Am. IV, 1842, 315, pl. cclxxx.—TEMM. Pig. et - Gallin. I, 459.—GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 299.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 599.—MARCH, P. A. N. S. 1863, 301 (says there are two species). - _Patagiœnas leucocephalus_, REICHENB. Syst. Av. 1851, xxv; Ic. Av. - tab. 223 and 255.—BONAP. Consp. II, 1854, 54.—GUNDL. Caban. Journ. - 1856, 107.—REICH. Handb. 64, tab. 223, f. 1257, 1258, 255, 2863, 2864. - -SP. CHAR. General color very dark slate-blue, primaries and tail -darker. Upper half of the head, from the bill to the nape, pure white, -not reaching the edge of the eyelids; a triangular patch of dark -maroon-purple on the occiput, and below it a semicircular “cape” -covering the nape, of metallic brassy-green, each feather distinctly -bordered externally with velvety-black, producing a squamate appearance. -Bill deep purple, the end light blue; iris white; legs deep lake-red. -In skins the bill dusky tipped with yellowish, the feet yellow. Sexes -similar. Length, 13.50; wing, 7.00; tail, 5.80. - -[Illustration: - - ½ - =8662= ♂ - =8663= ♂ ½ - -_Columba leucocephala._] - -HAB. Southern Keys of Florida (including Indian Key) and West Indies -generally. Honduras (MOORE, P. Z. S. 1859, 61); Santa Cruz (NEWTON, -Ibis, I, 253); Cuba (CAB. J. IV, 107); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. Bost. Soc. -VII, 1859); Jamaica (GOSSE, B. J. 299); Porto Rico (TAYLOR, Ibis, 1864, -171); Cuba (GUNDL. Repert. I, 1866, 298); Santa Bartholemy (SUND. Ofv. -1869, 585). - -HABITS. The White-headed Pigeon occurs in the more southern of the keys -of Florida, but, so far as I am aware, has never been taken on any part -of the mainland. It is an abundant species in Cuba, Jamaica, and in most -of the other West India Islands. - -This Dove, according to Audubon, arrives on the southern keys of Florida -about the 20th of April, sometimes not until the first of May. On the -30th of April he shot several just after their arrival from across the -Gulf Stream. He noticed them as they approached the shore, skimming -along the surface of the water, and flying with great rapidity, in the -manner of the House Pigeon. As they approached the land they rose to -about a hundred yards, flying in circles as if to survey the country. -To procure specimens, it was necessary to force them out from the dark -retreats in which they had alighted. They were at all times exceedingly -shy and wary, probably on account of the war that is incessantly waged -against them, their flesh being very juicy and finely flavored. This -shyness is only partially abated even during the breeding-season, -as they will silently slide from their nest when sitting, if it is -approached, and retreat to the dark shade of the mangroves, and do not -return for an interval to their charge. They were more abundant in the -more southern keys, except the sterile Tortugas. - -According to Mr. March, there are two varieties of this Pigeon, known -as the Baldpate in Jamaica, distinguished as the Mountain and the -Mangrove Baldpate. The latter he has never met with in the mountains, -but both kinds resort at all times to the lowlands and mangrove-swamps -along the coasts, and to the neighboring islands and keys (Pigeon -Island and the two Goat Islands in particular), where they breed in -numbers, making their nests in trees, some at high elevations, others -so low as to be within reach of a person standing, according to the -convenience of the site. Large numbers of squabs are often taken from -these places and brought into the towns for sale. They feed in company -in the morning and afternoon, and as they often feed at a distance -from their roosting-places, large flocks are sometimes seen in the -early morning and evening passing and repassing overhead, sometimes in -high, at other times in low flight, going to and returning from the -feeding-ground or convenient watering-place. Their food is grain, fruit, -and berries, nuts and seeds; and they commit serious depredations on -the Guinea-corn fields, not only by the quantity they devour, but by -breaking down the brittle cornstalks with the weight of their bodies. -They are easily kept in confinement, and often breed and become quiet -and contented, but take the earliest opportunity of emancipation. The -nest is a platform of sticks and twigs loosely put together, and bedded -with softer materials, with a slight hollow in the centre. The eggs are -two, glarish-white in color, varying in form and dimensions, but usually -long oval, measuring 1.63 inches in length by 1.13 in breadth. - -According to Mr. Leyland (Ibis, I, p. 222) this Pigeon inhabits the keys -or small islands on the coast of Honduras. - -It was found at St. Croix by Professor Alfred Newton, frequenting the -hills in the north of the island, and occasionally in the brush-land on -the south side. It was not very common, and was said to be a visitor -from Porto Rico; but it undoubtedly breeds on the island of St. Croix, -as Professor Newton obtained a young bird, shot July 28, which could -not have left the nest many days. A caged specimen of this bird, that -had been in the possession of Dr. Carden of St. Croix several years, -was given to Professor Newton by that gentleman, and presented to the -Zoölogical Society of London. - -Mr. Audubon found the nests placed high or low according to -circumstances, but never saw two on the same tree. He has met with -them on the top of a cactus, only a few feet from the ground, or on -a low branch of a mangrove almost touching the water. They are said -to resemble that of the common Passenger Pigeon, but are more compact -and better lined; the outer part being composed of small dry twigs, -the inner of fibrous roots and grasses. The eggs are two, of an opaque -white, roundish, and as large as those of the common Pigeon. Mr. Audubon -thinks that these birds may have several broods in a season. None were -known by him to visit the mainland of Florida. - -In captivity these birds may be easily managed, and breed readily, as -Mr. Audubon witnessed in the aviaries of Dr. Wilson and Rev. Dr. Bachman -of Charleston, S. C. - -In confinement they are said never to lay more than a single egg. The -measurement of their eggs, as given by Mr. Audubon, is 1.31 inches in -length by 1.06 in breadth. Eggs in my cabinet from Cuba measure 1.40 by -1.03 inches. They are of a pure but not a brilliant white color, equal -at either end and oval in shape. - - -Columba flavirostris, WAGLER. - -RED-BILLED DOVE. - - _Columba flavirostris_, WAGLER, Isis, 1831, 519.—LAWRENCE, Annals - N. Y. Lyc. V. May, 1851, 116.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 598, pl. - lxi.—IB. Mex. B. II, Birds 21, pl. xxiii.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, - 1870, 508. _Chlorœnas flavirostris_, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, - 52.—REICHENB. Handb. 61. _? Columba solitaria_, MCCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. - Phila. III, July, 1847, 233 (Rio Grande, Texas. Description referring - probably to this species). - -SP. CHAR. Second and third quills equal, and decidedly longer than the -first and fourth, also nearly equal. Tail truncate, slightly rounded. -Head and neck all round, breast, and a large patch on the middle and -lesser wing-coverts, light chocolate-red, the latter deeper and more -opaque red; the middle of the back, scapulars, and tertials olive; the -rest of body, wings, and tail very dark slaty-blue; the inferior and -concealed surfaces of the latter black. Bill and legs yellow in the -dried skin, said to be purple in life; eyes purple. Length, 14.00; wing, -8.00; tail, 5.70. - -HAB. Lower Rio Grande, and Mexico, south to Costa Rica. Oaxaca (SCL. -1859, 391); (Cordova, 1856, 309); Honduras (TAYLOR, Ibis, II, 226; SALV. -Ibis, III, 355); City of Mexico (SCL. P. Z. S. 1864, 178); Southeastern -Texas, breeding (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 23); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 134). - -There is no trace of any metallic scale-like feathers on the neck of -this species. The wing-feathers, including the greater coverts, are -whitish on their external border. There is sometimes a tinge of the red -on the inside of the wing. - -The _C. inornata_ of Jamaica (see synopsis) is wonderfully similar, -except in the form and color of the bill; the plumage of the two does -not differ in the minutest particular. The West Indian bird is much the -larger, however, the bill black, and very differently shaped. - -The _Columba solitaria_ of McCall appears to be closely related to this -species, but, judging from the description, seems to differ in having -the head and neck bluish rather than red. It may possibly be the female -of _C. flavirostris_, as this sex usually has a bluish tinge instead of -red; the smaller size, too, would favor this supposition.[105] - -=Habits.= The Red-billed Dove claims a place in the North American -fauna only as a resident in the valley of the Lower Rio Grande River. -It appears also to be found on and near the gulf-coast of Mexico and -Central America. - -It was taken at New Leon, Mexico, in March, 1853, by Lieutenant Couch, -and on the Rio Grande by Mr. A. Schott. It was first seen by the former -in the thick woody bottoms of the San Juan, New Leon. The birds were -quite common, but remained very secluded. They are said to be of very -rapid flight. - -Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860, p. 226) mentions finding these birds not -uncommon on Tigre Island, in Honduras, but did not meet with them in the -interior. He speaks of them as very handsome birds, but gives no account -of their habits. - -Mr. Henry E. Dresser found the Red-billed Dove quite common near -Matamoras, and breeding there. During the autumn great quantities, as -well as of the _leucoptera_ and the _carolinensis_, are brought to the -market for sale. At Brownsville, also, these birds were not uncommon, -but were found for only a short distance towards the interior of Texas, -and none were seen higher up the Rio Grande than Roma. A Mexican, who -shot doves for the market, informed Mr. Dresser that he had found this -species breeding near the town of Matamoras, and that it builds a nest -somewhat similar to that of _Z. carolinensis_, but that its two eggs -are somewhat larger. Their stomachs were found filled with a kind of -blueberry. - -Eggs in the Berlandier collection are oval in shape, equal and slightly -tapering at either end, and of a creamy-white color. They measure 1.18 -inches in length by .90 of an inch in breadth. - - -GENUS ECTOPISTES, SWAINSON. - - _Ectopistes_, SWAINSON, Zoöl. Jour. III, 1827, 362. (Type, _Columba - migratoria_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Head very small. Bill short, black; culmen one third the rest -of the head; feathers of the chin running very far forward; gonys very -short. Tarsi very short, half covered anteriorly by feathers. Inner -lateral claw much larger than outer, reaching to the base of the middle -one. Tail very long and excessively cuneate; above as long as the wings. -First primary longest. Black spots on scapulars; a black and a rufous -spot on inner webs of tail-feathers. - -This genus is readily distinguished from the other _Columbinæ_ by the -excessively lengthened and acute middle feathers. It formerly included -the _Columba carolinensis_, but this, with more propriety, has been -erected into a different genus, and will be found in the next section. - -[Illustration: =17046= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Ectopistes migratoria._] - -The _Ectopistes migratoria_ is blue above, the male purplish-red -beneath, the female brownish-ashy, passing into whitish behind. The wing -above and scapulars are spotted with bluish-black, the sides of the neck -with metallic gloss of solferino-purple; the inner webs of tail-feathers -have each a rufous and a black spot. - - -Ectopistes migratoria, SWAINSON. - -WILD PIGEON; PASSENGER-PIGEON. - - _Columba migratoria_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 285.—GM. I, - 389.—FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 398.—WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, - 102, pl. xliv.—WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 91.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, - 1831, 319; V, 561, pl. lxii. _Ectopistes migratoria_, SWAINSON, Zoöl. - Jour. III, 1827, 355.—IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 363.—BON. Consp. Av. - II, 1854, 59.—AUD. Syn. 1839, 194.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 25, pl. - cclxxxv.—“REICH. Icones Av. tab. 249, figs. 1377, 1379.”—BAIRD, Birds - N. Am. 1858, 600.—MAX. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 424.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, - 122 (British Columbia, from coast; nest on ground).—COOPER & SUCKLEY, - 218.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 509. _Columba canadensis_, LINNÆUS, - Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 284.—GM. I, 1788, 785. Female or young. (Prior - name ?) _Columba americana_, “KALM, It. II, 527.” _Passenger Pigeon_, - PENNANT, II, 322.—LATH. Syn. II, II, 661. - -SP. CHAR. Tail with twelve feathers. Upper parts generally, including -sides of body, head, and neck, and the chin, blue. Beneath, purple -brownish-red, fading behind into a violet tint. Anal region and under -tail-coverts bluish-white. Scapulars, inner tertials, and middle of -back with an olive-brown tinge; the wing-coverts, scapulars, and inner -tertials with large oval spots of blue-black on the outer webs, mostly -concealed, except on the latter. Primaries blackish, with a border of -pale bluish tinged internally with red. Middle tail-feather brown; the -rest pale blue on the outer web, white internally; each with a patch -of reddish-brown at the base of the inner web, followed by another of -black. Sides and back of neck richly glossed with metallic golden-violet -or reddish-purple. Tibiæ bluish-violet. Bill black. Feet lake-red. The -female is smaller, much duller in color, more olivaceous above; beneath, -pale ash instead of red, except a tinge on the neck; the jugulum tinged -with olive, the throat whitish. Length of male, 17.00; wing, 8.50; tail, -8.40. - -HAB. North America to high Central Plains; West Humboldt Mountains, -Nevada (September; RIDGWAY). Cuba (GUNDL. Rep. I, 1866, 302; CAB. J. IX, -112). - -The blue of the side of the head extends to the throat and chin. The -upper part of the back and lesser coverts are of a darker blue than the -head and rump. The inner primaries are more broadly margined with light -blue, which tapers off to the end. The axillars and under surface of the -wing are light blue. The longest scapulars have the black on both webs. -There is no blue on the outer web of the first tail-feather, which is -white, as is the inferior surface of the tail generally. - -[Illustration: _Ectopistes migratoria._] - -In some specimens the entire head all round is blue. - -The immature male varies in having most of the feathers of the head and -body margined with whitish. - -HABITS. The common Passenger Pigeon of North America is found throughout -the continent in great abundance, from the Atlantic to the great Central -Plains, and from the Southern States, in which it only occasionally -occurs, to at least the 62d parallel of northern latitude, in the -interior. - -Richardson states that this Pigeon arrives in the fur countries in the -latter part of May and leaves in October. On the coast of Hudson’s -Bay it reaches no farther than the 58th parallel, and only in very -fine summers, but in the interior or in the warmer central districts -it attains to the 62d degree. Mr. Hutchins mentions, as a remarkable -occurrence, that a flock of these Pigeons visited York Factory and -remained two days. - -It is not found on the Pacific coast. Dr. Suckley only met with a single -bird in immature plumage on a branch of Milk River, in Nebraska, about -one hundred and seventy-five miles east of the Rocky Mountains; he -thinks the eastern base may be considered their western limit. Dr. -Cooper has seen it at Fort Laramie, but has never seen nor heard of it -in Oregon, though Townsend mentions it as found there. - -Dr. Woodhouse found these Pigeons common throughout the Indian Territory -in the spring and fall, during their migrations. - -Captain Blakiston noticed the first arrival of the Passenger Pigeons at -Fort Carlton, on the 23d of May. By the middle of June numerous flocks -were moving northward. These could, at a long distance, be readily -distinguished from flocks of water-fowl or waders, by their flight being -in no particular order. On the Mackenzie, Mr. Ross observed these birds -as far north as Fort Norman in latitude 65°, while on the coast of -Hudson’s Bay they are only found as far as 58°, even in warm summers. - -The Wild Pigeon appears to be almost entirely influenced in its -migrations by the abundance of its food, excepting in those parts of the -country in which it has not been known to remain during winter. Even in -these movements it is largely influenced by instinctive considerations -of food. Evidently the temperature has but little to do with their -migrations, as they not unfrequently move northward in large columns -as early as the 7th of March, with a thermometer twenty degrees below -the freezing-point. In the spring of 1872 a large accumulation of -these birds took place early in March, in the eastern portion of New -York. They were present in the forests about Albany, and were taken in -such immense numbers that the markets of New York and Boston were very -largely supplied with them. - -As early as the 10th of March they were ascertained to have in their -ovaries full-grown eggs, ready for exclusion. In Kentucky they have been -known, according to Audubon, to remain summer and winter in the same -districts for several successive years, in consequence of the great -abundance of food, while in other parts of the State none were to be met -with. They suddenly disappeared as soon as the beech-mast had become -exhausted, and did not return for a long period. - -The Wild Pigeons are capable of propelling themselves in long-continued -flights, and are known to move with an almost incredible rapidity, -passing over a great extent of country in a very short time. It is -quite a common and well-ascertained fact that Pigeons are captured in -the State of New York with their crops still filled with the undigested -grains of rice that must have been taken in the distant fields of -Georgia or South Carolina, apparently proving that they must have passed -over the intervening space within a very few hours. Audubon estimates -the rapidity of their flight as at least a mile a minute. - -The Wild Pigeons are said to move, in their flight, by quickly repeated -flaps of the wings, which are brought more or less near to the body, -according to the degree of velocity required. During the love-season -they often fly in a circling manner, supporting themselves with both -wings angularly elevated. Before alighting, they break the force of -their flight by repeated flappings. - -Their great powers of flight, and the ability thus given to change at -will their residence, and their means of renewing a supply of food, are -also thought to be seconded by a remarkable power of vision, enabling -them to discover their food with great readiness. Mr. Audubon states -that he has observed flocks of these birds, in passing over a sterile -part of the country, fly high in the air, with an extended front, -enabling them to survey hundreds of acres at once. When the land is -richly covered with food, or the trees well supplied with mast, they fly -low in order to discover the part most plentifully supplied. - -Several writers, who have witnessed the occasionally enormous flights -of these Pigeons, have given very full and graphic accounts of their -immense numbers that seem hardly credible to those who have not seen -them. Mr. Audubon relates that in 1813, on his way from Henderson to -Louisville, in crossing the barrens near Hardensburg, he observed -these birds flying to the southwest in greater numbers than he had -ever known before. He attempted to count the different flocks as they -successively passed, but after counting one hundred and sixty-three in -twenty-one minutes he gave it up as impracticable. As he journeyed on, -their numbers seemed to increase. The air seemed filled with Pigeons, -and the light of noonday to be obscured as by an eclipse. Not a single -bird alighted, as the woods were destitute of mast, and all flew so high -that he failed to reach any with a rifle. He speaks of their aerial -evolutions as beautiful in the extreme, especially when a Hawk pressed -upon the rear of a flock. All at once, like a torrent, and with a noise -like that of thunder, they rushed together into a compact mass, and -darted forward in undulating lines, descending and sweeping near the -earth with marvellous velocity, then mounting almost perpendicularly -in a vast column, wheeling and twisting so that their continued lines -seemed to resemble the coils of a gigantic serpent. During the whole -of his journey from Hardensburg to Louisville, fifty-five miles, they -continued to pass in undiminished numbers, and also did so during the -three following days. At times they flew so low that multitudes were -destroyed, and for many days the entire population seemed to eat nothing -else but Pigeons. - -When a flight of Pigeons discovers an abundant supply of food, -sufficient to induce them to alight, they are said to pass around in -circles over the place, making various evolutions, after a while passing -lower over the woods, and at length alighting; then, as if suddenly -alarmed, taking to flight, only to return immediately. These manœuvres -are repeated with various indications of indecision in their movements, -or as if apprehensive of unseen dangers. During these manœuvres the -flapping of their many thousand wings causes a reverberation suggestive -of distant thunder. When at last settled upon the ground, they -industriously search among the fallen leaves for the acorns and the -beech-mast, the rear flocks continually rising, passing over the main -body, and realighting. These changes are so frequent that at times the -whole collection appears to be in motion. A large extent of ground is -thus cleared in a surprisingly short space of time, and cleared with a -completeness that is described as incredible. They are usually satiated -by the middle of the day, and ascend to the trees to rest and digest -their food. On these occasions the Pigeons are destroyed in immense -numbers, and their abundance in large extents of the country has been -very sensibly reduced. - -In its movements on the ground, as also when alighted on the branches of -trees, the Wild Pigeon is remarkable for its ease and grace. It walks on -the ground and also on the limbs of trees with an easy, graceful motion, -frequently jerking its tail and moving its neck backward and forward. - -Mr. Audubon states that in Kentucky he has repeatedly visited one of -the remarkable roosting-places to which these birds resort at night. -This one was on the banks of Green River, and to this place the birds -came every night at sunset, arriving from all directions, some of them -from the distance of several hundred miles, as was conjectured from -certain observations. This roost was in a portion of the forest where -the trees were of great magnitude. It was more than forty miles in -length, and averaged three in breadth. It had been occupied as a roost -about a fortnight when he visited it. Their dung was several inches -deep on the ground, covering the whole extent of the roosting-place. -Many trees, two feet in diameter, had been broken down by their weight, -as well as many branches of the largest and tallest trees. The forest -seemed as if it had been swept by a tornado. Everything gave evidence -that the number of birds resorting to that part of the forest must be -immense. A large number of persons collected before sunset to destroy -them, provided with torches of pine-knots, and armed with long poles -and guns. The Pigeons began to collect after sunset, their approach -preceded, even when they were at a distance, by a noise like that of -a hard gale at sea sounding in the rigging of a vessel. As the birds -passed over him, they created a strong current of air. The birds arrived -by thousands, fires were lighted, and the work of destruction commenced. -Many were knocked down by the pole-men. In many cases they collected in -such solid masses on the branches that several of their perches gave way -and fell to the ground, in this way destroying hundreds of the birds -beneath them. It was a scene of great confusion and continued until past -midnight, the Pigeons still continuing to arrive. The sound made by the -birds at the roost could be heard at the distance of three miles. As day -approached, the noise in some measure subsided; and long before objects -were distinguishable the Pigeons began to move off, and before daylight -all that were able to fly had disappeared. The dead and wounded birds -were then collected and piled into heaps by those who had assembled for -the purpose. - -Though for the most part living, moving, and feeding together in large -companies, the Wild Pigeon mates in pairs for purposes of breeding. They -have several broods in the season, and commence nesting very early in -the spring, the time being considerably affected by the amount of food. -In the spring of 1849 an immense number of these birds collected on -Fayston Mountain, near Montpelier, Vt., although at the time of their -coming the weather was very cold and the ground covered with snow. -There they seemed to find a great abundance of food, berries of the -mountain-ash and such other fruit as they could procure, and there they -remained, breeding in great numbers, until late in the summer. They were -still collected in June, although the whole neighborhood was warring -upon them for many miles around, and the markets of Boston and other -places were largely supplied with them. - -In the extensive forests of Kentucky, Mr. Audubon found them usually -collecting and breeding in trees of great height, and always at a -convenient distance from water, resorting thither in countless myriads. -Their note, during breeding, is described as a short _coo-coo_, much -briefer than in the domestic Pigeon, while their usual call-note is a -repetition of the monosyllables _kee-kee-kee_, the first note being -louder and the last fainter than the rest. In the love-season the male -puts on the pompous manners peculiar to all Pigeons, and follows the -female with drooping wings and expanded tail, the body being held in -an elevated attitude and the throat swollen. Occasionally they caress -one another in the same manner in which they feed their young, by -introducing the bill of one into that of the other and disgorging the -contents of their crops. - -Their nests are composed of a few dry twigs laid crosswise, and built -upon the branches of trees. From fifty to a hundred were seen by Audubon -in the same tree, and were said to be frequently at a considerable -height. The few I have seen were in low trees, and not more than ten -feet from the ground. The eggs are never more than two in number, pure -white, and of a broadly elliptical form. During incubation the male bird -feeds the mate and afterwards assists in supplying the young birds, and -both birds are conspicuous in their demonstrations of affection, both to -each other and to their offspring. The young brood, usually both sexes -in one nest, leave their parents as soon as they are able to shift for -themselves. - -In the New England States and in the more cultivated part of the country -these birds no longer breed in large communities. The instance near -Montpelier, in 1849, is the only marked exception that has come within -my knowledge. They now breed in isolated pairs, their nests being -scattered through the woods and seldom near one another. - -The Wild Pigeon has been successfully kept in aviaries, and has -occasionally bred in confinement. - -Wilson’s account of the habits of these Pigeons is substantially -corroborative of that of Audubon. He witnessed their migrations in -vast numbers, in various parts of the country,—in Western New York, -in Pennsylvania, in various parts of Virginia, where he beheld their -immense flocks with amazement, but where they were mere straggling -parties compared with the congregated millions he saw in Ohio, Indiana, -and Kentucky. He also noted their habit of frequenting the same -roosting-place night after night, even when they were compelled to fly -sixty or eighty miles each day to their feeding-places. His account -of their roosting-places is similar to that of Audubon, corroborating -the accumulation of the dung covering the surface of the ground and -destroying all the grass and underbrush, the breaking down of large -limbs, and even of small trees, by the weight of the birds clustering -one above another, and the trees themselves at last killed as completely -as if girdled by an axe. - -One of the breeding-places visited by Wilson, not far from Shelbyville, -Ky., stretched through the forest in nearly a north and south direction. -This was several miles in breadth, and upwards of forty miles in extent. -In this immense tract nearly every tree was furnished with nests -wherever there were branches to accommodate them. He was informed by -those who had sought to plunder the nests of the squabs, that the noise -in the woods was so great as to terrify their horses, and that it was -difficult for one person to hear another speak. The ground was strewed -with broken limbs, eggs, and young Pigeons. Hawks were sailing about in -great numbers, while from twenty feet upwards to the tops of the trees -there was a perpetual tumult of crowding and fluttering multitudes of -Pigeons, their wings resounding like thunder, and mingled with the -frequent crash of falling trees. In one instance he counted ninety nests -in a single tree. - -When on his way from Shelbyville to Frankfort, Wilson witnessed an -immense flight of these birds, and was astonished at their appearance. -They were flying with great steadiness and rapidity in several strata -deep and very close together. From right to left, as far as the eye -could reach, this vast procession extended its immense breadth, seeming -everywhere equally crowded. For more than an hour by the watch he stood -and observed this prodigious procession, which, instead of diminishing, -seemed rather to increase both in numbers and rapidity. Three hours -later, as he was entering Frankfort, the living torrent above his head -was as numerous and extended as when first observed. Wilson computed -the number of Pigeons in this flight at over two thousand two hundred -millions. - -The most southern point at which this Pigeon is known to breed, as given -by Wilson, was in the Choctaw country, in Mississippi, in latitude 32°. - -Mr. Ridgway obtained a single specimen of this species in the West -Humboldt Mountains, in September, 1867. It was a young bird, and had -been feeding on the berries of a species of _Cornus_. - -The eggs of the Wild Pigeon vary considerably in length, and also -somewhat in breadth. They average about 1.45 inches in length and 1.05 -in breadth. They are white in color, have an oval shape, and are equally -rounded at both ends. - - -SUBFAMILY ZENAIDINÆ. - -CHAR. Tarsi stout, lengthened; always longer than the lateral toes, and -entirely without feathers; the tibial joint usually denuded. Tarsus -sometimes with hexagonal scales anteriorly. Tail-feathers sometimes -fourteen. - -This subfamily is readily distinguished from the preceding by the -longer and more denuded tarsi, the feet being much better fitted for a -terrestrial life. The following sections belong to it:— - - =Zenaideæ.= Size moderate. Wings lengthened, acute, the primaries much - longer than the secondaries. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. A blackish - spot beneath the auriculars; tail-feathers tipped with white, and with - a blackish subterminal bar. Sides of the neck with a metallic gloss. - - Bill lengthened, much depressed. A white patch on the wing; no black - spots on the scapulars; plumage ashy, lighter beneath. Tail of - twelve feathers, rounded … - - _Melopelia._ - - Bill smaller, more compressed. No white patch on the wing; scapulars - with black spots. Above olivaceous, beneath vinaceous. - - Tail of twelve feathers rounded … - - _Zenaida._ - - Tail of fourteen feathers, graduated or cuneate … - - _Zenaidura._ - - =Chamæpelieæ.= Size very small. Wings rounded, the primaries scarcely - longer than the tertials. Tarsus scutellate anteriorly. No blackish - spot beneath the auriculars; no metallic gloss on sides of the neck. - - Tail of twelve feathers, lengthened (much longer than wings), doubly - rounded, the lateral feathers much shorter; the three outer pairs - with white terminally … - - _Scardafella._ - - Tail of twelve feathers, short (much less than wings), simply - rounded, the lateral feathers only slightly shorter; outer feathers - without white terminally, or with only a slight edging. Wing-coverts - with oblique black spots, and body without transverse blackish bars. - - Outside of the tarsus with a narrow feathered strip; lining of the - wing blackish … - - _Talpacota._ - - Outside of the tarsus without a feathered strip; lining of the - wing wholly rufous … - - _Chamæpelia._ - - =Starnœnadeæ.= Size moderate (generally a little larger than - _Zenaida_); form robust, or quail-like. Legs very stout; tarsi - decidedly longer than the middle toe, variously scaled anteriorly. - Wings short, very broad, and much rounded, but the primaries decidedly - longer than the secondaries. - - Legs very stout; tarsi covered with hexagonal scales; crown blue; a - black gular patch, bordered below by white … - - _Starnœnas._ - - Legs moderate; tarsi covered anteriorly with transverse scutellæ. - Crown never blue, and throat without black or white markings … - - _Geotrygon._ - -The genera characterized above are all more or less nearly related -to others belonging to South America, and many of these apparently -form connecting links between the several North American ones. Thus, -_“Columbina” picui_, Gray (of Chili), and _C. strepitans_ (of Paraguay), -are almost exactly intermediate between _Scardafella_ and _Chamæpelia_, -both in form and colors. “_Leptoptila_” is in reality scarcely more -than a very large _Chamæpelia_ with an approach to _Zenaida_ in more -lengthened primaries, and to _Geotrygon_ in the lengthened tarsus. - -_“Peristera” cinerea_ is again a slightly enlarged reproduction of -_Chamæpelia_, with the same pattern of coloration, but without rufous on -the inside of the wing. - -_Starnœnas_ and _Geotrygon_ are nearly connected by the _G. -chiriquensis_, which agrees with the genus to which it is referred in -the scutellate tarsi, and with _Starnœnas_ in the peculiar structure -of the feathers of the neck, which have, as in that “genus,” a stiff, -compact structure, and rather raylike arrangement. - - -GENUS MELOPELIA, BONAP. - - _Melopelia_, BONAP. Consp. II, Dec. 1854, 81. (Type, _Columba - leucoptera_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Similar to _Zenaida_; the orbital region and lore more naked; -the bill longer; the middle toe longer; the hinder shorter. Tarsal -scutellæ in a single series anteriorly. First quill nearly as long as -the second and third. A large white patch on wing-coverts, lower parts -light ashy. - -This genus, like nearly all the North American ones, is represented by -but a single species in the United States. - - -Melopelia leucoptera, (LINN.) BONAP. - -WHITE-WINGED DOVE. - - _Columba leucoptera_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 164 (Jamaica).—GM. - Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 773.—WAGL. Syst. Av. 1827, _Columba_, No. - 71.—MCCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. IV, 1848, 64. _Zenaida leucoptera_, - GRAY, Gen. B. _Turtur leucopterus_, GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 304. - _Melopelia leucoptera_, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 81.—BAIRD, Birds - N. Am. 1858, 603.—REICHENB. Handb. Taub. 22, tab. 254, f. 1417; 255, - f. 2869.—MARCH, P. A. N. S. 1863, 302.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 515. - _? Columba hoilotl_, GM. S. N. I, 1788, 777. _Columba trudeaui_, AUD. - Birds Am. VII, 1843, 352, pl. ccccxcvi. - -SP. CHAR. General color fine ashy, with an olivaceous cast on upper -surface, the middle tail-feathers being decidedly brownish; secondaries -and primaries blackish. Beneath paler ashy, with a light drab cast -anteriorly (lightest on the throat), the abdomen and sides with a fine -light-bluish cast; anal region white, crissum more bluish. Occiput with -a purplish tinge. A spot of black, with steel-blue reflection below the -ears; a large patch of white on the wing, covering the lower coverts -from the elbow to the secondaries; secondaries margined terminally -with white. Terminal fourth of tail-feathers, except the two medial, -ashy-white, preceded by a subterminal blackish band. _Male_ with faint -purplish-golden reflections on the sides of the neck, and the throat -and jugulum inclining to ochrey-vinaceous; the occiput and nape decided -purplish. _Female_ with this scarcely apparent. _Male_: wing, 6.80; -tail, 5.10; culmen, .84; tarsus, 1.06; middle toe, 1.10. _Female_ -slightly smaller. - -[Illustration: =13010= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Melopelia leucoptera_, Bonap.] - -HAB. Southern border of United States, from Texas to Arizona and Lower -California; Mexico, south to Costa Rica, Cuba and Jamaica, Oaxaca, -highlands (SCL. 1858, 305); Cordova (1856, 309); Jamaica (GOSSE, B. J. -304); Honduras (TAYLOR, Ibis, II, 227); City of Mexico (SCL. P. Z. S. -1864, 178); Southeastern Texas, breeding (DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24); Cuba -(GUNDL. Rep. I, 1866, 301); Fort Whipple, Arizona (COUES, P. A. N. S. -1866, 93); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 139); Yucatan (LAWR. IX, 207). - -However remarkable and exceptional the distribution of this species may -appear in occurring in Cuba and Jamaica and in Mexico, from the Atlantic -coast to Cape St. Lucas, and north to Santa Fé, New Mexico, we have yet -been unable to find any tangible differences in specimens from these -extreme localities. The Jamaica bird has rather a more decided wash of -brown on the neck and forehead, the toes apparently shorter; but as -specimens from the same locality vary in this respect, it is probable -that in a large series such differences will disappear in the average. - -[Illustration: _Melopelia leucoptera._] - -HABITS. This species is found on the Lower Rio Grande, in Arizona, -and, according to Dr. Cooper, in California. It also occurs in Mexico, -and was taken in Tamaulipas by Lieutenant Couch, March, 1858. It has -also been met with in several of the West India Islands and in Central -America. - -This species is abundant in Jamaica, where, according to Mr. March, it -is more a lowland than a mountain Dove. They are said to be gregarious, -usually keeping in flocks of from ten to twenty, but in January and -in February, in the Guinea-corn season, and at other times when the -_Cerei_ are in fruit, they congregate in large flocks, often of several -hundreds. Their food is principally grain and seeds, but they are -equally fond of the ripe fruit of the different species of _Cereus_ -abounding on the savannas and salines during the summer. Inland, the -White-wings, in the same manner as the Baldpate, breed in solitary -pairs; but in the mangrove swamps, and in the islands along the coast, -they breed in company, many in the same tree. The nest is a frail -platform of sticks, with a slight hollow lined with leaves and bark, and -sometimes a few feathers. The eggs are two, of an oblong-oval shape, -glarish-white in color, measuring 1.31 inches in length by .94 of an -inch in breadth. Mr. March adds that the White-wing is often kept in -confinement, where it occasionally breeds. It is at first quite wild, -fluttering in alarm at the approach of any person, but afterwards -becomes quite docile if attended with care. It has been known to cross -and mate with the _Turtur risorius_, a bird which has been introduced -into Jamaica. Mr. March had, at the time his paper appeared, a male -White-wing mated with a female Ringdove. - -This species was found at Omoa, Honduras, by Mr. Leyland, and by Mr. -Salvin about Dueñas, Guatemala, where it was one of the common Doves. It -was found on the ground, in the open savannas. - -Mr. G. C. Taylor (Ibis, 1860) found this bird abundant in Central -America, especially on the Pacific coast and in the environs of -Comayagua. He adds that he found this species most plentiful in the -vicinity of houses and cornfields, while the _Z. carolinensis_ seem to -prefer the woods and open plains. Both were easily shot, and were found -to be excellent eating. - -Mr. Dresser found this species very common near Matamoras and -Brownsville, and as far into the interior of Texas as Sal Colorado, -after which it becomes rare, and he never saw any farther east or north -than the Rio Nueces. It is not uncommon at Eagle Pass, where he saw -many in cages in the huts of the Mexicans. Their stomachs were found to -contain maize and caterpillars. - -Mr. Xantus, in his notes upon the birds of Cape St. Lucas, mentions -finding several of the nests and eggs of this Dove. All the nests -mentioned contained two eggs. One was in the fork of a leafless tree, -about ten feet from the ground; another was about six feet high and -placed on a small dwarf-oak; and a third, found May 20, was in a -thorn-bush, about ten feet from the ground. In one instance a single -egg, already incubated, was found on the top of a large cactus trunk, -but without any indication of a nest. - -The eggs of this species are oval in shape, white, of equal size at -either end, and measure 1.35 inches by .92. - - -GENUS ZENAIDA, BONAP. - - _Zenaida_, BONAPARTE, Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Type, _Columba - zenaida_, BP.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill black; the culmen about two fifths the rest of the head. -Tarsi a little shorter than the middle toe and claw, but considerably -longer than the lateral toes. Tarsus with broad scutellæ anteriorly, -those on the lower half bifid, making two hexagonal series. Inner -lateral toe a little the longer. Hind toe and claw as long as the inner -lateral without claw. Wings lengthened; second and third quills longest. -Tail short, about two fifths the wings, rounded or a little graduated. -Orbits feathered, especially anterior to the eye; the lids bare. - -But one species of this genus belongs to our fauna, and this is probably -but an occasional visitor. - - -Zenaida amabilis, BONAP. - -ZENAIDA DOVE. - - _Columba zenaida_, BONAP. J. A. N. Sc. V, 1825, 30.—IB. Am. Orn. - II, 1828, pl. xv.—WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 744.—NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, - 625.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 354; V, 558, pl. clxii.—IB. Birds Am. - V, 1842, 1, pl. cclxxxi. _Zenaida amabilis_, BON. List, 1838.—IB. - Consp. II, 1854, 82.—GOSSE, Birds Jam. 1847, 307.—REICHENBACH, Icones - Av. “tab. 255.”—GUNDLACH, Cabanis’s Journ. 1856, 111.—BAIRD, Birds N. - Am. 1858, 602.—REICH. Handb. Taub. 21, tab. 255, f. 2867, 2868; 254, - f. 1412.—MARCH, P. A. N. S. 1863, 352. _Zenaida aurita_, GRAY, not - _Columba aurita_ of Lichtenstein (_Z. maculata_), nor of Temminck (_Z. - martinicana_), fide Bonaparte. - -SP. CHAR. Wings very long, reaching to the terminal third of the tail. -Above reddish-olive, variously glossed with gray; the top of the head -and the under parts violet-purplish red, paler on the chin and throat. -Inside of wings, and sides of body, blue; greater wing-coverts tinged -with the same. Quills dark brown; the secondaries tipped with white. -Inner tail-feathers like the back; the others blue above; all with a -subterminal bar of black, beyond which the blue is lighter, assuming a -whitish tint on the exterior feathers. Wing-coverts with concealed spots -of black, which are more visible on the tertials; a spot of the same -below the ear. Bill black. Feet yellowish. Length, 10.00; wing, 6.00; -tail, 4.00. - -[Illustration: =94= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Zenaida amabilis._] - -HAB. Florida Keys. Chiefly on or near Indian Key and the West Indies. -Santa Cruz (NEWTON, Ibis, I, 253, eggs); Cuba (CAB. J. IV, III; GUNDL. -Rep. I, 1866, 301); Bahamas (BRYANT, Pr. B. VII, 1859); Jamaica (GOSSE, -B. J. 317); Sombrero (LAWR. VIII, 99); Porto Rico (BRYANT, B. P. 1866). - -Among many specimens of this species before us is one from Mr. Audubon’s -collection, probably procured in Florida. It must be much rarer now than -formerly on the keys, as several collections of birds made on Indian Key -do not include any specimens. - -The _Z. hypoleuca_, Gray,[106] of South America, is very similar, but -lacks any trace of the broad white bar at the end of the secondaries. -There is more white on the tail, the feathers of which are narrower at -the ends; besides, the colors generally are lighter, the crissum being -creamy-white. - -HABITS. The Zenaida Dove was found by Mr. Audubon to be a transient -visitor of the keys of East Florida, where, according to his -observations, they made their first appearance among the islands around -Indian Key about the 15th of April. There they continued to increase -in numbers until October, when they all returned to the West India -Islands, whence they came, and where they are most numerous. The males -were observed to reach the keys in which they passed the summer to breed -before the females, and were heard cooing, as if in search of their -mates, at least a week before the arrival of the latter. They begin -to lay their eggs about the first of May. When they leave, in their -autumnal migrations, they depart in small groups by families. - -These birds are said by Mr. Audubon to be Ground Doves in habit. Their -flight resembles that of the so-called Ground Dove, and is seldom higher -than the tops of the mangroves, and never to any considerable distance -except during their migrations. Though they alight on trees with ease, -and can walk well among their branches, they spend the greater portion -of their time on the ground, and walk well there, walking or running in -search of food with lightness and celerity, and invariably roost on the -ground. - -Their flight is similar to that of the Carolina Dove in the firm -movements of the wings, though they do not produce the same whistling -sounds. In flying over the water they keep near its surface; and when -started from the ground they only fly to a short distance, and realight -in the grass or a thicket. They are extremely gentle, so much so that -Mr. Audubon has occasionally approached so near as to almost touch them -with his gun as they stood gazing at him, apparently devoid of all fear. - -They breed in the few keys that are covered with grass and low shrubs. -They always place their nest on the ground, often with so little -concealment that it may be easily discovered by any one searching for -it. Occasionally it is placed between tufts of grass, the tops of which -bend over and conceal it. A small hole is scooped in the sand in which -a slight nest, composed of matted blades of dry grasses, is placed, -circular in form, and embedded in an outer collection of dry leaves and -twigs. The whole fabric is said to be more compact than the nest of any -other Pigeon. The eggs, always two, are described as pure white and -translucent. - -When sitting on her eggs or on her young, the female rarely moved from -them except when an attempt was made to catch her, which she always -evaded with great dexterity, gliding with great quickness to a short -distance, and watching the movements of the intruder with drooping wings -and an air of deep sorrow, her whole frame trembling as if with intense -cold. - -Mr. Audubon took alive two of the young birds, which he fed from his -mouth with Indian-corn meal. This they ate with avidity, until placed -under the care of a common tame Pigeon, that at once fostered them. They -lived, and were taken to Dr. Bachman in Charleston. - -Their notes are said to closely resemble the cooing of the Carolina -Dove, but are somewhat more soft and tender. During midday, when the -heat in the central parts of the keys is intense, these birds are -silent. - -Their flesh was found to be excellent, and they were generally very -fat. They fed on grass seeds, on the leaves of certain aromatic plants, -and on various kinds of berries,—among others, one highly poisonous to -man,—and mingle with their food particles of shells and gravel. They -have two broods in a season. - -According to Mr. Audubon, their eggs measure 1.25 inches in length by -.87 of an inch in breadth, and are abruptly pointed at one end. He -states that they propagated readily in the aviary of the Earl of Derby, -some being let loose in the hope of introducing them into England. - -This species, known in Jamaica as the Pea Dove, is not, according to -March, gregarious, and, although terrestrial in habits, is often seen -and heard on trees, and also roosts there. It nests indiscriminately on -the ground or in trees, making a slight platform of sticks and twigs, -loosely put together. The eggs are two, oval or roundish-oval in shape, -and white. They measure from 1.20 to 1.32 inches in length by an inch in -breadth. It is a favorite cage-bird, and though apparently very timid -and restless, becomes very tame and docile, and will take grain from the -hand or lips of its feeder. - -In Santa Cruz it is known as the Mountain Dove, and was there found -very common by Mr. Newton. It afforded excellent sport and was very -good eating. It was not only numerous on the hills, but was likewise -plentiful in all parts of the island sufficiently overgrown with brush. -Mr. Newton did not find it so terrestrial in its habits as it is stated -to be by some writers. Its flight is said to be remarkably rapid. It -breeds from April to the end of July, and is said to build the ordinary -Pigeon’s nest,—a mere platform of twigs in a bush or tree at any height -from a few feet to twenty. It lays two eggs, which, in Santa Cruz, were -found by Mr. Newton to be perfectly white, and not of a drab hue, as -stated by Mr. Gosse. The young birds are often taken from the nest and -brought up without much difficulty. The cooing of this Dove is stated to -much resemble the noise made by sounding a conch-shell. - -The eggs of the Zenaida Dove are more rounded in their shape than those -of most of our Pigeons, are white, equally obtuse at each end, and -measure 1.30 inches in length by .90 in breadth. - - -GENUS ZENAIDURA, BONAP. - - _Zenaidura_, BONAP. Consp. Avium, II, 1854, 84. (Type, _Columba - carolinensis_, L.) - _Perissura_, CAB. Jour. für Orn. IV, 1856, 111. (Same type.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill weak, black; culmen from frontal feathers about one -third the head above. Tarsus not quite as long as middle toe and claw, -but considerably longer than the lateral ones; covered anteriorly by a -single series of scutellæ. Inner lateral claw considerably longer than -outer, and reaching to the base of middle. Wings pointed; second quill -longest; first and third nearly equal. Tail very long, equal to the -wings; excessively graduated and cuneate, of fourteen feathers. - -The fourteen tail-feathers render this genus very conspicuous among the -North American doves. It was formerly placed with the Passenger-Pigeon -in _Ectopistes_, but has nothing in common with it but the lengthened -tail, as it belongs to a different subfamily. At present three species -are known, two of them recently described. Unless _Z. yucatanensis_ -proves to be a hybrid between _Zenaida amabilis_ and _Zenaidura -carolinensis_, it may be expedient to merge _Zenaida_ and _Zenaidura_ -into one, since, if _yucatanensis_ prove to be a permanent form, the -additional pair of tail-feathers is all that is left to characterize -_Zenaidura_; and when we consider that the wedge-tailed _Haliætus -pelagicus_ has fourteen tail-feathers, while the round-tailed species -have only twelve, it seems reasonable to consider the difference as -merely specific in this case also. - -[Illustration: =1180= ♂ ⅔ ⅔ - -_Zenaidura carolinensis._] - - =A.= Secondaries broadly tipped with white. - - =Z. yucatanensis.=[107] Beneath entirely deep purplish-vinaceous. - Wing, 6.00; tail, 4.90; culmen, .58; tarsus, .85; middle toe, .90. - _Hab._ Yucatan. - - =B.= Secondaries not tipped with white. - - =Z. carolinensis.= Beneath light purplish-vinaceous anteriorly; - crissum nearly white. Wing, 5.90; tail, 6.00; culmen, .50; tarsus, - .86; middle toe, .82. _Hab._ Whole of North America, south to - Panama; West Indies. - - =Z. graysoni.=[108] Beneath entirely uniform deep reddish-cinnamon. - Wing, 6.00; tail, 5.15; culmen, .84; tarsus, 1.08; middle toe, .97. - _Hab._ Socorro Island, western coast of Mexico. - - -Zenaidura carolinensis, BONAP. - -CAROLINA OR COMMON DOVE. - - _Columba carolinensis_, LINNÆUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 286, No. - 37.—LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790, 613.—WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 91, pl. - xliii.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 91; V, 1839, 555, pl. xvii.—NUTTALL, - Man. I, 1832, 626. _Turtur carolinensis_, BRISSON, I, 110, pl. viii. - _Ectopistes carolinensis_, RICH. List, 1837.—BON. Birds Amer. V, - 1842, 36, pl. cclxxxvi. _Zenaidura carolinensis_, BONAP. Consp. Av. - II, 1854, 84 (type).—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 604.—REICHENB. Handb. - Taub. 19, tab. 249, f. 1380–82.—COOP. & SUCKL. 218.—COOP. Orn. Cal. - I, 1870, 512. _Perissura carolinensis_, CAB. Cab. Jour. 1856, 111, - 112 (type). _Columba marginata_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 286, No. - 40 (best description).—WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 91.—IB. Isis, - 1831, 519. _Ectopistes marginata_, GRAY, List, Br. Mus. _? Ectopistes - marginellus_, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, June, 1852, 104.—IB. Expl. - Zuñi & Color. 1853, 93; Birds, pl. v (Canadian river, Ark. Immature - bird). _? Zenaidura marginalla_, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 85. - -SP. CHAR. Tail-feathers fourteen. Above bluish, although this is -overlaid with light brownish-olive, leaving the blue pure only on the -top of the head, the exterior of the wings, and the upper surface of -the tail, which is even slightly tinged with this color. The entire -head, except the vertex, the sides of the neck, and the under parts -generally, light brownish-vinaceous, strongly tinged with purple on the -breast, becoming lighter behind, and passing into brownish-yellow or -creamy-ochraceous on the anal region, tibiæ, and under tail-coverts. -Sides of the neck with a patch of metallic purplish-red. Sides of body -and inside of wings clear light blue. Wing-coverts and scapulars spotted -with black, mostly concealed, and a small oblong patch of the same, with -a steel-blue reflection, below the ear. Tail-feathers seen from below -blackish, the outer web of outermost white, the others tipped with the -same, the color becoming more and more bluish to the innermost, which is -brown. Seen from above there is the same gradation from white to light -blue in the tips; the rest of the feather, however, is blue, with a bar -of black anterior to the light tip, which runs a little forward along -the margin and shaft of the feather. In the sixth feather the color -is uniform bluish, with this bar; the seventh is without a bar. Bill -black, the angle of the mouth carmine. Female smaller, and with less red -beneath. Length of male, 12.85; wing, 5.75; tail, 6.70. Bare orbits pale -blue, with a green tint; iris dark brown; feet lake-red. _Young_ with -the feathers of upper parts and jugulum margined with paler; the tints -more brownish. - -[Illustration: _Zenaidura carolinensis._] - -HAB. Throughout United States from Atlantic to Pacific. Cuba; Middle -America to Panama. Localities: Oaxaca (SCL. 1859, 391); Cordova (1856, -359); Guatemala (Ibis, I, 222); Cuba (CAB. J. IV, III; GUNDL. Rep. -I, 1866, 301); Honduras (TAYLOR, Ibis, II, 227); Southeastern Texas -(DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24, breeds); Fort Whipple, Arizona (COUES, -P. A. N. S. 1866, 93); Costa Rica (LAWR. IX, 139); Yucatan (IX, 207). - -Specimens from the whole of North America, south to Costa Rica and the -West India Islands, are identical in colors and proportions. - -Specimens from Cuba, Jamaica, and other West India Islands, resemble -examples from the eastern United States, but are considerably smaller, -the wing measuring less than 5.50 inches. The dark blotches on the wings -appear of unusual size, the rufous tinge on the back is more decided, -and the under parts are more deeply colored. In these respects they -resemble somewhat skins from Cape St. Lucas, collected by Mr. Xantus. - -HABITS. The Carolina Dove is found throughout the United States, in -nearly all parts, from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada, and from the -Atlantic coast to the Pacific. It occurs also in the West Indies, in -Mexico, and in Central America. It is found in the southern part of -Maine as far to the eastward as Calais, but was not collected by Mr. -Verrill at Norway, and is not known to occur in the northern part of -that State. Farther west, it is met with to the Canada line; a few -being known to breed near Hamilton, and others to pass the winter near -Salt Springs, according to Mr. McIlwraith. They occur with more or -less abundance in different parts of Massachusetts, but are generally -quite rare except in one or two localities. In nearly all the rest -of the United States they are widely and generally distributed, and -often abundant. In some parts of the country they are cherished for -their confiding trust in the protection of man; while in others they -are hunted on account of their delicacy as food, and are very shy and -difficult of approach. In Carlisle, Penn., I found them one of the -most common birds, frequenting the gardens and orchards, and breeding -often in close proximity to the houses. In Western Massachusetts, on -the other hand, where they were once quite abundant, they have been so -persistently hunted that they are very shy, and have become quite rare. - -In Kansas and in Colorado they were frequently found by Mr. Allen, and -in the latter region also by Messrs. Aiken and Holden. On the Plains, -in the absence of any trees in which to build, they were in the habit -of constructing their nests on the ground, in some instances depositing -their eggs in a mere depression in the sand, with hardly any pretence -for a nest. - -This bird was obtained in Tamaulipas, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch; at -Ringgold Barracks, Texas, by Mr. J. H. Clark; near San Elizario, by -Dr. Kennerly; and on the Colorado, by Mr. Schott. Mr. Clark found the -vicinity of Ringgold Barracks a great resort for many birds of this -family for the purpose of nesting; the luxuriant development of the -_Opuntia_, and other vegetation equally impassable, affording the means -of defence. Hundreds of at least half a dozen species were to be seen -every evening on the banks of the river after water. Lieutenant Couch -found it in great numbers from the Rio Grande to beyond the Sierra -Madre, generally near the ranches, though often in the forests. It -seemed inclined to court the society of man for protection and food. It -was also very abundant, according to Dr. Kennerly, in the vicinity of -San Elizario, banding in large flocks, and feeding in the wheat and corn -fields. It was also observed as far west as Santa Cruz, in Sonora. - -Dr. Newberry met with this Dove in all parts of California and Oregon -visited by him. Dr. Suckley mentions it as very abundant throughout -Washington Territory and Oregon. At Fort Steilacoom it arrives and -departs at about the same time as the _Columba fasciata_. Dr. Cooper -states it to be common about prairies and farms of the interior, and -probably some remain all winter in the Territory, though they rarely -appear at any time near the coast border. - -Dr. Kennerly found this species about Bill Williams Fork, in New Mexico, -and also in the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, and along the Gulf -coast; but travelling west about two hundred miles from the former -place, they seemed suddenly to disappear. - -According to Mr. Salvin, this Dove was very abundant about Dueñas, -inhabiting only the open districts. It congregated in flocks, and was -resident. Mr. G. C. Taylor frequently met with it in Honduras, where -they were generally seen in small flocks of from six to ten. - -Dr. Woodhouse mentions that the mournful notes of these birds were to be -heard continually throughout the Indian Territory and the greater part -of Texas and New Mexico, in all of which countries it breeds. - -Mr. Dresser found this Dove a familiar resident in every part of Texas -and Mexico that he visited. He saw many of their nests, all slightly -built of sticks placed on the branch of a mesquite tree or bush, -containing two pure-white eggs. In two instances the nests were on the -ground. He met with one nest with fresh eggs as late as September 7. - -These birds are migratory in the Northern States, and partially so -in the Middle States, their movements being irregular, and evidently -dependent upon the abundance of their food. In North and South Carolina, -and in other parts of the country south of Pennsylvania, they collect -together in the winter months in considerable numbers. Wilson states -that on the 2d of February he saw a flock of many hundreds of these -birds near Newbern, N. C.; and near the Savannah River, in Georgia, the -woods were swarming with them. They return to the North in March or -early in April, and disperse very generally over the country in pairs, -rarely more than two or three of these being seen together. They are -then occasionally to be seen in roads, dusting themselves or procuring -gravel. Where not molested, they often visit the farm-yards, and even -occasionally feed with the poultry, take water from the drinking-places -of the cattle, and become partially domesticated. - -When their breeding-season is over, usually early in August, they again -collect in small flocks, which unite in larger collections when they -move southward in their migrations. - -Their flight is rapid, vigorous, and strong, and the flapping of their -wings is accompanied by a peculiar whistling sound. They can fly with -great swiftness, can readily alight on trees, and move with facility -among the branches. - -Their love-notes, which commence in the early spring, are celebrated -for their peculiarly sad and touching plaintiveness of sound, though -the birds themselves exhibit in their appearance and manners at this -time anything but an appearance of grief or mourning, being exceedingly -lively and sportive in their endearments. These notes are repeated -almost continually, in a succession of four or five notes sounding like -_ah-coo-roo-coo_ or _ah-cōō-rōō-cōō-rōō_. - -This Pigeon feeds on seeds, grain, buckwheat, Indian corn, the berries -of various shrubs and plants, and the smaller acorns of the live-oak and -other oaks. They are also accused of visiting the gardens and consuming -peas. They swallow great quantities of gravel. - -In Pennsylvania they are said to nest as early as the first of May. They -probably have more than one brood in a season, as the nests found at -Carlisle about the middle of June were found to contain perfectly fresh -eggs. Their nest is a rudely constructed fabric of small twigs laid -together in an inartistic manner, and lined with a few finer stems and -rootlets, and is placed on the horizontal branch of a tree, in a vine -or evergreen, or even on the ground. The last was the general position -of their nests on the Plains, and occasionally is noticed at the East. -Wilson found nests thus placed in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. - -Dr. Coues mentions this bird as an abundant summer resident in Arizona, -where it arrives the last week in April and remains into October. The -presence of this bird on the dry sandy wastes of that Territory always -proved a sure indication of the presence of water, the nature of its -food, consisting ordinarily of dry hard seeds, rendering an abundant -supply of water necessary to its existence. - -Mr. Audubon states that these birds breed in Louisiana in April, and -sometimes as early as March, and have there two broods. They roost at -night on the ground, among the long grasses found growing in abandoned -fields; and occasionally they resort to the dead foliage of trees, and -to various kinds of evergreens. Their flesh is said to be remarkably -fine, tender and juicy, especially when the birds are fat, and by some -is regarded as superior to that of either the Snipe or the Woodcock. - -This Dove can easily be induced to breed in aviaries, even though caught -when old, and will have several broods in a season. - -In Southern Illinois they have been observed by Mr. Ridgway to breed in -various situations, either on the ground in grain-fields, on the tops of -stumps, or the top of a rail fence, as well as in trees and bushes. They -nest from the beginning of April to the middle of September. They were -also remarkably abundant along the line of the 40th parallel, according -to Mr. Ridgway, even in the most desert tracts. - -The eggs of this species measure 1.15 inches in length by .86 in -breadth; they are of an oblong-oval shape, white in color, and nearly -equal at either extremity. - - -GENUS SCARDAFELLA, BONAP. - - _Scardafella_, BON. Conspectus, II, 1854, 85. (Type, _Columba - squamosa_, TEMM.) - -[Illustration: =33658= ½ ½ - -_Scardafella inca._] - -GEN. CHAR. Bill lengthened; culmen more than half the length of the -head measured from frontal feathers. Feet as in _Chamæpelia_. Wing -with the tertials nearly as long as the primaries; shorter, however, -than the first primary. Tail considerably longer than the wing, of -twelve feathers, of peculiar shape; the ten middle feathers nearly -even, or very slightly decreasing toward the sides, but the intermediæ -considerably shorter, while the lateral pair are much the shortest; the -feathers are narrow, especially toward the end, but the tip is obtuse. - -Two species are known; one North American, the other confined to South -America. - - -Species and Varieties. - - COMMON CHARACTERS. Brownish-gray above, paler, and with a vinaceous - cast anteriorly, beneath. Each feather with a terminal dusky - crescentic bar, producing a squamate appearance; inner webs of - quills chestnut; axillars black; about terminal half of three outer - tail-feathers white. - - =S. squamosa.=[109] A white patch on the wing-coverts and - secondaries; abdomen and crissum white. Black crescentic bars very - heavy. Wing, 3.90; tail, 4.10. _Hab._ Brazil, Ecuador. - - =S. inca.= No white patch on wings; abdomen and crissum pale - ochraceous. Black bars very faint on breast, obsolete on throat. - Wing, 3.75; tail, 4.40. _Hab._ Mexico and Guatemala; Rio Grande of - Texas. - - -Scardafella inca, BONAP. - -SCALY DOVE. - - _Scardafella inca_, (BONAP.) SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 391.—REICHENB. Handb. - 19, tab. 250, f. 1393; tab. 253, f. 1410.—ELLIOT, Illust. II, pl. - xxxvii.—COOP. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 519. _Scardafella squamosa_ (“TEMM.”) - WAGL. Isis, 1831, 519 (not of Temminck!).—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 605. - -SP. CHAR. Above ashy-brown, becoming purer and lighter ashy on the -wings. Beneath pale ashy-lilaceous, with a pinkish tinge anteriorly, -becoming pale ochraceous on the abdomen, tibiæ, and crissum. Outer -webs and ends of primaries, and tail-feathers (except the intermediæ), -dusky. Every feather (except rectrices and primaries) terminated with -a crescentic bar of dusky; these bars heaviest on the mantle, upper -tail-coverts, and on the sides and flanks, faintest on the jugulum, -obsolete on throat. Primaries and lining of wing mostly deep chestnut; -axillars black; lateral tail-feather with the terminal half white, on -both webs; second and third feathers with a gradually decreasing amount -of white. Sexes similar. _Young_ similar, but feathers faintly mottled, -and markings less sharply defined. Wing, 3.75; tail, 4.40; culmen, .47; -tarsus, .57; middle toe, .58. _Female_ a little smaller. - -HAB. Rio Grande Valley, south to Guatemala. Arizona (Tucson, Bendire); -Oaxaca (SCL. 1859, 391, eggs); Cordova (1856, 309); Guatemala (Ibis I, -223); Honduras (TAYLOR, Ibis, II, 227); City of Mexico (SCL. P. Z. S. -1864, 178.) - -[Illustration: _Scardafella inca._] - -Specimens from Nicaragua to Texas and Mazatlan do not vary appreciably. - -HABITS. Our information in regard to the distribution and habits of this -species is quite incomplete. It was met with near Cadereita, in the -State of New Leon, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch, who procured a specimen -April 18, 1853. - -It was also found in flocks in company with _Chamæpelia rufipennis_, -near San Pedro and Peten, Honduras, by Leyland. Mr. Salvin met with -only a single specimen at Dueñas. On the coast it was more numerous, -resembling in its habits the common species of the district, _Chamæpelia -passerina_. - -The “Long-tailed Ground Dove” is said by Mr. G. C. Taylor to be very -common in Honduras, where it is generally seen in pairs. They were -found to be very good eating, but too small to repay their cost where -ammunition was so scarce. - -It was found breeding near Laredo, Texas, by Dr. H. B. Butcher, July 1, -1866. The nest (S. I. 12,896) is said to have been built in the fork -of a small mesquite-tree, and to have contained two eggs. The eggs are -similar to those of the _Chamæpelia passerina_, white, of an oval shape, -nearly equally obtuse at either end. - -Mr. Xantus found this Dove breeding abundantly at Cape St. Lucas. The -maximum number of eggs was invariably two. One nest was found in a -leafless acacia about six feet from the ground; another, found May 26, -was about five feet high, in a small thorn-bush; a third was at the -height of eight feet, and also placed in a bush; others were placed in -small oaks, in cacti, in opuntia, and other situations, all above the -ground at heights varying from five to eight feet. - -The eggs of this Dove are of a white color, are oval in their shape, of -about equal size at either end, and measure .91 of an inch in length by -.70 in breadth. - - -GENUS CHAMÆPELIA, SWAINSON. - - _Chamæpelia_, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. III, 1827, 361. (Type, _Columba - passerina_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Size very small. Bill slender, elongated. Culmen more than -half the head measured from frontal feathers. Legs stout. Tarsi longer -than lateral toes; equal to the middle without its claw; covered -anteriorly by a single series of scutellæ. Wings broad; the tertials -excessively lengthened, nearly as long as the primaries, quite equal to -the first primary. Tail nearly as long as the wings; rounded laterally. - -[Illustration: =12535= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Chamæpelia passerina._] - -This group embraces the most diminutive Doves known to naturalists. -A single species is found abundantly in the southern United States; -another is found in northern South America. They may be distinguished as -follows:— - - =C. passerina.= Feathers of jugulum with a dusky central spot; occiput - and nape squamated with dusky. _Hab._ Southern Atlantic and Gulf - States, whole of Mexico (including Lower California), Central America, - New Granada, Venezuela, and West Indies. - - =C. griseola.=[110] No central dusky spot to feathers of jugulum, - and no scale-like markings on occiput or nape. _Hab._ Brazil and New - Granada. - - -Chamæpelia passerina, SWAINSON. - -GROUND DOVE. - - _Columba passerina_, LINNÆUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 285.—LATHAM, Ind. - Orn. II, 1790, 611.—WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 15, pl. xlvi.—WAGLER, - Syst. Av. _Columba_, No. 88.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 471; V, 1839, - 558, pl. clxxxii.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 19, pl. cclxxxiii.—SUND. - Ofv. 1869, 586 (_St. Bartholemy._) _Columba_ (_Goura_) _passerina_, - BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 181.—NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 635. - _Chæmepelia passerina_, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. III, 1827, 358. - _Chamæpelia passerina_, BONAP. List, 1838.—IB. Conspectus, II, 1854, - 77.—GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 311.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 606.—SCL. P. Z. S. 1859, 391 (Oaxaca); 1857, 205 (Xalapa); Ibis, - I, 223 (Guatemala); P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (City of Mexico).—CAB. J. - IV, III (Cuba).—BRYANT, B. Pr. 1866 (Porto Rico).—LAWR. Ann. Lyc. - IX, 134 (Costa Rica), 207 (Yucatan).—MARCH, P. A. N. S. 1863, 302 - (Jamaica).—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 516. _Pyrgitænas passerinus_, - REICHENB. Handb. Taub. 13 (1861 ?), tab. 266, f. 2875–78; tab. - 256, f. 1419, 1420. _Chamæpelia granatina_, BONAP. Consp. II, 77 - (Bogota). _Chamæpelia albivitta_, BONAP. Consp. II, 77 (Carthagena). - _Chamæpelia_ var. _pallescens_, BAIRD, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1859 (Cape - St. Lucas).—COOPER Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 517. - -SP. CHAR. Back, rump, exposed surface of tertials, and tail above, -uniform grayish-olive; neck above and occiput tinged with bluish; -forehead, sides of head, and neck, under parts generally, and lesser -upper wing-coverts, light purplish-red, tinged with dusky towards -the tail. Feathers of the head, neck, and fore-breast, margined with -a darker shade of the ground-color; the forehead and chin, only, -nearly uniform. Feathers of the breast dusky-brown in the centre, this -most conspicuous on the jugulum. Under wing-coverts, axillars, and -quills, brownish-orange; the latter margined externally and tipped -with dusky-brown, the tertials almost entirely of this color. Middle -tail-feathers like the back; the others mostly black, the outer one -edged towards the tip with white. The exposed surface of the wing -variously marked with blotches exhibiting black, steel-blue, and violet. -Bill and feet yellow; the former tipped with brown. _Female_ with little -or none of the purplish-red. _Young_ duller than the adult female, the -feathers of upper parts with a narrow terminal bar of white. Length, -6.30; wing, 3.50; tail, 2.80. - -[Illustration: _Chamæpelia passerina._] - -HAB. South Atlantic and Gulf coasts; very rarely as far north as -Washington. Southern and Lower California; whole of Middle America, to -New Granada and Venezuela; West Indies. - -Specimens vary considerably in the depth of the vinaceous tints, but the -variation is nearly as much with the individual as with the locality. -As a rule, Florida and West India skins are most deeply colored, those -from Mexico (particularly from Cape St. Lucas and Orizaba) being much -paler in all the tints (var. _pallescens_, Baird); but specimens from -Guatemala and Costa Rica are undistinguishable from the average of the -Florida series. Specimens from New Granada (labelled _C. granatina_, -Bonap.), Venezuela (labelled _C. albivitta_), and the Amazons, are more -like Cape St. Lucas specimens, differing from them only in slightly -smaller size, the colors being the same in the minutest particulars, -except that the crissum is perhaps more whitish, the dusky centres of -the feathers being more concealed. These generalizations are based on -fifty-six specimens in the Smithsonian Museum. - -HABITS. According to Mr. Audubon, this Dove is found from the lower -parts of Louisiana to Cape Hatteras, following the coast quite round -Florida, but is seen very seldom to any distance in the interior. He met -with none in the State of Mississippi. They were more abundant among -the sea-islands of Georgia and the middle portions of the coast of East -Florida than anywhere else. - -This bird has also been taken at Monterey, California, by W. Hutton, and -a single accidental specimen has been obtained near Washington, D. C. - -Specimens were obtained near Matamoras, in Tamaulipas, by Dr. -Berlandier, and subsequently by Lieutenant Couch, who generally found -them in the forests or open fields at a distance from dwellings. They -were observed to fly low, and only for short distances, and to spend -most of their time on the ground. - -In Jamaica, according to Mr. March, the Ground Dove sometimes perches, -and always roosts, on low trees; but is otherwise generally found in -pairs, feeding on the ground on small grain and seeds. Several pairs -may be seen feeding together, but they do not associate. It is said -to be very tame, and to be found about homesteads and in streets and -roads. It also breeds in low trees, the cashew and the dogwood seeming -to be preferred. It is very rarely kept as a cage-bird, as its note -is a plaintive mournful coo, and there is a Creole superstition that -misfortune will happen to any one so treating it. The nest is slightly -made of twigs, lined with grass, and built in a fork or hollow. The eggs -are two, of a rounded oval, white, .87 of an inch by .69. - -According to Mr. Salvin, this Dove is one of the most familiar birds of -the central region of Guatemala, where it is the only small Ground Dove -found. In the coast region its place was supplied by at least two other -species. It is abundant at Dueñas, residing all the year, and breeding -in the cochineal plantations, where it deposits its eggs, two in number, -on the ground under the rows of “nopal.” It is called Tortolita by the -inhabitants. He found its nests both on the ground and elevated a few -feet above it. - -Mr. Dresser found these birds common near Matamoras, and generally -noticed them on the road between Matamoras and Brownsville, as well as -on a sand-plain close to Fort Brown, on the Texan side of the river. In -the interior of Texas he did not meet with any, except once, in April, -on the Medina near San Antonio. - -Mr. Audubon describes the flight of this Dove as low, easy, and -accompanied by a whistling sound, produced by the action of the wings -when the bird is surprised and forced to fly. it is less protracted -than that of most other species, and seldom extends more than a hundred -yards at a time. It seems much attached to its chosen locality, and -almost immediately returns to it after having been driven away. While -it alights on trees and moves with ease among the branches, and mostly -nests in low trees or bushes, the ground is its usual place of resort, -where it runs with facility, and in moving always keeps its tail -considerably elevated. It appeared to be fond of alighting on fences, -where it can be heard cooing for half an hour at a time. - -These Pigeons are met with in groups of four or five, and seldom more -than ten or twelve are seen together. They appear to prefer the thinly -grassed sandy portions of cotton-fields, pea-patches, and similar -places. In East Florida they may even be seen in the villages, resorting -to the orange-groves and breeding in them. At St. Augustine they are -often found within the inner court of the old Spanish fort, rising -almost perpendicularly in order to escape above the parapets. They are -easily caught, and readily become domesticated. A pair taken when their -young were quite small, and placed in an aviary, continued to nourish -them until full-grown, and afterwards raised a second brood from the -same nest. They were fed on rice and other small grain. - -The nest of this species is described as compact, and as large for the -size of the bird. It is composed of dry twigs externally, and within is -made of dry grasses disposed in a circular form. This is usually built -in hedges or low bushes, and among the branches of orange-trees. The -eggs are two, pure white, and with one end usually much more obtuse -than the other. They are two in number, but, as Mr. Audubon states, -occasionally the nest contains three. Two broods are raised in a season. - -In the vicinity of Charleston these birds were observed to remain -all the year, though the greater proportion retired south or to the -sea-islands. - -In the Florida Keys Mr. Audubon met with them among the islands resorted -to by the Zenaida Doves, and also on Sandy Island, near Cape Sable. In -the latter place they were so gentle that he approached to within two -yards of them. Their nest was on the top of a cactus, not more than two -feet from the ground. - -Their food, in a wild state, consists of grass-seeds and various small -berries, with which they swallow a large proportion of gravel to assist -digestion. They are extremely fond of dusting themselves in the sand, -lying down in it in the manner of various gallinaceous birds. - -The eggs of this species are of a uniform bright white color, are -slightly more pointed at one end than at the other, and measure .85 of -an inch in length by .63 in breadth. - -This species was found in abundance at Cape St. Lucas by Mr. Xantus. -They were nesting from April 15 until August 29, and evidently had two -or more broods in a season. Their nests were usually placed in low -cactuses, near the ground, or in small shrubs. Their nests, eggs, and -general habits, so far as we can gather them from the meagre notes of -Mr. Xantus, are in no wise different from those of the more eastern -birds. - -[Plate: PLATE LVIII. - - 1. Oreopeleia martinica. ♂ Jamaica. - 2. Zenaidura carolinensis. ♂ N. C., 55569. - 3. Zenaida amabilis. ♂ Jamaica, 24406. - 4. Melopeleia leucoptera. ♂ Mazatlan, 34009. - 5. Starnoæna cyanocephalus. ♂ Jamaica, ? 12541. - 6. Chamæpelia passerina. ♂ 28281. - 7. Scardafella inca. ♂ Texas, 45465.] - - -GENUS OREOPELEIA, REICHENBACH. - - _Oreopeleia_, REICHENBACH, Handbuch der speciellen Ornithol. I, i, - 1851, page xxiv. (Type, _Columba martinica_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill lengthened, slender; culmen half the rest of the head -from the frontal feathers. Feet large, stout; tarsi longer than the -middle toe and claw, covered anteriorly by transverse scutellæ. Inner -lateral claw longer than outer; reaching beyond the base of the middle -one, the outer falling short of it. Hind toe and claw more than half the -middle. Quills and tail-feathers very broad; the wings rounded; second -and third quills longest, the first intermediate between the fourth and -fifth. Tail suborbicular, the shafts convex outwardly; the feathers -rounded, and a little graduated. - -Of this genus, which is peculiar to America, two well-marked species, -may be distinguished. - - =O. martinica.= Above chestnut-rufous, the crown and nape with - purplish-green, the lower part of nape with golden-green, the - back with violet, the other upper parts with bright purplish-red - reflections; beneath pinkish-white, more purplish on the jugulum. A - distinctly marked light stripe on the cheek, bordered below by one of - purplish-red. Length, 10.70; wing, 6.20; tail, 5.75. _Hab._ Key West, - Florida (?) Cuba, and Martinique. - - =O. montana.=[111] Above deep orange-rufous, without bright - reflections, but with an opaque gloss of reddish-purple on the back - and nape. Beneath ochraceous, inclining to vinaceous on the jugulum. - Cheeks without distinct whitish bar bordered below by reddish. Wing, - 5.70. _Hab._ Atlantic region of Middle America from Xalapa to Brazil; - West Indies. - - -Oreopeleia martinica, REICH. - -KEY WEST PIGEON. - - _Columba martinica_, GMELIN, I, 1788, 781 (not of Temminck). - _Geotrygon martinica_, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 74.—CAB. Jour. - IV, 1856, 108. _Oreopeleia martinicana_, REICH. Syst. Av. 1851, page - xxv.—IB. “Icones Avium, tab. 257, fig. 1431.” _Columba montana_, AUD. - Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 382, pl. clxvii.—IB. Syn. 1839, 191.—IB. Birds - Am. V, 1842, 14, pl. cclxxxii.—NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 756 - (not of Linnæus). _Zenaida montana_, BONAP. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. - “_Columbigallina montana_, TEMMINCK.” “_Columba mystacea_, LEMBEYE,” - BONAP. (not of Temminck). _Oreopeleia martinica_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 607.—CAB. J. IV, 109 (Cuba).—GUNDL. Repert. Cub. I, 1866, 299 - (Cuba).—REICH. Handb. Taub. 31, tab. 257, fig. 1432. - -SP. CHAR. Ground-color of the upper parts, including wing (both -surfaces), and tail-feathers, chestnut-rufous; the upper part of head -and neck with metallic reflections of green and purple; the back, rump, -and wing-coverts, with reflections of metallic light-purplish or violet. -There is a white band from the lower mandible along side of the head, -bordered below by purplish-red, like the forehead, and a similar band -through the eyes, which are without metallic lustre. The breast is very -light purplish-red, fading to white towards the tail and chin. The -feathers of the under tail-coverts are dusky-brown at the base. Length, -10.70; wing, 6.00; tail, 5.75. - -HAB. Key West, Florida; Cuba and Martinique, perhaps elsewhere in the -West Indies. - -[Illustration: =41876= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Oreopeleia martinica._] - -HABITS. The Key West Pigeon is found within the fauna of the United -States only in the extreme southern portion of Florida, and, so far -as known, only on the island of Key West, where Mr. Audubon met with -them, and enjoyed a limited opportunity of observing their habits. He -describes the flight as low, swift, and protracted, as he saw them -passing from Cuba to Key West. They moved in loose flocks of from -five or six to a dozen, and so very low as to almost seem to touch -the surface. They were fond of going out early in the morning from -their thickets to cleanse their plumage in the shelly sand, but on -the least approach of danger would fly back to the thickest part of -the woods, throw themselves on the ground, and run off with great -rapidity. Their movements of the tail and neck are similar to those -of the Carolina Dove. Their coo is said to be neither so soft nor so -prolonged as that of the common Dove, and may be represented by the -syllable _whoe-whoe-oh-oh-oh_. When suddenly approached, they utter a -guttural gasping sound. They are said to alight on the lower branches of -shrubby trees, and to delight in the neighborhood of shady ponds, always -inhabiting by preference the darkest solitudes. Whatever may have been -their abundance on Key West, in Mr. Audubon’s time, it is certain that -they are very rare there now, as I am not aware of their having been -taken of late years by any of the numerous collectors who have visited -South Florida since Mr. Audubon’s time. - -[Illustration: _Oreopeleia martinica._] - -The nest is described as formed of light dry twigs, in shape much -resembling that of the Carolina Dove. Occasionally it is placed on the -ground, and is then less elaborate. Some are placed on large branches -near the ground, while others are built among slender twigs. - -Towards the middle of July, according to Mr. Audubon, they become so -abundant that sportsmen are able to shoot a score or more in a day. They -feed on berries and the seeds of various plants, and are especially fond -of the fruit of the sea-grape. - - -GENUS STARNŒNAS, BONAPARTE. - - _Starnœnas_, BONAPARTE, Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Type, _Columba - cyanocephala_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill short; culmen about one third the rest of head, measured -from the frontal feathers. Legs very stout and large; tarsus bare on -the entire tibial joint, and covered with hexagonal scales, largest -anteriorly, longer than the middle toe and claw. Inner lateral claw -the larger, reaching the base of the middle claw; all the claws short, -thick, and blunt. Hind toe and claw short; half the middle. Wings short, -broad, and concave; much rounded. Tail short, broad, nearly even, but -slightly vaulted. - -The single species of Dove composing the genus in many respects -resembles the Partridges or Quails, both in external appearance and in -manners. - - -Starnœnas cyanocephala, BON. - -BLUE-HEADED PIGEON. - - _Columba cyanocephala_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 282.—GMELIN, Syst. - I, 1788, 778.—WAGLER, Syst. Avium, 1827, _Columba_, No. 112.—AUD. - Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 441; V. 1839, 557, pl. clxxii. _Starnœnas - cyanocephala_, BONAP. List, 1838.—IB. Consp. II, 1854, 69.—AUD. Syn. - 1839, 193.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 23, pl. cclxxxiv.—GUNDLACH, - Cab. Journ. IV, 1856, 108.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 608.—CAB. - J. IV, 108 (Cuba).—GUNDL. Repert. Cub. I, 1866, 299.—REICHENB. - Handb. Taub. 30, tab. 257, f. 1431; 266, f. 2879–81. _Starnœnas - cyanocephala_, REICHENBACH, Systema Av. 1851, p. xxv, pl. xxiii.—IB. - Icones Av. tab. 260 and 266. _Geophilus? cyanocephala_, SELBY, - Pigeons, Jard. Nat. Lib. V, 216, pl. xxvii. _Columba_ (_Lophyrus_) - _cyanocephala_, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d. ed.,) 1840, 769. _Columba - tetraoides_, (SCOPOLI,) GMELIN, I, 772. _Blue-headed Turtle_, LATHAM, - Syn. II, II, 651. - -SP. CHAR. Bill blue, the fleshy part at the base carmine. Iris brown, -scales of feet carmine, the interspaces white. Above and on sides glossy -dark chocolate-olivaceous; beneath brownish-red, lighter centrally. Chin -and throat black, with a narrow border of white below. A white line -begins in the chin, and passes under the eye to the occiput. Sides of -head above this and forehead black; crown blue. Length, 10.70; wing, -5.40; tail, 4.35. - -HAB. West India Islands; according to Audubon found occasionally at Key -West, Florida, and other southern keys. - -[Illustration: =2827= ♂ ½ ½ - -_Starnœnas cyanocephala._] - -The axillars and under surface of the wings are like the belly. The -crissum is most like the back. The outer tail-feathers have a bluish -tinge above. - -The hind toe in this species is not strictly in the same plane with the -others, but placed a little above their point of insertion. - -HABITS. This handsome Pigeon belongs to the fauna of the West India -Islands, and is only an occasional visitant of Key West and other -southern keys of Florida. They are a common species in Cuba, from -which island a few are stated by Mr. Audubon to migrate each year to -certain of the keys of Florida, where, however, they are rarely seen on -account of their living only in the most tangled thickets. Mr. Audubon -saw a pair on the western side of Key West. They were near the water -picking gravel, but they would not suffer a near approach. He saw a -pair, also, that had been taken, when young, on “Mule Keys.” These fed -well on cracked corn and rice, but he was unable to obtain any further -information in respect to them. - -Though abundant in Cuba this species does not appear to have been found -in Jamaica, except as an imported bird from the former island, contrary -to the assertions of various writers, as Temminck, Brisson, and others. -Mr. Gosse was not able to trace its presence, though its existence among -the precipitous woods on the north side of that island he regards as -quite possible. - -[Illustration: _Starnœnas cyanocephala._] - -Like _Oreopeleia martinica_ and _Zenaida amabilis_, this species, though -described by Audubon as not being rare on the keys of South Florida, has -not been met with in that State by later explorers. - -An egg of this species laid in confinement in the aviary of Dr. Bachman, -in Charleston, S. C., is of a rounded-oval shape, and of a uniform -creamy-white color; it measures 1.43 inches in length by 1.10 in -breadth. - - - - -FAMILY CRACIDÆ.—THE CURASSOWS. - - -CHAR. Body large, but rather slender; bill more or less arched; tail -lengthened; legs long, robust, without any spur. Toes moderate, slender, -the hinder scarcely elevated. Naked spaces frequently occurring on the -head and throat. - -Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, in their masterly and model monograph -of _Cracidæ_ (Pr. Zoöl. Soc. 1870, 504), define the subfamilies as -follows:— - - =A.= Post-acetabular area narrow; upper mandible higher than broad; - culmen compressed … - - I. _Cracinæ._ - - =B.= Post-acetabular area broad; upper mandible broader than high; - culmen depressed. - - Top of head covered with feathers; space between the nostrils naked; - nostrils exposed … - - II. _Penelopinæ._ - - Top of head with a bony tubercle; internasal space densely - feathered; nostrils concealed … - - III. _Oreophasinæ._ - -By the term “post-acetabular area” is understood that portion of the -dorsal aspect of the pelvis which is bounded in front by a line drawn -through the acetabula. - -The _Cracinæ_, or Curassows, are found in Mexico, in Central and in -South America; the _Oreophasinæ_ are represented by a single species, -_Oreophasis derbianus_, a bird nearly as large as a Turkey, occurring in -the wooded region of the Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala, at an altitude of -10,000 feet. Of the _Penelopinæ_ one species only is found in the United -States. - - -SUBFAMILY PENELOPINÆ. - -This is the most extensive section of _Cracidæ_, embracing, according -to Sclater and Salvin, no less than thirty-nine species. The genera -indicated are as follows:— - - =A.= A central fold of skin on the throat. - - Outer quills narrow, but entire. - - Throat feathered … - - 1. =Stegnolæma.= - - Throat naked. - - Sexes similar … - - 2. =Penelope.= - - Sexes different … - - 3. =Penelopina.= - - Outer quills emarginated. - - Gular fold short … - - 4. =Pipile.= - - Gular fold lengthened; linear … - - 5. =Aburria.= - - =B.= No central gular fold. - - Throat feathered; outer quills emarginated … - - 6. =Chamæpetes.= - - Throat naked; with a central line of bristly feathers; outer quills - entire … - - 7. =Ortalida.= - - -GENUS ORTALIDA, MERREM. - - _Ortalida_, MERREM, Av. rar. Icones et Desc. II, 1786, 40 (GRAY). - (Type, _Phasianus motmot_, L.) - -[Illustration: =37977= ♂ ⅓ ⅓ - -_Ortalida maccalli._] - -Of _Ortalida_, as characterized above, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin -enumerate eighteen species; like the rest of the family, all American. -Of these only one has so far been detected within our limits, although -it is by no means improbable that the _O. poliocephala_, Wagler (Sclater -and Salvin, Pr. Zoöl. Soc. 1870, 537), may yet be detected in New Mexico -or Arizona.[112] - - -Ortalida vetula, var. maccalli, BAIRD. - -THE TEXAS CHACALACCA. - - _Ortalida vetula_, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyc. V, 1851, 116. (Not - _Penelope vetula_, WAGLER, Isis, 1830, 1112, and 1831, 517.)—SCL. - & SALV. P. Z. S. 1870, 538. (Considers it the same as _P. vetula_, - WAGLER). _Ortalida poliocephala_, CASSIN, Illust. I, IX, 1855, 267, - pl. xliv. (Not _Penelope poliocephala_, WAGLER, Isis, 1830, 1112.) - _Ortalida maccalli_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 611.—IB. M. Bound. II, - Birds, 22.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 24 (S. E. Texas, breeding).—LAWR. Ann. - N. Y. IX, 209 (Yucatan).—SCL. & SALV. P. Z. S. 1870, 538 (Honduras, - Vera Cruz, Guatemala).—REICHENB. Handb. der sp. Orn. Lief, VIII, 145. - (Describes more adult specimens.) - -SP. CHAR. Body above dark greenish-olive; beneath brownish-yellow, -tinged with olive. Head and upper part of neck plumbeous. Tail-feathers -lustrous green, all tipped with white, except the middle one. Feathers -along the middle of the throat black; outer edge of primaries tinged -with gray. Eyes brown. Bill and feet lead-colored. Length, 23.50; wing, -8.50; tail, 11.00. - -HAB. Valley of the Rio Grande, and southward to Guatemala. - -This form is distinguishable from _O. vetula_, as restricted, of which -it is the northern representative, by the paler and less fulvous colors, -and lighter—often nearly white—tips to the tail-feathers, besides -other minor differences in coloration. The two cannot be separated -specifically, however, since they undoubtedly grade into each other. - -HABITS. This very remarkable bird, belonging as it does to a form -peculiar to this continent, is the only species found within the limits -of the United States, and only within a quite restricted area in the -valley of the Rio Grande. Numerous species of this family are found in -the warmer countries of America, especially Mexico and Central America, -all or nearly all of which appear to be capable of domestication, -and some of which, including the present species, have, in repeated -instances, been quite as completely domesticated as our common Turkey. - -[Illustration: _Ortalida maccalli._] - -Birds of the family to which the Texan species belongs differ in a -very marked manner, in habits, from most _Gallinaceæ_, inasmuch as -they not only live almost exclusively in deep forests, but are also -remarkable for habitually frequenting trees, feeding upon their foliage, -and building their nests within their branches, more in the manner of -the smaller birds. They are all said to have loud and discordant voices, -and are generally of a black or dark plumage. - -Specimens of this bird were taken at Boquillo, in New Leon, in the -spring of 1853, by Lieutenant Couch, who speaks of them as gregarious -and as seeking their food wholly or in part on trees. According to Mr. -Clark, they do not occur higher up the Rio Grande than the vicinity -of Ringgold Barracks, inhabiting the deepest chaparrals, which they -never quit. They are inactive, and for the most of the time sit about -in flocks in these thickets, feeding on leaves. The Mexican name of -_Chacalacca_ is supposed to be derived from the noise with which at -times they make the valleys ring, and which may be well imitated in -kind, but not in strength, by putting the most stress upon the last two -syllables. No sooner does one take up the song than others chime in -from all quarters, till, apparently exhausted, the noise gradually dies -off into an interlude, only to be again renewed. These concerts take -place in the morning and evening. The birds are quite gentle, are easily -tamed, and are said to cross with the common domestic fowl. - -Mr. Dresser states that the Chacalacca is very common near Matamoras -and Brownsville, and that in the autumn great numbers are exposed for -sale in the market of the latter place. The Mexicans are said to hold -it in high esteem for its fighting qualities, and often keep it in a -domesticated state and cross it with the common fowl, making use of the -hybrid for cock-fighting. Mr. Dresser was so informed by many Mexicans, -upon whose word he placed reliance, and was an eyewitness of a fight in -which one of these hybrids was engaged. Mr. Dresser had a tame one, when -at Matamoras, that became so familiar that he could hardly keep it out -of his room. This bird would occasionally go away for a day or two, and -pay a visit to the poultry belonging to a neighbor; whenever he missed -it, he had only to go to a poultry-yard near the house, where it could -generally be found. - -This species was first taken within the United States by Colonel McCall, -who obtained it in Texas, and who enjoyed and improved unusually good -opportunities to observe the habits and manners of this bird. From his -notes, quoted by Mr. Cassin, we give the following:— - -“This very gallant-looking and spirited bird I saw for the first time -within our territory in the extensive forests of chaparral which envelop -the Resaca de la Palma. Here, and for miles along the Lower Rio Grande, -it was abundant; and throughout this region the remarkable and sonorous -cry of the male bird could not fail to attract and fix the attention -of the most obtuse or listless wanderer who might chance to approach -its abode. By the Mexicans it is called _Chiac-chia-lacca_, an Indian -name, without doubt derived from the peculiar cry of the bird, which -strikingly resembles a repetition of these syllables. And when I assure -you that its voice, in compass, is equal to that of the Guinea-fowl, -and in harshness but little inferior, you may form some idea of the -chorus with which the forest is made to ring at the hour of sunrise. At -that hour, in the month of April, I have observed a proud and stately -fellow descend from the tree on which he had roosted, and, mounting -upon an old log or stump, commence his clear, shrill cry. This was soon -responded to in a lower tone by the female, the latter always taking -up the strain as soon as the importunate call of her mate had ceased. -Thus alternating, one pair after another would join in the matutinal -chorus, and, before the rising sun had lighted up their close retreat, -the woods would ring with the din of a hundred voices, as the happy -couples met after the period of separation and repose. When at length -all this clatter had terminated, the parties quietly betook themselves -to their morning meal. If surprised while thus employed, they would fly -into the trees above, and, peering down with stretched necks, and heads -turned sideways to the ground, they would challenge the intruder with a -singular and oft-repeated croaking note, of which it would be difficult -to give any adequate idea with words alone.” - -Colonel McCall adds that the volubility and singularity of its voice -is its most striking and remarkable trait. While on his march from -Matamoras to Tampico he had encamped, on the 30th of December, at the -spring of Encinal, whence, a short time before sunset, he rode out -in search of game. Passing through a woodland near the stream, his -ears were saluted with a strange sound that resembled somewhat the -cry of the panther (_Felis onca_). He was at a loss to what animal to -ascribe it, and, dismounting, crawled cautiously through the thicket -for some distance, until he came upon an opening where there were some -larger trees, from the lower branches of one of which he ascertained -that the sound proceeded. There he discovered a large male bird of -this species, ascending towards the top of the tree, and uttering this -hitherto unheard sound, as he sprang from branch to branch in mounting -to his roost. In a few moments his call was answered from a distance, -and soon after he was joined by a bird of the year. Others followed, -coming in from different quarters, and there were in a little while five -or six upon the tree. One of these discovered the intruder and gave the -alarm. The singular cry of the old bird ceased, and they all began to -exhibit uneasiness and a disposition to fly, whereupon Colonel McCall -shot the old bird. - -Colonel McCall also states that the eye is a remarkable feature in the -living birds of this species, being full of courage and animation, -equal, in fact, in brilliancy to that of the finest gamecock. He -frequently noticed this bird domesticated by the Mexicans at Matamoras, -Monterey, etc., and going at large about their gardens. He was assured -that in that condition it not unfrequently crossed with the common fowl. - -In the wild state the eggs are said to be from six to eight, never -exceeding the last number. They are white, without spots, and rather -smaller than a pullet’s egg. The nest is usually on the ground, at the -root of a large tree or at the side of an old log, where a hole several -inches deep is scratched in the ground; this is lined with leaves, and -the eggs are always carefully covered with the same when the female -leaves them for the purpose of feeding. If disturbed while on her nest, -she flies at the intruder with great spirit and determination. - -Eggs of this species, from Matamoras, are of an oblong-oval shape, -equally pointed at either end, and measure 2.35 inches in length by 1.65 -in breadth. They are of a dirty-white color with a light tint of buff, -and have a slightly roughened or granulated surface. - - - - -FAMILY MELEAGRIDÆ.—THE TURKEYS. - - -CHAR. Bill moderate; the nasal fossæ bare. Head and neck without -feathers, but with scattered hairs, and more or less carunculated. An -extensible fleshy process on the forehead, but no development of the -bone. Tarsus armed with spurs in the male. Hind toe elevated. Tail -nearly as long as the wing, truncate, of more than twelve feathers. - -The family _Meleagridæ_, or Turkeys, as at present known, is entirely -confined to North and Middle America, and represented only by the -genus _Meleagris_. It forms, in combination with the Guinea-fowls -(_Numididæ_), the Pheasants and common fowls (_Phasianidæ_), and the -Grouse and Partridges (_Tetraonidæ_), a peculiar group, to which -the name _Alecteropodes_ has been given by Professor Huxley; this -group is well distinguished from the _Cracidæ_ and the _Megapodidæ_ -(which form together an opposed group, called _Peristeropodes_), in -addition to the characters enumerated under the family names, by salient -characters developed in the sternum. In the present family and its -relations, as all may recall from experience at the dinner-table, the -sternum, or breast-bone, is divided into a long narrow keel (lophosteon) -extending far backwards; while towards the front, from each side, -and separated by a very deep notch from the median portion, a wing -(pleurosteon) originates obliquely, and, soon splitting in two, extends -also far backwards; in front, two processes (called costal) project -well forwards. In the _Cracidæ_ and _Megapodidæ_, on the contrary, -the sternum is not so split, the keel and wing, as above, being more -continuous and the notch comparatively shallow; the costal processes are -also comparatively small and obtuse. - -Externally the Turkeys have considerable resemblance to the Guinea-fowls -(_Numididæ_), but they differ from them in having a backward process of -the second metacarpal bone, and in the form of the costal processes of -the sternum and of the acromial process of the scapular; while they are -distinguished from the Guinea-fowls and all others by the form of the -pelvis (the post-acetabular area is greater than the pre-acetabular, -and is also longer than broad), and by the furcula (wish-bone), which -is very weak and straight, with its point (hypocleidium) straight and -rod-like. To Professor Huxley we are indebted for having first pointed -out most of these characters. - -Although the number of known species of _Meleagridæ_ as we understand -them, is limited to two now living, the family was apparently well -represented in former geological periods, no less than three having -been already described from more or less perfect remains; of these, -two have been found in the post-pleiocene of New Jersey, one of which -(_Meleagris altus_, Marsh, or _M. superbus_, Cope) was taller than the -common Turkey, while the other (_Meleagris celer_, Marsh) was much -smaller. The third species (_Meleagris antiquus_, Marsh) lived at a -still earlier date, its remains having been obtained in the miocene beds -of Colorado. - - -GENUS MELEAGRIS, LINNÆUS. - - _Meleagris_, LINNÆUS, Syst. Nat. 1735. (Type, _Meleagris gallopavo_, - LINN.) - -[Illustration: ¼ ¼ ¼ - -_Meleagris gallopavo._] - -GEN. CHAR. Legs with transverse scutellæ before and behind; reticulated -laterally. Tarsi with spurs. Tail rounded, rather long, usually of -eighteen feathers. Forehead with a depending fleshy cone. Head and the -upper half of the neck without feathers. Breast of male in most species -with a long tuft of bristles. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =M. gallopavo.= Head livid blue, legs red, general color - copper-bronze, with copper and green reflections, each feather with a - velvet-black margin; all the quills brown, closely barred with white. - Tail-feathers chestnut, narrowly barred with black; the tip with a - very broad, subterminal black bar. - - Tail-coverts dark purplish-chestnut throughout, with the tips not - lighter. Tip of tail-feathers scarcely paler chestnut than the - ground-color. _Hab._ Eastern Province of United States … - - var. _gallopavo_. - - Tail-coverts chestnut, the tips much paler, sometimes almost white. - Tip of tail-feathers light brownish-yellow or white; sometimes with - the coverts broadly whitish. _Hab._ Southern portion of Western - Province of United States, from Texas to Arizona. Table-lands of - Mexico, south to Orizaba, Mirador, etc. … - - var. _mexicanus_. - -The _M. ocellatus_[113] of Honduras and Yucatan is a very distinct -species, and one which vies with the _Phasianidæ_ of Asia in the -brilliancy of its coloring. It is very rare in collections, and has a -very restricted distribution. - - -Meleagris gallopavo, var. _gallopavo_, LINN. - -WILD TURKEY. - - Meleagris gallopavo, LINNÆUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 156.—GMELIN, I, - 1788, 732.—LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 618.—STEPHENS, in Shaw’s - Zoöl. XI, i, 1819, 156 (domestic bird).—BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, - 79, pl. ix.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 1 and 33; V, 1839, 559, pl. - i.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 42, pl. cclxxxvii, cclxxxviii.—NUTTALL, - Man. I, 1832, 630.—REICHENBACH, Systema Av. 1851, pl. xxvi.—IB. - Icones Av. tab. 289.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 615.—DRESSER, Ibis, - 1866, 25 (Southeastern Texas, breeds).—MAX. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 426. - _Meleagris americana_, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 290. _Meleagris - sylvestris_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. IX, 447. _Gallopavo sylvestris_, - LECONTE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. 1857, 179. _Meleagris fera_, VIEILLOT, - Galerie Ois. II, 1824, 10, pl. x.—GRAY. Cat. Gall. V, 42, 1867.—_Wild - Turkey_, CLAYTON, Philos. Trans. XVII, 1693, 992.—PENNANT, Philos. - Trans. LXXI, 1781, 67.—IB. Arctic Zoöl. No. 178. _American Turkey_, - LATHAM, Syn. II, ii, 676. _Gallopavo sylvestris, Novæ Angliæ_, RAY, - Syn. 51. _Gallopavo sylvestris_, CATESBY, Carol. I, 1730, App. p. - xliv.—BRISSON, Orn. V, 1760, 162. - -[Illustration: _Meleagris gallopavo._] - -SP. CHAR. The naked skin of the head and neck is blue; the excrescences -purplish-red. The legs are red. The feathers of the neck and body -generally are very broad, abruptly truncate, and each one well defined -and scale-like; the exposed portion coppery-bronze, with a bright -coppery reflection in some lights, in the specimens before us chiefly on -the under parts. Each feather is abruptly margined with velvet-black, -the bronze assuming a greenish or purplish shade near the line of -junction, and the bronze itself sometimes with a greenish reflection in -some lights. The black is opaque, except along the extreme tip, where -there is a metallic gloss. The feathers of the lower back and rump are -black, with little or no copper gloss. The feathers of the sides behind, -and the coverts, upper and under, are of a very dark purplish-chestnut, -with purplish-metallic reflections near the end, and a subterminal bar -of black; the tips are of the opaque purplish-chestnut referred to. The -concealed portion of the coverts is dark chestnut barred rather finely -with black; the black wider than the interspaces. The tail-feathers -are dark brownish-chestnut, with numerous transverse bars of black, -which, when most distinct, are about a quarter of an inch wide and -about double their interspaces; the extreme tip for about half an inch -is plain chestnut, lighter than the ground-color; and there is a broad -subterminal bar of black about two inches wide on the outer feathers, -and narrowing to about three quarters of an inch to the central ones. -The innermost pair scarcely shows this band, and the others are all much -broken and confused. In addition to the black bars on each feather, -the chestnut interspaces are sprinkled with black. The black bands are -all most distinct on the inner webs; the interspaces are considerably -lighter below than above. - -There are no whitish tips whatever to the tail or its coverts. The -feathers on the middle of the belly are downy, opaque, and tipped -obscurely with rusty whitish. - -The wing-coverts are like the back; the quills, however, are -blackish-brown, with numerous transverse bars of white, half the width -of the interspaces. The exposed surfaces of the wing, however, and most -of the inner secondaries, are tinged with brownish-rusty, the uppermost -ones with a dull copper or greenish gloss. - -The female differs in smaller size, less brilliant colors, absence -generally of bristles on the breast and of spur, and a much smaller -fleshy process above the base of the bill. - -_Male._ Length, 48.00 to 50.00; extent, 60.00; wing, 21.00; tail, 18.50. -Weight, 16 to 35 lbs. _Female._ Weight about 12 lbs.; measurements -smaller in proportion. - -HAB. Eastern Province of the United States, and Canada. West along the -timbered river-valleys towards the Rocky Mountains; south to the Gulf -coast. - -There is some question as to the names to be applied to the two races of -Northern _Meleagris_, and especially as to which is entitled to bear the -name of _gallopavo_. The original description of _M. gallopavo_ quotes -the New England Turkey as described by Ray, but as far as the characters -given go refers rather to the domestic form, which is equivalent to _M. -mexicana_ of Gould. In this state of the case we therefore think it as -well to use _gallopavo_ for the eastern race, although the arguments of -Major Leconte and others in favor of applying it to the wild Mexican, -and its derivative the domestic variety, are not without much weight. - -HABITS. The Wild Turkey is found throughout eastern North America, from -South Carolina northward, and from the Atlantic to Texas and Arkansas. -It has probably become an extinct species in New England, though within -a few years individuals have been shot in Montague, Mass., and in other -towns in Franklin County. The construction of railroads, however, -and the settlement of the country, have probably led to their final -extermination; at least, I have known of none being taken within the -limits of Massachusetts for several years. - -In the unsettled portions of the Southern and Western States, and in -the country watered by the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers and -their affluents, these birds are comparatively plentiful, though the -question of their final extinction is probably only one of time, and -that not very distant. In Audubon’s day they were to be found along the -whole line of the Alleghanies, where they still occur, but have become -very wary and to be approached only with the greatest difficulty. In -Louisiana and in Kentucky, Audubon found them most abundant, and in -these States he enjoyed the most favorable opportunities for observing -their very remarkable habits in regions then comparatively undisturbed -by the intrusion of civilized man. They are said to be not uncommon in -Virginia, and are not unfrequently met with even in the vicinity of -Washington. - -Dr. Woodhouse found this species abundant throughout the wooded portions -of the Indian Territory and Texas. While in the Creek country his party -killed numbers of them daily. Many of them were very large, and weighed -upwards of nineteen pounds each, although at that time they were in poor -condition. They were quite abundant along the Rio San Pedro in Texas. - -Mr. Dresser found the Wild Turkey common in all the portions of Texas -and Mexico that he visited, and particularly so on the rivers between -San Antonio and the Rio Grande. His first Turkey hunt was on the Upper -Medina River, about forty miles from San Antonio. It proved to be wary -and difficult to approach in the daytime; but by watching to see where -they roosted, and visiting them by moonlight, one or two could generally -be secured. They generally preferred roosting in high cottonwood-trees, -on the banks of a stream, perching as high up as possible. He once saw -eleven Turkeys on one large bough of a cottonwood-tree on the Medina. -When the pecan-nuts are ripe the Turkeys become very fat, as they are -extremely fond of these nuts, which are very oily. One very plump bird -was found, after it had been dressed, to weigh sixteen pounds. Mr. -Dresser was informed by the hunters, that, for a nest, the Turkeys -scratch a hole in the ground, or make a sort of nest in the grass under -a bush, and that the eggs resemble those of the tame Turkey, except in -being smaller and more elongated in form. The Mexicans, on the Upper Rio -Grande, sometimes domesticate the Wild Turkey, and at Piedras Negras Mr. -Dresser saw two that had been caught when quite young and had become -very tame. The female was then sitting, and the eggs, when examined, -were found to agree with the account given him by the hunters. - -Mr. Audubon, in his very full and minute account of their habits, speaks -of them as irregularly migratory and gregarious, their migrations having -reference only to the abundance of food, and the meeting together in -the same localities being to a large degree caused by the same source -of attraction,—the supply of mast in certain regions. In this way they -desert sections where the supply is exhausted, and advance towards those -where it is more plentiful. - -Late in October these birds assemble in flocks in the rich bottom-lands -of the Western rivers, the male birds associating in parties of from -ten to a hundred, and keeping apart from the females. The latter are -simultaneously moving into the same regions, but only in small family -groups, each leading its own flock, then nearly grown. Gradually they -unite with other families, forming at length parties of seventy or -eighty. They are said to avoid very carefully the old males, who have -the very unparental disposition to destroy the young birds even when -nearly grown. These migrations are made on foot except when they are -compelled to cross a stream. On their first coming to the banks of a -river they are said to make a pause there of one or two days before they -attempt to cross, the old males strutting about up and down the banks, -making a loud gobbling, and calling to one another as if to raise their -courage to a befitting point. Even the females and the young assume -something of the same pompous demeanor, spreading out their tails, -running round one another, and making a loud purring noise. At length, -after this prolonged preparation for the passage, they all mount to the -top of a high tree, and, at a signal given by their leader, take flight -for the opposite shore. Occasionally some fall into the water, when -these bring the wings close to the body, spread out the tail, and plying -their legs with great vigor move rapidly towards the shore, where, by -a violent effort, they extricate themselves from the water. After thus -crossing a stream of any magnitude, they are often found in a bewildered -state, and fall an easy prey to the hunter. - -Where their food occurs abundantly they separate into smaller flocks, -composed of birds of all ages and sexes. At times they are known to -approach farmhouses, associate with the domesticated fowl, and enter the -corn-cribs in quest of food, passing the fall and the winter in this -manner. - -Early in February the love-season is said to commence, the first -demonstrations being made by the males, but for some time persistently -avoided by the females. At this period the sexes roost apart. When a -female utters a call-note, the male birds within hearing return the -cry, uttering notes similar to those with which the domestic Turkey -greets any very unusual sound. If the call-note has been uttered by a -female on the ground, the males fly to the place, spreading and erecting -their tails, drawing their heads back on their shoulders, depressing -their wings with a quivering motion, and strutting pompously about. At -the same time they emit from their lungs a succession of very peculiar -puffs. On these occasions the males often encounter each other, and -desperate contests ensue, which frequently have a fatal termination, -caused by furious blows inflicted on the head. When one Cock-Turkey -has thus destroyed its rival, it is said to caress the dead body in an -apparently affectionate manner. - -When the Turkeys have mated, the connection is supposed to last for that -season, though a male Turkey is often known to have more than a single -mate; and the hens are said also to keep apart from the males while -they are laying their eggs, for the cock would inevitably destroy them. -At the end of the love-season the males become emaciated, and cease to -gobble. They then separate entirely from the females, and keep apart by -themselves until they recover their strength, when they reunite in small -flocks. - -The female is said to begin to deposit her eggs about the middle of -April, selecting for that purpose a place as much concealed as possible -from her many enemies. The nest, always on the ground, consists of a few -withered leaves in a hollow scratched out by the side of a fallen log, -or the top of a prostrate tree, or under a thicket, or within the edge -of a cane-brake, but always in a dry place. The eggs sometimes amount to -twenty in number, though there are usually from ten to fifteen. They are -described as of a dull cream-color, sprinkled with reddish dots. When -the female leaves her nest, she is said to be very careful to cover them -with leaves, so that it is always difficult for any one to find them. -Mr. Audubon observed that Turkey-hens not unfrequently selected small -islands in which to deposit their eggs, apparently on account of the -great masses of drift-timber which accumulated at their heads, in which -they could seek protection and shelter. - -If a female is approached while sitting on her eggs, she rarely moves -unless she is discovered. Mr. Audubon has frequently approached within -a few paces of a nest, the female remaining undisturbed. They seldom -abandon their nest when it has been discovered by man, but forsake it -if any of the eggs have been destroyed by any kind of animal. If the -eggs are taken or destroyed, the female prepares for another nest, but -otherwise has only one brood in a season. Audubon also states that he -has known several hens associate together, deposit their eggs in the -same nest, and rear their broods together, having once found three hens -sitting on forty-two eggs in a single nest, one female at least being -always present to protect it. When the eggs are near hatching, the -female will not leave her eggs under any circumstances, and will suffer -herself to be made a prisoner rather than abandon them. The mother -assists the young birds to extricate themselves from the egg-shell, -caresses and dries them with her bill, and aids them in their first -efforts to totter out of the nest. As the brood follow her, she is very -watchful against Hawks or other enemies, spreads her wings a little to -protect them, and calls them close to her side, keeping them on dry -ground and carefully guarding them from wet, which is very injurious to -them when young. When two weeks old, they begin to be able to follow -their mother, at night to roost in the low limb of some tree, and to -leave the woods in the daytime in quest of berries and other food. The -young usually feed on various kinds of small berries and insects. The -full-grown Turkeys prefer the pecan-nuts and wild grapes to any other -kind of food. - -They are also said to feed on grass, various kinds of plants, corn, -and other grain, seeds, fruit, and also upon beetles, small lizards, -tadpoles, etc. In feeding in the woods, they turn over the dry leaves -with their feet, and seem instinctively to know the presence of suitable -food. They not unfrequently betray their presence in the neighborhood by -the bare places they thus leave behind them in the woods where they have -been feeding. - -After heavy falls of snow and the formation of a hard crust, the Turkeys -are said to be compelled to remain several days on their roosts without -food thus proving their capability of enduring a continued abstinence. - -Turkeys are hunted in various ways and by different expedients to -facilitate their destruction. In the spring they are attracted by -drawing the air, in a peculiar manner, through one of the second -joint-bones of a wing. The sound thus produced resembles the voice of -the female, on hearing which the male comes up and is shot. The cry of -the Barred Owl is also imitated at night where Turkeys are at roost, -who betray the place by their rolling gobble, uttered when alarmed. One -of the most common methods of capturing Wild Turkeys is by means of a -trap known as a Turkey-pen. A covered enclosure is made, constructed -of trees, about four feet high and of various sizes, closed everywhere -except at one end, where a small opening is left through which a small -trench is dug, sloping very gradually at both ends, into and from the -pen. The portion nearest the enclosure is covered. This passage-way, the -interior of the pen, and the vicinity of the opening, to some distance -into the forest, are strewn with corn. The Turkeys, attracted by the -corn, follow it into the pen, and when they wish to leave endeavor to -get out by the sides, but have not intelligence enough to escape by the -opening through which they entered. In this manner they are sometimes -entrapped in great numbers. - -In unsettled parts of the country, Wild Turkeys are often known to -associate with tame ones, sometimes to fight with them and to drive them -from their food. - -Mr. Audubon supposed our common tame Turkey to have originated in these -birds, yet in his accounts of the habits of the latter he mentions -several indications of divergence. A Wild Turkey which he had reared -almost from the shell, and which had become very tame, would never roost -with the domesticated birds, but always betook itself at night to the -roof of the house, where it remained until dawn. - -Mr. Bachman states that Wild Turkeys kept in confinement, in a condition -of partial domestication, but separate from the domestic birds, lose -the brilliancy of their plumage in the third generation, become of a -pale brown, and have here and there an intermixture of white feathers. -On the other hand, Major Leconte states, most positively, that the Wild -Turkey has never been known to become so nearly domesticated as to -propagate its race in confinement, notwithstanding the many efforts made -to accomplish this result. This statement is, however, negative, and -must be taken with reservation. In 1852, in Mr. Barnum’s grounds, near -Niagara Falls, I saw Wild Turkeys with broods of young birds, though how -far successful this attempt proved in the sequel I do not know, and Dr. -Bachman’s statement seems to be quite positive evidence that they can be -thus reared. - -Mr. Audubon describes the eggs of the Wild Turkey as measuring 2.87 -inches in length and 2.00 in breadth, and rather pointed at one end; -their ground-color is given as of a uniform pale-yellowish tint, marked -all over with pale rusty-brown spots. - -Specimens in my collection vary from 2.55 to 2.35 inches in length, and -in breadth from 1.85 to 1.75 inches. They are of an elongate-oval shape, -are pointed at one end, quite obtuse at the other. The ground is a rich -dark cream-color, very generally spotted with rounded blotches of a rare -umber-brown. - - -Meleagris gallopavo, var. mexicana, GOULD. - -MEXICAN TURKEY. - - _Meleagris mexicana_, GOULD, Pr. Zoöl. Soc. 1856, 61.—BAIRD, Birds - N. Am. 1858, 618.—COUES, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1866, 93 (Fort Whipple, - Arizona).—ELLIOT, Illust. II, pl. xxxviii.—BAIRD, Rept. Agricultural - Dept. for 1866 (1867) 288.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 523. _Meleagris - gallopavo_, GRAY, Cat. Gallinæ, Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 42. - -SP. CHAR. Similar to var. _gallopavo_, but feathers of the rump, the -tail-coverts, and tail-feathers, tipped with whitish, instead of dark -rusty; gloss more greenish. ♂ (44,731, Mirador): Wing, 20.50; tail, -18.50; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 6.50; middle toe, 3.50. - -HAB. Rocky Mountains, from Western Texas to Arizona, and south along the -table land of Mexico. - -Wild Turkeys from the vicinity of the Rocky Mountains differ strikingly -from those east of the Mississippi in the feathers of the sides of the -body behind, and in the upper and under tail-coverts. These are all -tipped with light brownish-yellow for about half an inch, more or less -with the region, and the tail is tipped with the same. The chestnut -ground of the tail and coverts is also considerably lighter. The gloss -on the feathers of the rump is green, not purple. The coverts, too, lack -in a measure the purple shade in the chestnut. The metallic reflections -generally have rather more green than in the eastern bird. - -In one specimen (♀, 10,030, from Fort Thorn) the light edgings are -almost white, and so much extended as to conceal the entire rump. All -the feathers of the under parts of the body are edged broadly with -white, and the tail is tipped with the same for more than an inch. This -specimen also has the head considerably more hairy than in the eastern -skins, but the others from the same region do not differ so much in this -respect from eastern ones. - -Two specimens from the Llano Estacado of Texas are exactly intermediate -between New Mexican skins and examples from Arkansas, the former -being typical _mexicana_, and the latter slightly different from -true _gallopavo_. These Texan specimens have the tips of the upper -tail-coverts pale ochraceous, instead of pure white; in the Arkansas -skins these tips are rufous-chestnut, instead of dark maroon-chestnut, -as in typical _gallopavo_ from Pennsylvania and Virginia. - -Many, or indeed most, specimens of _mexicana_ have the black subterminal -zone of the tail with a more or less distinct metallic bronzing, which -we have never seen in any specimens of _gallopavo_. - -It is to this race that we are indebted for the origin of our domestic -Turkey, and not to that of the eastern parts of North America. - -HABITS. There is very little on record as to the possession of -distinctive peculiarities by this race of North American Turkeys. If, -as is now generally supposed, it be the original source whence the -domestic fowl was derived, we are all sufficiently conversant with its -performances in the barnyard, and its excellences for the table. - -Specimens of its eggs collected in Arizona exhibit no noteworthy -differences from the _gallopavo_. - -In the accompanying foot-note we reproduce an article on the origin of -the domestic Turkey, by Professor Baird, published in the Report of -the Agricultural Department for 1866, which contains some points of -interest, bearing on the origin of the domestic Turkey and the habits of -the Mexican variety.[114] - - - - -FAMILY TETRAONIDÆ.—THE GROUSE. - - -As already stated, the _Tetraonidæ_ are pre-eminently characterized -among gallinaceous birds by their densely feathered tarsi, and by the -feathers of the nasal fossa or groove, which fill it completely, and -conceal the nostrils. The toes are usually naked (feathered to the claws -in the Ptarmigans), and with pectinations of scales along the edges. The -tail-feathers vary from sixteen to eighteen and even twenty in number; -the tail is rounded, acute, or forked. The orbital region is generally -somewhat bare, with a naked stripe above the upper eyelid, beset by -short fringe-like processes, while many genera have an inflatable -air-sac on the side of the neck. - -The following synoptical table will give a general view of the North -American _Tetraonidæ_, although the arrangement is more artificial than -natural. The species of _Tetrao_ and _Bonasa_ inhabit wooded regions; -_Lagopus_ belongs to the more arctic portions of the continent and the -snowy ridges of the Rocky Mountains; the others are found in the great -prairies of the West, _Centrocercus_ being confined to the sterile -plains covered with sage or wormwood. - -The following synopsis is intended to aid in defining the genera, but -does not profess to constitute a natural arrangement. - - -Genera. - - =A.= Legs feathered to and on the basal membrane of the toes, which - are bare. No ruff on the side of the neck, which, however, has an - extensible bare space. - - =Canace.= Tail broad, nearly even, or truncate, and rounded - laterally, two thirds the wing. Nasal fossæ scarcely half the - culmen. - - =Centrocercus.= Tail excessively lengthened and cuneate; longer than - the wings. Nasal fossæ two thirds the culmen. Shafts of feathers on - the lower throat very spinous. - - =Pediœcetes.= Tail very short, but graduated, and with the two - middle feathers (perhaps tail-coverts) lengthened beyond the rest, - and two thirds as long as the wing; the next longest half the wing. - Nasal fossæ not half the length of culmen. Shafts of throat-feathers - normal. - - =B.= Legs feathered to the lower end of tarsus. - - =Cupidonia.= Tail very short, truncate, but laterally graduated; - half the wings. Sides of neck with long, pointed, or lanceolate, - stiff feathers. Nasal fossæ scarcely one third the culmen. - - =C.= Legs feathered to the claws. - - =Lagopus.= Tail about two thirds the wing, truncate; of sixteen to - eighteen feathers. Most species becoming white in winter; none of - the other genera exhibiting this peculiarity. - - =D.= Lower half of tarsi bare, with two rows of scutellæ anteriorly. - - =Bonasa.= Sides of neck with a ruff of broad, truncate, soft - feathers. Tail very broad, square, as long as the wings. - - -GENUS CANACE, REICHENBACH. - -GEN. CHAR. Bill smooth, with no lateral groove, depressed, or broader -than high. Feathers of the head and neck all normal, i.e. no crest, -nor lengthened plumes of any kind. Tail lengthened (i.e. nearly equal -to wing), rounded, the feathers broad to the end; consisting of from -sixteen to twenty feathers. Toes naked. - - -Subgenera. - - =Canace.= Tail of sixteen feathers; no air-sac on side of the neck. - Size small. (Type, _T. canadensis_, L.) - - =Dendragapus.= Tail of twenty feathers; an inflatable air-sac on side - of the neck. Size large. (Type, _T. obscurus_, Say.) - -The American species of Wood Grouse appear, on comparison, to be -generically distinct from _Tetrao_, of the Old World, (type, _Tetrao -urogallus_,) and, moreover, are themselves comprised under two definable -subgenera. _Canace_ proper has a near relative in _Falcipennis_, Elliot, -(type, _Tetrao falcipennis_, Hartlaub,) of Siberia, which differs merely -in the attenuation of the primaries, and seems to us not separable -from _Canace_. There is no European genus nearly related to our birds. -_T. urogallus_ differs very essentially in high, compressed, and -light-colored bill, elongated and stiffened feathers of the whole head -and neck, metallic colors, etc. _T._ (_Lyrurus_) _tetrix_ approaches -nearer in the bill, but also has metallic colors and a very peculiarly -formed tail. Thus it seems absolutely necessary to adopt the name -_Canace_, of Reichenbach, as a generic term by which to designate the -American Wood Grouse. - - -SUBGENUS CANACE, REICHENBACH. - - _Canace_, REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. Nat. 1851. (Type, _Tetrao - canadensis_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Tail of sixteen feathers, rounded, the feathers broad to the -end. A colored (red or yellow) “comb” of naked skin over the eye. No -inflatable air-sac on side of the neck. No crest, nor unusual plumes, -about the head or neck. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =T. canadensis.= Above distinctly barred with plumbeous and black; - beneath black, with a white border to the throat, a white pectoral - band, and white markings on the sides. _Female_ barred with - ochraceous, gray and black above, and with orange-ochraceous and black - on the lower parts. - - Tail rounded, tipped with rufous; upper tail-coverts tipped narrowly - with deep ash. _Hab._ British America, east of the Rocky Mountains, - from Alaska (Yukon region) to northern border of United States … - - var. _canadensis_. - - Tail nearly even, black to the tip, or else with a narrow white - terminal bar; upper tail-coverts broadly tipped with pure white. - _Hab._ Northern Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast … - - var. _franklini_. - - -Canace canadensis, var. canadensis, LINN. - -SPRUCE PARTRIDGE; CANADA GROUSE. - - _Tetrao canadensis_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 159.—FORSTER, Phil. - Trans. LXII, 1772, 389.—SABINE, Zoöl. App. Franklin’s Exped. - 683.—BONAP. Amer. Orn. III, 1830, pl. xxi, f. 2, ♀.—IB. Am. Phil. - Trans. III, N. S. 1830, 391.—RICH. F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 346, - pl. lxii, ♀.—NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 667.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, - 437; V, 1839, 563, pl. clxxvi.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 83, pl. - cclxciv.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 622.—MAYNARD, B. E. Mass. 1870, 138 - (Massachusetts).—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1861, 226.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. - 1867, 86.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287.—FINSCH, Abh. - Nat. Verz. III, 1872, 61. _Canace canadensis_, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. - 1851, p. xxix. Type, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.—ELLIOT, - P. A. N. S. 1864, 23.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl. _Tetrao canace_, LINN. - Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 275. _Black Spotted Heathcock_, EDWARDS, Glean. - pl. cxviii. _Spotted Grouse_, PENNANT. - -SP. CHAR. Tail of sixteen feathers. Above black. Feathers above -distinctly banded with plumbeous; beneath uniform black, with a pectoral -band of white, and white on the sides of the belly. Chin and throat -above, black. Tail with a broad brownish-orange terminal band. Length, -16.20; wing, 6.70; tail, 5.44. - -_Female_ smaller, but somewhat similar; the black bars above broader, -the inner gray bars of each feather, including the tail, replaced by -broader ones of brownish-orange. The under parts have the feathers -black, barred with the brownish-orange, which, on the tips of the -belly-feathers, is pure white. The clear continuous black of the head -and breast is wanting. The scapulars, greater coverts, and sides are -streaked as in the male. - -A female (No. 39,136, G. A. Boardman) from Maine differs from the above -description in having the ground of the plumage a bright orange-rufous, -the distinct bars of which are broader than the black ones; this is -probably an autumnal bird, and represents the peculiar plumage of that -season. - -_Males_ vary, individually, in the extent or uniformity of the black of -the breast. - -Specimens from Alaska (Nulato, Kodiak, etc.), Red River, Liard’s River -and Fort Liard, Hudson’s Bay Territory, Canada, and Maine, appear to be -absolutely identical. - -The young in downy state are pale buff-yellow; the head above, with the -back and wings, pale fulvous; a black stripe on side of head (from bill -to end of auriculars), two spots on crown, and transverse crescentic -spots on back and wings, black. - -HAB. Spruce forests and swamps of the Northern United States to the -Arctic seas; west nearly to Rocky Mountains. - -HABITS. This bird, variously known as the Spruce or Wood Partridge, -Canada, Black, or Spotted Grouse, is found, in favorable localities, -from the Northern United States as far north as the woods extend, -to the Arctic Ocean, being found, even in midwinter, nearly to the -70th parallel. Sir John Richardson found all the thick and swampy -black-spruce forests between Canada and the Arctic Sea abounding with -this species. In winter it descends into Maine, Northern New York, and -Michigan. Its migrations are, however, only partial, as it is found in -the severest weather of midwinter, in considerable numbers, as far north -as latitude 67°. According to Mr. Douglas, west of the Rocky Mountains -it is replaced by the _T. franklini_. This bird is said to perch in -trees, in flocks of eight or ten, and is so stupid that it may be taken -by slipping a noose, fastened to the end of a stick, over its head. When -disturbed, it flies heavily a short distance, and then alights again -among the interior branches of a tree. Richardson invariably found its -crop filled with the buds of the spruce-trees in the winter, and at -that time its flesh was very dark and had a strong resinous taste. In -districts where the _Pinus banksiana_ grows it is said to prefer the -buds of that tree. In the summer it feeds on berries, which render its -flesh more palatable. - -Captain Blakiston states that he has found this species as far west as -Fort Carlton, and Mr. Ross has traced it northward on the Mackenzie to -the Arctic coast. - -Mr. Audubon met with it in Maine, in the vicinity of Eastport, where -they were only to be met with in the thick and tangled forests of spruce -and hackmatack. They were breeding in the inner recesses of almost -impenetrable woods of hackmatack or larches. He was informed that they -breed in that neighborhood about the middle of May, a full month sooner -than they do in Labrador. In their love-season the males are said to -exhibit many of the singular manners also noticeable in the other -members of this family. They strut before the female on the ground, -something in the manner of the common domestic Turkey-cock, occasionally -rising in a spiral manner above her in the air; at the same time, both -when on the ground and in the air, they beat their wings violently -against their body, thereby producing a peculiar drumming sound, which -is said to be much clearer than the well-known drumming of the Ruffed -Grouse. These sounds can be heard at a considerable distance from the -place where they are made. - -The female constructs a nest of a bed of dry twigs, leaves, and mosses, -which is usually carefully concealed, on the ground and under low -horizontal branches of fir-trees. The number of eggs is said to vary -from eight to eighteen in number. It is imagined by the common people -that where more than ten eggs are found in the same nest they are the -product of two females, who aid each other in their charge. The eggs are -described by Audubon as of a deep fawn-color, irregularly splashed with -different tints of brown. They have but a single brood in a season, and -the young follow the mother as soon as they leave the shell. - -As soon as incubation commences, the males desert the females and keep -in small flocks by themselves, removing to different woods, where they -usually become much more shy and wary than at any other season of the -year. - -In their movements on the ground these birds are said to resemble our -common Quail, rather than the Ruffed Grouse. They do not jerk their -tails in the manner of the latter bird, as they walk, nor are they known -to burrow in the snow; but when they are pursued they invariably take -refuge in trees, from which they cannot be readily made to fly. When -driven from one place of refuge to another, they accompany their flight -with a few _clucks_, and those sounds they repeat when they alight. -When a flock thus alights, it may all be readily secured by a little -precaution and pains. It is said that they are so unwary and regardless -of the near presence of man, that when thus in the imagined shelter of -a tree they will permit themselves to be approached, the whole flock -shot, or even knocked down with a stick. Sometimes they may all be taken -alive, one after the other, by means of a noose affixed to the end of a -long pole. - -According to Audubon, the Canada Grouse indicate the approach of rainy -weather by retiring to roost at an unusual time in the day, whenever -a storm is impending. If observed to fly up to their roost at midday, -it rarely fails to rain or snow before the evening; and if, on the -contrary, they remain busily engaged in search of food until sunset, the -night and the following morning are pretty sure to be fresh and clear. - -The young of this Grouse are very strong and active from the moment -they are hatched, and are able to fly at a very early age. When in -Labrador, Mr. Audubon almost walked, by accident, upon a female Canada -Grouse, surrounded by her young brood. This was about the middle of -July. The affrighted mother, upon perceiving him, ruffled up all her -feathers in the manner of the common Hen, and advanced close to him as -if determined to defend her offspring. Her distressed condition claimed -his forbearance, and she was allowed to remain in safety. As soon as -he retired she smoothed down her plumage and uttered a tender maternal -chuck, when the little ones took to their wings with ease, though they -appeared to be not more than one week old. - -Mr. Audubon found this Grouse moulting as early as the 20th of July. At -that period the young were generally already able to fly fully a hundred -yards in a single flight. They alighted on low trees and were easily -taken alive. - -This Grouse feeds, in the summer, on berries of various kinds, as well -as upon the buds and leaves of several different kinds of plants and -shrubs. In the autumn they gorge themselves with the berries of the -Solomon’s Seal. At this season their flesh is much the best. In the -winter, when they feed on the buds of the hackmatack and the spruce and -firs, and also upon the leaves of the spruces, as stated by Richardson, -they have a bitter, disagreeable taste, and are hardly fit to eat. - -This Grouse may be readily kept in confinement, and even made to breed -there. Mr. Thomas Lincoln, of Dennysville, fed some of them on oats, on -which food they appeared to thrive very well. - -The eggs of this food vary in length from 1.75 inches to 1.68, and in -breadth from 1.22 to 1.20 inches. Eggs taken at Fort Resolution, by Mr. -Kennicott, have a ground of a deep dull cream-color, shaded with ochre. -They are of an oblong-oval shape, speckled and marked with spots of a -dark chestnut-color. In these specimens the spots are larger towards the -smaller end. - - -Canace canadensis, var. franklini, DOUGLAS. - -FRANKLIN’S GROUSE. - - _Tétrao franklini_, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 139.—RICH. - F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 348, pl. lxi.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 623.—LORD, Pr. R. A. Inst. IV, 1864, 123 (between Rocky Mountains - and Cascades).—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. 1867, 86.—COOPER & SUCKLEY, - 261.—COOP. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 529. _Tetrao canadensis_, var. BONAP. - Am. Orn. III, 1830, 47, pl. xx. _? Tetrao fusca_, ORD. Guthrie’s - Geog. (2d Am. ed.) II, 1815, 317. (Based on small brown Pheasant of - Lewis & Clark, II, 182, which very probably is this species.) _Canace - franklini_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl. - -SP. CHAR. Similar to _C. canadensis_, but with the tail-feathers -entirely black, without orange-brown terminal band; the upper -tail-coverts broadly tipped with white. The tail less rounded. Wing, -7.35; tail, 5.62. - -_Hab._ Northern Rocky Mountains, near the United States boundary, and -west to Coast Range. - -The difference from _canadensis_ is very appreciable, though we -cannot consider it as of specific importance. This consists chiefly -in the rather longer, more even tail, with broader feathers, which -are pure black instead of very dark brown, and entirely without the -orange terminal band. The white streaks on the scapulars are larger -terminally, and much more conspicuous, and the upper tail-coverts are -conspicuously barred terminally with white, not seen in the other. The -female differs from that of _canadensis_ in the white bars at the ends -of the tail-coverts, and in having the tail-feathers tipped with whitish -instead of orange-brown. - -[Illustration: _C. franklini._] - -[Illustration: _C. canadensis._] - -HABITS. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, and from Oregon to high -northern latitudes, this variety replaces the common Spruce Partridge -of the Eastern Continent. Sir John Richardson, as well as Mr. Drummond, -regarded these birds as only a western variety of the _canadensis_. The -latter, who had ample opportunities for studying the manners of both, -was unable to perceive any difference between them. Mr. Douglas took a -different view, though he admitted that their habits were essentially -the same. Swainson also regarded the two birds as distinct species. This -variety is stated by Richardson to inhabit the valleys of the Rocky -Mountains, from the sources of the Missouri to those of the Mackenzie; -and on the authority of Mr. Douglas, it is also to be seen sparingly -on the elevated platforms that skirt the snowy peaks of Mount Hood, -Mount St. Helens, and of Mount Baker, where it is said to run over -the shattered rocks and among the brushwood with amazing speed, only -using its wings as a last effort to escape. Mr. Douglas also states -that it makes its nest on the ground, of dried leaves and grass, not -unfrequently at the foot of decayed stumps, or by the side of fallen -timber in the mountain woods. The eggs are incorrectly described as of -a dingy whiteness and as smaller than those of the European _Columba -palumbus_. - -Dr. Suckley found this Grouse abundant in the Rocky as well as in the -Bitterroot and the Cascade Mountains, and in Washington Territory, near -the Yakima Passes. It is known to the Indians as the _Tyee-kulla-kulla_, -meaning the _gentleman-bird_. It was only found plentiful in the eastern -portion of Washington Territory. Specimens of this species, sent by -Dr. Suckley to the Smithsonian Institution, were procured by Mullan in -St. Mary’s Valley, in the Rocky Mountains. They were quite common in -that region, and were readily obtainable, as they were very tame and -unsuspicious. Mr. George Gibbs informed Dr. Suckley that in November, -1847, he obtained in the Willamette Valley a small Grouse that may -probably be referred to this species. - -Mr. Lord thinks that this species is rarely found west of the Cascades; -but on the eastern side and along the whole district lying between the -Cascades and the Rocky Mountains it is common, always keeping among the -mountains, to the height of seven thousand feet. He regards them as one -of the most stupid of birds. When several are flushed together, they -fly up into the nearest pine-tree, from which you cannot frighten them -with sticks and stones. He has often shot several in a tree where there -were others without the latter attempting to fly away. During the winter -they remain in the deep woods and sheltered places, and feed on the buds -of the pines. They nest in early May, and have chickens in June and -July. He was of the opinion that these birds do not pair; but from the -large number of females, as compared with the males, he thinks they are -polygamists. - -Captain Blakiston considers this variety to be confined to the Rocky -Mountains and the country between that range and the Pacific. He met -with it for the first time while following an Indian trail through a -thick pine woods, from the summit of the Kootenay Pass into the valley -of the Flathead River. The bird arose and perched itself on a projecting -branch, when he was at once struck with the dissimilarity to the Canada -Grouse, which was made still more apparent by the whiteness of its -flesh. Afterwards he procured other specimens. He describes them as -being quite as unsuspicious and stupid as the Canada Grouse, allowing -themselves to be shot on the trees without making any attempt to escape. - - -SUBGENUS DENDRAGAPUS, ELLIOT. - - _Dendragapus_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1864. (Type, _Tetrao - obscurus_, SAY.) - -GEN. CHAR. Tail of twenty feathers, rounded, rather large (about two -thirds the wing); the feathers broad to the tips, which are almost -truncated. A colored (orange or yellow) “comb” of naked skin over the -eye, and an inflatable air-sac on side of the neck. No crest or other -unusual plumes about the head or neck. - -[Illustration: =19159= ⅓ ⅓ - -_Tetrao obscurus._] - - -Species and Varieties. - - =C. obscurus.= Above nearly uniform plumbeous-dusky, minutely - mottled on the wings. Tail uniform black, with or without a lighter - terminal band, and sometimes finely and obscurely mottled above. - Lower parts nearly uniform clear plumbeous, or blackish-dusky; a - dusky half-collar on the throat; chin and throat white, variegated - with dusky. Length, about 20.50; wing, 9.40; tail, 7.45. _Female_ - smaller, the colors more variegated, with the dusky less continuous, - and less in amount. - - =A.= Tail rounded, with a distinct terminal band of clear plumbeous. - - Above brownish-ashy, minutely mottled (transversely) with dusky - and, to a less extent, with yellowish-brown. Beneath fine pure - ashy. _Hab._ Sierra Nevada (from Fort Crook southwards) and Rocky - Mountains, from the Hellgate region to New Mexico … - - var. _obscurus_. - - Above brownish-black, minutely and sparsely mottled with - slate and rusty-brown. Beneath dark plumbeous. (In northern - specimens, especially in females from Sitka, much washed with dark - castaneous-rusty.) _Hab._ Northwest coast mountains, from Oregon - to Sitka … - - var. _fuliginosus_. - - =B.= Tail nearly even, and without any terminal lighter band, or else - having it badly defined. - - Colors, in other respects, of var. obscurus, but cheeks, etc., - less dusky. _Hab._ Rocky Mountains of British America, south - to the Yellowstone and Hellgate region of United States (where - grading into var. _obscurus_) … - - var. _richardsoni_. - -[Plate: PLATE LIX. - - 1. Canace obscurus. ♂ Rocky Mts., 19159. - 2. Canace obscurus. ♀ Rocky Mts., 19166. - 3. Canace franklini. ♂ Rocky Mts., 398. - 4. Canace richardsoni. N. Rocky Mts. - 5. Canace canadensis. ♂ Nova Scotia, 12564. - 6. Canace canadensis. ♀ Nova Scotia, 12565.] - - -Canace obscurus, var. obscurus, SAY. - -DUSKY GROUSE. - - _Tetrao obscurus_, SAY, Long’s Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 14.—BON. Mon. - _Tetrao_, Am. Phil. Trans. III, 1830, 391.—IB. Am. Orn. III, 1830, pl. - xviii.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 620.—SCL. P. Z. S. 1858, 1.—GRAY, - Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 86.—COOP. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 526 (in part). - _Canace obscura_, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428. _Dendragapus - obscurus_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864, 23.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl. - -[Illustration: _Canace obscurus._] - -SP. CHAR. _Male_ (19,161, Deer Creek, Neb., Feb. 13; G. H. Trook.) -Ground-color above slaty-black, but this almost completely overlaid by a -minute, transverse mottling of bluish-ash,—pale brown on scapulars and -secondaries,—mostly on terminal portion of the feathers. Scapulars with -a conspicuous shaft-streak and terminal spot of white. Terminal band -of tail sharply and abruptly defined, pure pale bluish-ash, and 1.50 -inches in width. Tail slightly rounded (about .80). Lower parts fine -bluish-ashy, becoming lighter posteriorly, more plumbeous anteriorly. On -the sides of the jugulum the feathers snowy-white beneath the surface, -and this much exposed, producing a somewhat broken but conspicuous -patch. Throat white, with transverse crescentic bars of dusky; this -barred white curving upward to the auriculars, behind a uniformly -blackish malar patch; lores and post-ocular region with distinct white -spots, producing an inconspicuous stripe from the bill through the eye. -All the feathers of the lower parts margined terminally with white, this -growing broader on the flanks and crissum, the former of which have a -more brownish and mottled ground, and broad white shaft-stripes. Lining -of wing almost wholly white. Tarsi ashy-white. Length, 21.00; wing, -10.00; tail, 8.00; tarsus, 1.80; middle toe, 1.80. - -_Female_ (58,636, Uintah Mountains, July 5, 1868; R. Ridgway). Somewhat -similar to male in pattern. Dusky-black above, much broken by narrow -transverse bars of yellowish-brown; these broad, regular, and sharply -defined anteriorly, posteriorly broken and mottled. Middle tail-feathers -much mottled, obscuring the ashy tip: ash beneath unbroken only on -the abdomen; the jugulum, sides, etc., having transverse bars of -yellowish-brown. Wing, 8.70; tail, 6.00. - -_Young_ (58,658, Uintah Mountains, July 5, 1868; R. Ridgway). Above -yellowish-brown, the feathers with conspicuous shaft-streaks and deltoid -terminal spots of white; both webs with large, transverse, roundish -spots of black; secondaries with six bands of black and white, both -broken, however, by coarse mottlings; tail like the secondaries. Beneath -dull whitish; jugulum and sides with rounded spots of black, those -on opposite webs not joining. Head yellowish-white, crown spotted -with black; an indistinct dusky stripe over lores and upper edge of -auriculars. - -HAB. Rocky Mountain region of the United States, principally south -of South Pass, and Sierra Nevada, north to Oregon and south to San -Francisco Mountains, New Mexico. - -The “Dusky Grouse” figured and described by Mr. Audubon of this species, -is not the bird of Say, nor based on specimens collected by Townsend. -The figures were probably taken from the skins in possession of Mr. -Sabine, referred to by Bonaparte in American Ornithology (Vol. III, -1828, 36), which Sabine proposed to name after Richardson. Douglas, in -describing his _Tetrao richardsoni_, quotes “Sabine MSS.,” but does -not describe his specimens, and, as far as his incomplete description -goes, seems to have had the true _T. obscurus_ before him. Richardson’s -description and figure belong to the second species, the same with -Audubon’s. Wilson’s figures, in Illustrations of Zoölogy, 1831 (plates -xxx, xxxi), are taken from specimens received from Mr. Sabine, of -the same species, but in different and less perfect plumage than Mr. -Audubon’s. - -HABITS. This species was first discovered and described by Say in 1820, -though its existence had previously been known to the fur-trappers. -Its food consists of various berries, and the flesh is said to be very -palatable. - -Dr. Newberry pronounces this Grouse decidedly the handsomest of all -the American birds of this family; its flesh white, and fully equal to -that of the eastern Ruffed Grouse or Quail. It is said to inhabit the -evergreen forests exclusively, and to be found not uncommonly in the -Sierra Nevada, as well as in the wooded districts of the country lying -between the Sacramento Valley and the Columbia. In the Cascade Mountains -Dr. Newberry found it associated with the Ruffed Grouse, which it -resembles in habits more than any other species. When on the ground they -lie very close, flying up from your very feet as you approach them, and, -when flushed, always take to a tree, from which they cannot be dislodged -except by shooting them. In the spring the male sits motionless on a -branch of a pine or a spruce, and utters a booming call, which, by its -remarkable ventriloquial powers, seems rather to mislead than to direct -the sportsman, unless he is experienced in shooting this kind of Grouse. - -Mr. George Gibbs informed Dr. Suckley that he has met with the Dusky -Grouse as far south as the Russian River Mountains, in California, and -found it also common on the east side of the Cascades, as far north as -the 49th parallel. - -Dr. Cooper’s account of these birds is substantially similar to the -account given by Dr. Suckley of the _fuliginosus_. He found it common -in most of the forests, especially in the dense spruce woods near the -coast. It was rarely seen on the open prairie. In the dense woods it -was exceedingly difficult to detect. During May, near the coast, and -till August, on the mountains, the low tooting of this Grouse was heard -everywhere, sounding something like the cooing of a Pigeon, but in the -same deep tone as the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse. Dr. Cooper also -mentions its remarkable powers of ventriloquism, so that while the bird -may be sitting on a tree directly over your head the sound seems to come -from places quite remote. - -Dr. Woodhouse states that the Dusky Grouse is found among the mountains -about Santa Fé, in New Mexico. - -This Grouse was first met with by Mr. Ridgway on the Sierra Nevada, -in the vicinity of Carson City, where it was seen in the possession -of Indians who had been hunting on the mountains. It was found on -the East Humboldt Mountains, in the month of September, and at that -time occurred in small flocks, consisting chiefly of young birds, and -probably composed of single families. Afterwards, in the summer of 1869, -it was found in considerable abundance in Parley’s Park, a few miles -from Salt Lake City. It there chiefly inhabited the copses of scrub-oaks -along the lower border of coniferous woods. In July it was found in -the Uintah Mountains in very great abundance, and for a while formed -the chief subsistence of the party. It was there known as the Mountain -Grouse. Nothing very distinctive was ascertained in regard to its -habits, except that it was said to resemble very closely, in manners, -the Ruffed Grouse. Its flesh was excellent eating. - -Dr. Suckley, in a series of papers on the Grouse of the United States -which were read before the New York Lyceum in 1860, states that this -species probably extend their range to quite a distance south of -latitude 40° along the line of the Rocky Mountains, in New Mexico. This -writer claimed to have met with them near Pike’s Peak, in the Cheyenne -Pass, and in 1853 he found them in great numbers in Lewis and Clarke’s -Pass, west of Fort Benton. He also found them abundantly in Oregon and -on the slopes of the Cascade and Coast Ranges, extending wherever pine -or fir timber occurs, to the very borders of the ocean. The Black Hills, -in Nebraska, he gives as their most eastern limit. - -The same author corrects the statements of Douglas as to certain habits -of this species. The males are said not to be particularly pugnacious, -and very rarely forsake the boughs of the pine or fir trees for a rocky -eminence. They feed on berries only during a brief season in autumn, at -all other times of the year subsisting upon the leaves of the pine and -fir, especially those of the Douglas Fir. This food imparts a strong -resinous flavor to the flesh of this Grouse, which, however, is not -unpleasant, and after a while becomes quite attractive to the epicure. -The love-notes of this bird are said to be deep, soft, plaintive, but -unmusical, and resemble the whirring sounds made by a rattan, swung -rapidly and in jerks through the air. These notes usually begin the -first week in March. The young are able to fly feebly by the first of -July. By the last of August they have attained their full size. In the -winter they retire to the tops of the loftiest firs, where they pass -the season in an almost immovable state of hibernation. Between July -and winter they may be readily shot. Once raised, they invariably fly -to trees. They heed but little the report of a gun unless they have -been wounded. Their flesh is said to be midway between the color of the -Pinnated and the Ruffed Grouse, partaking of their good qualities, but -surpassing either. - -The eggs of this species are oval in shape; one end is a little more -obtuse than the other. The ground is of a pale cream-color, and is -marked with small rounded spots of reddish-brown. These are more -numerous and larger towards the larger end. They measure 1.95 inches in -length and 1.45 in breadth. - - -Canace obscurus, var. fuliginosus, RIDGWAY. - -OREGON DUSKY GROUSE. - - _? Tetrao obscurus_, NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rept. VI, iv, 1857, 93.—COOP. - & SUCKL. 219.—LORD, Pr. R. A. Inst. IV, 122 (British Columbia).—DALL & - BANNISTER, Trans. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287 (Alaska).—FINSCH, Ab. Nat. - III, 1872, 61 (Alaska). - -SP. CHAR. Beneath plain dark plumbeous, without whitish borders to the -feathers except on flanks and crissum; whole head almost uniformly plain -dusky-black. Tarsi dark plumbeous. Wing, 9.50; tail, 7.50; tarsus, 1.75; -middle toe, 1.80. - -_Female_ (11,826, Chiloweyuck Depot, Washington Territory, Aug. 6, -1858; C. B. Kennerly). Above black, broken by transverse mottlings of -bright reddish-brown or rufous; these confused posteriorly, but in form -of regular transverse bars anteriorly. Below dusky-plumbeous, plain -on abdomen, with sagittate spots on jugulum, and deltoid ones on the -flanks, etc., of reddish-white. Length, 20.00; wing, 8.50; tail, 6.30. - -_Adult male_ (4,505, Cascade Mountains, Dr. Newberry). Above plain -fuliginous-black, the mottlings scarcely apparent. No white markings on -scapulars; tail-band deep plumbeous, only .60 wide, but well defined. - -_Young_ (11,827, Chiloweyuck Depot). Similar to, but much more reddish -than, young of var. _obscurus_. - -HAB. Northwest coast region, from Oregon to Sitka. - -A male (46,070, May, 1866; Bischoff) from Sitka is much mottled with -bright reddish-rusty on the dorsal region, and washed with the same -on the forehead. (Tail-band .60 of an inch wide). A female (46,073, -Sept., 1866) from same locality is so strongly washed with dark, almost -castaneous, ferruginous as to appear mostly of this color above, this -being very bright on the crown and forehead. - -HABITS. This race is the more northern and northwestern coast form of -the Dusky Grouse, and is found from the Columbia River and British -Columbia to Alaska. According to Dr. Suckley, it is generally known as -the Blue Grouse in Oregon, and is also called the Pine Grouse, as well -as the Dusky Grouse. He met with it for the first time when his party -had reached the main chain of the Rocky Mountains, and where they found -it exceedingly abundant, as afterwards in the Blue Mountains of Oregon, -the Cascade Mountains, and in all the timbered country between the Coast -Range and the Pacific Ocean. About the middle of November these birds -are said to entirely disappear, and it is very rare to meet with even -a single individual between that period and the 20th of the following -March. As to their whereabouts during this period there is a great -difference of opinion among the settlers. Some maintain that they are -migratory and retire to the south. Others are of the opinion that they -retire to the tops of the highest evergreen trees, where they pass the -cold season in a state of partial torpor among the thickest foliage of -the branches. As these birds are known to subsist on the leaves of the -_Coniferæ_, and can always obtain sufficient water from the snow and -rain-drops to supply their wants, Dr. Suckley was inclined to favor the -latter explanation of their absence. He saw one of these birds on the -ground during a fall of snow, in January, near the Nisqually River, in -Washington Territory, and he was informed that a hunter near Olympia, -whose eyesight was remarkably excellent, was able, any day during the -winter, to obtain several birds by searching carefully for them among -the tree-tops of the tallest and most thickly leaved firs. This requires -much better eyesight than most men possess, for these birds are of a -sombre hue, crowd very closely to the limb, and sit there immovable. -They are therefore very difficult to find among the dense branches. - -The first indication of their presence in spring is the courting call -of the male. This is a prolonged sound, resembling the whir of a rattan -cane moved rapidly through the air. This is repeated several times with -considerable rapidity, and then stops for a brief interval. This is said -to be produced by the alternate inflation and contraction of sacs, one -on each side of the throat, which are usually concealed by the feathers, -and are covered by an orange-colored, thick, corrugated skin. At Fort -Steilacoom these birds were very abundant during the spring and early -summer, and were mostly confined to the forests of firs. Later in the -season, and after hatching, they are more generally found on the ground -in search of berries and seeds. When alarmed, they seek safety among -the dense foliage of the trees, seeming instinctively to understand -the advantage of thus hiding. He has known an entire flock of five, -concealed among the ferns and grass, to be shot one by one, without -an attempt being made by a single individual to fly. This Grouse is -said to be a very fine table bird, its pine taste only adding to its -game-flavor. Their full weight is from 2¾ to 3½ pounds. - -Dr. Cooper never met with the nest of eggs of either of the races of the -Dusky Grouse, but in June flocks of half-grown young were killed by the -Indians near Puget Sound. In winter they were so rarely seen west of -the mountains that they are believed to keep entirely in the trees. In -October, 1853, he saw a flock running through the snow near the Spokane -Plains, one of which was shot; but he never afterwards met with any in -the winter. - -Mr. J. K. Lord found this Grouse almost exclusively on the western side -of the Rocky Mountains. It appeared at Vancouver, at Nisqually, and -along the banks of the Fraser River, about the end of March, the male -bird announcing his coming by a kind of love-song. This is a booming -noise, repeated at short intervals, and so deceptive that Mr. Lord has -often stood under the tree where the bird was perched and imagined the -sound came from a distance. - -Mr. Nuttall found this Grouse breeding in the shady forests of the -region of the Columbia, where he saw or heard them throughout the -summer. He describes the tooting made by the male as resembling the -sound caused by blowing into the bung-hole of a barrel. They breed on -the ground, and are said to keep the brood together all winter. - -Townsend describes the eggs as numerous, of a cinereous-brown color, -blunt at both ends, and small for the bird. The actions of the female, -when the young are following her, are said to be exactly similar to -those of the Ruffed Grouse, employing all the artifices of that bird in -feigning lameness, etc., to draw off intruders. - - -Canace obscurus, var. richardsoni, DOUGLAS. - -RICHARDSON’S DUSKY GROUSE. - - _Tetrao obscurus_, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 446, pl. ccclxv.—IB. Syn. - 1839, 283.—IB. B. Am. I, 1842, 89.—NUTT. Orn. I, 1840, 609.—SWAINS. - F. B. A. II, 1831, 344, pl. lix, lx. _Tetrao richardsoni_, DOUGL. - Linn. Trans. XVI, 141.—LORD, Pr. R. A. I. IV, 122 (between Cascade and - Rocky Mountains).—GRAY, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 86. _Dendragapus - richardsoni_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864, 23.—IB. Monog. Tetraon, - pl.—WILSON, Illust. 1831, pl. xxx, xxxi. - -SP. CHAR. Tail-feathers broad and nearly truncated; tail almost -perfectly square, and black to the tip, with the terminal band either -only faintly indicated or entirely wanting; in all other respects -exactly like var. _obscurus_. _Male_ (18,397, Browns Cut off. N. Rocky -Mountains; Lieutenant Mullan). Length, about 20.00; wing, 9.00; tail, -7.30; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.85. _Female_ (18,398, forty miles west -of Fort Benton; Lieutenant Mullan). Wing, 8.60; tail, 6.00; tarsus, -1.60; middle toe, 1.60. - -HAB. Rocky Mountains of British America, south to the Yellowstone and -Hellgate region of the United States. - -No. 18,377, Hellgate, and others from localities where this form and -var. _obscurus_ approach each other, have the terminal zone of the tail -of the usual width, and even sharply defined; but it is so dark as to be -scarcely distinguishable from the ground-color. - -HABITS. In regard to distinctive peculiarities in habits and manners, -of this form of Grouse, if it possesses any, our information is quite -limited. In its external markings and in size it appears to be readily -distinguishable from the _T. obscurus_ either specifically or as a -well-marked interior race. Mr. J. K. Lord refers to it in his account -of the _obscurus_, where he states that between the Cascades and the -Rocky Mountains the Dusky Grouse appears to be replaced by a well-marked -variety, if not a distinct species. In size it is a trifle smaller, but -the great mark of distinction is the entire absence of the white band at -the end of the tail. In their habits, in their periods of arrival and -departure, or rather of appearance and disappearance, the two varieties -are pronounced to be, in every respect, similar. In regard to their -unexplained disappearance and reappearance, Mr. Lord is of the opinion -that these birds do not migrate, but only retire into the thickest -trees, and, living on the buds, pass the winter thus sheltered in the -tree-tops. - -Captain Blakiston thinks that this species is the form that inhabits the -interior of British North America, and refers the figure of the male in -Richardson’s _Fauna_ to the _richardsoni_,—the Black-tailed and smaller -species. In his wanderings he met with these birds only in or near the -pine woods on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains; but, having killed -only females, he could not feel certain of the species. These Grouse -range towards the Pacific as far as the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and -British Columbia, and along the Rocky Mountains from the head-waters -of the Platte to the Liard River, a tributary of the Mackenzie. When -the ranges of the two species are fully defined, he thinks the _T. -richardsoni_ will be found the more northern bird. - -The eggs of _Tetrao richardsoni_ are very similar, except in size, to -those of the _obscurus_, resembling them closely in their ground-color, -as well as in their markings. In the specimens in the cabinet of the -Boston Natural History Society the spots are smaller, a little less -distinct, and less numerous. The eggs are 1.75 inches in length, and -from 1.35 to 1.36 inches in breadth. - - -GENUS CENTROCERCUS, SWAINSON. - - _Centrocercus_, SWAINSON, F. B. A. II, 1831, 496. (Type, _Tetrao - urophasianus_, BON.) - -GEN. CHAR. Tail excessively lengthened (longer than the wings), cuneate, -the feathers all lanceolate and attenuate. Lower throat and sides of -the neck with stiffened, apparently abraded, spinous feathers. Nasal -fossæ extending very far forward, or along about two thirds of the -culmen. Color mottled yellowish-grayish and dusky above; beneath whitish -with black abdominal patch. Stomach not muscular, but soft, as in the -Raptorial birds! - - -Centrocercus urophasianus, (BON.) SW. - -SAGE-COCK; COCK OF THE PLAINS. - - _Tetrao urophasianus_, BONAP. Zool. Jour. III, Jan. 1828, 214.—IB. - Am. Orn. III, 1830, pl. xxi, f. 1.—IB. Mon. _Tetrao_, in Trans. Am. - Phil. Soc. N. S. III, 1830, 390.—DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, - 133.—NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 666.—AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 503, pl. - ccclxxi.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 106, pl. ccxcvii.—NEWBERRY, Zoöl. - Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 95.—MAX. Cab. - J. VI, 1858, 431.—WILSON, Illust. 1831, pl. xxvi, xxvii. _Tetrao - (Centrocercus) urophasianus_, SW. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 358, pl. - lviii.—GRAY, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. III, 46, 1844.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 624.—COOP. & SUCKL. 222.—JARD. Game Birds, Nat. Lib. IV, 140, - pl. xvii.—ELLIOT, P. A. N. S, 1864.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl.—GRAY, - Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 87.—COOP. & SUCK. 222.—COOP. Orn. Cal. I, - 1870, 536. _Centrocercus urophasianus_, JARDINE, Game Birds, Nat. Lib. - Birds, IV, 140, pl. xvii. _?? Tetrao phasianellus_, ORD, Guthrie’s - Geog. (2d Am. ed.) II, 1815, 317, based on Lewis & Clark, II, 181. - _Cock of the Plains_, LEWIS & CLARK, II, 180, sp. 2. - -SP. CHAR. Tail-feathers twenty. Above varied with black, grayish-brown, -and brownish-yellow; coverts having all the feathers streaked with the -latter. Beneath black; the breast white; the upper feathers with spiny -shafts; the lower streaked with black; tail-coverts with white tips; -the sides also with much white. _Male._ Length, 33.00; wing, 13.00; -tail, 13.00. _Female._ Length, 21.50; wing, 10.75; tail, 7.50. _Chick._ -Upper surface brownish-gray, lower grayish-white. Above irregularly and -coarsely marbled with black, the markings most conspicuous on the head. -Bill black. - -HAB. _Artemisia_, or sage, plains of the Northwest. - -HABITS. The Cock of the Plains appears to be confined to dry and sterile -regions, from the Black Hills to California and Oregon, and from British -Columbia nearly to Arizona, but only in those portions of the plains in -which the _Artemisia_, or sage, abounds. It was met with by Townsend -for the first time about fifty miles west of the Black Hills. He did -not find them in the valley of the Snake River, but saw them again at -Wallah-Wallah, on the banks of the Columbia, and near the mouth of the -Lewis River. He only found it on the plains that produce the wormwood, -on which plant it feeds, and in consequence of which the flesh becomes -so bitter that it is unfit for food. It was very unsuspicious and easily -approached, rarely flying unless hard pressed, and running ahead at the -distance of a few feet, clucking like the common Hen. When disturbed, -it would often run under the horse’s feet. According to his account it -rises very clumsily, but, when once started, flies with great rapidity -and also to a great distance. It is said to have the sailing motion of -the Pinnated Grouse. They are abundant in autumn on the branches of the -Columbia, at which time they are regarded as good food by the natives, -and are taken in great quantities in nets. - -Mr. Nuttall met with this Grouse in considerable numbers on the north -branch of the Platte. They were always on the ground in small flocks -or pairs, by no means shy; but when too nearly approached, uttering a -rather loud but short guttural cackle, and rising with a strong whirring -sound. Their notes, at times, strongly resembled those of the common -Hen. He never met with them in any forest, nor have they been taken near -the coast of California. - -[Illustration: =2561= ♂ ⅓ ⅓ - -_Centrocercus urophasianus._] - -This species was first obtained by Lewis and Clark’s party in their -expedition to the Rocky Mountains. It was afterwards met with by -Douglas, who published in the Linnæan Transactions (XVI, p. 133) an -account of its habits. He described its flight as slow, unsteady, and -as affording but little amusement to the sportsman; being a succession -of flutterings, rather than anything else. They rise hurriedly, giving -two or three flaps of the wing, swinging from side to side in their -movement, and gradually falling, making a whirring sound, at the same -time uttering a cry of _cuck-cuck-cuck_, like the common Pheasant. They -pair in March and April. - -At the mating-season the male is said to select some small eminence -on the banks of streams for the very singular performances it goes -through with at that period in the presence of its mate. The wings are -lowered and dragged on the ground, making a buzzing sound; the tail, -somewhat erect, is spread like a fan; the bare and yellow œsophagus -is inflated to a prodigious size, and said to become nearly half as -large as its body, while the silky flexile feathers on the neck are -erected. Assuming this grotesque form, the bird proceeds to display a -singular variety of attitudes, at the same time chanting a love-song -in a confused and grating, but not an offensively disagreeable tone, -represented as resembling _hurr-hurr-hurr-r-r-r-hoo_, ending in a deep -and hollow utterance. - -[Illustration: _Centrocercus urophasianus._] - -Their nests were found, by Douglas, on the ground, under the shade of -_Artemisia_, or when near streams, among _Phalaris arundinacea_, and -were carefully constructed of dry grass and slender twigs. The eggs are -said to be as many as from thirteen to seventeen in number, and the -period of incubation to be twenty-one or twenty-two days. The young -leave the nest soon after they are hatched. - -In the winter these birds are said to be found in large flocks of -several hundreds, in the spring in pairs, and later in the summer and -fall in small family groups. They were abundant throughout the barren -amid plains of the Columbia and in Northern California, but were not met -with east of the Rocky Mountains. - -Dr. Newberry regards this Grouse, when in full plumage, as rather a -handsome bird, and much better looking than any figure he has seen -of it. It is much the largest of American Grouse, weighing from five -to six pounds. The female is much smaller than the male, and is of a -uniform sober-brown color. The male bird has a distinctive character in -the spaces of bare orange-colored skin which occupy the sides of the -neck, and are usually concealed by the feathers, but may be inflated to -a great size. The species was not found in the valleys of California, -but belongs both to the fauna of the interior basin and to that of the -Rocky Mountains, the dry desert country lying on both flanks of this -chain. He first found it high up on Pit River, and once came suddenly -upon a male in an oasis near a warm spring, which started up with a -great flutter and rush, and, uttering a hoarse _hek-hek_, flew off with -an irregular but remarkably well-sustained flight, which was continued -until the bird was out of sight. In searching around he soon found its -mate, which rose from under a sage-bush with a noise like a whirlwind. -This specimen was secured, and these birds were afterwards found to be -quite abundant, but very strong-winged and difficult to kill. It was no -uncommon thing, Dr. Kennerly states, for him to pour a full charge of -shot into them at a short distance, dislodging a quantity of feathers, -and yet to have them fly off to so great a distance before they dropped -that he could not follow them. He found them only in the vicinity of -the sage-bushes, under which they were usually concealed. He afterwards -saw them very abundant on the shores of Wright and Rhett Lakes. In one -instance he observed a male bird to sink down on the ground, as the -train approached, depressing its head, and lying as motionless as a -stick, which it greatly resembled. As he moved towards it, the bird -lowered its head until it rested on the ground, and made itself as -small as possible, and did not rise until he had arrived within fifteen -feet of it. West of the Cascade Range it did not occur, and all its -preferences and habits seemed to fit it for the occupancy of the sterile -region of the central desert. Its flesh is dark and highly flavored with -the wormwood. The young, if parboiled and stewed, are said to be quite -good; but, on the whole, this Grouse is inferior for the table to any -other American species. - -Dr. Cooper gives this bird as common in Washington Territory, on the -high barren hills and deserts east of the Cascade Mountains, and limited -in its range by the growth of the _Artemisia tridentata_, the leaves of -which shrub seem to be the principal part of its food; the flesh tasting -so strongly of it as to be unpalatable. He saw none north of the Spokane -Plains, the country being apparently too woody. On those plains they -were very common. He describes its flight as more heavy and less noisy -than that of most Grouse, and when they are started, it commonly extends -a long distance before alighting. - -Dr. Suckley found the Sage-Cock abundant on the plains of Oregon, near -Snake River, on both sides of the Blue Mountains, as also along the line -of the Columbia, on the open plains, and on the sage barrens of the -Yakima and Simcoe Valleys,—in fact, wherever the artemisia was found. -The leaves of this shrub either are preferred or are necessary to its -existence, for no other food was found in their full stomachs, even in -localities where abundance of grass-seed, wild grain, grasshoppers, and -other kinds of food, might be found. This species has apparently the -power of going a long while without water. Lieutenant Fleming informed -Dr. Suckley that he found them about twelve miles west of Fort Laramie, -but they were not seen east of that point so far south. In August, 1853, -one was procured about two hundred miles east of the Rocky Mountains. He -also observed a small flock on the plains bordering on Milk River, in -Nebraska. Near Soda Lake, the sink of the Mohave River, Dr. Cooper met -with it, which is without doubt the most southern point at which it has -been discovered. Dr. Coues has never met with it in Arizona. - -Mr. Ridgway encountered it everywhere in the Great Basin where there -was a thrifty growth of the artemisia, which appears everywhere to -regulate its existence. He corroborates the accounts given of its -heavy, lumbering flight; and when it has once escaped, it flies so -far that the sportsman rarely has a second opportunity to flush it. -It rises apparently with great effort. He was told by the settlers of -Nevada and Utah that the Sage-Hen was never known to touch grain of -any kind, even when found in the vicinity of grain-fields. This is -attributed to a very curious anatomical peculiarity of the species,—the -entire absence of a gizzard; having instead a soft membranous stomach, -rendering it impossible to digest any hard food. In a large number of -specimens dissected, nothing was found but grasshoppers and leaves of -the artemisia. - -Two eggs in my cabinet, from Utah, measure, one 2.20 by 1.50 inches, and -the other 2.15 by 1.45. They are of an elongate-oval shape, slightly -pointed at one end. Their ground-color varies from a light-greenish drab -to a drab shaded with buff. They are thickly freckled with small rounded -spots of reddish-brown and dark chestnut. - - -GENUS PEDIŒCETES, BAIRD. - - _Pediœcetes_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 625. (Type, _Tetrao - phasianellus_, LINN.) - -[Illustration: =4543= ♂ ⅓ ⅓ - -_Pediœcetes phasianellus._] - -GEN. CHAR. Tail short, graduated; exclusive of the much lengthened -middle part, where are two feathers (perhaps tail-coverts) with parallel -edges and truncated ends half the full rounded wing. Tarsi densely -feathered to the toes and between their bases. Neck without peculiar -feathers. Culmen between the nasal fossæ not half the total length. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =P. phasianellus.= Above variegated with transverse spots of - yellowish-brown and black; wing-coverts with large, roundish white - spots; outer webs of primaries with quadrate white spots. Beneath - white anteriorly and along the sides, with V-shaped marks of brown or - dusky. Sexes alike in color and size. - - Above blackish-dusky, variegated transversely with yellowish-brown; - scapulars with broad white medial longitudinal streaks of white. - Markings below clear, uniform blackish-dusky. Toes entirely hidden - by the long hair-like feathers of the tarsus. Head and neck with the - ground-color white, the throat heavily spotted with dusky. _Hab._ - British America to Arctic regions … - - var. _phasianellus_. - - Above yellowish-brown, mixed with reddish, and variegated - transversely with black; scapulars without white longitudinal spots. - Markings beneath clear pale brown, with dusky borders. Toes entirely - bare. Head and neck deep buff, the throat not spotted. _Hab._ - Prairies and plains of northern U. S., from Wisconsin and Illinois - to Oregon … - - var. _columbianus_. - -[Plate: PLATE LX. - - 1. Pediœcetes columbianus. Missouri Plains, 4543. - 2. Centrocercus urophasianus. ♂ Nebraska, 12561. - 3. Pediœcetes phasianellus. Hudson’s Bay, 32319. - 4. Centrocercus urophasianus. ♀ Nebraska, 11349.] - - -Pediœcetes phasianellus, var. phasianellus, ELLIOT. - -SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. - - _Tetrao phasianellus_, LINN. S. N. I, (ed. 10,) 1758, p. 160.—FORST. - Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 394, 495.—GMEL.—LATH.—Bon. Comp. - List.—SABINE.—EDWARDS.—RICHARDSON. _Centrocercus p._ G. R. GRAY, - Cat. B. Brit. Mus.—BON. Compt. Rend.—? SWAINS. F. B. A. (in part?). - _Pediœcetes p._ (not of BAIRD, Birds N. Am.)—ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. - Philad. 1862, 402–404.—IB. Monog. Tetraoninæ, pl.—Murray, Edinb. Phil. - J. 1859 (Trout Lake Station).—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, - 1869, 287.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 88. _Tetrao urogallus_, var. - β, LINN. S. N. I, (ed. 12,) 273. _Pediœcetes kennicotti_, SUCKLEY, - P. A. N. S. Philad. 1861. - -[Illustration: _Pediœcetes phasianellus._] - -SP. CHAR. Prevailing colors, clear dusky-black above, and pure -white beneath; no buff about the head. Upper parts variegated with -transverse, rather zigzag, spots of yellowish-brown; scapulars with -broad, elliptical, longitudinal medial spots of pure white; wing-coverts -with large rounded, and outer webs of primaries with smaller and more -quadrate, spots of pure white. Breast thickly covered with broad -V-shaped, and the sides with less numerous sagittate, marks of uniform -clear slaty or dusky. Legs densely feathered, the long hair-like -feathers reaching beyond the claws, and completely hiding the toes. -Throat thickly spotted with dusky. No appreciable differences in -plumage between the sexes. _Male_ (31,616, Fort Resolution, Dec. 1862; -J. Lockhart). Wing, 8.60; tail, 4.50, the two middle feathers one inch -longer. - -HAB. British America, from Hudson’s Bay Territory, south to northern -shore of Lake Superior, and west to Alaska and British Columbia. - -HABITS. The Arctic form of the Sharp-tailed Grouse is found throughout -the Arctic regions, from Alaska southward and eastward to an extent not -fully ascertained. Mr. Dall states that this variety is not uncommon at -Fort Yukon, where Mr. Lockhart found it breeding and obtained its eggs. -It has also been seen some two hundred miles down the river, but it is -said not to be found below the cañon known as the Ramparts. Captain -Ketchum, in his adventurous winter trip from Nulato to Fort Yukon, -is said to have killed several of these birds. Specimens are in the -Smithsonian Museum from Moose Factory and elsewhere along the southern -part of Hudson’s Bay, and it is said to be abundant about Nipigon Lake, -north of Lake Superior. - -Mr. Kennicott found the nest of this bird at Fort Yukon, at the foot -of a clump of dwarf willows. It was in dry ground, and in a region in -which these willows abounded and were quite thickly interspersed with -other trees, especially small spruces, but no large growth. The nest is -said to have been similar to that of _Cupidonia cupido_. Mr. Lockhart -also found it breeding in the same region. The nests seen by him were -likewise built on a rising ground under a few small willows. - -Richardson assigns as the northern limit of this species the region -of the Great Slave Lake, latitude 61°, and as its most southern point -latitude 41°. It was found in abundance on the outskirts of the -Saskatchewan plains and throughout the wooded districts of the fur -countries, frequenting the open glades or low thickets on the borders -of lakes, especially where the forests have been partially cleared; -perching on trees in the winter, but keeping to the ground in the -summer; and, at all seasons, met with in small flocks of from ten to -sixteen. They are said, early in spring, to select some level place, -where a covey meets every morning and runs round in a circle of about -twenty feet in diameter, so that the grass is worn quite bare. If any -one approaches this circle, the birds squat close to the ground; but if -not alarmed by a too near approach, they soon stretch out their necks to -survey the intruder, and resume their circular course, some running to -the right and others to the left, meeting and crossing each other. These -“partridge-dances” are said to last a month or more, or until the female -begins to incubate. This Grouse rises from the ground with the usual -whirring noise, and alights again at a distance of a few hundred yards, -sometimes on the ground or on the branches of a tree. In winter they -hide in the snow, and make their way with ease through the loose drifts, -feeding on the buds of the willows, larches, aspens, etc. In summer and -autumn their food is principally berries. They are said to lay about -thirteen eggs early in June; the nest being on the ground, formed of -grasses lined with feathers. - -The eggs of this variety closely resemble those of the _columbianus_, -but are generally of a decidedly darker ground. They average 1.75 -inches in length by 1.28 in breadth. Their ground is a dark tawny-brown -minutely dotted with darker spots of brown. - - -Pediœcetes phasianellus, var. columbianus, BAIRD. - -COLUMBIA SHARP-TAIL. - - _Tetrao phasianellus_, (not of LINN.,) ORD, Guthr. Geog. (2d Amer. - ed.) II, 317, 1815.—NUTT.—AUD.—NEWB.—BON. Syn. and Am. Orn.—COOP. - & SUCKL.—MAX. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 435. _Centrocercus p._ SWAINS. - F. B. A.—BONAP. Comp. Rend. _Pediœcetes p._ BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 626. _Phasianus columbianus_, ORD, Guthr. Geog. (2d. Am. ed.) II, 317, - 1815. _Pediœcetes columbianus_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1862, - 403.—IB. Monog. Tetraoninæ.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 532. _Tetrao - urophasianellus_, DOUGL. Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 136, 1829. - -SP. CHAR. Prevailing colors yellowish-brown and white; ground-color -of head and neck deep buff. Upper parts variegated with transverse -spots of black, and more or less tinged with rusty; scapulars without -longitudinal spots of white; wing-coverts and outer webs of primaries -with large conspicuous spots of pure white, the former roundish, the -latter more quadrate. Breast and sides with V-shaped markings of pale -yellowish-brown, bordered with dusky. Throat immaculate, or only -minutely speckled; feathers of tarsus short, the toes completely bare. -No appreciable difference between the sexes. _Male_ (22,011 Simiahmoo, -Washington Territory; Dr. Kennerly). Wing, 8.00; tail, 4.40, two middle -feathers one inch longer. _Female_ (19,173, Rose Brier Creek; F. V. -Hayden)! Wing, 8.80; tail, 4.00. - -HAB. Plains and prairies of the United States, from Illinois and -Wisconsin, west to Oregon, Nevada, etc.; south to Colorado, New Mexico, -etc. - -HABITS. This species is the more southern of the two varieties of -Sharp-tailed Grouse found in North America. Owing to the confusion which -has existed until recently, in which both the northern and southern -races have been considered as one, the geographical distribution of each -may not be defined with complete exactness. The present form is found in -Illinois and Wisconsin, and westward to Oregon and Washington Territory, -and as far to the north as British Columbia and the southern portions of -the Saskatchewan Valley. - -Dr. Newberry found this Grouse associated with the Prairie Chicken -on the prairies bordering on the Mississippi and the Missouri, and -frequently confounded with that bird, though readily distinguishable by -its lighter plumage, its speckled breast, and smaller size. It is always -the least abundant of the two species, when found together. The range of -this Grouse extends much farther westward; the _cupido_ being limited -to the valley of the Mississippi, while the former is found as far west -as the valleys of California. North of San Francisco his party first -found it on a prairie near Canoe Creek, fifty miles northeast of Fort -Reading; subsequently, on a level grass-covered plain in the upper cañon -of Pit River, these birds were met with in great abundance. They were -also found about the Klamath Lakes and in the Des Chutes Basin, as far -as the Dalles. The flesh was very much like that of the Prairie Chicken. -This bird is said to lie close, and when flushed to fly off, uttering -a constantly repeated _kuck-kuck-kuck_, moving with steadiness and -considerable swiftness. It is, however, easily killed. The young birds -are fat and tender, and as they fall on the grassy prairie scatter their -feathers, as if torn to pieces. - -According to Dr. Suckley, the Sharp-tailed Grouse entirely replaces -the Pinnated Grouse in Washington Territory. He first noticed it near -old Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone River. From that point -to the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington Territory it was -exceedingly abundant wherever there was open country and a sufficiency -of food. In certain places they were in great numbers in the autumn, -congregating in large flocks, especially in the vicinity of patches -of wild rye, and more recently near settlements where there were -wheat-stubbles. They resemble the Pinnated Grouse in habits. Where they -are numerous, they may frequently be found, on cold mornings in the -autumn or early winter, perched on fences or on leafless trees, sunning -themselves in the early sunlight. At Fort Dalles a young bird, scarcely -two days old, was found on the first of April. This early incubation -seems to prove that they must have more than one brood in a season. -The young Grouse was confided to the charge of a Hen with a brood of -young chickens; but it refused to associate with them, and escaped, -probably to perish of cold. Dr. Cooper adds that this Grouse is found in -Washington Territory only in the low alluvial prairies of the streams -emptying into the Columbia east of the Cascade Mountains, where it was -found in flocks of several hundreds. They shun high grounds and forests -entirely. The only cry he ever heard them utter was a cackle when -suddenly started from the ground. Their wings make a loud whirring, as -among others of this family. - -Mr. J. K. Lord found this species abundantly distributed on the western -slope of the Rocky Mountains, ranging right and left of the 49th -parallel. It was particularly numerous on the plains near the Kootanie -River, round the Osoyoos Lakes, and in the valley of the Columbia. He -did not meet with any on the western side of the Cascade Range. It is -also found in the Red River settlements and in Northern Minnesota. - -Mr. Elliot is quite in error in stating that this Grouse does not occur -east of the Mississippi as it is found nearly throughout Northern -Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. I have seen a flock within thirty miles -of Chicago, and have from time to time had their eggs from Dane County, -Wisconsin. - -Mr. Lord regards this Grouse as remarkable both for its field -qualities—such as lying well to a dog, rising with a loud rattling -whir, frequenting open grassy prairies, and flying as straight as an -arrow—and for its excellence as a table dainty. For delicacy of flavor -its flesh is unequalled. With the fur-traders this species is known -as the Spotted Chicken, and is, furthermore, the _Skis-kin_ of the -Kootanie Indians. Its singular combination of colors—white, black, -and brownish-yellow—makes it exactly resemble the ground on which -it lives, and admirably harmonizes with the dead twigs and leaves -of the artemisia, the dry and sandy soil, the brown of the withered -bunch-grass, and the sombre-colored lichens of the rocks. It often -requires a keen and practised eye to distinguish one of these birds from -the ground on which it has fallen, even though the eye be kept on the -spot where it was seen to fall. This similarity of colors with those of -the prairie no doubt effectually conceals them from the hawks and owls. - -Its favorite haunt is on open grassy plains in the morning, keeping -concealed in the long thick grass, coming about midday to the stream to -drink, and to dust itself in the sandy banks. It seldom goes into the -timber, always remains close to the prairie, and never retires into the -depth of the forests. It lays its eggs on the open prairie in a tuft of -grass, or near the foot of a small hillock, nesting early in spring, -and depositing from twelve to fourteen eggs. The nest is a mere hole -scratched in the earth, with a few grass-stalks and root-fibres laid -carelessly and loosely over the bottom. Mr. Lord describes the eggs as -of a dark rusty-brown, with small splashes or speckles of darker brown -thickly spattered over them. - -After nesting-time they appear in broods about the middle of August, the -young birds being about two thirds grown. At this time they frequent -the margins of small streams where there is thin timber and underbrush. -After the middle of September they begin to pack, two or three coveys -getting together, and flock after flock joining until they accumulate -into hundreds. On the first appearance of snow they begin to perch -on the dead branches of a pine or on the tops of fences. Near Fort -Colville, after snow fell, they assembled in vast numbers in the large -wheat-stubbles. They became wary and shy, the snow rendering every -moving thing so conspicuous that it was next to impossible for dogs to -hunt them. - -The food of this Grouse consists principally of berries in the summer -months, such as the snowberry, the bearberry, the haws of the wild rose, -and the whortleberry, grain, the larvæ of insects, grass-seeds, etc. In -the winter they run over the snow with ease and celerity, dig holes in -it, and burrow underneath in the manner of a Ptarmigan. During the two -winters Mr. Lord spent at Colville, flocks of these birds congregated -around the hayricks at their mule-camp. In a temperature often 30° and -more below zero, and the snow several feet deep, they were strong, fat, -and wild, and did not appear to suffer at all from the intense cold. -Indeed, they are said to pair very early in the spring, long before -the snow has gone off the ground, and their meeting is preceded by -some very singular performances, which are called by the fur-traders -chicken-dances, to several of which Mr. Lord was an eyewitness. Groups -of these birds assemble for their dances either about sunrise or late -in the afternoon, selecting for the purpose a high round-topped mound, -which in the course of their evolutions becomes worn quite bare. At -one of the dances witnessed by Mr. Lord there were about twenty birds -present; the birds nearest him were head to head, like gamecocks in -fighting attitude,—the neck-feathers ruffed up, the little sharp tail -elevated straight on end, the wings dropped close to the ground, but -keeping up a rapid vibration or continued drumming sound. They circled -round and round each other in slow waltzing time, always maintaining -the same attitude, but never striking at each other. Sometimes the pace -increased, and one pursued the other until the latter faced about. -Others jumped about two feet in the air until out of breath, and then -strutted about in a peculiar manner; and others went marching about with -tails and heads as high up as they could get them. - -Captain Blakiston states that on the Saskatchewan this species was very -generally distributed throughout the interior. He met with it just below -the forks of the Saskatchewan, and traced it to the western base of the -Rocky Mountains. He found it breeding at Fort Carlton. He regards these -birds as of polygamous habits. In the fall they are found in families, -in the semi-wooded country bordering on the prairies. They perch on -trees, frequently at the very top, and their crops are found stuffed out -with berries. These are chiefly the fruit of the bearberry, the ground -juniper, the snowberry, the small prairie roses, the buffalo-berry, and -several kinds of buds. They have also been known to feed on caterpillars -and other insects baked and crisped by prairie fires. Captain Blakiston -was also an eyewitness of one of the singular love-performances of these -birds, known as dances. His account of it, which is very full, is almost -exactly in correspondence with the account referred to as given by Mr. -Lord. - -Mr. Ridgway met with this Grouse at one locality only, encountering them -late in September in the Upper Humboldt Valley. There it was found in -considerable numbers in the rye-grass meadows on the foot-slopes of the -Clover Mountains. They were startled from the ground, where they were -hidden in the grass, and when surprised frequently took refuge in the -willow-thickets along the streams near by. Their flesh was found to be -most excellent. - -The eggs of this species vary considerably in size, but average about -1.80 inches in length and 1.30 in breadth. They are oval in shape, -slightly pointed at one end. Their ground varies from a light clay to a -dark rusty-brown, generally plain, but frequently speckled minutely with -fine dottings of a darker brown. - - -GENUS CUPIDONIA, REICHENBACH. - - _Cupidonia_, REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix. (Type, _Tetrao - cupido_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Tail of eighteen feathers, short, half the lengthened wings; -the feathers stiffened and more or less graduated. Bare inflatable -air-sac of the neck concealed by a tuft of long, stiff lanceolate -feathers; an inconspicuous crest on the vertex. Tarsi feathered only -to near the base, the lower joint scutellate. Culmen between the nasal -fossæ scarcely one third the total length. - -This genus, as far as known, is entirely peculiar to North America, -where but one species, with two races, is known. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =C. cupido.= Ground-color above yellowish-brown, tinged with grayish - and reddish; beneath white; whole upper and lower parts variegated - with transverse bands,—those beneath regular, broad, sharply defined, - and plain dusky-brown, those above more broken, broader, and deep - black. Head buff, with a broad vertical stripe, a broad one beneath - the eye from bill to ears, and a patch on lower side of auriculars, - brownish-black. - - Tarsi clothed with long hair-like feathers, the bare posterior face - entirely hidden. Dark bars above, .30 or more in width, deep black; - those beneath, about .20 wide, and dark brown. Top of head nearly - uniformly blackish; face-stripes dusky-black. Bill, .40 deep, .50 - long; wing, 9.00. _Hab._ Prairies of the Mississippi Valley; south - to Louisiana; formerly eastward to Long Island and Pennsylvania … - - var. _cupido_. - - Tarsi clothed with short feathers, the bare posterior face - conspicuously exposed. Dark bars above less than .20 in width, dark - grayish-brown; those beneath about .10 wide, and pale grayish-brown. - Top of head with only a slight spotting of blackish; face-markings - reddish-brown. Bill, .35 deep, .55 long, from nostril; wing, 8.30. - _Hab._ Southwestern Prairies (Texas?) … - - var. _pallidicinctus_. - -[Plate: PLATE LXI. - - 1. Cupidonia cupido. _Ad._, 17045. - 2. Cyrtonyx massena. _Juv._, 37292. - 3. Bonasa umbellus. _Juv._, 61949. - 4. Lophortyx californicus. _Juv._, Cal., 12591. - 5. Canace canadensis. _Juv._, Maine. - 6. Centrocercus urophasianus. _Juv._, 38551. - 7. Cupidonia cupido. _Juv._, 25989. - 8. Lagopus albus. _Juv._, 44631. - 9. Bonasa umbellus. _Ad._, D. C., 12568. - 10. Bonasa umbelloides. _Ad._, Rocky Mts., 11394.] - - -Cupidonia cupido, var. cupido, BAIRD. - -PRAIRIE HEN; PRAIRIE CHICKEN; PINNATED GROUSE. - - _Tetrao cupido_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 160.—GM. I, 751.—LATH. - Ind. Orn. II, 1790.—WILSON, Am. Orn. III, 1811, 104, pl. xxvii.—BON. - Mon. _Tetrao_, Am. Phil. Trans. III, 1830, 392.—NUTTALL, Man. I, - 662.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 490; V, 1839, 559, pl. clxxxvi.—IB. - Birds Amer. V, 1842, 93, pl. ccxcxvi.—KOCH, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1836, - I, 159.—MAX. Cab. J. VI, 1858, 439. _Bonasa cupido_, STEPHENS, Shaw’s - Gen. Zoöl. XI, 299.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 88. _Cupidonia - americana_, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1850, p. xxix.—BONAP. Comptes - Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428. _Cupidonia cupido_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, - 628.—ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl.—DRESSER, - Ibis, 1866, 26 (Brownsville, Texas).—MAYNARD, B. E. Mass. 1870, 138 - (Martha’s Vineyard, and Naushon Island, Mass.) - -SP. CHAR. _Male_ (10,006, Tremont, Illinois; W. I. Shaw). Ground-color -above ochraceous-brown, tinged with grayish; beneath white, the feathers -of the jugulum dark rusty-chestnut beneath the surface. Head mostly deep -buff. Upper parts much broken by broad transverse spots, or irregular -bars, of deep black, this color predominating largely over the lighter -tints. Primaries and tail plain dusky; the former with roundish spots -of pale ochraceous on outer webs, the latter very narrowly tipped with -white. Lower parts with regular, continuous, sharply defined broad -bars, or narrow bands, of clear dusky-brown. A broad stripe of plain -brownish-black on side of head, beneath the eye, from rictus to end of -auriculars; a blotch of the same beneath the middle of the auriculars, -and the top of the head mostly blackish, leaving a broad superciliary -and maxillary stripe, and the whole throat immaculate buff. Neck-tufts -3.50 inches long, deep black; the longer ones uniform, the shorter with -only the edge black, the whole middle portion pale buff, shading into -deep reddish-rusty next to the black. Wing, 9.00; tail, 4.50; bill, -.40 deep by .50 long, from nostril; tarsus, 2.10; middle toe, 1.85. -_Female_ similar, but with shorter and inconspicuous cervical tufts. -_Young_ (25,998, Rockford, Illinois; Blackman). Above, including tail, -yellowish-brown; feathers with conspicuous white shaft-streaks and large -blotches of deep black. Outer webs of primaries with whitish spots. Top -of head rusty-brown with a black vertical and a dusky auricular patch. -Lower parts yellowish-white, with irregularly defined, transverse, -grayish-brown broad bars; anteriorly more spotted, the jugulum tinged -with brown. - -[Illustration: =17044= ♂ ⅓ ⅓ - -_Cupidonia cupido._] - -_Chick_ (25,989, Rockford, Ill.). Bright lemon-buff, tinged on sides -and jugulum with reddish; upper parts much washed with rusty. A narrow -auricular streak, blotches on the vertex and occiput, a stripe across -the shoulder, and blotches down the middle of the back and rump, deep -black. - -HAB. Prairies of the Mississippi Valley, from Louisiana, northward. East -to Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Formerly along the eastern coast of -the United States from Long Island to Cape Cod, or farther. A few still -left on Naushon (?) and Martha’s Vineyard. - -A pair from Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana, most resemble Illinois specimens, -but are smaller (wing, 8.60, instead of 9.00), and there is rather more -reddish, with less black, in the plumage. - -[Illustration: _Cupidonia cupido._] - -HABITS. The Pinnated Grouse, more generally known through the country as -the Prairie Chicken or Prairie Hen, once occurred as far to the east as -Massachusetts, a few still remaining on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, -and where it was, in the early settlement of the country, a very -abundant bird; and to the southwest to Texas and throughout the Indian -Territory, where it appears to be extending with the areas developed -by civilization. While at the East this bird has almost entirely -disappeared, in consequence of the increase of population, and except -here and there in a few small and distant districts has disappeared -from the Middle and Eastern States, at the West and Southwest it has -greatly extended its distribution, appearing in considerable numbers, -and constantly increasing as the country is settled and the land -cultivated with grain. Even in Illinois, where there has been a large -increase of population during the past ten years, these birds are known -to have become much more numerous. It is, however, probable that they -will again be driven from this region when the population becomes quite -dense. Mr. Allen met with this species in several points in Kansas and -in Colorado, where they had either just made their appearance, or where -they had recently been noticed, and were observed to be on the increase. -The small remnants left in Massachusetts are protected by law, which -may preserve them a few years longer; and in Illinois and other Western -States stringent provisions seek to prevent their wanton destruction. In -Michigan, according to Mr. D. D. Hughes, this Grouse is common in the -two southern tiers of counties, but is rarely met with in that State -farther north,—an absence attributable to the want of open country and -suitable food, as west of Lake Michigan it is found in great abundance -much farther north. In the more southern portion of the State it is -already very rare, and in localities completely exterminated. - -Dr. Woodhouse found this bird quite abundant throughout the Indian -Territory; more numerous, however, in the vicinity of settlements. -During the fall of 1849, as he was passing down the Arkansas River, -along the road leading from Fort Gibson to Fort Smith, these birds were -in large flocks, feeding among the oaks upon the acorns; hundreds were -to be seen at the same time. It was also very common throughout Eastern -Texas. - -Mr. Dresser found the Pinnated Grouse very common in travelling from -Brownsville to Victoria, after leaving the chaparral and entering the -prairie country. Throughout the whole of the prairie country of Texas it -is abundant. - -They were found by Mr. Audubon especially abundant in the States of -Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, where his observations date -back more than half a century, and when the country was comparatively -unsettled. It was there, he states, in what was then known as the -Barrens of Kentucky, that before sunrise, or at the close of the day, he -“heard its curious boomings, witnessed its obstinate battles, watched -it during the progress of its courtships, noted its nest and eggs, and -followed its young until, fully grown, they betook themselves to winter -quarters.” - -When he first removed to Kentucky the Pinnated Grouse were so plentiful, -and were held in such low estimation, that no hunter deigned to shoot -them. They were, moreover, looked upon with ill-favor by the inhabitants -on account of the mischief they committed among the fruit-trees of -the orchards during winter, when they fed upon the buds, or in the -spring, when they consumed the grain in the fields. In those days, in -the winter, this Grouse would enter the farm-yard and feed among the -poultry, would even alight on the house-tops or walk in the streets of -the villages. On one occasion he caught several alive in a stable at -Henderson, where they had followed some Wild Turkeys. Twenty-five years -later, Mr. Audubon adds, in the same country where they had been so -very abundant, scarcely one could be found. Mr. Audubon speaks of their -selling in Eastern markets, in 1840, at from five to ten dollars per -pair. This is so no longer, facilities in railroad transportation and -their continued abundance at the West rendering them a comparatively -plentiful and cheap article of food. - -Mr. Audubon mentions that at the same period they were still to be -met with in some portions of New Jersey, in the “brushy” plains of -Long Island, on Mount Desert Island in the State of Maine, and also in -another tract of barren country near Mar’s Hill in the same State. In -regard to the two last-named localities he may have been misinformed. - -Mr. Lawrence mentions this species as still occurring in the vicinity -of New York City. Mr. Turnbull mentioned it as now very rare, but -occasionally met with, in the counties of Monroe and Northampton in -Pennsylvania, and on the plains in New Jersey. It is not referred to by -either Professor Verrill or Mr. Boardman as occurring in any part of -Maine. It is, however, given by Mr. McIlwraith as an occasional visitor -near Hamilton, in Canada, on the western frontier, a few individuals -being occasionally observed along the banks of the St. Clair River, but -not known to occur farther east. - -Mr. Audubon also mentions having found these birds abundant in all the -vast plains bordering on the prairies of the Arkansas River, and on -those of the Opelousas in Louisiana. - -In the earliest days of spring, even before the snows have all been -melted, these birds no longer keep in large flocks, but separate into -smaller parties, and the mating-season commences, during which their -manners, especially those of the male, are very peculiar and striking. A -particular locality is selected, to which they resort until incubation -has commenced. The males meet in this place, and engage in furious -battle with one another. At this season they are especially conspicuous -for their great pomposity of bearing; with tails outspread and inclined -forward to meet the expanded feathers of their neck, and with the -globular, orange-colored, bladder-like receptacles of air on their necks -distended to their utmost capacity, and issuing a peculiar sound, spoken -of as _booming_, these birds strut about in the presence of one another -with various manifestations of jealous dislike and animosity, soon -ending in furious contests. Their wings are declined, in the manner of -the Cock-Turkey, and rustle on the ground as the birds pass and repass -in a rapid manner; their bodies are depressed, and their notes indicate -their intense excitement. Upon the appearance of a female answering to -their calls, they at once engage in their desperate encounters. They -rise in the air and strike at one another in the manner of a gamecock, -and several engage in a miscellaneous scrimmage, until the weaker give -way, and, one after another, seek refuge in the neighboring bushes, the -few remaining victors discontinuing their contests as if from sheer -exhaustion. - -The “booming” or “tooting” sounds made by these birds is heard before -daybreak, and also at all hours before sunset, in places where they are -abundant and tame; but where they are rare and wild they are seldom -heard after sunrise, and their meetings then are in silence. Even in the -fall the young males evince their natural pugnacity by engaging in short -battles, which their parents usually interrupt and put a stop to. - -This bird nests, according to the locality in which it is met with, from -the beginning of April to the last of May. In Kentucky, Mr. Audubon has -found their nests with eggs early in April, but the average period there -was the first of May. Their nests he describes as somewhat carelessly -formed of dry leaves and grasses, interwoven in a tolerably neat manner, -and always very carefully placed among the tall grass of some large tuft -in the open ground of the prairies, or, in barren lands, at the foot of -a small bush. - -The eggs are said to be from eight to twelve in number, never more; they -are larger and more spherical than those of the common _umbellus_, and -are of a darker shade. The female sits upon them about twenty days, and -as soon as the young can extricate themselves from the shell the mother -leads them away, the male having previously left her. - -Early in the fall the various broods begin again to associate together, -and at the approach of winter it is not uncommon to see them in flocks -of several hundred individuals. - -The young broods, when come upon suddenly and taken by surprise, -instantly scatter and squat close to the ground, so that, without a dog, -it is impossible to find them. The mother gives a single loud chuck as -a signal of danger, and the young birds rise on the wing and fly a few -yards in different directions, and then keep themselves perfectly still -and quiet until the mother recalls them by a signal indicating that the -peril has passed. In the meanwhile she resorts to various devices to -draw the intruder away from the place. - -This Grouse raises but a single brood in a season; and if the first -laying has been destroyed or taken, the female seeks out her mate, -makes another nest, and produces another set of eggs. These are usually -smaller in size and less in number than those of her first laying. - -The Pinnated Grouse is said to be easily tamed, and may be readily -domesticated, though I do not know that the experiment has been -thoroughly tried. Mr. Audubon once kept sixty of them in a garden near -Henderson, Ky. Within a week they became tame enough to allow him to -approach them without being frightened. He supplied them with abundance -of corn and other food. In the course of the winter they became so -gentle as to feed from the hand, and walked about his garden like so -many tame fowl, mingling occasionally with the poultry. In the spring -they strutted, “tooted,” and fought as if in their wild state. Many eggs -were deposited, and a number of young birds were hatched out; but they -proved so destructive to the vegetables that the experiment was given up -and the Grouse were killed. The male birds were conspicuous for their -courage, and would engage in contest with the Turkey-cocks, and even -with the dunghill cock, rather than yield the ground. - -In severe weather these birds have been known to roost in trees, but -they generally prefer to rest on the ground. Advantage is sometimes -taken to secure them by visiting their resting-places in the night with -nets. On the ground they walk somewhat in the manner of the common Hen, -but in a more erect attitude. When surprised, they rise with a whirring -sound; but if they perceive the approach of any one at a sufficient -distance, they run off with considerable speed, and hide by squatting -in the grass or among bushes. They are fond of dusting themselves in -ploughed fields or in dusty roads, rearranging their feathers in the -manner of the Wild Turkey. - -When the female, with her young brood, is surprised, she instantly -ruffles up her feathers, and acts as if she contemplated flying in -your face; this she rarely, if ever, attempts, but resorts to various -artifices to decoy the intruder away. - -Their flight is said to be strong, regular, and swift, and may be -protracted to the distance of several miles. It is less rapid than that -of the _umbellus_, and the whirring, as they rise from the ground, less -conspicuous. As they rise, they utter four or five very distinct clucks, -but at times fly in silence. - -Their flesh is dark, and the flavor is very distinctly gamy, and is -generally regarded as excellent. - -In the love-season the males inflate the two remarkable air-bladders, -which, in color and shape, resemble small oranges, lower their heads -to the ground, open their bills, and give utterance to very singular -and distinctly separated notes, by means of the air contained in these -receptacles, rolling somewhat in the manner of the beatings of a muffled -drum. The air-reservoirs are alternately filled and emptied as they make -these sounds. Their notes may be heard to the distance of nearly a mile. -When these skins are punctured, they are no longer resonant. - -The late Mr. David Eckby, of Boston, furnished Mr. Audubon with a full -account of their habits, as observed by him in Martha’s Vineyard, -and also on the island of Nashawena, where they were then kept in a -preserve. They were observed never to settle down where the woods -were thick or the bushes tangled, but invariably in the open spaces; -and as they never start up from the thick foliage, but always seek -to disengage themselves from all embarrassment in their flight by -reaching the nearest open space, they offer to the sportsman a very -fair mark. The sound they utter in rising, when hard pressed, is said -to resemble the syllables _coo-coo-coo_. They were observed to feed on -the berries of the barberry, which abound on those islands, boxberries, -cranberries, the buds of roses, pines, and alders, and on the nuts of -the post-oaks, and in the summer upon the more esculent berries. At the -West they frequently feed on the seeds of the sumach. They are also very -destructive to the buds of the apple, and are very fond of the fruit -of the fox-grape and the leaves and berries of the mistletoe. During -the planting-season their visits to the wheat and corn fields are often -productive of great damage. - -Three eggs in my collection, taken from a nest near Osage Village, in -Indian Territory, which contained sixteen eggs, measure, one 1.65 by -1.20 inches, another 1.63 by 1.28, and the third 1.75 by 1.28 inches. -They are of a rounded-oval shape, more obtuse at one end than the other, -and of a uniform color, which varies from a light clay-color to a dark -tawny-brown. The eggs are sometimes, but not always, minutely sprinkled -with brown. - - -Cupidonia cupido, var. pallidicinctus, RIDGWAY. - -THE TEXAS PRAIRIE HEN. - - _Cupidonia cupido_, var. _pallidicinctus_, RIDGWAY. - -SP. CHAR. Similar to var. _cupido_, but above nearly equally barred with -pale grayish-ochraceous and dusky or blackish-brown. Beneath white, -with faint, but sharply defined, narrow bars of pale grayish-brown. -Top of head with light bars prevailing; head-stripes reddish-brown. -_Male_ (10,007, Prairies of Texas, Staked Plains?; Capt. J. Pope, -U. S. A.). Wing, 8.30; tail, 4.20; tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.50. -_Female_ (10,005, same locality, etc.). Wing, 8.20. - -HAB. Southwestern Prairies (Staked Plains, Texas?). - -In its relations with the _C. cupido_, this race bears a direct analogy -to _Pediœcetes columbianus_, as compared with _P. phasianellus_, and -to _Ortyx texanus_, as distinguished from _O. virginianus_. Thus in a -much less development of the tarsal feathers it agrees with the southern -_Pediœcetes_, while in paler, grayer colors, and smaller size, it is -like the southwestern _Ortyx_. - - -GENUS BONASA, STEPHENS. - - _Bonasa_, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zoöl. XI, 1819. (Type, _Tetrao - bonasia_, L.) - _Tetrastes_, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 1840, p. lxiv. - -GEN. CHAR. Tail widening to the end, its feathers very broad, as long -as the wings; the feathers soft, and eighteen in number. Tarsi naked in -the lower half; covered with two rows of hexagonal scales anteriorly, -as in the _Ortyginæ_. Sides of toes strongly pectinated. Naked space on -the side of throat covered by a tuft of broad soft feathers. Portion of -culmen between the nasal fossæ about one third the total length. Top of -head with a soft crest. - -This genus, in its partly naked tarsi, with two rows of scutellæ -anteriorly, indicates a close approach to the American Partridges, or -Quails. It has a single European representative, the _B. sylvestris_, -Steph. - - -Species and Varieties. - - =B. umbellus.= Rump with cordate light spots; sides with transverse - dark spots. Tail with two gray bands (one terminal), with a broad - blackish zone between them. Cervical tufts glossy black or dark brown, - with a semi-metallic steel-blue or green border. - - Prevailing color bright ochraceous-rufous; tail always rufous in - the Middle and Southern States, occasionally gray on the Alleghany - Mountains, and in New England States; usually gray in Eastern - British America. _Hab._ Eastern Province of North America … - - var. _umbellus_. - - Prevailing color bluish-ashy; tail always pale ash. _Hab._ Rocky - Mountains of United States, and interior regions of British America, - to the Yukon … - - var. _umbelloides_. - - Prevailing color dark ferruginous; tail always dark ferruginous - near the coast, occasionally dark gray in mountainous regions. - _Hab._ Northwest coast region (Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, - etc.) … - - var. _sabini_. - -The above synopsis is intended to present in the simplest form the -characteristic features of the three definable races of this exceedingly -variable species, as exhibited in a light rusty rufous-tailed form -of the Atlantic States, a pale gray ashy-tailed form of the Rocky -Mountains of the United States and British America, and a dark rusty -rufous-tailed form of the northwest coast region. These three, when -based on specimens from the regions where their characters are most -exaggerated and uniform, appear sufficiently distinct; but when we -find that specimens from the New England States have the rufous bodies -of _umbellus_ and gray tails of _umbelloides_, and that examples from -Eastern Oregon and Washington Territory have the dark rusty bodies of -_sabini_ and gray tails of _umbelloides_, and continue to see that -the transition between any two of the three forms is gradual with -the locality, we are unavoidably led to the conclusion that they are -merely geographical modifications of one species. The continuity of -the dark subterminal tail-band in _umbellus_, and its interruption in -_umbelloides_,—characters on which great stress is laid by Mr. Elliot -in his monograph, above cited,—we find to be contradicted by the large -series which we have examined; neither condition seems to be the rule in -either race, but the character proves to be utterly unreliable. - -In the less elevated and more southern portions of the Eastern Province -of the United States, as in the Mississippi Valley and the States -bordering the Gulf and South Atlantic, the rufous type is prevalent; -the tail being always, so far as the specimens we have seen indicate, -of an ochraceous-rufous tint. Specimens with gray tails first occur -on the Alleghany Mountains, and become more common in the New England -States, the specimens from Maine having nearly all gray tails. Specimens -from Labrador approach still nearer the var. _umbelloides_,—the extreme -gray condition,—and agree with Alaskan specimens in having more brown -than those from the interior portions of British America or the Rocky -Mountains of the United States. More northern specimens of the inland -form have, again, a greater amount of white than those from the south or -coastward. Passing southward from Alaska toward Oregon, specimens become -darker, until, in the dense humid forests of the region of the Columbia, -a very dark plumage, with little or no gray, prevails, most similar to, -but even more reddish and much darker, than the style of the Southern -States of the Eastern Province. Passing from the low coast forests to -those of the mountains, we find again equally dark specimens, but with -grayish tails; the amount of gray increasing, and its shade lightening, -as we approach the central Rocky Mountains. - -The American species of _Bonasa_ possesses a quite near analogue in the -_B. sylvestris_, Bonap. (_Tetrao bonasia_, Linn.), or Hazel Grouse, of -Europe. This species has almost exactly the same pattern of coloration -(including tail-markings), but is very much smaller, has the neck-tufts -rudimentary and white, and the throat black, instead of just the -reverse. - - -Bonasa umbellus, var. umbellus, STEPHENS. - -RUFFED GROUSE; PARTRIDGE; PHEASANT. - - _Tetrao umbellus_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 275, 6.—WILSON, Am. - Orn. VI, 1812, 46, pl. xlix.—DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 13, pl. - ii.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 211; V, 560, pl. xli.—IB. Birds Amer. V, - 1842, 72, pl. ccxciii. _Tetrao (Bonasia) umbellus_, BONAP. Syn. 1828, - 126.—IB. Mon. _Tetrao_, Am. Phil. Trans. III, 1830, 389.—NUTTALL, - Man. I, 1832, 657. _Bonasa umbellus_, STEPHENS, Shaw, Gen. Zoöl. XI, - 1824, 300.—BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 630.—ELLIOT, Monog. Tetr. pl.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 89. - _Tetrao togatus_, LINN. I, 1766, 275, 8.—FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, - 1772, 393. _Tetrao tympanus_, BARTRAM, Travels in E. Florida, 1791, - 290. _Ruffed Grouse_, and _Shoulder-knot Grouse_, PENNANT & LATHAM. - -[Illustration: =32312= ½ ⅓ - -_Bonasa umbellus._] - -SP. CHAR. Above ochraceous-brown, finely mottled with grayish; the -scapulars and wing-coverts with pale shaft-streaks, the rump and -upper tail-coverts with medial cordate spots of pale grayish. Tail -ochraceous-rufous, narrowly barred with black, crossed terminally with -a narrow band of pale ash, then a broader one of black, this preceded -by another ashy one. (In specimens from the Alleghany Mountains and -New England States, the tail usually more or less grayish to the base, -sometimes entirely destitute of rufous tinge.) Throat and foreneck -ochraceous. Lower parts white (ochraceous beneath the surface), with -broad transverse bars of dilute brown, these mostly concealed on the -abdomen. Lower tail-coverts pale ochraceous, each with a terminal -deltoid spot of white, bordered with dusky. Neck-tufts brownish-black. -Length, 18.00; wing, 7.20; tail, 7.00. _Female_ smaller, and with -the neck-tufts less developed, but colors similar. _Young_ (39,161, -St. Stephen’s, N. B.; G. A. Boardman). Brown above, and dingy-white -beneath; a rufous tinge on the scapulars. Feathers of the jugulum, -back, scapulars, and wing-coverts with broad medial streaks of light -ochraceous, and black spots on the webs; jugulum with a strong buff -tinge. Secondaries and wing-coverts strongly mottled transversely. -Head dingy buff, the upper part more rusty; a post-ocular or auricular -dusky patch, and a tuft of dusky feathers on the vertex. _Chick._ Above -light rufous, beneath rusty-white; uniform above and below; a dusky -post-ocular streak, inclining downwards across the auriculars. Bill -whitish. - -HAB. Eastern Province of North America; in the northeastern portions -(New England, Labrador) and Alleghany Mountains inclining toward var. -_umbellus_ in having a gray tail. - -[Illustration: _Bonasa umbellus._] - -HABITS. This well-known bird—the common Birch Partridge of the British -Provinces, the Partridge of New England and the West, and the Pheasant -of the Middle States—is found throughout the wooded portions of eastern -North America, from Georgia to Nova Scotia, and from the Atlantic to -the Rocky Mountains. Richardson, in his description of its habits in -the _Fauna Boreali-Americana_, states that he met with it as far north -as the 56th parallel of latitude, and mentions, in a note, that Mr. -Drummond procured specimens on the sources of the Peace River, in the -valley of the Rocky Mountains, in no wise different from those taken -on the Saskatchewan. On the banks of the latter river it was found -very plentiful, frequenting the horse-paths and the cleared spaces -about the forts. In winter, when the ground was covered with snow, it -occurred in flocks of ten or twelve, perching on trees. These flocks -could be approached without difficulty, and several birds successively -shot from the same tree without exciting the alarm of the survivors, if -the lowest were shot first. When disturbed, like most Grouse they flew -off very swiftly, with a loud whirring sound, and to a considerable -distance before alighting. The male in spring makes a very singular loud -noise, resembling the quick roll of a drum, which is produced by rapid -strokes of the wings, and which may be heard to quite a distance. In the -mating-season the male struts about in the presence of the female, in -the manner of a Turkey-cock, its wings drooping, its tail erected, and -its ruffs displayed. - -This Grouse is a constant resident in the district in which it occurs, -and, as a general rule, is in no sense migratory, though it is stated -by Audubon that in some regions where they are very abundant they -perform partial sorties at the approach of autumn. These only occur -in mountainous regions in which during the winter months there is an -insufficiency of food. These movements have been noticed on the banks -of the Ohio and the Susquehanna Rivers. Their journeys occur in the -month of October, when they are in the best condition for the table, -and they are much sought after. In the spring, those which have escaped -return to the regions from which they migrated. Mr. Audubon states that -in October, 1820, he observed a large number moving from the States of -Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois into Kentucky, many of which were shot, and -taken to the Cincinnati market. - -This Grouse is found wherever wooded country is to be met with, and -is especially fond of the craggy sides of mountains and hills, and -the borders of rivers and small streams. They also often occur in -considerable numbers in low lands, and were discovered by Mr. Audubon -breeding in the thickest cane-brakes of Indiana and Kentucky. - -They find in these wooded regions at once the means of food and shelter. -In these localities they breed, and there they may usually be seen at -all seasons of the year. They are thus to be met with in nearly all -the Southern States, being abundant in the Carolinas, in Kentucky, -Tennessee, and Mississippi, as far to the southwest as Natchez. They -are not known to occur in any part of Louisiana. Dr. Newberry did not -encounter this bird within the limits of California, but found them very -abundant in the wooded portions of the Cascade Mountains and in the -Willamette Valley. The Oregon specimens were generally darker than the -eastern varieties, but the habits were apparently everywhere the same. - -In many important respects the habits of this bird appear to be -essentially different from those of the Pinnated Grouse. Unlike that -species, it is rarely met with on open plains. Though the food of the -two species appears to be very similar, this peculiarity and difference -of abode is quite striking. This is more noticeable at the South than in -the more northern and western portions of the country, where, however, -this species seems to seek, and the _cupido_ to avoid, the wooded -sections. - -They differ, also, in their more solitary disposition, being never -seen in groups of more than four or five, and rarely other than singly -or in pairs. Wilson observed, while travelling among the mountains of -Pennsylvania, that these birds left the woods early in the morning to -seek the open path or road to pick up gravel or to glean among the -droppings of the horses, and he was thus enabled to supply himself -without leaving the path. On the ground they were observed to move with -great stateliness, spreading out their broad fan-like tails. - -The flight of this Grouse is low, straightforward, and rarely protracted -more than a few hundred yards at a time. It is somewhat stiff, and -performed with frequent, almost continual, beatings of its wings. When -it is flushed from its nest, or is suddenly startled from the ground by -a dog, it rises with a loud whirring sound, which noise, however, is -not made when the bird rises of its own accord. Its movements on the -ground are very stately and graceful, except when it is approached too -near, when it runs in a rapid manner, lowers its head, and spreads its -tail, and either seeks shelter or takes to flight. When it hides in the -bushes, it usually squats and remains close. They are difficult birds -to shoot on the wing, the more so that they make sudden and unexpected -changes in the direction of their flight. When they light on a tree, -they are more readily followed and shot. The prevalent notion that, -where several of these birds are in the same tree, several may be -procured if you are careful to shoot the lowest one each time, was not -verified by Mr. Audubon’s experience. - -The love-season of the Partridge commences early in March, and is -indicated by the drumming of male birds. This sound is produced by the -male bird only, who, standing on a fallen log or on an elevated rock -in the most retired portion of the woods, lowers his wings, expands -his tail, contracts his neck, and seems to inflate his whole body. The -tufts of feathers on either side of the neck are elevated, and the -bird struts and wheels about in the most pompous manner possible to -imagine. After manœuvring in this manner for some time, he begins to -strike the sides of his own body with his stiffened wings with short and -rapid strokes. These become more and more rapid, until the noise they -produce seems continuous. These sounds may be heard at all hours of the -day, but more generally early in the morning. The sound thus produced -has generally been compared to that produced by beating together two -distended bladders. But this gives one a very inadequate idea of the -rolling, reverberating, ventriloquistic noise which these birds thus -occasion. It is more like the distant and closing reverberations caused -by remote thunder, and seems to the listener much nearer than it really -is. It may be imitated in several ways, so as even to deceive the bird, -and to bring him, in a fatal impulse of jealousy, to the shot of the -sportsman. - -In the spring these birds feed on the buds of several kinds of trees, -especially the birches. In Maine they are particularly fond of the buds -of the black birch, which gives to their flesh a peculiar and very -agreeable flavor, and from this in certain localities they are known as -the Birch Partridge. They also feed largely on the esculent berries of -the summer, as raspberries, blueberries, and huckleberries, and in the -fall become plump and fat, and are esteemed a great delicacy. - -Mr. Audubon states that, as this bird rises from the ground, it utters -a cackling note, which it repeats six or seven times, and then emits -a lisping whistle, like the cry of some young bird, which is rather -remarkable. When the ground is covered by a fall of light snow, these -birds dive into it and conceal themselves, sometimes burrowing through -it to the depth of several feet. When pursued, they frequently escape in -this manner. Many are taken under the snow; others are snared by nooses, -or by means of figure of four traps. - -This Grouse is more or less polygamous, and both sexes are somewhat -promiscuous in their intercourse. The males only remain with the females -until incubation has commenced, and then keep by themselves, unless -recalled by the females when their eggs have been taken or destroyed. -The males occasionally indulge in severe contests for the possession of -the female, but not to the same extent as with the Pinnated Grouse. - -The female places her nest in some retired spot, usually on the edge of -the woods, or near an opening in it, always on the ground, and often -under the shelter of a projecting rock or a fallen log. The nest is very -rude and simple, consisting of only a few leaves laid in a depression -and not woven together. The eggs are from seven to twelve in number, and -are generally of a uniform yellowish-brown color, and are very rarely -mottled or spotted. During incubation the Partridge sits very closely, -and permits a near approach before she will leave her charge. The young -Partridges leave the nest as soon as they are hatched, following their -mother, who calls to them with a clucking sound not unlike that of the -common domestic Hen. The mother is very devoted, courageous, and wily -in defending them. Coming suddenly upon a young brood of Partridges -squatted with their mother near the roadside in a woods, my first -knowledge of their presence was received from the old bird flying -directly at my face, and then tumbling about at my feet with frantic -manifestations of distress and imitated lameness. In the mean while the -little ones scattered in every direction, and were not to be found. As -soon as she was satisfied of their safety, the parent flew to a short -distance, and I soon heard her clucking call to them to come to her -again. Altogether, it was one of the most striking scenes of parental -devotion and well-managed intervention I ever witnessed. When I came -upon the mother, she had squatted upon the ground, and the young had -taken refuge under her wings. - -The males keep apart from the females and the young until the approach -of winter, when they reassemble in their search for food. In severe -seasons, when the snow lies very deep, especially in Pennsylvania, they -are said to feed on the buds of the Mountain Laurel, or some other -poisonous shrub which imparts a poisonous character to their flesh. -In Maine they have been accused of resorting to apple-orchards and -destroying the fruit-buds, thus occasionally causing a serious injury to -the prospective harvest. We apprehend there is some foundation for these -charges. - -Mr. William Street, of Easthampton, who resides on Mount Tom, writes -me that he has found this Grouse very numerous in that vicinity. -Having lived in a secluded place ten years, and having met with these -birds constantly by day and by night, he has been able to note some -interesting peculiarities in their habits. The drumming by the male is -often made on a stone as well as a log, the same perch being resorted -to, when once chosen by a male bird, as long as it lives. In one -instance he knew one of these Partridges persistently adhere to its -drumming-place, even though the woods had all been cut away and a new -road made close by its post. They roost on the ground as well as on -trees, when near their home, and just where night overtakes them. They -can fly by night as well as by day, when disturbed, as he has often had -occasion to notice, having started them up at all hours of the night. -They are very local in their habits, and never wander more than a -hundred rods from the drumming-place of the male. This spot seems to be -the central point around which they live. The young keep with the old -birds throughout the fall and winter, and select their own homes in the -spring, not far from those of their parents. When a flock is started up, -they separate and fly in every direction; but if one sits quietly down -and keeps perfectly still, in less than an hour he will see them all -coming back, on foot, and all at about the same time. - -The eggs of this species measure 1.60 inches in length by 1.15 in -breadth. They are usually unspotted and of a uniform dark cream-color, -occasionally marked with darker blotches of the same. They are of an -elongated oval, pointed at one end. - - -Bonasa umbellus, var. umbelloides, DOUGLAS. - -THE MOUNTAIN PARTRIDGE. - - _Tetrao umbelloides_, DOUGL. Linn. Trans. XVI, 1829, 148. _Bonasa - umbellus_, var. _umbelloides_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 925 - (appendix). _Bonasa umbelloides_, ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864. _Bonasa - umbellus_, AUD.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago, Ac. I, 1869, 287 - (Alaska, interior). - -SP. CHAR. In pattern of coloration exactly similar to _umbellus_, -but colors different. Rufous tints almost wholly replaced by gray, -the ground-color of the tail always fine light ash. Neck-tufts deep -glossy-black. - -HAB. Rocky Mountains of the United States, and interior of British -America, from Alaska (on the Yukon) to Canada, where grading into var. -_umbellus_. - -HABITS. In regard to the habits of this variety we have no information. -It was found by Mr. Drummond among the Rocky Mountains, near the sources -of the tributaries of the Saskatchewan. He states that those he met with -were at least one third smaller than the _umbellus_, had a much grayer -plumage and a shorter ruffle. He regarded it as a distinct species from -the common Partridge, which he also encountered in the same locality. - -Mr. Ridgway met with this variety on the Wahsatch Mountains in October -and during the summer. It was known in that locality as the Pine Hen, -in distinction from the _T. obscurus_, which was known as the Mountain -Grouse. - -The eggs of this variety measure 1.62 inches in length by 1.20 in -breadth. Their ground-color is a deep uniform cream, darker than in the -_umbellus_. They are occasionally marked with dark tints of the same. - - -Bonasa umbellus, var. sabini, DOUGLAS. - -THE OREGON GROUSE. - - _Tetrao sabini_, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 137.—RICH. F. - Bor. Am. II, 1831, 343. _? Tetrao umbellus_, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, - 1831, 342.—NEWBERRY, Zoöl. Cal. & Or. Route, Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, - IV, 1857, 94. _Bonasa sabini_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 631.—COOPER & - SUCKLEY, 224.—ELLIOT, P. A. N. S. 1864.—IB. Monog. Tetraon.—LORD, Pr. - R. A. I. IV, 123 (Br. Col.).—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 89.—DALL & - BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287 (Alaska coast).—COOPER, Orn. - Cal. I, 1870, 540. - -SP. CHAR. Similar to var. _umbellus_, but much darker. The rufous tints -almost castaneous, and the dusky markings larger. Length, about 18.00; -wing, 7.30; tail, 6.70. - -HAB. Coast Mountains of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. - -The specimens of Ruffed Grouse from the Pacific coast differ very -greatly from others in much darker tints of coloration, although the -pattern is precisely the same. The upper parts are dark orange-chestnut, -mottled with black, the cordate light spots very distinct. The feathers -of the breast are strongly tinged with reddish-yellow; those of the -sides marked with broad and conspicuous bars of black, instead of -the obsolete brown. The under tail-coverts are orange-chestnut, with -indistinct bars of black, and an angular terminal blotch of white. -All the light brown blotches and edgings of the eastern variety are -here dark brown or black. The jugular band between the ruffles is very -conspicuously black. Specimens from Eastern Oregon and Washington have -dark gray tails, and thus incline toward var. _umbelloides_. - -HABITS. The Western Ruffed Grouse was found abundant by Dr. Suckley in -the timbered districts throughout Oregon and Washington Territory. Its -habits seemed to be identical with those of the eastern birds. Owing to -the mildness of the season in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, the males -commence drumming as early as January, and in February they are heard to -drum throughout the night. In the autumn they collect in great numbers -in the crab-apple thickets near the salt marshes at the mouths of the -rivers emptying into Puget Sound. There they feed for about six weeks on -the ripe fruit of the northwestern crab-apple, the _Pyrus rivularis_ of -Nuttall. - -Dr. Cooper also speaks of this Grouse as very abundant everywhere about -the borders of woods and clearings. It was common near the forests -east of the Cascade Mountains up to the 49th degree. These birds -vary in plumage there, a pale-grayish hue predominating. West of the -mountains they are all of a very dark brown. There was, however, no -perceptible difference in their habits or cries from those of the same -bird elsewhere. - -Mr. J. K. Lord assigns to this species an extended geographical range -west of the Rocky Mountains,—from the borders of California, throughout -Oregon and Washington Territories, extending high up on the slopes of -the Rocky Mountains, plentiful in all the timbered lands between the -Cascades and the rocky ruts along the banks of the Columbia, over the -ridge of the Cascades, and down their western slopes to Frazer’s River, -in all the islands of the Gulf of Georgia, and everywhere on Vancouver -Island to its extreme northern end, and on the mainland as far north -as latitude 53°. The habits of this Grouse are described as singularly -erratic, and its food as varied in its character. In the spring their -favorite haunt is in the vicinity of stagnant pools, or in the brush -around a marsh in which the wild swamp-crab, the black birch, and the -alder grow. In such places they mate, and during the breeding-season are -said to be very constant and devoted. During the time of pairing, and -at intervals after their young are hatched, the male produces the sound -known as drumming. The bird is said to squat on a log or a fallen tree, -motionless as though it had no life. Suddenly all the feathers appear -as if reversed, the tail is erected, the ruff round its neck stands -out stiff and rigid, and the wings droop as if broken. These slowly -vibrate, and then produce a sound loud and clear, like the thrum of a -double-bass string. Then the wings move with increased rapidity, and the -sound becomes a continuous throbbing hum. It then suddenly ceases, and -after a few minutes the same performance is repeated. - -Mr. Lord also states that he has seen the males of this species fighting -furiously during the pairing season. Ruffing up their necks, with their -heads and backs almost in a straight line, and with wings dropped, -they circle round and round each other, striking and pecking until the -vanquished gives in, and the victor mounts upon a log and proceeds to -drum furiously. - -Their nest is completed about the end of May, and is always placed under -a log on the ground, or at the foot of a bush. It is composed of a -quantity of dead leaves, lined with dry grasses, bits of moss, and a few -feathers. - -Mr. Lord adds that he found at least ten nests of this bird in one -swamp near the Spokane Prairies. From ten to fourteen eggs was about -the average number; they are described as in color of a dirty white, -and without any spots or freckles of a darker shade. The chickens -at once leave the nest and follow their mother, who calls them with -a clucking sound, in the manner of a Hen, covers them when resting, -and uses all kinds of feints and stratagems to lure an intruder from -her young, fluttering along close to his feet as if her wings were -entirely disabled, and then, when her chickens have had time to -conceal themselves, suddenly darting off. When frightened, this Grouse -rises with a loud rattling sound; but its natural upward movement is -noiseless. - -After the chickens are old enough, the flock removes to open hillsides -where grass-seed, berries, and insects are in abundance. This Grouse -never packs, but remains in broods. In the fall, before they begin to -feed on the spruce buds, their flesh is said to be delicious; but after -the snow shuts them off from other food they feed on the fir buds, and -then their flesh acquires a strong flavor of turpentine. - -In the tree this Grouse is not an easy bird to discover; so closely -does its plumage resemble the lichen-covered bark that it is difficult -to distinguish them, especially as, when alarmed, they crouch down -lengthwise with the limb, and thus become concealed. - - -GENUS LAGOPUS, VIEILLOT. - - _Lagopus_, VIEILLOT, Analyse, 1816. (Type, _Tetrao lagopus_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Nasal groove densely clothed with feathers. Tail of sixteen -or eighteen feathers. Legs closely feathered to the claws. The northern -species snow white in winter. - -The Ptarmigans inhabit the northern regions of both hemispheres, and -with the Arctic fox and hares, the lemmings, and a few other species, -characterize the Arctic zone. They are of rare occurrence within the -limits of the United States, though farther north they become abundant. -The species all change to white in winter, except _L. scoticus_, which -appears to be merely a permanently dark, southern, insular form of _L. -albus_. (See Alfred Newton in Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, -July, 1871, pp. 96, 97.) - - -Species and Varieties. - - =A.= Tail-feathers always with more or less black. - - 1. =L. mutus.= Bill small, slender, the length from the nasal groove - to the tip decidedly more than the height through the base. Male in - winter with a black stripe on the lores. - - ♂ in summer with uniform black feathers on the breast; autumnal - plumage bluish-gray, mottled. _Hab._ Northern Europe … - - var. _mutus_. - - ♂ in summer without uniform black feathers on the breast. Autumnal - plumage orange-rufous. _Hab._ Northern North America; Greenland; - Iceland … - - var. _rupestris_. - - 2. =L. albus.= Bill large, stout; the length from the nasal groove - less, or not more, than the height through the base. Male in winter - without black stripe on lores. _Hab._ Northern Europe and northern - North America. - - =B.= Tail-feathers entirely pure white. - - 3. =L. leucurus.= Winter plumage wholly white. _Hab._ Alpine - summits of the Western mountain-ranges, from Colorado to Oregon and - Washington, and north into British America. - -[Plate: PLATE LXII. - - 1. Lagopus albus. ♂ _Summer._ Alaska, 21462. - 2. Lagopus albus. ♀ _Summer._ Labrador, 43468. - 3. Lagopus albus. ♂ _Winter._ - 4. Lagopus rupestris. ♂ _Winter._ 30370. - 5. Lagopus rupestris. ♀ _Summer._ Labrador, 44582. - 6. Lagopus leucurus. ♂ _Summer._ Colorado, 16002.] - - -Lagopus albus, AUD. - -WILLOW GROUSE; WHITE PTARMIGAN. - - _Tetrao albus_, GMELIN, I, 1788, 750 (Hudson’s Bay).—LATH. Ind. Orn. - II, 639. _Lagopus albus_, AUD. Syn. 1839, 207.—IB. Birds Amer. V, - 1842, 114, pl. ccxcix.—BONAP. Am. Phil. III, new ser. p. 393, sp. - 313.—GRAY, Gen. B. III.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 633.—BOIE, Isis, - 1822, 558.—GRAY, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. III, 47, 1844.—BONAP. Geog. & - Comp. List. B. p. 44, No. 288.—ELLIOT, Monog. Tetraon. pl.—COUES, - P. A. N. S. 1861, 227.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 80.—DALL & - BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287.—FINSCH, Abh. Nat. III, 1872, - 62 (Alaska). _Tetrao_ (_Lagopus_) _albus_, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) - 1840, 816. _? Tetrao lagopus_, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 390. - _Tetrao saliceti_, SABINE, App. Franklin’s Narr. 681.—RICH. App. - Parry’s 2d Voyage, 347.—AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 528, pl. cxci.—SAB. - App. Frank. Narr. p. 681. _Tetrao_ (_Lagopus_) _saliceti_, SWAINSON, - F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 351.—_Lagopus s._ GOULD. B. Eur. pl. _White - Grouse_, PENNANT. _Tetrao lapponicus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. I, 751, sp. - 25.—LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 640, sp. 12. _Tetrao rehusak_, TEMM. Pig. et - Gall. III, 225. _Lagopus subalpinus_, NILS. Orn. Suec. I, 307, sp. - 139. _Lagopus brachydactylus_, TEMM. Man. Orn. III, 328.—GOULD, B. - Eur. pl. cclvi.—GRAY, Gen. B. III.—BONAP. Consp. List. 44, No. 300. - -[Illustration: =21462= ⅓ ⅓ - -_Lagopus albus._] - -SP. CHAR. Bill very stout. Bill as high as the distance from the nasal -groove to its tip. Tail always black, narrowly tipped with white; wing -(except upper coverts) pure white. - -_Summer._ _Male_ (43,505, Fort Anderson, September 8; MacFarlane). Head, -neck, and jugulum deep cinnamon-rufous; whole upper parts (except wings) -paler, more fulvous brown, broadly and closely barred with black. Top of -head spotted with black, and the jugulum and neck with scattered bars -of the same. Wing, 7.50; bill, .40 from nostril, and .35 deep. _Female_ -(53,526, Fort Anderson, June, 1865; MacFarlane). Entire plumage (except -wings, tail, and legs) fulvous-buff, heavily spotted and barred above, -and regularly barred beneath, with black. Wing, 7.20; bill, .40 by .40. - -_Winter._ Entire plumage, except the tail (which is black with a -white tip), immaculate snowy-white; shafts of primaries black. _Male_ -(34,968, Northwest R., Labrador; D. Smith). Wing, 7.50; bill, .42 by -.45. _Female_ (50,060, Nulato, Lower Yukon, April 12, 1867; W. H. Dall). -Wing, 7.50; bill, .42 by .42. - -_Chick_ (2,648, Fort Anderson, July, 1864). Prevailing color -greenish-buff, tinged with sulphur-yellow on the throat and abdomen, -and washed with fulvous on the upper parts. A large oval vertical patch -of chestnut-rufous, bordered all round by a black line, which, from the -occiput, is continued down the nape in a broad distinct stripe of black. -On the upper part of the back this stripe bifurcates, and continues -in two broad parallel stripes to the lower part of rump, where they -again unite. A black stripe across the wing and one through the eye and -auriculars. - -HAB. Arctic America from Newfoundland to Sitka. - -[Illustration: _Lagopus albus._] - -HABITS. Richardson regarded this species as an inhabitant of the -fur countries from the 50th to the 70th parallel of latitude, being -partially migratory within those limits. It was found to breed among -the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, on the barren grounds, and along -the Arctic coasts. On the approach of winter it collects in flocks, -and retires southward as the severity of the weather increases. They -remain, however, in considerable numbers as far north as latitude 67° -even in the coldest winters. It was found to be tolerably abundant at -the 65th parallel all the year, assembling in vast flocks on the shores -of Hudson Bay in the winter time. Mr. Hutchins states that ten thousand -of these birds have been captured in a single season at Severn River. -Richardson adds that in 1819 these birds made their first appearance at -Cumberland House, latitude 54°, in the second week of November, and that -they returned to the northward again before the beginning of spring. In -the winter they are said to shelter themselves in thickets of willows -and dwarf birches, on the banks of marshes and lakes, the buds of the -smaller shrubs being the principal part of their food at that season. -Denuded sandy spots were their favorite resorts in the daytime, but they -passed their nights in holes in the snow. When pursued by sportsmen or -birds of prey, they often terminate their flight by hastily diving into -the loose snow, working their way beneath its surface with considerable -celerity. In thick, windy, or snowy weather they were very shy, perching -on the taller willows, where it required a sharp eye to distinguish -them from flakes of snow. In the summer season they feed chiefly on -the berries of the alpine arbutus and other shrubs and plants, which -are laid bare by the thaw, and which do not disappear until they are -replaced by a new crop. They incubate about the beginning of June, at -which time the females moult. The males assume their red-colored plumage -as soon as the rocks and eminences become bare, at which time they -are in the habit of standing upon large stones, calling in a loud and -croaking voice to their mates, which, still in their white wintry garb, -are hidden in the snows below. These birds are more usually in motion in -the milder light of night than in the broad glare of day. - -Captain Blakiston traced this Grouse across the interior from Hudson’s -Bay to near the Rocky Mountains, and obtained a single specimen near -Fort Carlton. It does not come down every winter, however, so far south -on the Upper Saskatchewan. Near Lake Winnipeg, at Fort Cumberland, -and to the eastward, they are common every winter, and numbers are -obtained from the shores of Hudson’s Bay. Mr. Ross gives this species -as common on the Mackenzie. Mr. Robert MacFarlane found it around Fort -Anderson, where, he writes, it was always very numerous in that quarter -at all seasons, and generally not difficult of approach. During the -breeding-season the males were to be found perched upon trees and stumps -in the vicinity of the nest, while the female would rarely leave the -latter until almost trodden on. They are also said, by Mr. MacFarlane, -to assume their summer plumage earlier than the males, differing in this -statement from Dr. Richardson’s. Their nest is always on the ground, and -consists only of a few decayed leaves placed in a depression. Sometimes -other materials, such as hay, moss, feathers, etc., are found. While -incubating, the female occasionally sits so close as to allow herself to -be caught, rather than leave the nest. - -They begin to nest early in June, varying a little with the season, not -commencing so soon where the ground at that period was still covered -with snow. Eggs taken from the oviduct were almost invariably pure white -in color. In one instance an egg taken from the oviduct of a female, -June 5, that had previously deposited eight eggs the same season, was -covered with coloring matter or marking so soft as to adhere to the -fingers when touched. After the female has once begun to lay, Mr. -MacFarlane observed that she deposits one egg each day until the whole -number has been reached. This varies from eight to ten. - -The males were always observed in the immediate vicinity of the nest, -and began to assume their summer moult about the 6th of June, most -of their necks at that time being already of a reddish-brown color. -The nests were always on the ground, and were mere depressions lined -with a few soft materials, generally leaves, occasionally mingled with -feathers, hay, etc., the feathers often being their own. The same nest -was often made use of in successive seasons. Eggs were found as late as -the 24th of June, and the female is supposed to sit about three weeks -before hatching. Occasionally eggs were found dropped on the bare ground -without any signs of a nest. In one instance the egg was pure white, -like one taken from the oviduct. It was found lying on the bare ground, -without the least appearance of a nest in its vicinity. - -In one instance where a nest was met with, on the banks of Swan River, -by Mr. MacFarlane’s party, _en route_, the female was almost trodden -under foot before she fluttered off, when she at once turned about to -face her enemies, spreading her wings and ruffling her feathers as if -to attack or frighten them away. In another case a nest containing only -one fresh egg, in which the female had but just begun to deposit, was -found as late as June 25. Other eggs found June 27 contained very large -embryos. Another nest, examined a fortnight later (July 10), had in it -ten perfectly fresh eggs. Mr. MacFarlane inferred that this nest had -been robbed at an early period of the season. This time she apparently -made no attempt at another laying. - -In several instances where both birds were present near a nest that was -taken, the male bird would make his presence known by giving utterance -to very peculiar rough notes, indicative of alarm and of distress at -the proceedings. In one instance a nest was found in the midst of a -clump of very small stunted willows, within thirty feet of the spot -where Mr. MacFarlane’s tent was pitched. This was on the 21st of June, -but the nest escaped notice until the 22d of July, when the female was -almost trodden on as she was sitting on her eggs, where she had probably -had her nest during their entire stay. The eggs were warm when taken, -and their contents were slightly developed. During the night the male -Ptarmigan disturbed the encampment by keeping up a constant utterance of -his rough and rather unpleasant notes. In another instance the female -fluttered off, calling, and pretending to be badly wounded; while the -male bird, in the vicinity, made his near presence known by the loud -manner in which he expressed his disapprobation of such proceedings. - -In one instance where an Indian had found a nest of this Ptarmigan, -which then contained seven eggs, the female was seen, and the notes -of the male bird were heard. He placed a snare about the eggs, but -on returning to the nest a few hours afterwards, he was surprised to -find that six of the eggs had disappeared during his brief absence. He -supposed a fox had taken them; but as no egg-shells were left behind, -Mr. MacFarlane has no doubt they were removed by the parent birds. - -When the young are hatched they follow the parents, both of whom keep -about them, and display great courage and devotion whenever there is -any occasion, suffering themselves to be very closely approached, and -utterly regardless of consequences in their desire to save their young. -The latter are very hard to recognize, owing to their close resemblance -to the grass, in which they squat, and remain perfectly still. - -In September and October of each season these Ptarmigans assemble in -large flocks, but during winter seldom more than two or three dozen -were ever noticed in single companies. They would often alight and feed -in the immediate presence of the men, and would even permit a very -near approach. During the winter they were frequently to be met with -between Fort Anderson and Fort Good Hope, in especial abundance about -the last-mentioned post. As the spring approached, they began to migrate -to the north; so that in the summer scarcely a Ptarmigan was to be seen -south of Lockhart River, on their usual line of march to that post. In -February, 1859, Mr. MacFarlane found them numerous to the very borders -of the wooded country, along the banks of the Lower Anderson. - -Mr. Donald Gunn states that this Ptarmigan is very seldom to be seen -south or west of Lake Winnipeg, but is found in all the country north -and east of that lake during the winter season. In the summer they are -said to breed around Hudson’s Bay, and during the winter to be found -along the whole extent of that bay, especially if the winter is mild. -During severe winters they go more inland. The males of this species -are said by Mr. Gunn to crow morning and evening in the same manner as -the Moor-fowl in Scotland, the tone and notes being very similar. The -female is said to lay from ten to sixteen eggs, but the largest number -taken by Mr. MacFarlane appears to have been ten. These birds are of -great service to the Indians, serving as food when larger game fails; -and their feathers are also a considerable article of trade, several -hundredweight of them being annually sent to London. - -Mr. Dall found this Ptarmigan abundant in Alaska, from Fort Yukon to the -sea. In winter they feed exclusively on willow buds, a double-handful -having often been found in their crops. As soon as the ground was -well covered with snow they appeared on the river in coveys among the -willow-thickets. They were rather shy, and on an alarm flew immediately, -but without noise. They made regular paths along the banks of the -river among the willows, along which they always ran. The Indians took -advantage of these to snare them, and caught them by hundreds. They -were abundant in the fall and midwinter. In February they gathered in -immense flocks, and disappeared, no one could tell where, returning -about the middle of March as suddenly as they had gone away, remaining -a few weeks, then resorting to the mountains and open country to breed. -In 1867 they disappeared February 15 and returned April 1, leaving for -the mountains May 3. The following year they left February 10, returned -March 21, and left for the mountains April 28, going and coming in large -flocks. They begin to moult about the middle of April, the feathers of -the head, edges of wings, and upper tail-coverts, changing first. At -this time the capillaries in the skin of the abdomen become engorged -with serous fluid, and give to the bird a disgusting appearance. Mr. -Dall obtained eggs in an open tundra near the mouth of the Yukon in the -latter part of June. The female defended her nest bravely, and rather -than desert her eggs allowed herself to be torn to pieces by a dog. - -Mr. Bannister was also struck with the strong attachment shown to each -other by both sexes during the breeding-season. He has known the male -bird to sacrifice his own life, rather than desert his wounded mate. -He mentions them as common at St. Michaels and the adjoining mainland -during the greater part of the year, but especially abundant in the -spring, when they are found singly or in pairs all over the country. -In the fall and winter they kept more to the thickets of willows. The -greater part of them were supposed to have gone into the wooded district -of the interior for better shelter and more abundant food. - -The eggs of this species vary considerably in length and breadth; they -average about 1.85 inches in length and 1.20 in breadth, and are oval -in shape, one end a little less obtuse than the other. They are all -beautifully variegated and marked with bold confluent blotches of a -dark claret color, upon a ground of a deep cream tinged with a reddish -shading. - - -Lagopus mutus, var. rupestris, LEACH. - -ROCK PTARMIGAN. - - _Tetrao rupestris_, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 751 (based on Rock - Grouse of Pennant).—LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 312.—SABINE, Supplem. - Parry’s First Voyage, page cxcv.—RICHARDSON, Append. Parry’s Second - Voyage, 348.—AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 483, pl. ccclxviii. _Lagopus - rupestris_, LEACH, Zoöl. Misc. II, 290.—BON. List, 1838.—AUD. Syn. - 208.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 122, pl. ccci.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 635.—ELLIOT, Monog. Tetraon. pl.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, - 1867, 92.—DALL & BANNISTER, Tr. Chicago Ac. I, 1869, 287. _Tetrao_ - (_Lagopus_) _rupestris_, SWAINS. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 354, pl. lxiv. - _Attagen rupestris_, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1851, page xxix. _Rock - Grouse_, PENNANT, Arctic Zoöl. II, 312. _Lagopus islandorum_, FAB. - Prod. der Island. Orn. page 6.—GRAY, Gen.—IB. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. III, - 47, 1844. _Tetrao lagopus islandicus_, SCHLEG. Rev. Crit. des Ois. - d’Eur. p. 76. _Tetrao islandicus_, BREHM, Eur. Vog. II, 448. _Lagopus - reinhardti_, BREHM. _Lagopus groenlandicus_, BREHM, Vögelfang, p. - cclxiv, note. _? Tetrao lagopus_, SABINE, E. Suppl. Parry’s First - Voyage, p. cxcvii.—SABINE, J. Franklin’s Jour. 682.—RICH. App. Parry’s - Second Voyage, 350. _Tetrao_ (_Lagopus_) _mutus_, RICH. F. B. A. II, - 1831, 350. _Tetrao mutus_, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 196. _Lagopus - mutus_, GRAY, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. 1867, 91 (Ft. Resolution and Ft. - Simpson). _Lagopus americanus_, AUD. Syn. 1839, 207, B. Am. V, 1842, - 119, pl. ccc.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 637. - -SP. CHAR. Bill slender; distance from the nasal groove to tip (.35) -greater than height at base (.27). In summer the feathers of back black, -banded distinctly with yellowish-brown and tipped with white. In winter -white, the tail black; the male with a black bar from bill through eye. -Size considerably less than that of _L. albus_. Length, about 14.50; -wing, 7.50; tail, 4.50. - -_Female_ in summer (44,582, Barren Grounds, June 29, 1864; R. -MacFarlane). Wings (except upper coverts) and legs white; tail (except -intermediæ), black, narrowly tipped with white. Rest of plumage light -ochraceous or buff, some feathers tipped with white, and all with broad -transverse bars of black, this color prevailing on the dorsal region. On -the lower surface the buff bars exceed the black ones in width. Wing, -7.20; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .90; bill, .35 by .27. - -HAB. Arctic America. - -The _L. mutus_ of Europe appears to differ only in its summer and -autumnal plumages from the present form, and is then only distinguished -by the uniformly black feathers on the breast in the former, and the -bluish cast in the latter stage. Those in the winter plumage that we -have examined are absolutely identical in size, proportions, and color -with the American birds. - -HABITS. According to Hutchins, this Ptarmigan is numerous at the two -extremes of Hudson’s Bay, but does not appear at the middle settlements -of York and Severn except in very severe seasons, when the Willow Grouse -are scarce; and Captain Sabine informed Richardson that they abounded -on Melville Island, latitude 75°, in the summer. They arrived there in -their snow-white winter dress about the 12th of May. By the end of the -month the females had begun to assume their colored plumage, which was -completed by the first week in June, when the change in the plumage -had only just commenced in the males. Some of the latter were found -as late as the middle of June in their unaltered winter plumage. This -Grouse was also found on the Melville peninsula and the Barren Grounds, -rarely going farther south, even in the winter, than latitude 53° in the -interior, but, on the coast of Hudson’s Bay, descending to latitude 58°, -and in severe seasons still farther to the southward. In its general -manners and mode of living it is said to resemble the _albus_, but does -not retire so far into the wooded country in the winter. At that season -it frequents the more open woods on the borders of lakes, especially in -the 65th parallel, but the bulk of this species remains on the skirts of -the Barren Grounds. They incubate in June. - -Mr. MacFarlane found this species breeding about Fort Anderson, and -on the Barren Grounds east of the Horton River. They nest, in a -similar manner to _L. albus_, on the ground, placing the materials in -a depression on the ground, and using hay, withered leaves, and a few -feathers, and making a rather loose, ill-arranged nest. This is usually -placed on an open common, sometimes near the banks of a small stream. -They were more early in their breeding than the _albus_, as young -Ptarmigans of a goodly size are mentioned as having been seen June 30. -The eggs ranged from four to eight in number. - -The female sits very close, and rather than leave will sometimes suffer -herself to be taken by the hand. In one instance when a nest was -approached, the female crouched as much as possible, in the hope that -she might not be noticed, which would have happened had not one of the -party observed her eye. Her summer plumage was almost exactly of the -same color with the soil, and hardly distinguishable from it. The man -was within three feet, and, making a swoop, caught her on the nest. - -Excepting in 1862, Mr. MacFarlane did not meet with any of this species -west of the Swan River, on his various journeys to Franklin Bay. Every -season, almost immediately on leaving the woods fringing Swan River, -birds began to be seen as far as and all along the Arctic coast. -Although constantly found feeding in large numbers on the Barrens, -it was always difficult to find their nests. They were most numerous -between Horton River and Franklin Bay, and were frequently seen standing -singly, or feeding on the ground, or an occasional pair might be seen, -but it was seldom any number were observed in company. - -Mr. Dall states that this species was not uncommon in the Romanzoff -Mountains, northwest of Fort Yukon, but did not know of its being found -farther south or west. It was obtained by S. Weston at Fort Yukon, and -among the mountains by Mr. McDougal. - -The eggs of this species closely resemble those of _L. albus_, but are -somewhat smaller in size. They measure 1.63 inches in length by 1.18 -in breadth, varying slightly in size. Their ground is a deep reddish -cream-color, nearly covered by large blotches of a reddish-chestnut, -giving a beautifully variegated effect to the whole. - - -Lagopus leucurus, SWAINSON & RICHARDSON. - -WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. - - _Tetrao_ (_Lagopus_) _leucurus_, SW. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 356, - pl. lxiii.—NUTT. Man. Orn. II, 1834, 612.—IB. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, - 820.—DOUGL. Tr. Linn. Soc. XVI, 146. _Tetrao leucurus_, AUD. Orn. - Biog. V, 1839, 200, pl. ccccxviii. _Lagopus leucurus_, AUD. Syn. - 1839.—IB. B. Am. V, 1842, 125, pl. cccii.—GRAY, Gen. III.—BAIRD, - Birds N. Am. 1858, 637.—BON. Comp. List. 441, No. 291.—ELLIOT, - P. A. N. S. 1864.—IB. Monog. Tetraon. pl.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, - 1867, 93.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 542. - -SP. CHAR. _Male?_ _winter_ (4,578, Fort Halkett, Liard’s River). -Entirely pure white, including the tail. Wing, 6.70; tarsus, 1.00; -middle toe, 1.00; bill, .35 by .29. - -_Summer._ Wings, tail, abdomen, crissum, and legs immaculate -snowy-white. Ground-color of rest of plumage grayish-white on head -and neck and ashy-buff on other portions, finely and rather sparsely -sprinkled with black,—more in form of ragged transverse bars anteriorly -and on sides. (♀, 16,002, Camp Skagitt, N. W. B., August 16; C. B. -Kennerly.) - -HAB. Alpine summits of the Western mountains, from lat. 39° in the -Rocky Mountains north into British America, and west to the Cascades of -Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. - -HABITS. This species was first procured by Mr. Drummond, and described -by Swainson in the “Fauna Borealis.” Five specimens were taken on the -Rocky Mountains in the 54th parallel, and another, by Mr. MacPherson, -on the same chain, nine degrees farther north. They were said to have -all the habits of the other Ptarmigans, and to inhabit the snowy peaks -near the mouth of the Columbia, as well as the lofty ridges of the Rocky -Mountains. - -We have but little reliable information in regard to the habits and -distribution of this species. It seems to be confined entirely to the -range of the Rocky Mountains, and to be found only among their highest -points, occurring at least as far to the south as Cochetope Pass, in -latitude 39°, and extending north to an undetermined extent. Specimens -were procured in 1858 by Captain R. B. Marcy, on his march from Fort -Bridger, in Utah, across the Rocky Mountains to Santa Fé. They were met -with near the summit of the mountains not far from Cochetope Pass. - -Mr. Charles E. Aiken writes me that he has been informed that this bird -is common on Snowy Range, in Colorado Territory. He was informed by an -old miner, who claimed to have met with these birds breeding near the -top of the range in June, that their nest, composed of leaves and grass, -is placed on the ground among bushes on hillsides; that the eggs are -fourteen in number, of a light bluish-brown, marked and spotted with a -darker shade of brown. - -Mr. J. A. Allen (Am. Nat., June, 1872) mentions finding, among the -snow-fields of the higher parts of the mountains of Colorado, this -Grouse as one of the essentially Arctic species that were not met with -below the region of snow. The Ptarmigans were quite common, and in the -winter descend into the timbered land, where a great number are killed -by the miners for food. - -An egg, given to Mr. Allen as a genuine egg of this species, was taken -on Mount Lincoln, Colorado, by Mr. Arthur Meade. It is of an oblong-oval -shape, and measures, as well as its imperfect condition permitted its -length to be estimated, about 1.80 inches by 1.20 in breadth. Its ground -is a deep ochraceous cream-color, marked with small rounded spots of a -deep chestnut. These are pretty uniformly sprinkled over the surface. -Except in size, it bears a close resemblance to the eggs of the European -_Tetrao urogallus_. - - - - -FAMILY PERDICIDÆ.—THE PARTRIDGES. - - -CHAR. Nostrils protected by a naked scale. The tarsi bare and -scutellate. - -The _Perdicidæ_ differ from the Grouse in the bare legs and naked nasal -fossæ. They are much smaller in size and more abundant in species. -They are widely distributed over the surface of the globe, a large -number belonging to America, where the subfamilies have no Old World -representatives whatever. The head seldom, if ever, shows the naked -space around and above the eye, so common in the TETRAONIDÆ; and the -sides of the toes scarcely exhibit the peculiar pectination formed by a -succession of small scales or plates. - - -SUBFAMILY ORTYGINÆ. - -CHAR. Bill stout, the lower mandible more or less bidentate on each side -near the end. - -The _Ortyginæ_ of Bonaparte, or _Odontophorinæ_ of other authors, are -characterized as a group by the bidentation on either side of the edge -of lower mandible, usually concealed in the closed mouth, and sometimes -scarcely appreciable. The bill is short, and rather high at base; -stouter and shorter than what is usually seen in Old World Partridges. -The culmen is curved from the base; the tip of the bill broad, and -overlapping the end of the lower mandible. The nasal groove is short. -The tail is rather broad and long. - - -Synopsis of Genera found in the United States. - -_a. Head without crest._ - - =Ortyx.= Tail not much more than half the wings; outstretched feet - reaching beyond the tail. - -_b. Head with a crest of a few long narrow, keel-shaped -feathers._ - - =Oreortyx.= Crest-feathers very long, linear; tail scarcely more than - half the wings; bill stout; claws blunt, the lateral not reaching the - base of the middle claw. Toes of the outstretched foot reaching beyond - the tail. - - =Lophortyx.= Crest-feathers widening much terminally, and recurved at - the ends. Tail nearly or quite as long as wings. Bill rather small. - Claws acute, the lateral reaching to the base of middle one. Toes not - reaching the tip of tail. - -_c. Crest soft, full, and tufted; composed of short, broad, -depressed feathers._ - - =Callipepla.= Crest springing from the crown. Wing-coverts normal. - Tail stiffened, nearly as long as the wings. Claws small, acute; - outstretched feet not reaching the tip of tail. - - =Cyrtonyx.= Crest occipital. Wing-coverts greatly developed. Tail very - small and soft; half as long as the wings. Toes short; claws very - long, blunted; outstretched feet reaching much beyond the tip of the - tail. - -All the North American Quails, except _Cyrtonyx massena_, have the inner -tertiaries edged internally with whitish or buff, forming a conspicuous -line on each side of the rump when the wings are closed. - - -GENUS ORTYX, STEPHENS. - - _Ortyx_, STEPHENS, Shaw’s Gen. Zoöl. XI, 1819. (Type, _Tetrao - virginianus_, L.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill stout. Head entirely without any crest. Tail short, -scarcely more than half the wing, composed of moderately soft feathers. -Wings normal. Legs developed, the toes reaching considerably beyond the -tip of the tail; the lateral toes short, equal, their claws falling -decidedly short of the base of the middle claw. - -The genus _Ortyx_ embraces numerous species, more or less resembling the -well-known Bob-white of the United States. They are chiefly confined -to Mexico, Central America, and the West India Islands. North America -and the West India Islands contain but one species, and this is so -exceedingly variable in plumage that it is only at extreme points of its -range that differences acquire sufficient constancy to be considered -worthy of especial notice. The regions of its extremes of variation are -the northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern limits of its range; -the modifications attaining in Cuba and in Texas sufficient value to -have been deemed of specific importance. But comparing even the three -extremes of plumage, the differences are found to consist only in a -varying amount of the several colors, specimens from intervening regions -forming the connecting links. - -[Illustration: =22248= ½ - -_Ortyx virginianus._] - - -Species and Varieties. - - =O. virginianus.= Head longitudinally striped, with a dark superior - and lateral stripe, a light superciliary stripe (continuing down the - side of the neck), and a light gular patch; these stripes blackish and - pure white in the male, and rusty and ochraceous in the female. Above - mottled with rusty and grayish; the latter prevailing posteriorly, - the former anteriorly. Upper part of the rump, scapulars, and upper - wing-coverts more or less blotched with black. Beneath white, with - transverse, somewhat V-shaped bars of black; sides striped with - rufous; lower tail-coverts rufous, with black medial arrow-head, and - both webs tipped with roundish spots of rusty white. - - Black gular collar of the male .50, or less, in width. - - Reddish tints prevailing; these nearly continuous on the upper - parts, where the mottlings are minute. Distinct black blotches - on the scapulars, tertials, and upper part of rump. Wing, 4.25 - (Florida, Southern Illinois, Missouri, etc.) to 4.80 (northeastern - United States). _Hab._ Eastern Province of the United States; - Jamaica? … - - var. _virginianus_. - - Grayish tints prevailing; no continuous color on the upper parts, - where the mottlings are coarse and general. No distinct black - blotches on the scapulars, etc. Gular black collar narrower. Wing, - 4.10 to 4.50. _Hab._ Plains, from Texas to Kansas (where it grades - into _virginianus_) … - - var. _texanus_. - - Black gular collar much more than .50 in width. - - Black markings predominating in the male. Female hardly - distinguishable from that of var. _texanus_. Wing, 4.10. _Hab._ - Cuba … - - var. _cubanensis_.[115] - -[Plate: PLATE LXIII. - - 1. Ortyx virginianus. ♂ Pa., 1715. - 2. Ortyx virginianus. ♀ Pa., 1714. - 3. Ortyx texanus. ♂ Texas, 4099. - 4. Ortyx texanus. ♀ Texas, 9347. - 5. Oreortyx pictus. ♂ Cal., 3935. - 6. Callipepla squamata. ♂ New Mex., 9386.] - - -Ortyx virginianus, var. virginianus, BONAP. - -QUAIL; PARTRIDGE; BOB-WHITE. - - _Tetrao virginianus_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 277, 16 - (female?).—GMELIN, I, 1788, 761. _Perdix virginiana_, LATH. Ind. Orn. - II, 1790, 650.—WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 21, pl. xlvii.—DOUGHTY’S - Cab. I, 1830, 37, pl. iv.—AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 388; V, 1839, - 564, pl. lxxvi. _Perdix_ (_Ortyx_) _virginiana_, BONAP. Obs. - Wils. 1825, No. 203. _Ortyx virginiana_, JARDINE, Nat. Library - Birds, IV, Game Birds, 101, pl. x.—BON. List, 1838.—AUD. Syn. - 1839, 199.—IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 59, pl. cclxxxix.—GOULD, Mon. - Odont. pl. i.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 640.—NEWTON, Ibis, I, 255 - (Santa Cruz; introduced!).—BRYANT, B. Pr. VII, 1859 (Bahamas; - introduced!).—SCLATER, P. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica).—MARCH, P. A. N. S. - 1863, 303 (Jamaica).—MAX. Cab. J. VII, 1858, 444.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. - Mus. V, 1867, 75.—FOWLER, Am. Nat. III, Dec. 1869, 535 (habits). - _Perdix_ (_Colinia_) _virginiana_, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 646. _Tetrao - marilandicus_, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 277, 18.—GMELIN, I, 1788, - 761, 17. _Perdix marilandica_, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 650. - _Tetrao minor_, BARTRAM, Travels, 1791, 290 bis. _Perdix borealis_, - VIEILLOT, Nouv. Dict.—IB. Galerie, II, 44, pl. ccxiv. _Ortyx - borealis_, STEPH., Shaw’s Zoöl. XI, 1819, 377. _Virginia Partridge_, - LATHAM, Syn. II, ii, 777. _Ortyx castaneus_, GOULD, P. Z. S. X, - 182.—IB. Mon. Odont. (A somewhat melanistic plumage, occasionally seen - in specimens from Iowa, Illinois, etc. ?) - -SP. CHAR. Forehead, and line through the eye and along the side of the -neck, with chin and throat, white. A band of black across the vertex, -and extending backwards on the sides, within the white, and another -from the maxilla beneath the eye, and crossing on the lower part of -the throat. The under parts are white, tinged with brown anteriorly; -each feather with several narrow, obtusely V-shaped bands of black. The -forepart of back, the side of the breast, and in front just below the -black collar, of a dull pinkish-red. The sides of body and wing-coverts -brownish-red; the latter almost uniform, without indication of mottling. -Scapulars and upper tertials coarsely blotched with black, and edged -internally with brownish-yellow. Top of head reddish; the lower part of -neck, except anteriorly, streaked with white and black. Primary quills -unspotted brown. Tail ash. _Female_ with the white markings of the head -replaced by brownish-yellow; the black ones with brownish. - -_Young._ Head ashy, with a narrow post-ocular white stripe, and the -crown spotted with black; throat whitish. Beneath pale dingy-ashy, with -whitish shaft-streaks, and without black bars or other markings. Above -reddish or olivaceous drab, the feathers with whitish shaft-streaks, and -a large black spot, mostly on upper web. - -_Chick._ Head dingy buff; an auricular dusky elongated spot, and a -vertical patch of chestnut-rufous, widening on the occiput. - -Length, 10.00; wing, 4.70; tail, 2.85. - -_Hab._ Eastern United States to the high Central Plains; Devil’s River, -Texas? - -Specimens from Missouri and Southern Illinois are intermediate between -the typical _virginianus_ of the Northeastern States and Florida -examples,[116] which approach in every respect, except the broad jugular -collar, the var. _cubanensis_. The size is scarcely greater,—the range -in Florida birds being wing 4.10 to 4.30, while the average of Missouri -and Southern Illinois series is about 4.25; again, in northern and -eastern specimens the wing is 4.70 to 4.80. In colors, Southern Illinois -and Florida birds are also very similar; but in Florida there is less -tendency to black blotches on scapulars, etc., while in specimens from -the southern part of the peninsula the bill is appreciably larger. From -the plains of Kansas specimens are intermediate between these Illinois -birds and the var. _texanus_. - -[Illustration: _Ortyx virginianus._] - -A pair of Quails from Jamaica, probably derived from Continental -parents, are less different from United States specimens than are those -from Cuba or Texas. In size they are like the former, and have also -an equally large bill; the male, however, is not darker beneath than -Southern specimens of _virginianus_, while the female is absolutely -undistinguishable in color from examples of that race from the Middle -States. - -HABITS. The present species, known in New England and in certain other -parts of the country as the Quail, and in the Middle and Southern States -as the Partridge,—either of which names, belonging to other and quite -different birds, is inappropriate,—is found throughout the eastern -portion of North America from Florida to Maine, and from the Atlantic -to Texas on the south and to the Central Plains. Partially successful -attempts have been made to introduce it in Utah, and its area promises -to extend much farther west than its original limits. This species has -also been acclimated in Jamaica, and now abounds in all parts of that -island. There they are said, by Mr. March, to make no nest, but to lay -on the ground, in tufts of grassroots or under clumps of bushes, usually -from twelve to twenty eggs. These are smaller than with us, measuring -1.25 inches by an inch. Mr. March adds that, during incubation, the male -may usually be found sitting on a low branch in the vicinity of the -nest, but does not assist in incubation. - -The Quail has also been introduced into the island of St. Croix, and is -now very common in almost every part of it, being especially abundant -in the grass lands of the southwestern part. Their habits appear to be -somewhat modified by their place of abode, as Mr. Newton has several -times seen birds of this species fly up from the ground when flushed, -and perch upon trees. He also states that, so far as he could find, -their nest is never covered over, as described by some writers, but -consists merely of a shallow hole scraped in the ground, in which is -deposited a little dried grass or “trash,” the leaves of the sugar-cane. -It is often placed to leeward of a protecting cane “stool.” - -This bird is probably found in all the New England States, though its -presence in Maine is not certain, and, if found there at all, is only -met with in the extreme southwestern portion. It is also rare in Vermont -and New Hampshire, and only found in the southern portions. It is not -given by Mr. Boardman, nor by Professor Verrill. Farther west it has -a more northern distribution, being found in Northern New York and in -Southern Canada. Mr. McIlwraith gives it as resident in the neighborhood -of Hamilton. - -In many parts of Massachusetts the Quail has become a very rare bird, -owing to the ravages caused by sportsmen and the severity of winters, -heavy falls of snow being frequently particularly fatal to them. - -The Quails are not migratory, rarely moving to any extent from the -spot where they were hatched, even in quest of food, and are easily -affected by scarcity of food or by the severity of the winter season. -In heavy falls of snow they frequently huddle together on the ground, -and allow themselves to be buried in the drifts. If the snow is light, -they can easily extricate themselves, and run over its surface in quest -of berries and the seeds of shrubs; but if the fall be followed by a -partial thaw, and a crust forms, the birds are made prisoners within its -impenetrable cover, and miserably perish of hunger. In the severe winter -of 1866 and 1867, large numbers of Quails thus perished throughout -all parts of Massachusetts. When the snow melted, they were found, in -numerous instances, crowded close together and embedded in the frozen -drifts. - -Unlike most birds of this family, the American Quail never collects -in large flocks, but usually moves in small family groups, varying in -number from ten to thirty, but too often reduced to a mere remnant by -the inroads of the sportsman. When there are two broods in a season, -the second brood unites with the first, and, if unmolested, they keep -together until the spring, under the guidance of the parents. In the -mating-season they usually separate into pairs, though occasionally -a male will associate with more than a single female, in which case -their joint product is united in the same nest. In the spring of 1850 I -found one of the nests which contained no less than thirty-two eggs. The -nest was placed on the side of a hill, in an open pasture, within a few -rods of the main street, and in the midst of the principal village in -Hingham. It was comparatively small, composed of coarse stems of grass, -arched at the top, with the entrance on one side, and the eggs were -promiscuously piled one upon another. The latter were removed for the -purpose of ascertaining the exact number, but very carefully replaced; -yet the parent birds deserted them, as they are said always to do if -their eggs are handled. An attempt was made to hatch the eggs under a -common Hen, but it proved unsuccessful. As the nest was in so exposed a -place, it is quite possible that its abandonment by the parent may have -been occasioned by other causes than our touching the eggs. - -These birds are always found in grounds more or less open, preferring -those in which there is abundance of low trees and clusters of shrubs -in which they can shelter themselves, on the edges of woods, where -they occasionally hide or roost on low branches near the ground. Their -favorite food is seeds of various plants, and berries; and in the fall -of the year, or late in summer, they feed largely on grasshoppers, and -on this food they thrive and become very fat. They are also very fond -of buckwheat, corn, and all the kinds of grain. In confinement they -eat beechnuts, acorns, and other kinds of nuts, if broken for them. -In villages where they are not molested they become very tame, freely -approach the barnyards to feed with the poultry, and will even come -at the call of their friends and pick up food thrown to them. This is -especially noticeable in Florida, where the representatives of the -small race of the species found there are very numerous and remarkably -confiding. - -The Quail is esteemed a great delicacy as an article of food, and -is sought for the market by means of traps, nets, and various kinds -of snares, and by sportsmen with the gun and dogs. It is naturally -unsuspicious, is easily approached, and in the thickly settled parts -of the country its ranks are already greatly thinned. It is gradually -disappearing from New England, and is now very rare in large tracts -where it was once quite abundant. In some localities they have only -been retained by the importations of others from a distance. They are -of gentle disposition, are apparently much attached to each other both -in the conjugal and in the parental relations, and always keep closely -together in the small flocks associating together. In the fall the -old birds remain with their offspring of the season, and direct the -movements of their family. They always keep close together, by day as -well as by night, roost on the ground under the shelter of bushes in -a circle, their bodies closely impacted, and their heads forming the -exterior. This conduces alike to their safety and to their warmth. - -Late in April or early in May they construct their nests, always on the -ground, usually under the protection of some cluster of bushes, in a -depression. It is often on the slope of a small eminence. It is very -simple, the materials loosely put together, and wholly of coarse stubble -or straw. All that I have seen have been arched over at the top, and -with a partially covered entrance; but I am told that it is as often -open as covered. The eggs are spoken of in the books as from fifteen to -twenty. I have never found less than twenty-four, and from that number -to thirty-two. I think that each female lays but about eight, and that -several females make use of the same nest,—never less than two, nor more -than four. But this opinion is conjectural rather than ascertained. They -have two broods in a season, the second in August, at which time the -male is engaged in leading the first brood, of which he takes charge -when they are hardly half grown. He is a courageous, watchful, and -devoted guardian. Once as I was rapidly descending a path on the side -of a hill, among a low growth of scrub-oak I came suddenly upon a covey -of young Quail, feeding on blueberries, and directly in the path. They -did not see me until I was close upon them, when the old bird, a fine -old male, flew directly towards me and tumbled at my feet as if in a -dying condition, giving at the same time a shrill whistle, expressive -of intense alarm. I stooped and put my hand upon his extended wings, -and could easily have caught him. The young birds, at the cry of the -parent, flew in all directions; and their devoted father soon followed -them, and began calling to them in a low cluck, like the cry of the -Brown Thresher. The young at this time were hardly more than a week old, -and seemed to fly perfectly well to a short distance. The female was -nowhere to be seen, but may have been previously killed, or may have -been already in her second incubation at that early stage. The young -run as soon as they are hatched, and from the first aid their flight -with their wings; when pursued, I have never known them to squat in the -manner of the Ruffed Grouse, but rather to hide themselves in thick -bushes or tufts of grass, running from these if discovered. - -The male bird has a loud, clear, and very distinctive whistle, which -in New England is interpreted as _No more wet_, or, if his utterance -is more hurried and excited, as _More wet_; and there are those who -still attach to these utterances a meteorological significance. In -other parts of the country this cry is supposed to be _Ah Bob-white_, -or _Bob-white_, and the birds are not unfrequently called Bob-Whites, a -name suggested by Professor Baird as a good specific designation. Their -note when calling their young brood is very different, and is a low -twitter, suggestive of affection, caution, and gentle care. It is soft -and subdued, and would readily escape notice. - -They make a loud whirring sound when they take to flight, but they -rarely fly to any distance, even when most alarmed, as their flight -is somewhat laborious. They often escape by running on the ground, -especially when they are not suddenly startled. - -Mr. Audubon states that at the West this bird performs occasional -migrations towards the southeast in October, in the manner of the Wild -Turkey; but I cannot find that others have noticed this occurrence. In -the Southern and Western States, where this species is very plentiful, -they are taken in immense numbers in large nets, into which they are -cautiously and slowly driven by a party of hunters. - -This species, with proper pains, may be easily raised in confinement, -induced to breed, and trained into a condition of partial domestication. -Rev. Dr. Bachman, of Charleston, S. C., succeeded in obtaining, by -hatching under a Bantam Hen, a brood of young Quails. Confining them -with their foster-mother for a few days, they were soon taught to follow -her like young chickens. They were fed at first on curds, but soon began -to eat cracked Indian-corn and millet. They were permitted to stray at -large in the garden, one wing of each having been shortened. They became -very gentle, and were in the habit of following Dr. Bachman through -his house, seating themselves on the table at which he was writing, -occasionally, in play, pecking at his hands or running off with his pen. -At night they nestled in a coop in the garden. Although these pets had -no opportunity of hearing any other sounds than those of the poultry, -the male birds commenced in the spring their not unmusical note of -_Bob-white_, at first low, but increasing in loudness, until they were -heard through the whole neighborhood. Their notes were precisely like -those of the wild birds. As the spring advanced the males became very -pugnacious, and continued contests took place among themselves, as well -as with the Pigeons and the poultry that intruded on their premises. -Their eggs were placed under a Hen and hatched out. The experiment went -no further, but was quite sufficient to demonstrate the possibility of -their domestication. - -Wilson relates that in one instance a female of this species set upon -and hatched out the eggs of the common Hen. For several weeks after, his -informant occasionally surprised her in various parts of the plantation -with her brood of chickens, on which occasion she exhibited every -indication of distress and alarm, and practised her usual manœuvres for -their preservation. She continued to lead them about until they were -larger than herself, and their manners had all the shyness and timidity -and alarm of young Quails. - -Mr. Allen states (Am. Nat., July, 1872) that this species has been -recently introduced into the Great Salt Lake Valley, and in 1871 -was giving promise of multiplying rapidly and becoming thoroughly -naturalized, young birds having been raised in the summer of 1871. - -The eggs of this species are of a pure, brilliant white color, sharply -pointed at one end, and obtusely rounded at the other. They average -about 1.35 inches in length by one inch in breadth. - - -Ortyx virginianus, var. texanus, LAWRENCE. - - _Ortyx texanus_, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyc. VI, April, 1853, 1.—BAIRD, - Birds N. Am. 1858, 641, pl. lxii.—IB. Mex. B. II, Birds, 22, pl. - xxiv.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 27 (S. E. Texas; breeds).—GRAY, Cat. Brit. - Mus. V. 1867, 75.—HEERM. X, c. 18. - -SP. CHAR. General appearance that of _O. virginianus_. Chin, throat, -forehead, and stripe over the eye, white. Stripe behind the eye, -continuous with a collar across the lower part of the throat, black. -Under parts white, with zigzag transverse bars of black. Above pale -brownish-red, strongly tinged with ash, the feathers all faintly though -distinctly mottled with black; the lower back, scapulars, and tertials -much blotched with black, the latter edged on both sides, and, to some -extent, transversely barred with brownish-white. Secondaries with -transverse bars of the same on the outer web. Wing-coverts coarsely and -conspicuously barred with blackish. Lower part of neck, except before, -streaked with black and white. - -_Female_ with the white of the head changed to brownish-yellow; the -black of the head wanting. Length, 9.00; wing, 4.35; tail, 2.85. - -HAB. Southern Texas and Valley of the Rio Grande; Republican River, -Kansas; Washita River, Indian Territory. - -HABITS. This form, which appears to be confined to the southern portion -of Texas and to the valley of the Rio Grande River, was first described -by Mr. Lawrence in 1853. It has been taken in the neighborhood of San -Antonio and on the Nueces River by Captain Pope; on Devil’s River by -Major William H. Emory; at Fort Clark, on the Pecos River, near Laredo, -Texas, at Matamoras, and near New Leon, Mexico, and in other localities, -by Lieutenant Couch. According to Mr. Clark, they were very abundant in -the valley of the Pecos, as well as in all Southwestern Texas. They were -much like the common Virginia Quail in habits as well as in appearance, -and to his ear the note of this bird was absolutely identical with that -of the common Quail. He has often been a spectator of fights among -the males of this variety. To this account Dr. Kennerly adds that he -observed them everywhere in considerable numbers from the coast to -the headwaters of Devil’s River, and also along the Pecos River; but -farther west than this none were seen. In the open prairie lands great -numbers were always found early in the morning in the road. The close -resemblance of its habits to those of the common Partridge was also -noticed. - -This Quail was first observed by Dr. Heermann in abundance on the Pecos -River, although seen some days previous to reaching that point. Their -numbers increased as they neared civilization, and near San Antonio they -became very plentiful. The call of the male bird is said to consist -of two notes repeated at intervals, which are less loud, clear, and -ringing than those of the common _Ortyx virginianus_. They feed on the -open prairies on grass-seeds, grains, berries, and insects, and, if -alarmed, take refuge among the scattered mesquite-trees and clumps of -bushes. When hunted, they lie to the dog in the manner of the common -species, and, if flushed, fly in a direct line, with a loud whirring -noise, caused by the shortness and rapid motions of the wings. An egg of -this bird, found by Dr. Heermann dropped upon the road, was in form and -color like that of the common Quail, but smaller. - -Mr. Dresser states that in Texas this bird is known as the “Common -Partridge” of the country. He found it abundant everywhere in localities -suitable to its habits. Near Matamoras it was very common, and was -the only species of Quail he noticed there. At Eagle Pass and Piedras -Negras, where the soil is sandy, the grass scanty, and cacti abundant, -he saw only one bevy, but plenty of the _Callipepla squamata_. Near San -Antonio only this Quail is found, nor did he observe any other species -in travelling towards the northeast. Amongst the Bandara Hills, where -he met with the Massena Partridge, he also found the Texan Quail in -the valley and near the maize-fields. In travelling from Brownsville -to San Antonio the Texan Quail was everywhere abundant except in the -sand-deserts. This species was found to be rather irregular as to its -breeding-season, as he found young birds near Matamoras early in July, -and in September again met with quite young birds near the Nueces -River, and Dr. Heermann informed him that he had likewise procured eggs -near San Antonio late in September. He obtained a set of their eggs -taken near San Antonio, which are very similar to those of the _Ortyx -virginianus_, but are slightly smaller. - - -GENUS OREORTYX, BAIRD. - - _Oreortyx_, BAIRD, Birds of N. Am. 1858. (Type, _Ortyx picta_, - DOUGLAS.) - -GEN. CHAR. Body stout, broad; bill large; a crest of two or three much -elongated linear feathers, springing from the middle of the vertex; tail -short, broad, scarcely more than half the wing, rounded, the longest -feathers not much exceeding the coverts. Legs developed, the claws -extending beyond the tip of the tail; the lateral toes short, the outer -claw falling considerably short of the base of the middle. Very similar -to _Ortyx_, except in the crest. Sexes similar. - - -Oreortyx pictus, BAIRD. - -PLUMED PARTRIDGE; MOUNTAIN QUAIL. - - _Ortyx picta_, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 143. _Callipepla - picta_, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pl. xv.—NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, IV, - 1857, 93.—HEERM. X, s. 61. _Ortyx plumifera_, GOULD, Pr. Zoöl. Soc. - V, 1837, 42.—AUD. Syn. 1839, 200.—IB. Birds Amer. V. 1842, 69, pl. - ccxci. _Perdix plumifera_, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 220, pl. ccccxxii. - _Lophortyx plumifera_, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 791. _Oreortyx - pictus_, BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 642.—COOPER & SUCKLEY, 225.—COOPER, - Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 546. - -SP. CHAR. Head with a crest of two straight feathers, much longer than -the bill and head. Anterior half of the body grayish-plumbeous; the -upper parts generally olivaceous-brown with a slight shade of rufous, -this extending narrowly along the nape to the crest. Head beneath the -eyes and throat orange-chestnut, bordered along the orbits and a short -distance behind by black, bounded anteriorly and superiorly by white, of -which color is a short line behind the eye. Posterior half of the body -beneath white; a large central patch anteriorly (bifurcating behind), -with the flanks and tibial feathers, orange chestnut-brown; the sides -of body showing black and white bands, the former color tinged with -chestnut. Under tail-coverts black, streaked with orange-chestnut. -Upper tertials margined internally with whitish. _Female_ differing -only in slightly shorter crest. Length, 10.50; wing, 5.00; tail, 3.25. -_Juv._ Body, generally, pale brown, the feathers of the upper parts -minutely barred with darker, and with medial shaft-streaks of blackish; -lower plumage plain brown. Breast clear ashy, presenting a well-defined -area. Head pale brown, similar to, but lighter than, the body, with -a conspicuous vertical and lateral (auricular) broad stripe of dark -umber-brown. Feathers of the flanks blackish, broadly bordered with -dingy whitish. A short truncated tuft of hair-like feathers on the -crown. (Described from figures in Grayson’s plate.) - -HAB. Mountain-ranges of California and Oregon towards the coast. Nevada -(eastern slope and foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada; RIDGWAY). - -[Illustration: =3935= ♂ - -_Oreortyx pictus._] - -There are two quite different races of this species, but which, however, -pass gradually into each other, and must be considered as merely the -extremes of one species. They may be defined as follows:— - - 1. Var. _pictus_. Pure ash confined to the pectoral region; the - russet-brown or rusty-olivaceous of the upper parts covering whole - neck and crown; forehead entirely ashy. ♂. Wing, 5.25; tarsus shorter - than middle toe (1.27; middle toe, 1.30). _Hab._ Washington Territory, - Oregon, and upper coast region of California. - - 2. Var. _plumiferus_. Pure ash covering whole pectoral region, and - crown, nape, and upper part of back; the grayish-olivaceous above - confined to the posterior parts. Forehead distinctly whitish. Wing, - 5.25; tarsus longer than middle toe (1.27; middle toe, 1.25). _Hab._ - Sierra Nevada, and Southern California to Cape St. Lucas. - -HABITS. The Mountain Quail of California is said by Dr. Newberry to -be similar in some respects to the common Partridge of Europe. It -is nowhere very common, but occurs sparingly throughout the entire -length of California and Oregon to at least the Columbia, and probably -beyond it, having much the same range with the _californicus_, though -everywhere a rarer bird, and always confined to the hills and mountains. -Its habits are similar to those of the other species of this family, -but it is less gregarious, and is more shy. It is usually found in the -chaparral, where it is put up with difficulty, as it seeks safety by -running on the ground rather than by flight. On the first of August, at -the base of Lassen’s Butte, Dr. Newberry found a solitary hen with a -brood of very young chicks. The brood scattered like young Partridges, -uttering a piping note like that of young chickens, and when all was -still again were recalled by the mother with a _cluck_, much like the -call of the common Hen. The party frequently saw coveys and broods -of these birds, the young of which were about half grown, until they -reached the plains of Pit River. None were seen in the Klamath Lake -basin, the country being too bare and flat. They were again met with -among the hills bordering the Willamette Valley, and were found from the -Columbia, almost uninterruptedly through the Siskiyou, Calapooza, and -Trinity Mountains to California. They are favorite pets with the miners, -by whom they are frequently kept in confinement, and not unfrequently -command a high price. Their flesh is said to be white and excellent, and -fully equal to that of any of the family. - -[Illustration: _Oreortyx pictus._] - -According to Dr. Cooper, this Quail is very rare in Washington -Territory, a few small coveys having been met with about Vancouver, as -he was informed by the officers in the garrison. He never succeeded -in finding any, though he hunted for them several times with a dog. -They became quite common south of the Columbia, towards the prairies -of the Willamette. He inquired especially for them in other parts -of the Territory, but never heard of them. In California, south -of San Francisco, this bird is said to be a rare curiosity to the -market-hunters, one or two sometimes occurring among flocks of the -California Quail. It is known to them as the Mountain Quail. Dr. Suckley -states that the birds in the Willamette Valley were introduced there, -and that they are now multiplying rapidly upon the prairies back of -Fort Vancouver. With a very little care it is thought the whole of the -Territory may become well stocked with them, as the absence of foxes -west of the Cascade Mountains and the mild open winters are favorable -for their increase. - -Dr. Heermann found the birds of this species wild and difficult to -procure, flying and scattering at the least symptom of danger, and again -calling each other together with a note expressive of great solicitude, -much resembling that of a Hen-Turkey gathering her brood around her. -During the survey he observed these birds only once, and then but for -a few minutes, as they were passing through a deep cañon leading down -to Elizabeth Lake. They were seen by the hunters on the mountains -surrounding Tejon Valley; but though he went several times in search of -them, he obtained none. - -Mr. Ridgway met with the Mountain Quail on the foot-hills of the Sierra -Nevada, in the vicinity of Genoa and Carson City, and also in the -mountain-ranges lying immediately to the eastward of the Sierra. It was -quite rare and very difficult to discover, and when found was generally -met with accidentally. He obtained it in November in the thick chaparral -at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. In May he secured a pair in -the cedar woods a little to the eastward of Carson City, and in December -a flock was met with on the Comstock Mountains near Pyramid Lake. Its -call-note when a flock is scattered is almost exactly like that of a -Hen-Turkey, only proportionally weaker. When a flock is startled, they -utter a confused chuckling note, something like that of the common -eastern Quail. The male has a very pleasant crowing-note, which sounds -some like _koo-koo-koóe_. The settlers in Nevada say that, previous to -the settlement of that country by the whites, this Quail was not found -east of the Sierra Nevada, and affirm that they followed the wagon-roads -over the mountains, in the rear of trains and wagons, for the purpose of -picking up the grain scattered along the road. Mr. Ridgway does not give -full credit to the truth of these statements, as he was informed by the -Indians at Pyramid Lake, that, within the memory of the oldest members -of their tribe, it had always been found in that vicinity. - -An egg of this species taken by Dr. Canfield, near Monterey, California, -measures 1.45 inches in length by 1.10 in breadth. It is oval in shape; -one end is considerably more pointed than the other. It is of a very -rich cream-color, with a reddish shading, and unspotted. - -[Illustration: =9390= ♂ - -_Lophortyx californicus._] - - -GENUS LOPHORTYX, BONAPARTE. - - _Lophortyx_, BONAP. Geog. & Comp. List, 1838. (Type, _Tetrao - californicus_, SHAW.) - -GEN. CHAR. Head with a crest of lengthened feathers springing from the -vertex, the shafts in the same vertical plane, and the webs roof-shaped -and overlapping each other; the number varies from two to six or -more; they widen to the tip, where they are slightly recurved. Tail -lengthened and graduated, nearly as long as the wing, composed of twelve -stiff feathers. Wings with the tertials not as long as the primaries; -the coverts without any unusual development. Claws rather short; the -lateral reaching to, but scarcely beyond the base of the middle; the -outstretched toe not reaching the tip of the tail. Sexes very different. - -The two North American species of the genus have the anterior half -of the body, and the upper parts generally, plumbeous; the feathers -of neck above, and on the sides, pointed and margined with black. -There is a white bar across the head above, between the eyes, which, -passing backwards, is bordered behind and internally by black; a second -commences at the posterior border of the eye, and then borders the black -of the chin and throat laterally and behind, the black reaching up to -the eye and bordered anteriorly by a white line from eye to bill; belly -pale buff, with a large spot in the centre; the flanks streaked with -white. The diagnoses of the species are as follows:— - - Vertex and occiput light smoky olive-brown; forehead whitish; patch - in the middle of the belly orange-chestnut; feathers of breast with - narrow black edges; sides of body olivaceous-plumbeous … - - _L. californicus_. - - Vertex and occiput clear chestnut-brown; forehead blackish; patch in - middle of belly black; none of the belly-feathers with black edges; - sides of body bright chestnut … - - _L. gambeli_. - -[Plate: PLATE LXIV. - - 1. Lophortyx californicus. ♂ Cal., 93090. - 2. Lophortyx californicus. ♀ Cal., 3936. - 3. Cyrtonyx massena. ♂ Texas, 10258. - 4. Lophortyx gambelli. ♂ Ariz., 9378. - 5. Lophortyx gambelli. ♀ Ariz., 9361. - 6. Cyrtonyx massena. ♀ Texas, 10256.] - - -Lophortyx californicus, BONAP. - -CALIFORNIA QUAIL. - - _Tetrao californicus_, SHAW, Nat. Misc. pl. cccxlv (prior to 1801). - _Perdix californica_, LATHAM, Suppl. Ind. Orn. II, App. 1801, - p. lxii.—AUD. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 152, pl. ccccxiii.—HUTCHINGS, - Cal. Mag. II, 1857, 24 (_woodcut of bird and its eggs_). _Ortyx - californica_, STEPHENS in Shaw’s Zool. XI, 1819, 384.—JARDINE, - Game Birds, Nat. Libr. IV, 104, pl. xi.—CUV. R. An. Illust. ed. - Oiseaux, pl. lxiv.—BENNETT, Gardens & Menag. Zoöl. Soc. II, 29 - (_woodcut_).—AUD. Syn. 1839, 199.—Ib. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 67, pl. - ccxc. _Perdix (Ortyx) californica_, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 125. _Lophortyx - californica_, BONAP. List, 1838.—NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, - 789.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. 1858, 644.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, - 78.—COOPER & SUCKLEY, 226 (to Columbia River).—COOPER, Orn. Cal. - I, 1870, 549. _Callipepla californica_, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pl. - xvi.—REICHENBACH, Av. Syst. 1850, pl. xxvii.—NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. - VI, iv, 1857, 92. - -[Illustration: _Lophortyx californicus._] - -SP. CHAR. Crest black. Anterior half of body and upper parts plumbeous; -the wings and back glossed with olive-brown. Anterior half of head above -brownish-yellow, the shafts of the stiff feathers black; behind this is -a white transverse band which passes back along the side of the crown; -within this white, anteriorly and laterally, is a black suffusion. The -vertex and occiput are light brown. Chin and throat black, margined -laterally and behind by a white band, beginning behind the eye. Belly -pale buff anteriorly (an orange-brown rounded patch in the middle) and -white laterally, the feathers all margined abruptly with black. The -feathers on the sides of body like the back, streaked centrally with -white. Feathers of top and sides of neck with the margins and shafts -black. Under tail-coverts buff, broadly streaked centrally with brown. - -_Female_ similar, without the white and black of the head; the feathers -of the throat brownish-yellow, streaked with brown. The buff and -orange-brown of the belly wanting. The crest short. Length, 9.50; wing, -4.32; tail, 4.12. - -_Young._ Head as in the adult female. Upper parts pale brown, finely -mottled transversely with black; scapulars and feathers of the back with -yellowish-white shaft-streaks, widening at the end of the feather, and -with a large black spot on each web. - -_Chick._ Ground-color dingy white, tinged on the head, wings, and upper -parts with pale rusty. A broad stripe on occiput and nape umber-brown; -upper parts with rather confused and rather elongated mottlings; an -indistinct auricular spot. Beneath plain dull white. - -HAB. Valley portions and foot-hills of the Pacific Province of the -United States, south to Cape St. Lucas. - -HABITS. This beautiful species, according to Dr. Newberry, is called the -Valley Quail in California, to distinguish it from the Plumed Quail, -which inhabits the hills and the highlands, and is called the Mountain -Quail. The common Valley Quail of California inhabits the prairies and -the grain-fields of the cultivated districts, and frequents the thickets -which border the streams, usually in coveys of from a dozen to a hundred -individuals, except during the breeding-season, when it is found only in -pairs. Like the eastern Quail, the male bird is very fond of sitting on -some stump or log projecting above the grass and weeds which conceal his -mate and nest or brood, and, especially in the early morning, uttering -his peculiar cry,—whistle it can hardly be called. This note is spoken -of as being rather harsh and disagreeable than otherwise, and somewhat -resembling that of some of the Woodpeckers. Dr. Newberry adds that it -may be represented by the syllables _kûck-kûck-kûck-kā_, the first -three notes being rapidly repeated, the last prolonged with a falling -inflection. As a game bird he regards this Quail as inferior to the -eastern one, though of equal excellence for the table. It does not -lie so well to the dog, does not afford as good sport, and takes to a -tree much more readily than the eastern Quail. It is found in all the -valleys of California and Oregon, both those in the interior and those -that open on the coast. It is not found in the deep forests, nor on -the mountains at any considerable elevation, nor in the interior basin -where water and vegetation are scarce. Specimens were taken by his -party in different parts of the Sacramento Valley, at Fort Jones, and -in the Willamette Valley, near the Columbia. In all these there was no -appreciable difference. This bird is said to make no elaborate nest, but -to lay a large number of eggs on the ground, which are generally hatched -in June. This bird is susceptible of domestication, and forms quite an -ornament for parks, in which they thrive with proper care. - -Dr. Suckley states that this Quail was successfully introduced into -Washington Territory, on the prairies near Puget Sound, in the spring -of 1857, by Governor Charles H. Mason and Mr. Goldsborough. Two lots -were introduced, and by the following winter had increased largely. Mr. -Gibbs mentions having met with great numbers of these birds on Russian -River in 1851, and again on the Klamath in 1852. They were very tame, -but took to the bushes when disturbed, perching on the limbs. Like the -Sharp-tailed Grouse, they gathered in large flocks. This was the case -even when young, and it has been thence inferred that several females -belong to one male, and with their broods all run together. - -Dr. Kennerly states that his party first met with this beautiful -Partridge upon reaching the waters of the Mohave River, and during the -march up the stream he found it very abundant, as well as among the -settlements along the coast. He could perceive no difference in its -habits from those of _Lophortyx gambeli_. - -Dr. Heermann states that he found the California Quail very numerous -as far south as Vallecita, where commences the desert that extends -to the Colorado, forming an apparently impassable barrier between it -and the closely allied species, Gambel’s Partridge. When flushed from -the ground, it invariably flies to the trees, if in a wooded country, -where it squats so closely lengthwise on a branch that it can rarely -be seen when thus hidden. It will not lie to a dog, but runs until it -is forced to fly. It may be readily tamed, and in California is often -domesticated with the poultry. Several years since, according to Dr. -Heermann, an attempt was made to introduce these birds into Long Island, -which at first promised to be successful; but unfortunately, after the -first season, they were all exterminated by the gunners for the New York -market. - -Mr. Ridgway met with this species only on the west slope of the Sierra -Nevada, and at an altitude of not more than four or five thousand feet. -He had no opportunity to learn anything in regard to its habits, but -was enabled to listen to its notes. The call-note of the male is very -peculiar, and resembles somewhat the syllables _kuck-kuck-kēē_, the -accent being on the last syllable. The common note of the male bird, -when disturbed with its mate in the bushes, and probably having a brood -of young in the vicinity, was a sharp _pit_, precisely like the common -note of the Cardinal Grosbeak. - -The nest of this bird is made in the open field, or at the foot of a -bush, and is composed of loose grasses arranged without much care. The -eggs are said to be twelve or sixteen in number, and are yellowish or -grayish white, spotted and dashed with dark brown or burnt-umber. - -Mr. Titian R. Peale, in his Notes on the Wilkes expedition, mentions -observing this species in the mountainous regions of Southern Oregon, -near the 43d degree of north latitude, which he regarded as their -farthest northern range. He frequently observed them collecting at night -to roost in trees. At such times their call-note was plaintive, and -had a slight resemblance to the words _cut-cut-cut-me-too_. Specimens -of this bird were taken alive, kept by members of the expedition, and -brought to the city of Washington by a route equal to the circumference -of the globe, where they produced one brood of young. - -Soda Lake, the “sink” of the Mohave River, the bed of which is usually -quite dry, except in spots, for many miles, is said by Dr. Coues to be -just where this species and the _L. gambeli_ find a neutral ground, the -western bird following the watercourses until arrested by the desert. - -Mr. Xantus found this Quail breeding in great abundance at Cape St. -Lucas. In one instance he found four eggs on the bare sand, under a -pile of driftwood, without any trace of a nest. In another, three eggs -were found on the bare ground, under a fallen cactus. In a third case -there were nine eggs, also laid on the bare ground, but in the shade -of a jasmine-bush. They were frequently found sheltered under piles of -driftwood. - -The eggs of this Quail are subject to great variations in marking, and -also differ somewhat in size. They are sharply pointed at one end and -rounded at the other. One egg, measuring 1.30 in length by 1.00 in -breadth, has a ground-color of a creamy white, freckled with markings of -a uniform shading of an olivaceous-drab. Another, measuring 1.22 by .91 -inches, has the ground-color of the same, but the markings are larger -and more confluent, and their color is a rusty drab. A third is 1.18 by -.95 inches; ground-color a creamy white marked by large scattered spots -of a chestnut-brown. - - -Lophortyx gambeli, GAMBEL. - -GAMBEL’S QUAIL. - - _Lophortyx gambeli_, “NUTTALL,” GAMBEL, P. A. N. S. Philad. I, 1843, - 260.—MCCALL, P. A. N. S. V, June, 1851, 221.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 645.—IB. Mex. B. II, Birds, 22.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, 28(Rio - Grande to Nueces; breeds).—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 94 (Fort Whipple, - Arizona).—IB. Ibis, 1866, 46 (habits).—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, - 79.—HEERM. P. R. R. R. X, _C_, 19.—IB. X, _S_, 60.—COOPER, Orn. Cal. - I, 1870, 553. _Callipepla gambeli_, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pl. xvii.—CASS. - Illust. I, II, 1853, 45, pl. ix. _Callipepla venusta_, GOULD, P. Z. S. - XIV, 1846, 70. - -SP. CHAR. General color cinereous; abdomen plain whitish; inner or upper -webs of tertials broadly edged with white. Elongated feathers of the -sides bright chestnut with a medial streak of white. - -_Male._ The ash on the breast of a bluish cast, and the whitish of -the belly strongly tinged with yellowish-buff, especially anteriorly; -abdomen with a black patch. Anterior half of the head, and whole throat, -deep black, bordered posteriorly with two broad, well-defined stripes of -white,—the upper of these crossing the middle of the vertex and running -backward above the auriculars to the occiput; the other beginning at -the posterior angle of the eye and running downward. Vertex and occiput -bright rufous, bounded anteriorly and laterally with black. Crest of -black elongated, club-shaped, and considerably recurved feathers, -springing from the vertex just behind the black bar, one and a half -inches long. Wing, 4.70; tail, 4.30; bill, .50 long, and .25 deep; -tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, 1.15. - -_Female._ Head plain grayish, without white, black, or rufous; no black -on abdomen, which also lacks a decided buff tinge; the cinereous of -breast without bluish cast. Crest dusky, less than one inch long. Wing, -4.55; tail, 4.20. - -_Young._ Upper parts ashy brown, minutely and indistinctly mottled -transversely with dusky; scapulars and wing-coverts with white -shaft-streaks, the former with pairs of dusky spots. Breast and sides -with obsolete whitish bars on an ashy ground. - -_Chick._ Dull sulphur-yellowish; a vertical patch, and two parallel -stripes along each side of the back (four altogether), black. (Described -from Grayson’s plate.) - -HAB. Colorado Valley of the United States; north to Southern Utah, and -east to Western Texas. - -An adult male collected in Southern Utah by Mr. Henshaw of Lieutenant -Wheeler’s Expedition differs from all others which we have seen, -including a large series from the same locality, in having the abdomen -chiefly plumbeous, with a few cloudings of black, in the place of a -uniformly black patch. Except in this respect, however, it does not -differ at all from other adult male specimens. - -HABITS. Gambel’s Partridge was obtained by Dr. Kennerly, near San -Elizario, Texas, and on Colorado River, California, by Mr. A. Schott, -and also by Dr. Kennerly. It was not observed by Dr. Kennerly until he -reached the valley of the Rio Grande, nor did he meet with any farther -west, in any part of Mexico, than San Bernardino, in Sonora. Though -closely resembling in its habits the Scaly Partridge (_Callipepla -squamata_), and in some instances occupying the same districts, he never -found the two species together. - -According to Mr. J. H. Clark, this species was not met with east of -the Rio Grande, nor farther south than Presidio del Norte. Unlike the -_squamata_, it is very common for this species to sit on the branches -of trees and bushes, particularly the male, where the latter is said to -utter the most sad and wailing notes. They are so very tame as to come -about the Mexican towns, the inhabitants of which, however, never make -any effort to capture them. They only inhabit wooded and well-watered -regions, and are said to feed indifferently on insects or on berries; -in summer they make the patches of _Solanum_ their home, feeding on its -quite palatable fruit. When flushed, this Quail always seeks the trees, -and hides successfully among the branches. - -Dr. Kennerly found this beautiful species in great numbers during the -march of his party up the Rio Grande. Large flocks were continually -crossing the road before them, or were seen huddled together under a -bush. After passing the river he met with them again so abundantly along -Partridge Creek as to give rise to the name of that stream. Thence to -the Great Colorado he occasionally saw them, but after leaving that -river they were not again seen. They are said to become quite tame and -half domesticated where they are not molested. When pursued, they can -seldom be made to fly, depending more upon their feet as a mode of -escape than upon their wings. They run very rapidly, but seldom, if -ever, hide, and remain close in the grass or bushes in the manner of the -eastern Quail. - -From Fort Yuma, on the Colorado River, to Eagle Springs, between El -Paso and San Antonio, where he last saw a flock of these birds, Dr. -Heermann states he found them more or less abundant whenever the party -followed the course of the Gila, or met with water-holes or streams of -any kind. Although they frequent the most arid portions of the country, -where they find a scanty subsistence of grass-seed, mesquite leaves, -and insects, they yet manifest a marked preference for the habitations -of man, and were much more numerous in the cultivated fields of Tucson, -Mesilla Valley, and El Paso. Towards evening, in the vicinity of the -Mexican villages, the loud call-notes of the male birds may be heard, -gathering the scattered members of the flocks, previous to issuing from -the cover where they have been concealed during the day. Resorting to -the trails and the roads in search of subsistence, while thus engaged -they utter a low soft note which keeps the flock together. They are -not of a wild nature, often permit a near approach, seldom fly unless -suddenly flushed, and seem to prefer to escape from danger by retreating -to dense thickets. In another report Dr. Heermann mentions finding this -species in California on the Mohave desert, at the point where the river -empties into a large salt lake forming its terminus. The flock was wild, -and could not be approached. Afterwards he observed them on the Big -Lagoon of New River. At Fort Yuma they were quite abundant, congregating -in large coveys, frequenting the thick underwood in the vicinity of the -mesquite-trees. Their stomachs were found to be filled with the seeds -of the mesquite, a few grass-seeds, and the berries of a parasitic -plant. On being suddenly flushed these birds separate very widely, but -immediately upon alighting commence their call-note, resembling the soft -chirp of a young chicken, which is kept up for some time. The alarm -over, and the flock once more reunited, they relapse into silence, only -broken by an occasional cluck of the male bird. Once scattered they -cannot be readily started again, as they lie close in their thick, -bushy, and impenetrable coverts. Near Fort Yuma the Indians catch them -in snares, and bring them in great numbers for sale. - -Dr. Samuel W. Woodhouse first met with this species on the Rio Grande, -about fifty miles below El Paso, up to which place it was extremely -abundant. It was by no means a shy bird, frequently coming about the -houses; and he very often observed the males perched on the top of -a high bush, uttering their peculiarly mournful calls. He found it -in quite large flocks, feeding principally on seeds and berries. It -became scarce as he approached Doña Ana, above which place he did not -meet with it again. He again encountered it, however, near the head of -Bill Williams River, and afterwards on the Tampia Creek, and it was -exceedingly abundant all along the Great Colorado. He was informed that -they are never found west of the Coast Range, in California. About Camp -Yuma, below the mouth of the Gila River, they were very abundant and -very tame, coming quite near the men, and picking up the grain wasted by -the mules. They are trapped in great numbers by the Indians. - -This Quail is given by Mr. Dresser as occurring in Texas, but not as a -common bird, and only found in certain localities. At Muddy Creek, near -Fort Clark, they were not uncommon, and were also found near the Nueces -River. - -Dr. Coues (Ibis, 1866), in a monograph upon this species, describes its -carriage upon the ground as being firm and erect, and at the same time -light and easy, and with colors no less pleasing than its form. He found -them to be exceedingly abundant in Arizona, and soon after his arrival -in the Territory he came upon a brood that was just out of the egg. They -were, however, so active, and hid themselves so dexterously, that he -could not catch one. This was late in July, and throughout the following -month he met broods only a few days old. The following spring he found -the old birds mated by April 25, and met with the first chick on the -first of June. He infers that this species is in incubation during the -whole of May, June, July, and a part of August, and that they raise two, -and even three, broods in a season. - -A single brood sometimes embraces from fifteen to twenty young, which -by October are nearly as large as their parents. While under the care -of the latter they keep very close together, and when alarmed either -run away rapidly or squat so closely as to be difficult to flush, and, -when forced up, they soon alight again. They often take to low limbs of -trees, huddle closely together, and permit a close approach. The first -intimation that a bevy is near is a single note repeated two or three -times, followed by the rustling of leaves as the flock start to run. - -These birds are said to be found in almost every locality except thick -pine-woods without undergrowth, and are particularly fond of thick -willow copses, heavy chaparral, and briery undergrowth. They prefer -seeds and fruit, but insects also form a large part of their food. In -the early spring they feed extensively on the tender fresh buds of young -willows, which give to their flesh a bitter taste. - -This Quail is said to have three distinct notes,—the common cry uttered -on all occasions of alarm or to call the bevy together, which is a -single mellow clear “chink,” with a metallic resonance, repeated an -indefinite number of times; then a clear, loud, energetic whistle, -resembling the syllables _killink-killink_, chiefly heard during the -pairing-season, and is analogous to the _bob-white_ of the common Quail; -the third is its love-song, than which, Dr. Coues adds, nothing more -unmusical can well be imagined. It is uttered by the male, and only when -the female is incubating. This song is poured forth both at sunrise -and at sunset, from some topmost twig near the spot where his mate is -sitting on her treasures; and with outstretched neck, drooping wings, -and plume negligently dangling, he gives utterance to his odd, guttural, -energetic notes. - -The flight of these birds is exceedingly rapid and vigorous, and is -always even and direct, and in shooting only requires a quick hand and -eye. - -In his journey from Arizona to the Pacific, Dr. Coues found these birds -singularly abundant along the valley of the Colorado; and he was again -struck with its indifference as to its place of residence, being equally -at home in scorched mesquite thickets, dusting itself in sand that would -blister the naked feet, the thermometer at 117° Fah. in the shade, and -in the mountains of Northern Arizona, when the pine boughs were bending -under the weight of the snow. He also states that Dr. Cooper, while at -Fort Mohave, brought up some young Gambel’s Quails by placing the eggs -under a common Hen, and found no difficulty in domesticating them, so -that they associated freely with the barnyard fowls. The eggs, he adds, -are white, or yellowish-white, with brown spots, and were hatched out in -twenty-four days. The nest is said to be a rather rude structure, about -eight inches wide, and is usually hidden in the grass. The eggs number -from twelve to seventeen. - -Captain S. G. French, quoted by Mr. Cassin, writes that he met with -this species on the Rio Grande, seventy miles below El Paso, and from -that point to the place named their numbers constantly increased. They -appeared to be partial to the abodes of man, and were very numerous -about the old and decayed buildings, gardens, fields, and vineyards -around Presidio, Isoleta, and El Paso. During his stay there in the -summer of 1851, every morning and evening their welcome call was heard -all around; and at early and late hours they were constantly to be found -in the sandy roads and paths near the villages and farms. In the middle -of the hot summer days, however, they rested in the sand, under the -shade and protection of the thick chaparral. When disturbed, they glided -through the bushes very swiftly, seldom resorting to flight, uttering -a peculiar chirping note. The parents would utter the same chirping -cry whenever an attempt was made to capture their young. The male and -female bird were always found with the young, showing much affection for -them, and even endeavoring to attract attention away from them by their -actions and cries. - -Colonel McCall (Proc. Phil. Ac., June, 1851) also gives an account of -this bird, as met with by him in Western Texas, between San Antonio and -the Rio Grande River, as well as in New Mexico. He did not fall in with -it until he had reached the Limpia River, a hundred miles west of the -Pecos, in Texas, where the _Acacia glandulosa_ was more or less common, -and the mesquite grasses and other plants bearing nutritious seeds were -abundant. There they were very numerous and very fat, and much disposed -to seek the farms and cultivate the acquaintance of man. About the -rancho of Mr. White, near El Paso, he found them very numerous, and, -in flocks of fifty or a hundred, resorting morning and evening to the -barnyard, feeding around the grain-stacks in company with the poultry, -and receiving their portion from the hand of the owner. He found them -distributed through the country from the Limpia to the Rio Grande, and -along the latter river from Eagle Spring Pass to Doña Ana. - -The same careful observer, in a communication to Mr. Cassin, gives the -western limit of this species. He thinks it is confined to a narrow -belt of country between the 31st and 34th parallels of latitude, from -the Pecos River, in Texas, to the Sierra Nevada and the contiguous -desert in California. It has not been found on the western side of these -mountains. Colonel McCall met with it at Alamo Mucho, forty-four miles -west of the Colorado River. West of this stretches a desolate waste of -sand,—a barrier which effectually separates this species from its ally, -the California Quail. - -This species is known to be abundant in the country around the sources -of the Gila River, and has also been found along that river from the -Pimo villages to its mouth, and there is no doubt that it inhabits the -entire valley of the Gila. It was also common along the Colorado River, -as far as the mouth of the Gila, and has been met with in that valley as -high up as Tampia Creek, latitude 34°. - -Colonel McCall regards this species as less wild and vigilant than -the California species. It is later in breeding, as coveys of young -California Quails were seen, one fourth grown, June 4, while all the -birds of Gambel’s were without their young as late as June 16. The voice -of the male at this season is described as strikingly rich and full. The -cry may be imitated by slowly pronouncing in a low tone the syllables -_kaa-wale, kaa-wale_. When the day is calm and still, these notes may -be heard to a surprising distance. This song is continued, at short -intervals, in the evening, for about an hour. Later in the season when a -covey is dispersed, the cry for reassembling is said to resemble _qua-el -qua-el_. The voice of this bird at all seasons bears a great resemblance -to that of the California Quail, but has no resemblance to that of the -eastern _Ortyx virginiana_. In their crops were found the leaves of the -mesquite, coleopterous insects, wild gooseberries, etc. - -An egg of this species, taken by Dr. Palmer at Camp Grant, measures 1.25 -inches in length by 1.00 in breadth. The ground-color is a cream white, -beautifully marked with ragged spots of a deep chestnut. In shape it -closely corresponds with the egg of the California Partridge. - - -GENUS CALLIPEPLA, WAGLER. - - _Callipepla_, WAGLER, Isis, 1832. (Type, _Ortyx squamata_, VIG.) - -GEN. CHAR. Head with a broad, short, depressed tufted crest of soft, -thick feathers springing from the vertex. Other character, as in -_Lophortyx_. Sexes similar. - -The single United States species is of a bluish tint, without any marked -contrast of color. The feathers of the neck, breast, and belly have a -narrow edging of black. - - -Callipepla squamata, GRAY. - -SCALED OR BLUE PARTRIDGE. - - _Ortyx squamatus_, VIGORS, Zoöl. Journ. V, 1830, 275.—ABERT, Pr. - A. N. Sc. III, 1847, 221. _Callipepla squamata_, GRAY, Gen. III, - 1846, 514.—M’CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 222.—CASSIN, Ill. I, v, - 1854, 129; pl. xix.—GOULD, Mon. Odont. pl. xix.—BAIRD, Birds N. Am. - 1858, 646.—IB. Mex. B. II, Birds, 23.—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, - 78.—HEERM. X, _C_, 19.—COOP. Orn. Cal. I, 1870, 556. _Callipepla - strenua_, WAGLER, Isis, XXV, 1832, 278. _Tetrao cristata_, DE LA - LLAVE, Registro trimestre, I, 1832, 144. - -SP. CHAR. Head with a full, broad, flattened crest of soft elongated -feathers. Prevailing color plumbeous-gray, with a fine bluish cast on -jugulum and nape, whitish on the belly, the central portion of which is -more or less tinged with brownish; sometimes a conspicuous abdominal -patch of dark rusty, the exposed surface of the wings tinged with light -yellowish-brown, and very finely and almost imperceptibly mottled. Head -and throat without markings, light grayish-plumbeous; throat tinged -with yellowish-brown. Feathers of neck, upper part of back, and under -parts generally, except on the sides and behind, with a narrow but -well-defined margin of blackish, producing the effect of imbricated -scales. Feathers on the sides streaked centrally with white. Inner edge -of inner tertials, and tips of long feathers of the crest, whitish. -Crissum rusty-white, streaked with rusty. Female similar. Length, 9.50; -wing, 4.80; tail, 4.10. - -HAB. Table-lands of Mexico and valley of Rio Grande of Texas. Most -abundant on the high broken table-lands and mesquite plains. - -[Illustration: =9386= ♂ - -_Callipepla squamata._] - -HABITS. This bird was first described as a Mexican species in 1830 by -Mr. Vigors. For a long while it has been an extremely rare species in -collections, and its history, habits, and distribution remained unknown -until the explorations of the naturalists made in the surveys under -the direction of the national government. It was first noticed within -the territory of the United States by Lieutenant Abert, Topographical -Engineer, who, in his Report of the examination of New Mexico, furnishes -several notes in relation to this species. In November, 1846, he -mentions that, after having passed through Las Casas, while descending -through a crooked ravine strewed with fragments of rocks, he saw -several flocks of this species. They were running along with great -velocity among the clumps of the kreosote plant. At the report of the -gun only three or four rose up, the rest seeming to depend chiefly on -their fleetness of foot. Their stomachs were found to be filled with -grass-seeds and hemipterous insects. - -[Illustration: _Callipepla squamata._] - -Captain S. G. French, in notes quoted by Mr. Cassin, mentions meeting -with these birds, in the same year, near Camargo, on the Rio Grande. -At Monterey none were seen; but on the plains of Agua Nueva, a few -miles south of Saltillo, they were observed in considerable numbers. He -afterwards met with them on the Upper Rio Grande, in the vicinity of El -Paso. Though found in the same section of country with Gambel’s Quail, -they were not observed to associate together in the same flock. Their -favorite resorts were sandy chaparral and mesquite bushes. Through these -they ran with great swiftness, resorting only, when greatly alarmed by -a sudden approach, to their wings. They were very shy, and were seldom -found near habitations, though once a large covey ran through his camp -in the suburbs of El Paso. - -Colonel McCall (Proc. Phil. Ac. V, p. 222) mentions meeting with this -species throughout an extended region, from Camargo, on the Lower Rio -Grande, to Santa Fé. They were most numerous between the latter place -and Doña Ana, preferring the vicinity of watercourses to interior -tracts. They were wild, exceedingly watchful, and swift of foot, eluding -pursuit with surprising skill, scarcely ever resorting to flight even on -the open sandy ground. For the table they are said to possess, in a high -degree, the requisites of plump muscle and delicate flavor. - -In a subsequent sketch of this species, quoted by Mr. Cassin, the same -writer gives as the habitat the entire valley of the Rio Grande,—a -territory of great extent from north to south, and embracing in its -stretch between the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico every variety -of climate. This entire region, not excepting even the mountain valleys -covered in winter with deep snow, is inhabited by it. It was found by -him from the 25th to the 38th degree of north latitude, or from below -Monterey, in Mexico, along the borders of the San Juan River, as high up -as the Taos and other northern branches of the Rio Grande. He also found -it near the head of the Riado Creek, which rises in the Rocky Mountains -and runs eastwardly to the Canadian. - -Wherever found, they are always resident, proving their ability to -endure great extremes of heat and cold. In swiftness of foot, no species -of this family can compete with them. When running, they hold their -heads high and keep the body erect, and seem to skim over the surface of -the ground, their white plume erected and spread out like a fan. - -On the Mexican side of the Rio Grande this species is found farther -south than on the western bank, owing to the rugged character of the -country. In Texas its extreme southern point is a little above Reinosa, -on the first highlands on the bank. - -Don Pablo de la Llave, a Mexican naturalist, states, in an account of -this species (Registro Trimestre, I, p. 144, Mexico, 1832), that he -attempted its domestication in vain. In confinement it was very timid, -all its movements were rapid, and, although he fed his specimens for a -long time each day, they seemed to become more wild and intractable. It -was found by him in all the mesquite regions of Northern Mexico. - -Specimens of this Partridge were taken near San Pedro, Texas, by Mr. -J. H. Clark, and in New Leon, Mexico, by Lieutenant Couch. According to -Mr. Clark, they are not found on the grassy prairies near the coast. -He met with them on Devil’s River, in Texas, where his attention was -at first directed to them by their very peculiar note, which, when -first heard, suggested to him the cry of some species of squirrel. In -the valley of the Lower Rio Grande he also met with these birds in -companies of a dozen or more. Their food, on the prairies, appeared -to be entirely insectivorous; while on the Lower Rio Grande all the -specimens that were procured had their bills stained with the berries -of the opuntia. They were not shy, and would rather get out of the way -by running than by flying. At no time, and under no circumstances, were -they known to alight in bushes or in trees. They were only known to make -mere scratches in the ground for nests, and their situations were very -carelessly selected. Young birds were found in June and in July. - -Lieutenant Couch first met with this species about sixty leagues west of -Matamoras, and not until free from the prairies and bottom-land. It was -occasionally noticed, apparently associating with the _Ortyx texana_, to -which it is very similar in habit. - -Dr. Kennerly found them everywhere where there was a permanent supply of -fresh water, from Limpia Creek, in Texas, to San Bernardino, in Sonora. -They were met with on the mountain-sides, or on the hills among the -low mesquite-bushes and barrea. They apparently rely more upon their -legs than upon their wings, ascending the most precipitous cliffs or -disappearing among the bushes with great rapidity. - -The most western point at which Dr. Heermann observed this species was -the San Pedro River, a branch of the Gila, east of Tucson. There a flock -of these birds ran before him at a quick pace, with outstretched necks, -heads elevated, crests erect and expanded, and soon disappeared among -the thick bushes that surrounded them on all sides. After that they -were seen occasionally until they arrived at Lympia Springs. Lieutenant -Barton informed Dr. Heermann that he had procured this species near Fort -Clark, one hundred and twenty miles west of San Antonio, where, however, -it was quite rare. It was found abundantly on the open plains, often -starting up before the party when passing over the most arid portions -of the route. They also seemed partial to the prairie-dog villages. -These, covering large tracts of ground destitute of vegetation, probably -offered the attraction of some favorite insect. - -Dr. Woodhouse met with this species on only one occasion, as the party -was passing up the Rio Grande, at the upper end of Valleverde, on the -west side of the river, on the edge of the sand-hills, feeding among the -low bushes. They were exceedingly shy and quick-footed. He tried in vain -to make them fly, and they evidently preferred their feet to their wings -as a means of escape. He was told that they were found above Santa Fé. - -Mr. Dresser found this species on the Rio Grande above Roma, and between -the Rio Grande and the Nueces they were quite abundant; wherever found, -they seemed to have the country to themselves to the exclusion of other -species. He reports them as very difficult to shoot, for the reason -that, whenever a bevy is disturbed, the birds scatter, and, running with -outstretched necks and erected crests, dodge through the bushes like -rabbits, so as soon to be out of reach. He has thus seen a flock of ten -or fifteen disappear so entirely as to render it impossible to obtain a -single one. If left undisturbed, they commence their call-note, which -is not unlike the chirp of a chicken, and soon reunite. It was utterly -out of the question to get them to rise, and the only way to procure -specimens was to shoot them on the ground. Near the small villages in -Mexico he found them very tame; and at Presidio, on the Rio Grande, he -noticed them in a corral, feeding with some poultry. He did not meet -with their eggs, but they were described to him, by the Mexicans, as -dull white, with minute reddish spots. - -The egg of the _Callipepla squamata_ is regularly oval, being much more -elongated than with any other species of this family. It measures 1.35 -inches in length by .95 in breadth. Its ground-color is a creamy white, -and its surface is minutely freckled with specks of a pale drab. - - -GENUS CYRTONYX, GOULD. - - _Cyrtonyx_, GOULD, Mon. Odontoph.? 1845. (Type, _Ortyx massena_, - LESSON.) - -GEN. CHAR. Bill very stout and robust. Head with a broad, soft occipital -crest of short decumbent feathers. Tail very short, half the length -of the wings, composed of soft feathers, the longest scarcely longer -than the coverts; much graduated. Wings long and broad, the coverts -and tertials so much enlarged as to conceal the quills. Feet robust, -extending considerably beyond the tip of the tail. Claws very large, the -outer lateral reaching nearly to the middle of the central anterior. The -toes without the claws, however, are very short. Sexes very different. - -[Illustration: =3998= ♂ ½ - -_Cyrtonyx massena._] - -This genus differs very much from its North American allies in the great -development of the feathers composing the wing-coverts, the very short -and soft tail, and the very short toes and long claws. It is almost -worthy of forming the type of a distinct subfamily, so many and great -are its peculiarities. The single North American representative is the -only one of our species with round white spots on the lower surface and -black ones above. A second species, _C. ocellatus_, is found in Southern -Mexico. They may be distinguished as follows:— - - -Species. - - =C. massena.= Shaft-streaks of wing-feathers yellowish-white; sides - with small round white spots, medial lower parts dark maroon-chestnut. - _Hab._ Northern Mexico, and adjacent portions of the United States, - from the Upper Rio Grande and Colorado Valleys, south to Mazatlan. - - =C. ocellatus.=[117] Shaft-streaks of wing-feathers chestnut-rufous. - Sides with large rufous spots, medial lower parts bright rufous, - lighter anteriorly. _Hab._ Southern Mexico, and Guatemala. - - -Cyrtonyx massena, GOULD. - -MASSENA PARTRIDGE. - - _Ortyx massena_, LESSON, Cent. Zoöl. 1830, 189.—FINSCH, Abh. Nat. - 1870, 357 (Guadelajara). _Cyrtonyx massena_, GOULD, Mon. Odont. 1850, - 14; tab. vii.—M’CALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, 1851, 221.—CASSIN, Illust. I, - I, 1853, 21, pl. xxi.—REICHENB. Syst. Av. 1850, pl. xxvii.—BAIRD, - Birds N. A. 1858, 647.—IB. Mex. B. II, Birds, 23.—DRESSER, Ibis, 1866, - 29 (Bandera Co., Texas; breeds).—COUES, P. A. N. S. 1866, 95 (Fort - Whipple, Arizona).—GRAY, Cat. Brit. Mus. V, 1867, 74.—COOP. Orn. - Cal. I, 1870, 558. _Ortyx montezumæ_, VIGORS, Zoöl. Jour. V, 1830, - 275. _Odontophorus meleagris_, WAGLER, Isis, XXV, 1832, 279. _Tetrao - guttata_, DE LA LLAVE, Registro Trimestre, I, 1832, 145 (CASSIN). - -SP. CHAR. _Male._ Head striped with white, black, and lead-color; chin -black. Feathers above streaked centrally with whitish, those on the -outer surface of the wings with two series of rounded black spots. -Central line of breast and belly dark chestnut; the abdomen, thighs, and -crissum black; the sides of breast and body lead-color, with round white -spots. Legs blue. Length, 8.75; wing, 7.00; tail, 2.50. - -_Female._ Prevailing color light vinaceous-cinnamon, the upper parts -barred and streaked as in the male. Head without white or black stripes. -Sides with a few narrow, irregular streaks of black. - -_Young._ Somewhat similar to the adult female, but lower parts whitish, -the feathers, especially on the breast, with transverse blackish spots -on both webs. - -[Illustration: _Cyrtonyx massena._] - -_Chick._ Head dingy white, with a broad occipital elliptical patch of -chestnut-brown, and a blackish streak behind the eye. Above rusty-brown, -obscurely spotted with black; a white stripe on each side of the rump. -Beneath almost uniform dull white. - -HAB. Chiefly on the Upper Rio Grande from the high plains of the Pecos. -Fort Whipple, Arizona; Northern Mexico, southward, on the west coast, to -Mazatlan. - -HABITS. This Quail was first met with by Lieutenant Couch in the cañon -Guyapuco, about twelve leagues south of Monterey. Though rather shy, -they seemed quite at home in the cultivated fields and stubbles of -the ranches. Mr. Clark first noticed the species among a flock of the -_Ortyx texana_. Once, on flushing a covey of the latter, a bird was -seen to remain behind, and showed no inclination to follow the rest. -It attempted to hide in the grass, but did not fly, and, when shot, -proved to be a Massena Quail. He says they occur either in pairs or -in flocks, and when once flushed fly farther than the Virginia Quail, -but do not lie so close. They may be approached within a few feet, -and followed up, particularly when in pairs, running along before one -like so many domestic fowl. They are of quiet as well as of retired -habits, and a subdued though sharp note is the only noise that Mr. -Clark ever heard them make, and that only when frightened. He has known -them to be pursued, and all the barrels of a six-shooter fired one -after another without alarming them; and they were forced to fly at -last only by an attack of stones and clubs. He first met with them -in the neighborhood of San Antonio, and found them thence sparsely -distributed as an inhabitant both of prairies and mountains as far -westward as Sonora. They are wilder than the Scaled Partridge, are -less conspicuous and noisy, and are never seen in flocks, or, like -the latter, living about old camps. Their haunts are generally far -removed from the habitations of man, and the indifference they sometimes -manifest to his presence seems to be due to ignorance of the danger -from the power of that enemy. Though distributed over the same country -as the _C. squamata_, they are never found in such barren regions, -always seeming to prefer the districts most luxuriantly covered with -vegetation. - -Dr. C. B. R. Kennerly states that this bird was never seen farther south -in Texas than Turkey Creek. In that vicinity it was very common, and it -also occurred at various points thence to the Rio Grande. In the valley -of this river it was very rarely seen, giving way apparently to the -Scaly and to Gambel’s Partridge. West of the river it was very common, -as far as the party travelled, wherever there was a permanent supply -of fresh water. In the valley of the Santa Cruz River and among the -adjacent hills it was extremely abundant. In the months of June and July -it was observed there always in pairs, while in Texas, in the months of -October and November, it was found in very large flocks, sometimes of -various ages, from the very small and partly fledged to the full-grown -bird. When hunted, they hide very closely in the grass, and Dr. Kennerly -has often known the Mexican soldiers in Sonora kill them with their -lances by striking them either while on the ground or just as they rise. -Some of these men were very expert in the business, and obtained a good -many in the course of a day’s travel. - -Dr. Woodhouse met with this species a few miles above the head of the -Rio San Pedro, where he secured a single specimen. He was informed -by Captain S. G. French that when he first passed over exactly -the same route in 1849, he met with a number of them in different -localities,—at the head of San Pedro, Howard Springs, and also at Eagle -Springs,—showing evidently that they have a range over the country lying -between the Rio Grande and the San Pedro Rivers. He also stated that he -had never met with any near the settlements, but always among the wild, -rocky, and almost barren hills of that country. They are more sociable -and not so shy as the other species of this family. Their food appears -to be principally insects. - -Mr. Dresser states that this bird is locally known as the Black -Partridge. For some time he sought for it near San Antonio without -success, but ultimately found it, in November, among the Bandera Hills. -In its habits he states it is more like the Texan Quail than any other; -but on the wing it is easily distinguished, it flies so heavily, though -very swiftly. When disturbed, they squat very close, and will not move -until approached very closely, when they generally rise up from under -one’s feet. He did not meet with this Quail in any other part of Texas -than Bandera County, but was told that it is abundant in the hilly -country at the head of the Leona, and that it is also found near Laredo. - -In some remarks on the birds of Western Texas, published in the -Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy in 1851, Colonel McCall gives -the first information to the public touching the habits of this -interesting species. We learn from his narrative that it was not met -with by him before crossing the San Pedro River, but that it was soon -after seen in the rocky regions into which he then entered; and thence -as far as the Rio Pecos, a distance of one hundred and forty miles -westwardly, it was frequently seen, though it was not anywhere very -common. This entire region is a desert of great extent, north and south; -the general face of the country is level, and produces nothing but a -sparse growth of sand-plants. Water was found only at long intervals, -and except at such points there was apparently neither food nor cover. -There, among projecting rocks or the borders of dry gullies, or in loose -scrub, this bird was met with by Colonel McCall. - -The habits of this species appeared to him to be different from those of -any other kind of Partridge he had ever met with. They were in coveys -of from eight to twelve individuals, and appeared to be simple and -affectionate in disposition. In feeding they separated but little, -keeping up all the while a social _cluck_. They were so gentle as to -evince little or no alarm on the approach of man, hardly moving out of -the way as they passed, and only running off or flying a few yards, -even when half their number had been shot. Colonel McCall was of the -opinion that they might, with very little difficulty, be domesticated, -though naturally inhabiting a barren waste nowhere near the habitation -of man. The call-note is spoken of as very peculiar. The bird was not -seen by his party after crossing the Pecos River. Mr. Gould, without -any information in regard to the habits or economy of this species, -in his Monograph of American Partridges, judging from the comparative -shortness of the toes and the great development of the claws, ventured -the opinion that the habits would be found very different from those of -other members of the family, which opinion is thus confirmed. Mr. Cassin -thought he could trace in the circular spots, numerous in the lower -part of the body, an analogy in character to the Guinea-fowls, which is -further shown by their habit of continually uttering their notes as they -feed, and by other similarity in their manners. - -Captain S. G. French, cited by Mr. Cassin, mentions meeting with this -Partridge in the summer of 1846, when crossing the table-lands that -extend westwardly from San Antonio, in Texas, to New Mexico. On the -sides of a high rocky mountain near the summit, he observed several -of them only a few feet in advance of him. They were running along -over the fragments of rocks and through the dwarf bushes which grew -wherever there was sufficient soil. He was attracted by their handsome -plumage and their extreme gentleness. A few days after, when encamped on -the headwaters of the river, he again met with a covey, and from that -point occasionally encountered them on the route to the Pecos River, a -distance of over a hundred miles. He did not meet with them again until -he came to Eagle Springs, in a mountainous region about twenty-five -miles from the Rio Grande. In the spring of 1851, on the same route, he -saw only two of these birds, and was led to the belief that they are -not at all numerous. They appeared to inhabit the rocky sides of the -mountains and hills, in the desolate region of elevated plains west -of the fertile portions of Texas. In no instance did he meet with any -of these birds near the settlements. Wild and rocky hillsides seemed -to be their favorite resort, where trees were almost unknown and all -vegetation was very scant. The coveys showed but little alarm on being -approached, and ran along over the rocks, occasionally attempting to -secrete themselves beneath them. In this case they could be approached -to within a few feet. When startled by the firing of a gun, they fly -but a few yards before again alighting, and exhibit but little of that -wildness peculiar to all the other species of Partridge. The contents -of the crop in Captain French’s specimens consisted exclusively of -fragments of insects, principally grasshoppers. No trace whatever of -food of a vegetable character was found. - -Don Pablo de la Llave, quoted by Mr. Cassin, furnishes the following -account of the habits of this Partridge, observed by him in specimens -taken near the city of Mexico. - -“It is only a few days since the third species has been brought to -me. It is rather smaller than the former (_C. squamata_), and its -deportment is entirely different. It carries its head habitually resting -on its shoulders, the neck being excessively small and deflexed, and -in everything it shows an amiability, and, so to speak, kindness of -character (_una bondad de caracter_), which is not found in any other -species of this genus, and it is naturally so tame and domestic as -to permit itself to be caught with the hand. These birds are always -united, forming a covey, and whenever one is separated the others follow -it. They do not, like others, wish to sleep on elevated places, but -sit on the ground, drawing very near together. Their notes, which are -not varied, are very low and soft, and I have never heard loud cries -from the male. When they are frightened they show much activity and -swiftness; at other times their gait and movement are habitually slow -and deliberate, carrying the crest puffed up (_espayada_).” - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -I. - -ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. - -During the considerable interval of time since the printing of this work -was commenced, many additional facts have come to light in regard to the -habits and geographical distribution of the land birds of North America; -and while several so-called species have proved to be mere races, or -even of less rank, some others have been added to the list. The more -important of these are herewith subjoined. - -Most of the new facts here announced are the results of the more recent -labors of Captain Charles Bendire, First Cavalry, U. S. A., and of -Messrs. J. A. Allen, C. E. Aiken, Dr. E. Coues, H. W. Henshaw, Mr. C. J. -Maynard, and others, whose names are mentioned in their appropriate -places. - - * * * * * - -=Turdus pallasi=, var. =nanus= (I, 20). Dr. Cooper has sent to the -Smithsonian Institution skins of his _T. nanus_, and they prove to be -_T. ustulatus_. The surmise expressed on page 21, that the nest and eggs -described by Dr. Cooper as those of the former in reality belonged to -the latter species, is thus undoubtedly correct. - -=Turdus pallasi=, var. =auduboni= (I, 21). A nest with the eggs (S. I. -16,320) of this species was taken near Fort Ellis, Montana, July 16, -1872, by C. H. Merriam, attached to Dr. Hayden’s party. The nest is -large and bulky for the size of the bird, is deeply saucer-shaped in -form, measuring 6 inches in external diameter by 3 in depth. The cavity -of the nest is 3 inches in diameter by about 1.75 deep. It is composed -entirely of green mosses and lined with fine grass leaves. - -The eggs were three in number, in shape broadly ovate and obtusely -rounded at either end. They measure .85 of an inch in length by .72 in -breadth; their color is a rather deep greenish-blue, almost exactly like -those of _Turdus migratorius_. - -The nest was built in a small pine-tree, about eight feet from the -ground, in the pine regions of the mountains. In its position it differs -from any now known of the _Turdus pallasi_, which, so far as known, -builds invariably on the ground. - -=Harporhynchus ocellatus= (I, 36). This is probably a Mexican form of -_H. cinereus_. - -=Harporhynchus rufus= (I, 37). According to Mr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. -Zoöl., Vol. III, No. 6, p. 134) this species is found on the eastern -slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It is not included in the -“Birds of California,” but Dr. Cooper states that in September, 1870, -he found a straggler at Clear Lake, close to the lower town. It was in -a thicket with its western cousins, but possessed unmistakably all the -characteristics of the eastern bird. Unfortunately, it was not secured. -As this species is short-winged and nearly resident in many localities, -its occurrence so far from its usual resort is somewhat remarkable. It -had none of the appearance of a cage-bird. - -=Harporhynchus curvirostris=, var. =palmeri= (I, 43). Four specimens -from Tucson, Arizona, were recently forwarded for examination by Dr. -Coues, collected by the indefatigable Captain Bendire, U. S. A., when -stationed at that post. The specimens are all true _palmeri_ in the -characters which definitely separate it from _curvirostris_, its nearest -ally, and show the seasonal discrepancies in the shades of color. A male -and female, collected in November, differ from the types, which are -summer birds, in being of a brownish-plumbeous above, even more ashy -than in any specimens of _curvirostris_ which we have seen. In all other -respects, however, they are typical examples of var. _palmeri_, and -substantiate the validity of this well-marked form. The measurements of -these two specimens are as follows:— - - ♂. Wing, 4.50; tail, 4.90; culmen, 1.45; tarsus, 1.25; middle toe, - 1.00. - - ♀. Wing, 4.20; tail, 4.80; culmen, 1.40; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, - .90. - -The description of this form was first published by Dr. Coues in “Key to -North American Birds” (October, 1872), p. 351, the type being specimen -No. 61,589, Mus. S. I. - -=Harporhynchus bendirei=, COUES (Am. Nat. Vol. VII, June, 1873, p. 330, -fig. 69). - -CHAR. Nearly similar to _H. palmeri_ in color, but whiter on the breast, -and apparently more ochraceous on the flanks. Much smaller than _H. -palmeri_, with smaller and very differently shaped bill. _Male_ (not -adult), No. 2,686, Mus. E. C. Wing, 4.10; tail, 4.50; culmen, 1.15; -tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .88. _Female_ (adult), No. 2,688, Mus. E. C. -Wing, 3.80; tail, 4.40; culmen, 1.15; tarsus, 1.15; middle toe, .88. - -_Hab._ Tucson, Arizona. - -This new form Dr. Coues considers to be most nearly related to the _H. -cinereus_ of Cape St. Lucas; and judging from its eggs, lately sent to -the Smithsonian Institution by Captain Bendire, such appear to be really -its affinities. - -The eggs sent by Captain Bendire (No. 16,486, Mus. S. I.) measure -1.00 in length by .80 in breadth, and are three in number. Their -ground-color is a dull bluish-white, spotted with a very faint shade of -reddish-brown, the spots thickest round the larger end. - -=Harporhynchus crissalis= (I, 47). Captain Bendire found this species -breeding abundantly near Tucson, Arizona (See COUES, Am. Nat. VI, June, -1872, 370). The eggs in all instances were similar to those described as -found by Dr. Palmer, unspotted, and in size, shape, and color, hardly -distinguishable from the eggs of the common Robin (_T. migratorius_). -They are of an oblong-oval shape, rounded and nearly equal at either -end, and measure 1.10 inches in length by .75 in breadth. - -[Illustration: =3932= ⅔ ⅔ - -_Harporhynchus redivivus._] - -=Harporhynchus redivivus= (I, 45). The accompanying cut, showing the -extreme anatomy of the species, was omitted in its proper place. - -=Mimus polyglottus= (I, 49). Mr. C. E. Aiken has obtained this species -in El Paso County, Colorado. - -=Saxicola œnanthe= (I, 60). Mr. C. J. Hampton obtained a specimen of -this bird at Junius, Seneca County, N. Y., on the 9th of September, -1872. Professor Newton suggests, by letter, as an interesting problem, -the route by which this species reaches Alaska in its migrations. It -is not known to occur near the Sea of Ochotsk, has not been found on -the Lower Amoor, and probably does not occur farther eastward than the -Baikal Mountains. It has never been noticed in Japan or on the coast of -China. It must therefore be very nearly certain that it cannot take that -way to Alaska. Sundeval states that it is found in Kamtschatka, but this -Mr. Newton questions, as no authority is given for this statement. The -only alternative is to assume a route _via_ Greenland, in this, perhaps, -in a measure indorsing Petermann’s suggestion that Greenland extends -across the pole nearly to the Asiatic coast and to Alaska. - -=Sialia mexicana= (I, 65). This species has been obtained in Western -Iowa by Mr. Atkinson. - -=Regulus calendula= (I, 75). We present the outlines of bill, feet, -wings, and tail, omitted in their proper place. - -[Illustration: =28782= - -_Regulus calendula._] - -=Polioptila cærulea= (I, 78). Mr. Aiken has taken this species in El -Paso County, Colorado. Dr. Cooper informs me that he found it quite -numerous near Auburn, Placer County, Cal., May 11, 1870, apparently -migrating northward. In the following December he saw one near San -Francisco. From this he infers that it winters much farther to the north -in that State than it does east of the Rocky Mountains, and that the -individuals occurring in Guatemala are eastern birds. He also states -that it is the prevailing and probably the only form in all the northern -and western parts of the State of California. About September 20, 1872, -this species came in great numbers to the vicinity of San Buenaventura -and remained there all winter, going to the mountains northward by March -20. - -=Polioptila melanura= (I, 81). Dr. Cooper informs me that while he found -_P. cærulea_ common in September, he saw none of this species near San -Buenaventura until November 12, when small parties appeared moving -westward from the colder desert regions east of the mountains. They kept -entirely in the artemisia thickets among the sandy and dryest tracts, -never going into the high trees like _P. cærulea_. In form, color, -restless habits, and scolding mew, this species is said to be a perfect -miniature and mimic of the Catbird. - -According to Captain Bendire the species is not common in Arizona, where -he met with three nests. “One before me, found July 25, 1872, fastened -in a bunch of mistletoe, or rather suspended in it, is composed of a -species of wild hemp fibres nicely woven together, and lined with a few -feathers and exceedingly fine grass.” The nest is very neatly made: -Outer diameter, 2 inches; inner, 1.60; depth, 1.50. The number of eggs -is five, ground-color pale green, with spots of light reddish-brown -color scattered over the egg. Measurement, .50 by .40 of an inch. Their -notes are a rather harsh twitter, kept up for some time. They are active -little birds, and are very restless. - -=Chamæa fasciata= (I, 84). Mr. Allen thinks that he saw this species in -Colorado Territory. See Am. Nat. VI, June, 1872, and Bull. Mus. Comp. -Zool. III, No. 6, p. 184. - -=Lophophanes inornatus= (I, 91). Mr. Aiken has obtained this species -in El Paso County, Colorado, where it is common, while Mr. Henshaw, -the naturalist of Lieutenant Wheeler’s expedition, found it abundant -in Southern Utah. These Rocky Mountain specimens are much grayer and -somewhat larger than those from California. - -=Parus rufescens= (I, 104). Nests and eggs of a _Parus_ which -undoubtedly belong to this species were found by Mr. William A. Cooper, -at Santa Cruz, Cal. One of these nests, sent to the Smithsonian -Institution, was found about four miles from Santa Cruz, April 22, 1873. -The nest was composed of moss and fine bark, largely intermingled with -the fur of rabbits and other small quadrupeds. It was built in a hole -in the branch of a tree about ten feet from the ground. The branch was -about half a foot in diameter and was partially decayed. The cavity -was about a foot in length from the nest to the place where the bird -gained an entrance, which was a small hole about an inch and a quarter -in diameter. The eggs were seven in number and contained partially -formed embryos. They measure .64 of an inch in length by .52 in breadth, -resemble the eggs of the _atricapillus_, but are more sparingly marked -with spots, rather more minute and of a lighter shade of reddish-brown, -on a white ground. - -=Sitta pygmæa= (I, 120). This bird is probably a geographical form of -_S. pusilla_, as suggested by Mr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl., Vol. -III, No. 6, p. 115). - -=Sitta pusilla= (I, 122). Young specimens collected at Aiken, S. C., by -Mr. C. H. Merriam, are quite different in color from the adult plumage. -The head is pale dull ashy, instead of light hair-brown, and the colors -are duller generally. There is a near approach to _S. pygmæa_ in their -appearance. - -=Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus= (I, 132). This species has been -collected at Toquerville, Southern Utah, by Mr. Henshaw, and in Southern -Nevada by Mr. Bischoff, naturalists to Lieutenant Wheeler’s expedition. - -=Salpinctes obsoletus= (I, 135). The range of this species has been -remarkably extended by the capture of a specimen in Decatur County, -Southern Iowa, where others were seen, by Mr. T. M. Trippe. See Proc. -Boston Soc. N. H., December, 1872, p. 236. - -=Catherpes mexicanus=, var. =conspersus= (I, 139). Numerous specimens -obtained in Colorado by Mr. Allen and Mr. Aiken, and in Southern Utah by -Mr. Henshaw, establish the fact of great uniformity in the characters -of this race, and its distinctness from var. _mexicanus_. On page 139 -“it is noticed that it is a remarkable fact that this northern race -should be so much smaller than the Mexican one, especially in view of -the fact that it is a resident bird in even the most northern parts of -its ascertained habitat.” As we find this peculiarity exactly paralleled -in the _Thryothorus ludovicianus_ of the Atlantic States (see below), -may not these facts point out a law to the effect that in species which -belong to essentially tropical families, with only outlying genera or -species in the temperate zone, _the increase in size with latitude is -toward the region of the highest development of the group_? - -Dr. Cooper met with two specimens of this species in California in -1872; one about twelve miles back of San Diego, the other the same -distance back of San Buenaventura, and both at the foot of lofty, rugged -mountains. Their song he compares to loud ringing laughter; it is so -shrill as to be heard at quite a distance, and seems as if it must be -produced by a much larger bird. - -=Thryothorus ludovicianus= (I, 142). Specimens of this species from -Miami, Fla., are much darker colored than those from the Middle States -(Maryland, Illinois, and southward), as might be expected; but very -strangely, they are also much larger. In colors they very nearly -resemble var. _berlandieri_, from the Lower Rio Grande. - -A specimen in Mr. Ridgway’s collection (No. 1,864, January 9), from -Miami, Fla., compares with one from Southern Illinois (No. 1,652, Mt. -Carmel, January, 1871) as follows:— - - +-----+----------------+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----------+ - | No. | Locality. |Sex.|Wing.|Tail.|Culmen.|Tarsus.|Middle Toe.| - +-----+----------------+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----------+ - |1,864|Miami, Fla. | ♂ | 2.75| 2.60| .90| .95| .60| - +-----+----------------+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----------+ - |1,652|Mt. Carmel, Ill.| ♂ | 2.45| 2.30| .80| .80| .55| - +-----+----------------+----+-----+-----+-------+-------+-----------+ - -In coloration they are more nearly alike, the Florida specimen being -hardly appreciably darker on the upper surface, though the lower parts -are much deeper ochraceous, almost rufous. The Illinois specimen is -deep ochraceous beneath, just about intermediate between Maryland and -Florida specimens. Another Florida specimen (No. 62,733, Mus. S. I.; -C. J. Maynard) measures: wing, 2.50; tail, 2.40; culmen, .85. - -=Thryothorus bewicki=, var. =leucogaster= (I, 147). Specimens of this -form were obtained at Toquerville, Southern Utah, in October, 1872, by -Mr. Henshaw, attached to Lieutenant Wheeler’s expedition. - -[Illustration: =31045=, ♂ - -_Troglodytes parvulus_, var. _hyemalis_.] - -=Troglodytes parvulus=, var. =hyemalis= (I, 155). Dr. Cooper has noticed -a few of these Wrens near San Buenaventura in winter, after November 10. -They probably reside in the summer in the high coast mountains lying -east as well as in the Sierra Nevada. Outlines, omitted before, are here -given. - -=Cistothorus stellaris= (I, 159). Mr. Henshaw obtained good evidence -of this bird’s breeding at Utah Lake. Nests and eggs were found in a -farm-house, unquestionably those of this species, and said to have been -obtained among the tulés or sedges along the shore of the lake. Outlines -of this species are here given. - -[Illustration: =3073= - -_Cistothorus stellaris._] - -=Anthus ludovicianus= (I, 171). Mr. Allen found this species breeding -in the summer of 1871 on the summit of Mt. Lincoln, Colorado Territory, -above the timber-line, at an altitude of over 13,000 feet. - -=Helmitherus vermivorus= (I, 187). Professor Frank H. Snow procured a -specimen of this species near Lawrence, Kansas, May 6, 1873. - -=Helmitherus swainsoni= (I, 190). Was obtained in Florida by Mr. W. -Thaxter. - -=Helminthophaga virginiæ= (I, 199). Very common in El Paso County, -Colorado, where it was obtained by Mr. Aiken. - -=Helminthophaga luciæ= (I, 200). We are indebted to Captain Bendire for -the discovery of the nest and eggs of this comparatively new Warbler. He -first met with its nest near Tucson, Arizona, May 19, 1872. Unlike all -the rest of this genus, which, so far as is known, build their nests on -the ground, this species was found nesting something after the manner of -the common Gray Creeper, between the loose bark and the trunk of a dead -tree, a few feet from the ground. Except in their smaller size the eggs -also bear a great resemblance to those of the Creeper. In shape they -are nearly spherical, their ground is of a crystal whiteness, spotted, -chiefly around the larger end, with fine dottings of a purplish-red. -They measure .54 of an inch in length by .45 in breadth. - -=Helminthophaga celata=, var. =lutescens= (I, 204). See Am. Nat. Vol. -VII, October, 1873, p. 606. - -=Helminthophaga peregrina= (I, 205). Obtained in El Paso County, -Colorado, in September, 1873, by Mr. Aiken. - -=Parula americana= (I, 208). Obtained in May in El Paso County, -Colorado, by Mr. Aiken. - -=Dendroica vieilloti=, var. =bryanti= (I, 218). See Am. Nat. VII, -October, 1873, p. 606. - -=Dendroica auduboni= (I, 229). In July, 1870, Dr. Cooper found families -of this species fully fledged, wandering through the woods, at the -summit pass of the Central Pacific Railroad, 7,000 feet altitude, -confirming his supposition that they breed in the high Sierra Nevada. -There they are very numerous in summer, following the retreating snow -to this elevation about May 1, when the males are in full plumage, -retaining it till August. Their song is always faint, and similar to -that of _D. æstiva_. - -=Dendroica cærulea= (I, 235). A nest, containing one egg, of the -Cærulean Warbler, was obtained in June, 1873, by Frank S. Booth, the -son of James Booth, Esq., the well-known taxidermist of Drummondville, -Ontario, near Niagara Falls. The nest was built in a large oak-tree -at the height of fifty feet or more from the ground. It was placed -horizontally on the upper surface of a slender limb, between two small -twigs, and the branch on which it was thus saddled was only an inch -and a half in thickness. Being nine feet from the trunk of the tree, -it was secured with great difficulty. The nest is a rather slender -fabric, somewhat similar to the nest of the Redstart, and quite small -for the bird. It has a diameter of 2½ inches, and is 1¼ inches in depth. -Its cavity is 2 inches wide at the rim, and 1 inch in depth. The nest -chiefly consists of a strong rim firmly woven of strips of fine bark, -stems of grasses, and fine pine-needles, bound round with flaxen fibres -of plants and wool. Around the base a few bits of hornets’ nests, -mosses, and lichens are loosely fastened. The nest within is furnished -with fine stems and needles, and the flooring is very thin and slight. -The egg is somewhat similar in its general appearance to that of _D. -æstiva_, but is smaller and with a ground-color of a different shade -of greenish-white. It is oblong-oval in shape, and measures .70 of an -inch in length by .50 in breadth. It is thinly marked over the greater -portion of its surface with minute dottings of reddish-brown. A ring of -confluent blotches of purple and reddish-brown surrounds the larger end. - -=Dendroica blackburniæ= (I, 237). Obtained at Ogden, Utah, in September, -1871, by Mr. Allen (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl. III, No. 5, p. 166). - -=Dendroica dominica= (I, 240). A superb nest of the Yellow-throated -Warbler was taken by Mr. Giles, near Wilmington, N. C., in the spring -of 1872. The nest was enclosed in a pendent tuft of Spanish moss -(_Tillandsia usneoides_), and completely hidden within it. Its form -is cup-shaped, and it is made of fine roots, mixed with much downy -material and a few soft feathers, and, except in its situation, does not -differ much from other nests of this genus. Other nests have since been -received from Mr. Giles; also a nest of _Parula americana_ similarly -situated. Mr. Ridgway, from an examination of the nests, infers that -this situation is not constant, but that in other localities where the -moss is not found this Warbler may build in thick tufts of leaves near -the extremity of drooping branches, or in other similar situations. - -=Dendroica dominica=, var. =albilora= (I, 241). See Am. Nat, VII, -October, 1873, p. 606. - -=Dendroica graciæ=, var. =decora= (I, 244). See Am. Nat. VII, October, -1873, p. 608. - -=Dendroica castanea= (I, 251). This Warbler is cited by us as -exceedingly rare in Eastern Massachusetts, though not unknown. A -remarkable exception to this otherwise general rule occurred in the -spring of 1872. For several days, in the latter part of May, they were -found in great abundance in the vicinity of Boston. As the same unusual -occurrence of this species in large numbers was noticed by Mr. Kumlien -in Southern Wisconsin, it is probable that along the 42d parallel -something occurred to cause a deviation from their usual migrations. The -long pause of this species in its spring migrations, and its appearance -in large numbers, are not known to have occurred before. - -Mr. Salvin (Ibis, April, 1872) expresses the opinion that this Warbler, -in its southern migration, does not pause in its flight from the -Southern United States to stop in any of the West India Islands, nor in -any point of Central America north of Costa Rica. It is by no means rare -at Panama during the winter. We may therefore infer that in both its -southern and its northern migrations long flights are made, at certain -periods, over sections of country in which they do not appear at all, or -where only a straggling few are ever seen, and that their abundance in -1872 was exceptional and due to causes not understood. - -=Dendroica nigrescens= (I, 258). Obtained in El Paso County, Colorado; -AIKEN. - -=Dendroica occidentalis=, =D. townsendi=, and =D. nigrescens= (I, 258, -265, 266). While travelling over the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San -Diego, in April, 1872, Dr. Cooper found _D. occidentalis_, for the first -time, quite common. They seemed to be still migrating during the last -week of April, but perhaps were only moving upwards, being numerous -between the elevation of 1,500 and 4,000 feet, while heavy frosts still -occurred at the latter height. They probably go in May as high as 6,200 -feet, the summits of the highest peaks, which are densely covered by -coniferous trees. _D. townsendi_ and _D. nigrescens_ were in company -with _occidentalis_ in small flocks, among the oaks, and all seemed to -be following an elevated route northward. In 1862, Dr. Cooper found them -among the chaparral along the coast, but he regards this as exceptional -and probably occasioned by a severe storm in the mountains, as he saw -none in 1872 in a spring of average mildness. They occur about Petaluma -as early as April 1. - -=Seiurus ludovicianus= (I, 287). Mr. E. Ingersoll met with the nest and -eggs of the Large-billed Thrush near Norwich, Conn. The nest was sunk -in the ground, in some moss and in the rotten wood underneath the roots -of a large tree on the banks of the Yantic River. It was covered over, -except just in front, by the roots. The nest was 2½ inches in internal -diameter and rather shallow, and was somewhat loosely constructed of -fine dry grasses and little dead fibrous mosses. About the nest, but -forming no part of it, were several loose leaves. These were chiefly -in front of the nest, and served as a screen to conceal it and its -occupant. The nest itself was placed under the edge of the bank, about -ten feet above the water. The eggs were four in number and were quite -fresh. Unblown, they have a beautiful rosy tint, the ground-color is -a lustrous white, the egg having a polished surface. They are more -or less profusely spotted all over with dots and specks, and a few -obscure zigzag markings of reddish-brown of two shades, and umber, with -faint touches of lilac and very pale washing of red. These markings are -much more thickly distributed about the larger end, but nowhere form a -ring. They resemble the eggs of _S. aurocapillus_, but differ in their -somewhat rounder shape, the brilliant polish of their ground, and the -greater distinctness of the markings. They varied from .75 to .80 of an -inch in length, and from .60 to .62 in breadth. - -=Geothlypis= (I, 295). For a new synopsis of all the species of this -genus, see Am. Journ. Science and Arts, Vol. X, December, 1872. - -=Geothlypis trichas= (I, 297). Dr. Cooper found this species wintering -in large numbers near San Buenaventura. They frequented the driest as -well as the wettest spots. - -=Geothlypis macgillivrayi= (I, 303). We now consider this form a -geographical race of _S. philadelphia_. (See Am. Journ. Science and -Arts, Vol. X, December, 1872.) - -=Myiodioctes pusillus=, var. =pileolatus= (I, 319). See Am. Nat. VII, -October, 1873, p. 608. - -=Setophaga picta= (I, 322). This species, not included in the preceding -pages among North American Birds, was noticed on only two occasions by -Captain Charles Bendire in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona. This was on -the 4th of April, and again on the 12th of September, 1872. He thinks -that they unquestionably breed in the mountains to the northward of -Tucson. When seen in September they appeared to be moving southward, on -their way to their winter quarters. He saw none throughout the summer. -(See Am. Nat. VII.) By letter from Mr. Henshaw, we learn that he has -obtained this species at Apache, Arizona. - -=Vireosylvia olivacea= (I, 369). Obtained at Ogden, Utah, in September, -1871, by Mr. Allen. - -=Lanivireo solitarius= (I, 373). Dr. Cooper found, April 30, 1870, a -male of this species in full plumage and singing delightfully on a -ridge above Emigrant Gap on the west slope of the Sierra, about 5,500 -feet altitude, and where the snow was still lying in deep drifts. He -is confident that he saw the same species at Copperopolis in February, -1864. He thinks there is no doubt that to some extent they winter in the -State. - -=Lanivireo solitarius=, var. =plumbeus= (I, 378). El Paso County, -Colorado; AIKEN. - -=Vireo pusillus= (I, 391). Dr. Cooper found this species near San -Buenaventura as early as March 26, 1872, where it was quite common. On -the 22d of April he found a nest pendent between the forks of a dead -willow branch. This was five feet from the ground, built on the edge of -a dense marshy thicket, of flat strips and fibres of bark, and lined -with fine grass, hair, and feathers. There were a few feathers of the -Barn Owl, also, on the outside. The nest measured three inches each way. -The eggs were laid about the 28th, were four in number, white, with a -few small black specks mostly near the larger ends, and measured .69 of -an inch in length by .51 in breadth. - -=Phænopepla nitens= (I, 405). Captain Bendire writes me that he found -this species common in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, during the -summer, a few only remaining during the winter; most of these had -white edgings on all their feathers, and were probably young of the -year. Their flight is described as wavering, something like that of -_Colaptes mexicanus_. While flying they utter a high note, resembling -_whuif-whuif_, repeated several times. He never heard them sing, as they -are said to do, although he has watched them frequently. They are very -restless, and are always found about the mistletoe, on the berries of -which they feed almost exclusively. The nest is saddled on a horizontal -branch, generally of a mesquite-tree. It is a shallow structure, about -4 inches across; its inner diameter is 2½ inches, depth ½ an inch. It -is composed of fine sticks, fibres of plants, and lined with a little -cottonwood down and a stray feather. The first nest was found May 16. -This was principally lined with the shells of empty cocoons. The number -of eggs was two. Though he found more than a dozen nests with eggs and -young, he never found more than two in a nest. Their ground-color varies -from a greenish-white to a lavender and a grayish-white, spotted all -over with different shades of brown. The spots are all small, and most -abundant about the larger end, and vary greatly in their distributions. -In size they range from .97 of an inch to .84 in length, and in breadth -from .66 to .60. - -=Collurio ludovicianus=, var. =robustus= (I, 420). See Am. Nat. VII, -October, 1873, p. 609. - -=Certhiola newtoni= (I, 427). See Am. Nat. VII, October, 1873, p. 611. - -=Certhiola caboti= (I, 427). See Am. Nat. VII, October, 1873, p. 612. - -=Certhiola barbadensis=, =Certhiola frontalis= (I, 427). See Am. Nat. -VII, October, 1873, p. 612. - -=Pyranga hepatica= (I, 440). Captain Bendire found what he identified as -this species breeding near Tucson, Arizona. Its nests and eggs resembled -those of _P. æstiva_. The latter vary in length from 1.02 inches to -.95, and in breadth from .70 to .67 of an inch. Their ground-color is -a pale light green. Some are sparingly marked over the entire egg with -very distinctive and conspicuous blotches of purplish-brown; others are -covered more generally with finer dottings of the same hue, and these -are so numerous as partly to obscure the ground. In shape the eggs are -oblong oval, and are of nearly equal size at either end. This species -was also obtained by Mr. Henshaw, at Apache, Arizona. - -As no skins of the parent appear to have been preserved, it is not -improbable that the bird in question may be really _P. æstiva_, var. -_cooperi_. - -=Hesperiphona vespertina=, var. =montana= (I, 450). Two adult males -obtained at Waukegan, Illinois, in January, 1873, by Mr. Charles -Douglass, are typical examples of the Rocky Mountain form. - -=Pinicola enucleator= (I, 453). Dr. Cooper mentions having shot a fine -male of this species near the summit of the Central Railroad Pass at an -elevation of about 7,000 feet. It was in a fine orange-red plumage. It -was moulting, and appeared to be a straggler. - -=Pyrrhula cassini= (I, 457). Since the publication of the article on -this species we learn from Cabanis (Journal für Ornithologie, 1871, -318, 1872, 315) that the species is not uncommon in the vicinity of -Lake Baikal, in Siberia, and that it has even been observed in Belgium -(Crommelin, Archives Neérlandaises). The bird, therefore, like the -_Phyllopneuste borealis_ (_P. kennicotti_, Baird) and _Motacilla flava_, -is to be considered as Siberian, straggling to continental Alaska in the -summer season. - -=Chrysomitris psaltria= (I, 474). See Am. Journ. of Science and Arts, -Vol. IV, December, 1872, for a special paper upon the races of this -species and their relation to climatic regions. - -=Chrysomitris psaltria=, var. =arizonæ= (I, 476). On the 7th of May, -1872, Dr. Cooper saw a single specimen (male), which he had no doubt was -of this bird, at Encinetos Ranch, thirty miles north of San Diego. It -was feeding with other species among dry sunflowers. He also saw another -near San Buenaventura in January, 1873. - -=Loxia “leucoptera=, var.” =bifasciata= (I, 483). At the time when the -synopsis of the species of this genus was prepared, we had not seen any -specimens of the European White-winged Crossbill. A recent examination -of specimens from Sweden has convinced us, however, that the species -is entirely distinct from _leucoptera_, and more nearly related to -_curvirostra_, with the several forms of which it agrees quite closely -in the details of form and proportions, as well as in tints, with the -exception of the markings of the wing. - -=Leucosticte tephrocotis= (I, 504). The specimens collected by Mr. Allen -in Colorado, mentioned in the foot-note on page 505, and there said to -be the summer dress of _L. tephrocotis_, we now believe to be a distinct -form, which may be named var. _australis_, ALLEN, characterized as -follows:— - - _Leucosticte tephrocotis_, var. _australis_, ALLEN, MSS. _Leucosticte - tephrocotis_, ALLEN, Am. Nat. VI, No. 5, May, 1872.—IB. Bull. Mus. - Comp. Zoöl. Vol. III, No. 6, pp. 121, 162. - -CHAR. Similar to var. _tephrocotis_, but without any gray on the head, -the red of the abdomen and wing-coverts bright carmine, instead of -dilute rose-color, and the bill deep black, instead of yellow tipped -with dusky. Prevailing color raw-umber (more earthy than in var. -_tephrocotis_), becoming darker on the head and approaching to black on -the forehead. Nasal tufts white. Wings and tail dusky, the secondaries -and primaries skirted with paler; lesser and middle wing-coverts and -tail-coverts, above and below, broadly tipped with rosy carmine, -producing nearly uniform patches; abdominal region with the feathers -broadly tipped with deep carmine or intense crimson, this covering -nearly uniformly the whole surface. Bill and feet deep black. - -_Male_ (No. 15,724, Mus. C. Z., Mt. Lincoln, Colorado, July 25, 1871; -J. A. Allen). Wing, 4.20; tail, 3.10; culmen, .45; tarsus, .70; middle -toe, .60. - -_Female_ (Mt. Lincoln, July 25; J. A. Allen). Wing, 4.00; tail, 3.00. -Colors paler and duller, the red almost obsolete. - -_Hab._ Breeding on Mt. Lincoln, Colorado, above the timber-line, at an -altitude of about 12,000 feet. (July, 1872, J. A. Allen.) - -Since the descriptions of the several stages of _L. tephrocotis_ were -cast, we have received from Mr. H. W. Elliott—Assistant Agent of the -United States Treasury Department, stationed at St. Paul’s Island, -Alaska, an accomplished and energetic collector—numerous specimens of -_L. griseinucha_ in the breeding plumage. The fact that these specimens -have the gray of the head as well defined as do examples in the winter -plumage, while the red is at the same time much intensified, induces -us to modify our views expressed on pages 504, 505, in regard to Mr. -Allen’s Colorado specimens, and to regard them as representing a race -which must have the head dusky _at all seasons_, and _not_ a seasonal -phase of var. _tephrocotis_. The winter plumage probably differs from -that described above only in the red being of a soft, rather dilute, -rosy tint, instead of a harsh bright carmine; the bill is also probably -yellow in winter, since in the breeding specimens of _griseinucha_ from -Alaska the bill is black, while in winter examples it is yellow, with -only the point dusky. - -A series of seven fine specimens sent in by Mr. J. H. Batty, the -naturalist of Dr. Hayden’s expedition, confirm the validity of this -form, and even so much as suggest to us the possibility of its -eventually proving a distinct species, more nearly related to _L. -brunneinucha_ than to _L. tephrocotis_. They were collected on some one -of the high peaks of Colorado, but as Mr. Batty’s notes have not come -to hand we cannot tell which. The specimens are all males, and resemble -Mr. Allen’s specimens, except that they are perhaps more highly colored. -They all have the _throat_ tinged with carmine, and in some the tinge is -very deep,—on one extending over the whole breast and throat, up to the -cheeks and bill. We hope to learn soon from Mr. Batty some interesting -details regarding this series. - -=Centronyx bairdi= (I, 531). The past year has been a remarkably -fortunate one for our knowledge of this species, and, owing to the -investigations of Mr. C. E. Aiken, Dr. Coues, and Mr. H. W. Henshaw, -it cannot now be classed among the rare birds of our country; the -total number of specimens collected by these gentlemen amounting to -more than one hundred. The first example—the second one then known—was -collected by Mr. Aiken in El Paso County, Colorado, October 9, 1872, -and, being in the soft autumnal plumage, appeared to be so distinct -from the type that, after a careful comparison of the two specimens, -Mr. Ridgway wrote Mr. Aiken that it was in his opinion different, and -accompanied his letter by a comparative diagnosis of the two supposed -species. The Colorado specimen was then described in the American -Naturalist (Vol. VII, April, 1873, p. 236) as _Centronyx ochrocephalus_, -AIKEN. On the 6th of May, 1873, Mr. Aiken obtained another specimen at -the same locality; and this one, being forwarded to Mr. Ridgway for -comparison, proved to be so decidedly intermediate between the types of -_C. bairdi_ and _C._ “_ochrocephalus_” that they immediately suggested -the probability of their being seasonal stages of one species,—_C. -bairdi_ representing the very faded and much abraded midsummer dress; -_C. ochrocephalus_ being the autumnal dress, probably of a young bird, -with the pattern of coloration distinct, and the colors soft and deep; -and the May specimen the spring plumage, just intermediate between the -two others. - -During the past summer (1873) Dr. Coues collected about seventy -specimens along the northern border of Dakota, from just west of the -Pembina Mountains to the second crossing of the Mouse River. They -frequented the open prairie exclusively, associating in vast numbers -with _Neocorys spraguei_ and _Plectrophanes ornatus_, these three being -the most abundant and characteristic birds of the prairie. By the middle -of July young birds were already observed; and, equally young ones -being taken in the middle of August, it is presumed that two broods -were raised. The splendid suite of specimens brought in by Dr. Coues -comprises both adult and young birds. Of the former, many examples -exactly match Audubon’s type, while others approach very closely Mr. -Aiken’s specimen in the spring plumage. The young, however, are in a -plumage entirely new. We give below descriptions of the several stages -of plumage:— - -_Adult male in spring_ (No. 2,141, Mus. R. R., El Paso County, Colorado, -May 6, 1873; C. E. Aiken). Ground-color of the head deep buff, growing -paler toward the throat, which is white; crown sharply streaked with -deep black, the streaks aggregated laterally so as to form two broken -stripes; a cuneate speck of black at the post-superior corner of the -auriculars; maxillary stripe deep buff, bounded above and below by -continuous stripes of black,—one from the rictus along lower edge of -cheeks, the other from side of chin down side of throat. Above pale -hair-brown, the feathers paler, or brownish-white, externally, and -brownish-black centrally. Beneath white, tinged with buff across the -jugulum, where thickly marked with cuneate streaks of deep black; sides -sparsely streaked, the streaks more brown. “Legs and lower mandible -flesh-color; upper mandible horn-color; toes and claws dusky. Length, -5.62; extent, 9.04.” Wing, 2.80; tail, 2.15; culmen, .45; tarsus, .80; -middle toe, .60. - -_Adult female in summer_, exactly similar, but rather smaller, and the -colors duller and paler. - -_Young, in first plumage._ Similar in general appearance to the adult in -fall plumage, but the markings more suffused. All the contour feathers -of the dorsal surface sharply bordered terminally and laterally with -white; streaks on the breast heavier and shorter. - -_Adult male in autumn_ (No. 1,113, Mus. C. E. A., El Paso County, -Colorado, October 9, 1872).[118] Ground-color of the head deep -ochraceous, deepest on the middle of the crown, and gradually fading to -buffy-white on the throat; feathers of the crown with broad, deep black -medial streaks, these narrower toward the middle, forming two lateral -broadly black-streaked areas, with an intervening, badly defined, -deep-ochraceous, narrowly streaked stripe. A distinct black spot behind -the upper posterior corner of the auriculars; a smaller one at the -middle of their posterior edge, and two black streaks bordering the -light-ochraceous maxillary stripe,—a narrow one from the rictus along -the lower edge of the deeply ochraceous ear-coverts and suborbital -region, and a heavy “bridle” on each side of the throat. Lower parts -buffy-white, fading into nearly pure white posteriorly; jugulum crossed -by a series of heavy cuneate deep-black streaks, these continuing -backward along the sides, but becoming reddish on the flanks; tibiæ -brownish-gray. Neck, laterally and posteriorly, light ochraceous-yellow, -each feather with a sharply defined medial streak of black. Dorsal -feathers deep black centrally, then hair-brown (not reddish), and -broadly bordered with white, both laterally and terminally. Rump and -upper tail-coverts reddish hair-brown, each feather broadly bordered -with buffy-white and with a black shaft-streak. General aspect of the -wings grayish-pinkish ochraceous, the feathers all blackish centrally; -outer web of outer primary pure white. Tail-feathers black, skirted with -whitish ashy-ochraceous, this becoming pure white on the lateral pair of -feathers, the exterior of which is pale gray centrally. Lining of wing -immaculate pure white. - -Wing, 3.00; tail, 2.40; culmen, .45; depth of bill, .23; tarsus, .85; -middle toe, .63; lateral toes, .20 shorter; hind toe, .35. End of the -wing formed by the four outer quills, of which the second and third -are equal and longest, the first and fourth equal and just appreciably -shorter; tertials considerably longer than the secondaries, and only .20 -shorter than the longest primaries. Tail deeply emarginated (fork .20 -deep), the lateral feathers longest. - -The following measurements of about thirty fresh specimens, kindly -furnished us by Dr. Coues, indicate the normal variation in size: “The -males range from 5.10 to 5.85 in length, by 9.10 to 9.85 in extent, -averaging about 5.65 by 9.50. The shortest-winged specimen was a female, -expanding 8.85, though measuring 5.50 in length; the wing ordinarily -ranged from 2.75 to 3.00.” - -Dr. Coues also furnishes the following account of the habits of this -species, which we print _verbatim_:— - -“Out of thirty-one specimens collected July 14 and 15, twenty-nine were -males, one female, and one young. This remarkable preponderance of males -collected was owing to the fact that these attracted my attention as -they sat singing on the tops of the weeds and low bushes; the females -being probably down in the grass, incubating, or attending to their -young,—at any rate not singing. In general appearance and manners they -were so similar to Savanna Sparrows (_Passerculus savanna_) with which -they were here associated, that they could only be distinguished at -gunshot range after several days’ close observation. The song resembles -that of the Savanna Sparrow, but may soon be learned; it consists of two -or three chirps and an indefinite trill—_zip, zip, zip, zurrrrrrr_—in -a mellow tinkling tone. The birds rise from the grass with a quick -flickering flight, seldom going far before re-alighting. They remain in -this portion of the country at least until October. Though scattered -over the prairie, they tend to gather in little colonies; that is to -say, one might ride a mile or so without seeing any, and then find -numbers in the same spot. After leaving the prairie included in the -bend of the Souris River, none were seen on the Coteau de Missouri; -though this may have been owing to the lateness of the season. Late in -July I scared a female off her nest on the prairie: the bird ran slyly -through the grass, like a mouse, for some distance, before taking wing; -her actions being like those of _Plectrophanes ornatus_ under similar -circumstances. Unfortunately, however, the nest was not found; but it -will almost certainly be found to be built upon the ground, like that of -_Poocætes_, _Passerculus_, and other allies.” - -We learn by letter (dated October 7, 1873) from Mr. H. W. Henshaw, the -naturalist of Lieutenant Wheeler’s expedition, that he has obtained -(somewhere along the line of their route, apparently in New Mexico, -but the locality is not mentioned) about thirty specimens of what he -supposes to be this bird in the fall plumage. In regard to their habits, -Mr. Henshaw writes as follows: “It is essentially a plain bird, with -habits about half-way between those of the Savanna and Yellow-winged -Sparrows, both of which were abundant in the same locality.” - -=Plectrophanes ornatus= (I, 520). The abundant material brought in -by recent collectors, among whom we may mention particularly Mr. -Allen (see Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl. III, No. 6, p. 135) and Dr. Coues, -throws additional light upon the relationship of this species and -_P._ “_melanomus_” (I, 521), and affords conclusive evidence of their -identity. The latter is merely a high stage of plumage, with the lesser -coverts deep black, instead of brown as in midsummer, and rufous borders -to the black feathers of the lower parts, which become worn off in -midsummer. - -=Passerculus alaudinus= (I, 537). Dr. Cooper informs me that in July, -1873, he found young but fully fledged birds of this species quite -common along the beach near Santa Barbara, and where, possibly, they -may have been mistaken by Dr. Heermann for _P. rostratus_. One he shot -closely resembled in plumage the young _Melospiza heermanni_. They had -been, without doubt, hatched on the grassy hills near by, and may breed -farther south on the mountains. _P. anthinus_ was numerous all summer in -the neighboring marshes, but not away from salt water. - -=Passerculus princeps= (I, 540). Additional specimens collected at -Ipswich, Mass., by Mr. Maynard, and on Long Island by Mr. Lawrence, -confirm the validity of this form, and likewise considerably extend its -known range. - -=Coturniculus passerinus=, var. =perpallidus= (I, 556). First described -in Coues’s Key, October, 1872, p. 137. - -=Coturniculus lecontei= (I, 558). Seven specimens of this interesting -species were collected in August, 1873, by Dr. Coues, while attached -to the Northern Boundary Survey. Five of them were obtained August 9, -at the head-waters of the Souris River, on a boundless prairie. They -inhabited the low portions of the prairie, where the grass was tall, -recalling to mind the sea-shore marshes inhabited by the _Ammodromi_ -of the Atlantic coast. In habits they entirely resembled the seaside -Buntings (_A. caudacutus_ and _A. maritimus_). - -These specimens reveal the fact that Leconte’s Bunting is quite as much -an _Ammodromus_ as a _Coturniculus_, being, in fact, just intermediate -between _A. caudacutus_ and _C. henslowi_, agreeing most nearly with -the latter in style of coloration, and exactly resembling the former in -form, the rectrices being even longer, stiffer, and more acute. This -renders it necessary to unite _Ammodromus_ and _Coturniculus_ into one -genus, recognizing them as subgenera, definable chiefly by the different -style of coloration of the superior surface in the two groups. The name -_Ammodromus_ stands as the proper designation of the genus, being of -earlier date. - -Several stages of plumage are represented in the series obtained by Dr. -Coues; and, the diagnosis of the species given on p. 552 being taken -from a very defective specimen, we give here short descriptions taken -from the elegant skins before us. - -_Adult male_ (No. 3,442, Coll. E. C.). Ground-color of the head white, -tinged with buff on the maxillæ, and with ash on the auriculars; crown -with two broad black stripes, separated by a narrow medial one of -whitish; nuchal feathers bright rufous, edged with ashy-white, and -shafted with black; dorsal feathers black, broadly edged exteriorly with -white, and interiorly narrowly skirted with rufous. Beneath entirely -white, tinged on the throat with buff, and streaked on the sides—from -the breast to the flanks—with black. Length, 5.00; extent, 7.10; wing, -2.10; tail, 2.00; culmen, .42; tarsus, .68. - -_Adult female_ (No. 3,443, E. C.). Resembling the male, but, being in -less abraded plumage, the colors more pronounced. The head is deep -buff (just as in _Ammodromus caudacutus_), the auriculars and lores -distinctly grayish-white, and the medial stripe of the crown ashy-white, -except the anterior third, which is buff. On the lower parts, the whole -lower side of the head, the entire breast, sides, flanks, and tibiæ, -are deep buff, the sides sharply streaked with black. The abdomen, anal -region, and crissum are pure white, in marked contrast. Length, 5.00; -extent, 7.00; wing, 2.00; tail, 2.10; culmen, .45; tarsus, .70. - -_Young_ (Nos. 3,444, 3,445, and 3,446, E. C.). Ground-color above -dull buff, below white; the pattern of the old birds seen in the -markings, which, however, are pure black, all red and brown tints being -absent,—except on the wings and tail, which are nearly as in the adult. - -=Ammodromus maritimus= (I, 560). Mr. Maynard has discovered a very -remarkable new local form of this species in Florida, which he has named -var. _nigrescens_, possessing the following characters:— - - _Ammodromus maritimus_, var. _nigrescens_, RIDGWAY. - -CHAR. Above black, nearly uniform, and with a faint brownish cast; -dorsal feathers with their outer edges narrowly grayish-white; remiges -and tail-feathers edged with olive-brown; edge of the wing bright -gamboge-yellow; supra-loral stripe deep yellow to above the middle of -the eye; an obscure supra-auricular stripe of olive-grayish. Lores, -auriculars, and cheeks nearly uniform black; lower parts pure white, -covered with broad streaks of black, the anal region and middle line of -the throat only unstreaked. Wing, 2.40; tail, 2.50; culmen, .55; tarsus, -.95; middle toe, .55. (1855, Coll. R. R.) - -Specimens of var. _maritimus_ from Fort Macon, North Carolina, are much -darker than Connecticut examples. - -=Zonotrichia leucophrys=, var. =gambeli= (I, 569). Specimens from the -Pacific Coast, which are true _gambeli_, are uniformly different from -Middle Province examples in several important particulars; the colors -are all darker, the ash more sombre, and the dorsal streaks sooty-black -instead of chestnut-brown. In everything except the coloration of the -head they closely resemble _Z. coronata_. The Middle Province form may -be named _Zonotrichia leucophrys_, var. _intermedia_, Ridgway. - -=Junco= (I, 578). For a new synopsis of the genus, see Am. Nat. VII, -October, 1873, p. 613. - -=Junco hyemalis=, var. =aikeni= (I, 584). First described in Am. Nat. -VII, October, 1873, p. 615. - -=Junco oregonus= (I, 584). Dr. Cooper writes that the Oregon Snowbird -frequents the Sierra Nevada, lat. 39°, up to an elevation of 9,000 feet. -He found a nest with three eggs at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, -July 28, 1870. - -=Poospiza belli= (I, 593). A fall specimen from Dr. Cooper, collected at -Saticoy, California, October 8, 1872, shows a new plumage of this form, -and substantiates the remarkable difference, in every stage of plumage, -from var. _nevadensis_ (I, 594). It differs from specimens of the latter -in the corresponding dress, in the following particulars:— - -Sub-maxillary bridle deep black, very broad, and reaching to the bill; -pectoral spot conspicuous, black; sides strongly washed with ochraceous; -above dark plumbeous instead of light ash; no trace of streaks on the -back. Wing, 2.80; tail, 3.00; culmen, .40; tarsus, .80. (No. 63,652, -Mus. S. I.) - -=Spizella monticola= (II, 3). Collected by Henshaw in Southern Utah, in -October, 1872. Probably found throughout the Middle Province region. - -=Spizella socialis= (II, 7). Dr. Cooper informs us that the Chipping -Sparrow frequents the Sierra Nevada, near latitude 39°, up to 9,000 feet -elevation, in summer, and is the only species of Spizella to be seen -there at that season. - -=Spizella pallida=, var. =breweri= (II, 13). Dr. Cooper met with -this species arriving from the South, in small flocks, April, 1873, -frequenting bushy grounds ten miles inland. They had the song and habits -as described, but were not seen in the low country in summer. - -=Melospiza lincolni= (II, 31). Dr Cooper writes that in July, 1870, -he found this species numerous at and near the summit of the Central -Railroad in an elevation of from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. They were always -about marshy thickets, often close to fields of perpetual snow. They had -there raised their young, which were mostly fledged. He found a nest -with one egg on the ground. As he found this July 27, he thinks that -without doubt it raises two broods in a season even in that subalpine -region. The song he found quite different from that of the other -_Melospizæ_, being fainter, more lively and continuous, like that of -some Wren or Warbler. - -=Melospiza palustris= (II, 34). Collected in Southern Utah (Washington), -October 23, 1872, by Mr. Henshaw. (Mus. S. I., No. 63,500.) - -=Peucæa æstivalis=, var. =arizonæ= (II, 41). First described in Am. Nat. -VII, October, 1873, p. 616. - -=Peucæa carpalis.= An additional species of _Peucæa_ has been discovered -in Arizona by that diligent collector, Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles -Bendire, U. S. A. It has been described (Am. Nat. VII, June, 1873, p. -322) by Dr. Coues as _Peucæa carpalis_. Its characters are as follows:— - - _Peucæa carpalis_, COUES. Rufous-shouldered Sparrow. - -SP. CHAR. Resembling in general appearance a large _Spizella -pusilla_, but with rufous lesser wing-coverts, and blackish rictal -and infra-maxillary streaks. Above grayish earth-brown, each feather -with the medial portion dusky, forming conspicuous black streaks on -the dorsal region, and dusky centres to the wing-coverts and tertials. -Nape and rump plain, and more ashy. Crown and lesser wing-coverts plain -rufous, the former divided anteriorly with a whitish medial line. -Beneath ashy-white, including a well-defined superciliary and maxillary -stripe, which have a slight buffy tinge. Throat nearly pure white, -bordered on each side by a conspicuous narrow streak of black; whitish -maxillary stripe bordered above by a dusky rictal streak. Bill reddish, -darker on the culmen. Tarsi dilute brown; toes horn-brown. Wing, 2.50; -tail, 2.75; culmen, .45; tarsus, .80; middle toe, .55. - -_Hab._ Tucson, Arizona. (No. 62,372. September, 1872, Captain C. -Bendire, U. S. A.) - -Another specimen, supposed to be a female, in winter plumage (Tucson, -January 10, 1873) differs quite appreciably in its markings and colors. -The crown is more streaked, every feather being edged laterally with -ashy-gray; the blackish streaks on the back and scapulars are more -distinct, and the inner web of the lateral tail-feather is broadly -bordered with white terminally. It measures, wing, 2.50; tail, 2.90; -culmen, .45; tarsus, .70. “Length, 5.75; stretch, 7.80.” - -Captain Bendire informs me that he found this species rather common in -the vicinity of Tucson. It was generally seen in company with _Poospiza -bilineata_. Its usual call-note resembled the syllables _zib-zib-zib_. -He believed it to be a resident of Arizona throughout the year. It -commences nesting early in June, generally building in the small -mesquite bushes, sometimes not over six inches, seldom more than four -feet, from the ground. The nests are composed of fine dry grasses and -rootlets, and lined with the fine, slender seed-tops of the secatow or -rye-grass, and sometimes with a few hairs. The nest is very deep, and -is firmly fixed into a fork of the bush in which it is built. The eggs, -when fresh, are of a pale green color, and average .73 of an inch in -length by .58 in breadth, are unspotted, are generally four, seldom -five, in a nest. One nest with four eggs was found September 11, 1872. - -=Passerella= (II, 49). The capture of a specimen exactly intermediate -between _P. iliaca_ and _P. townsendii_, at Saticoy, California, -December 14, 1872, by Dr. Cooper, renders it extremely probable that all -the known forms of this genus are but geographical races of one species. -The characters of this specimen (No. 63,651) are as follows: Most like -_iliaca_ in reddish tints and coloration of the head, with occasional -nearly pure ashy lights, but with the suffused pattern of _townsendii_. -Wing, 3.60; tail, 3.60; culmen, .50; tarsus, 1.00. - -=Passerella megarhynchus= (II, 57). Dr. Cooper found this species common -between 5,000 and 7,000 feet elevation, on the Central Pacific Railroad -line, where most of the country was still covered with snow. One or -two were to be found in every thicket at distances of a quarter of a -mile, already paired and having selected their summer residence, having -remained in close proximity to the snowy region all winter. In July, -on a second visit to the mountains, he observed them still singing -occasionally, at Truckee, near 6,000 feet altitude, on the east slope. - -=Euspiza americana= (II, 65). According to Mr. Allen this species is -abundant at Denver, Colorado, being found entirely across the Plains to -the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. - -=Guiraca cærulea= (II, 77). Has been obtained in El Paso County, -Colorado, by Mr. Aiken. - -=Cardinalis virginianus=, var. =igneus= (II, 103). Has been found in El -Paso County, Colorado. Specimens from Eastern Kansas, collected by Mr. -Allen, seem also to be referrible to this form. - -=Pipilo erythropthalmus= (II, 109). Specimens collected by Dr. Coues -at Pembina, Minnesota, in June, 1873, have (both males and females) a -greater or less number of minute white specks more or less distinctly -indicated on the portion where the large white spots of the western -forms are located. This points to the probability that all the black -races ranged in the synopsis under _maculatus_ (including the latter -itself) must be referred to _erythropthalmus_. - -=Pipilo mesoleucus= (II, 125). Captain Bendire found this species -breeding in Southern Arizona, in the neighborhood of Tucson. One nest -was found August 2, another September 4, 1872. Both were built in -mesquite-trees, and were six feet from the ground,—an unusual position -in birds of this family. The eggs are also peculiar, and differ from any -of this genus I have ever met with, having more resemblance to eggs of -_Sturnellæ_, especially to the _militaris_ of South America. The eggs -from one nest are one inch in length by .73 in breadth, have a bright -white ground, with a slight tinge of bluish, and are boldly plashed, -especially around the larger end, with distinct deep dashes of reddish -and purplish brown. A few of these blotches are scattered irregularly -over the entire egg, but the greater portion are grouped around the more -obtuse end. The eggs are of oval shape, both ends rounded, one slightly -less than the other. The eggs in another nest are more nearly spherical, -with less difference in the ends; the ground-color is more distinctly -white; the spots, of reddish-brown, are finer and more concentrated -about the larger end; and the faint markings of purplish are much more -numerous. These measure .74 by .90 of an inch. - -This species has also been found resident in El Paso County, Colorado, -by Mr. Aiken. - -=Pipilo aberti= (II, 128). Captain Bendire found this species breeding -abundantly in the vicinity of Tucson, in Southern Arizona. The nests -were not on the ground, as is usual among the more northern forms of -Pipilos, but in trees and in bushes at the height of several feet -from the ground. One nest was taken July 28, in a small ash-tree, and -another was found on the same day in a willow-tree, more than eight -feet from the ground. The eggs bear a close resemblance to those of -_Pipilo fuscus_ and to those of _P. albigula_, having a ground-color of -very light blue, marked almost exclusively around the larger end with -a wreath of irregular blotches of dark purplish-brown. They are of a -rounded oval shape, are quite obtuse at one end, and vary in length from -.97 of an inch to .88, and in breadth from .76 to .75. - -=Pipilo chlorurus= (II, 131). Dr. Cooper met with none of this species -in the Sierra Nevada between 3,000 and 7,000 feet elevation in April, -1870, when they were leisurely working their way up from the lower -country; but in July he found them from Truckee, 6,000 feet on the east -slope, up to the summit, 7,000 feet, but not higher. They were then -feeding half-grown young. Dr. Albert Kellogg found a nest on the ground, -with four eggs, spotted near the larger end on a bluish ground. The -males were still singing occasionally and very melodiously, and had the -same cry of alarm or anger as the _Pipilo erythropthalmus_. Dr. Cooper -also met with this species at Clear Lake, near the end of September, -showing that they probably breed in the northern Coast Range. - -=Dolichonyx oryzivorus= (II, 149). Specimens from every portion of the -Plains, and west to the Great Basin, have the black intenser and more -continuous, the nuchal patch clear ochraceous-white, the scapulars and -rump unshaded white, and the white of the back confined to a median -line. The bill and feet are also jet-black, instead of horn-color. They -constitute var. _albinucha_, Ridgway. - -=Icterus cucullatus= (II, 193). Except in the materials, which -difference may be more local than specific, the nests of this species -are hardly distinguishable from those of _I. spurius_. A nest from -Cape St. Lucas (S. I. No. 4,954), collected May, 1860, by Mr. Xantus, -is basket-shaped and pendulous, suspended on two sides to the numerous -twigs of each fork of a drooping branch. In structure it is exactly -like that of _I. spurius_, and is composed of dry wiry grasses, lined -scantily with vegetable down. The length is six inches, lower side of -aperture only two and a half inches from the bottom. Another (S. I. No. -1,940) taken May 20, 1859, at San José, Lower California, by Mr. Xantus, -is a very elaborately wrought basket-shaped nest. The circumference of -the circular rim is much less than the greatest girth of the nest. The -lower walls and base of the nest are very thick. The whole is composed -of fine wiry grasses and scantily lined with vegetable down and soft -flaxy fibres. The external diameter is 5.00 inches, the internal 2.10, -height about 3.00, and the depth of the cavity 2.80. - -Captain Charles Bendire met with this species in Southern Arizona. It -was first noticed by him on the 15th of April, but he thinks they had -arrived nearly ten days previously, and that the date of their coming -may be given as during the first week of April. He describes it as a -shy, active, and restless bird, generally frequenting the extreme tops -of the tallest cottonwood-trees near the borders of the watercourses, -which, however, are usually dry. There the bird flutters through the -dense foliage in search of insects, and is scarcely ever seen for more -than an instant at a time. It commences building about the first of -June. The nest is suspended from the extremities of the lower branches -of an ash, walnut, mesquite, or cottonwood tree, and is exclusively -composed of fine wire-like grasses, which are made use of while green -and pliable, and sparsely lined with the silky fibres of a species of -_Asclepias_. These grasses are interlaced in such a complicated manner -as to form, even when dry, a very strong structure. The dimensions -of a nest are: Inner diameter, three inches; inside depth the same; -outside from five and a half to four inches wide and about four deep. -The eggs are from two to four in number, usually three, are of a pale -bluish-white ground, spotted with dark lilac and umber-brown about the -larger end. The largest eggs measure one inch by .64. Captain Bendire -adds that he cannot regard this Oriole as a fine singer. Besides a usual -chattering note resembling the syllables _char-char-char_, frequently -repeated, it has a call-note something like _hui-wit_, which is also -several times repeated. - -=Icterus baltimore= (II, 195). Extends its range westward to the Rocky -Mountains. Collected in El Paso County, Colorado, by Mr. Aiken. - -=Icterus bullockii= (II, 199). Extends eastward to Eastern Kansas, where -it is not uncommon. (See Snow’s Catalogue of the Birds of Kansas, 1873.) - -=Corvus cryptoleucus= (II, 242). According to Mr. Aiken this species is -abundant, and nearly replaces _C. carnivorus_ along the eastern base of -the Rocky Mountains, as far north as Cheyenne. - -Captain Bendire found this a resident species in Southern Arizona, and -met with two nests at the base of the St. Catharine Mountains, near -Tucson. One of these contained three, the other four eggs. These he -described as very light colored, so pale that if mixed with hundreds -of others of this family they could be picked out without difficulty. -Their ground-color is said to be a very pale green, with darker markings -running more into lines than spots; in fact, very few spots were found -on either set. The size of the largest was 1.85 inches by 1.33, that -of the largest 1.70 by 1.19. They were not common in the vicinity of -Tucson. - -=Cyanura= (II, 271). For a special treatment of the races of _C. -stelleri_, see Am. Journ. Science and Arts, January, 1873. - -=Cyanocitta californica= (II, 298). Dr. Cooper has ascertained that -this species does occur on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, but -lower down than the region he visited in 1863. He found a few at Verdi, -close to the eastern boundary-line of California, at about 4,500 feet -elevation, in July, 1870. He saw none elsewhere. - -=Tyrannus vociferans= (II, 327). Captain Bendire writes that this -species arrives in the neighborhood of Tucson about the middle of April, -but does not commence nesting until the middle of June. All the nests he -found were difficult to get at, being generally placed on a branch of -a large cottonwood-tree, and at a distance from the trunk. The nest is -described as very large for the size of the bird, composed of sticks, -weeds, dry grasses, and lined with hair, wool, and the inner soft fibres -of bark of the cottonwood. The usual complement of eggs is three, seldom -four. They measure from 1.00 by .75 to 1.10 by .80 of an inch, are of -a creamy-white color, with large isolated spots of a reddish-brown, -scattered principally about the larger end. - -=Myiarchus= (II, 329). For a discussion of the races of _M. lawrencii_ -considered in their relation to climatic color-variation, see Am. Journ. -Science and Arts, December, 1872. - -=Sayornis= (II, 339). The outlines of species of _Sayornis_ given below -are additional to those already published. - -=Empidonax brunneus= (II, 363). Specimens in the collection of the -Boston Society bear the MSS. name of _E. olivus_. But we cannot find a -reference to this name. - -=Empidonax minimus= (II, 372). Has been collected in El Paso County, -Colorado, by Mr. Aiken. - -[Illustration: =7226= ♂ - -_Sayornis sayus._] - -[Illustration: =2707= - -_Sayornis fuscus._] - -[Illustration: =10028= ♀ - -_Sayornis nigricans._] - -=Empidonax obscurus= (II, 381). Dr. Cooper found a few of this species -wintering in a large grove of balsam, poplars, and willows, which -retained most of their old leaves till spring, near San Buenaventura. -Those shot were remarkably gray, and were supposed to have been blown -down from the borders of the desert by the violent northeast-wind. - -=Pyrocephalus mexicanus= (II, 387). Captain Bendire found the Red -Flycatcher quite abundant in Southern Arizona, where they breed as -early as April. They were most common in the neighborhood of Reledo -Creek, near Tucson, and were generally found in the neighborhood of -water. Their nests were in various situations, in one instance in a -cottonwood-tree thirty feet from the ground, in another in the forks -of a mesquite not more than ten feet from the ground. The nests were -small, slight, and loosely made, and not readily preserved. They were -made externally of twigs, fine bark, stems of plants, etc., and lined -with hair and feathers. The usual number of eggs was three, and never -more. Except in size these bear a close resemblance to the eggs of -_Milvulus forficatus_. Their ground is a rich cream-color, to which the -deep purplish-brown markings with which they are blotched imparts a -slight tinge of red. These markings are few, bold, and conspicuous, and -encircle the larger end with an almost continuous ring. In shape they -are of a roundish oval, and measure .66 of an inch in length by .55 in -breadth. The nest and eggs of this species were also obtained at Cape -St. Lucas by Mr. John Xantus, and the eggs correspond. Dr. Cooper found -two male birds of this species in a grove near the mouth of the Santa -Clara River, six miles from San Buenaventura, in October, 1872. They -had obtained their perfect plumage, but seemed to be young birds. They -hunted insects much like a _Sayornis_, and uttered only a faint chirp. - -=Chordeiles popetue=, var. =minor= (II, 400). Specimens from Miami, -Florida, collected by Mr. Maynard, agree very nearly with typical -examples of var. _minor_ from Cuba, both in size and color, and should -possibly be referred to that race. A male (7,414, Mus. C. J. M.) -measures: wing, 7.00; tail, 4.15. The colors are those of var. -_popetue_, with less rufous than in the single specimen of _minor_ with -which it has been compared. - -=Chordeiles texensis= (II, 406). Dr. Cooper shot a single specimen of -this species near San Buenaventura, April 18, 1873. - -=Antrostomus carolinensis= (II, 410). This species has been detected by -Mr. Ridgway in Southern Illinois (Wabash County), where it is a rare -summer sojourner. - -=Panyptila melanoleuca= (II, 424). Dr. Cooper saw many of this species -in the cañon of Santa Anna, flying about inaccessible cliffs of -sandstone, where they doubtless had nests, May 20. He saw also them near -San Buenaventura, August 25, when they came down to the valley from -the sandstone cliffs ten miles distant. They afterwards hunted insects -almost daily near the coast, flying high during the calm morning, but -when there were sea-breezes flying low and against it. After a month -they disappeared, and none were seen until December 14, when they were -again seen until the 20th. None were seen during the rains, or until -February 26, when they reappeared, and after April 5 they retired to the -mountains. - -=Nephœcetes niger= (II, 429). Dr. Cooper informs us that a fine specimen -of this rare bird was taken at San Francisco in the spring of 1870, and -brought to Mr. F. Gruber. It had, from some cause, been driven to alight -on the ground, from which it was not able to rise, and was taken alive. -The exact date was not noted. - -=Chætura vauxi= (II, 435). Dr. Cooper states that in the spring of 1873 -this Swift appeared as early as April 22 near San Buenaventura. The year -before he first saw them near San Diego on the 26th. - -=Geococcyx californianus= (II, 472). Has been found in El Paso County, -Colorado, by Mr. Aiken. - -=Picus gairdneri= (II, 512). Four eggs of this Woodpecker were taken by -Mr. William A. Cooper near Santa Cruz, Cal., from a hole in a tree, one -side of which was much decayed. Four is said to be the usual number of -their eggs, although five were found in one instance. The eggs resemble -those of _P. pubescens_, and measure .75 of an inch in length by .57 in -breadth. - -=Sphyropicus varius= (II, 539). Collected in El Paso County, Colorado, -by Mr. Aiken. - -=Centurus uropygialis= (II, 558). Captain Bendire found this Woodpecker -the most common of the family in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, where -it was resident throughout the year. Like nearly all of its kindred, -it is an exceedingly noisy bird. It appears to be a resident species -throughout the year in all the southern portions of the Territory. Its -favorite localities for nesting appear to be in the gigantic trunks of -the large _Cereus giganteus_, which plants are called by the natives -Suwarrows. These are easily excavated, and form a remarkably safe place -in which to rear their young ones, on account of the many thorns with -which these cacti are protected. Their eggs are usually four in number, -but sometimes are only two, and resemble those of all the other kinds -of Woodpeckers in their color and in their rounded oval shape. They -average .98 of an inch in length and .76 in breadth. Usually two, and -occasionally even three, broods are raised in a season. - -=Strix pratincola= (III, 13). Dr. Cooper informs us that, though most -of these Owls are resident in California south of latitude 35°, there -is a migration southward in fall from the north. Great numbers of them -appeared near San Buenaventura about October 20, 1872, for a few days, -and most of them went still farther southward. They return north about -the first of April. On the 12th of April he found a nest built four -feet up in a pepper-tree (_Schinus molle_), forming part of a hedge, -composed of coarse sticks, straws, and dry horse-dung inside, shallow -but strongly built, and containing two eggs. - -=Falconidæ= (III, 103). The following outlines of the _Falconidæ_ were -omitted in their proper places. - -[Illustration: - - =58983=, ♀. ½ - =58983=, ♀. ½ - -58983. _Falco richardsoni._] - -[Illustration: =58983=, ♀.] - -[Illustration: =43139=, ♀. ½ - -43139. _Falco gyrfalco_, var. _sacer_.] - -[Illustration: =5482=, ♀. ¼ - -5482. _Falco lanarius_, var. _polyagrus_.] - -[Illustration: =58983=, ♀.] - -=Chamæpelia passerina= (III, 389). Dr. Cooper states that an individual -of this species was killed by Mr. Lorquin at San Francisco, in May, -1870. Mr. Lorquin also obtained several at San Gabriel, Los Angeles -County, several years previous. - -=Tetrao obscurus= (III, 421). Dr. Cooper found this species in April, -1870, at the edge of the melting snow, near Cisco, about 6,000 feet -altitude. They were still more numerous at Emigrant Gap, 5,300 feet -altitude, where snow lay only in patches, and at Truckee, on the east -slope, where there was no snow, and where he found two of their eggs in -a deserted nest within sight of the town. In July he found them near -Verdi, near the State line. This is the limit of their range. They also -frequent the edge of perpetual snow, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, more -numerously than below. - -=Ortyx virginianus=, var. =floridanus= (III, 469, footnote). Specimens -from Miami, Fla., exhibit the peninsular extreme of this species. They -are altogether more like var. _cubanensis_ than like _virginianus_ -proper, yet they differ uniformly in such essential respects from the -Cuban form that they merit a distinctive name. The characteristic -features of this form are the following:— - -CHAR. Above, with dark bluish-gray prevailing, only the anterior -part of the back being washed, or mixed, with reddish; scapulars and -tertials quite conspicuously bordered with whitish. The whole gray -surface more or less mottled or barred with black. The head-stripes -are nearly uniformly black, with only a little rusty mixed in the -occiput; the black gular collar is much extended, encroaching on the -throat anteriorly, so as to leave only an inch, or less, of white, and -posteriorly invades the jugulum, so that there is more than an inch of -continuous black, and over this distance where black predominates. The -entire abdomen, anal region, and breast are heavily barred with black, -the black bars on the breast almost equalling the white ones in width. -The sides, flanks, and crissum are nearly uniform rufous, the feathers -of the former with white edges, broken by the extensions of the black -streak which runs inside the white, while the latter have heavy black -medial streaks and white terminal spaces. - -The female is similar, except in the color of the head, which is exactly -that of var. _texanus_. - -Wing, ♂, 4.30–4.40; ♀, 4.35. Culmen, .60–.65; tarsus, 1.15–1.20; middle -toe, 1.05–1.10. - -=Oreortyx pictus= (III, 475). Dr. Cooper found these birds already -paired near the summit of the Sierra Nevada, where the snow was but -half melted off, and they scarcely descended below the limits of the -snow in the coldest weather. In July he saw young birds just hatched -near Truckee, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This was on the 24th. On -the 28th another brood, a little older, was seen at the foot of Mt. -Stanford, about 8,000 feet above the sea. Most of the broods, however, -were nearly fledged at that time. Dr. Cooper also mentions that he -found this Quail not rare in the mountains east of San Diego above an -elevation of 3,800 feet. He thought, also, that he heard this bird in -the Santa Anna range east of Annaheim. It also exists in the Santa -Inez Mountains, sixteen miles east of San Buenaventura, at an altitude -of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. It seems to be confined to the zone of -coniferous trees, rarely if ever coming below them. Mr. Henshaw has -obtained this species at Apache, in Arizona. - -=Lophortyx gambeli= (III, 482). Captain Bendire found this Quail -breeding in the vicinity of Tucson, in Arizona, near Rillito Creek, -occasionally nesting in situations above the ground. One nest, seen June -7, 1872, contained three fresh eggs. It was two feet above the ground, -on a willow stump, and in an exposed place, near the creek. The nest -was composed of the leaves of the cottonwood-tree. In some instances he -found as many as eighteen eggs in one nest. These closely resemble the -eggs of the California Quail, so much so as to be hardly distinguishable -from them. They are all of a rounded oval shape, sharply tapering at -one end, and quite obtuse at the other. They measure 1.24 inches in -length by one inch in their largest breadth. Their ground-color varies -from a deep cream to a light drab. Some are sparingly marked with large -and well-defined spots, most of them circular in shape, and of a rich -purplish-brown color. In others the whole surface is closely sprinkled -with minute spots of yellowish-brown, intermingled with which are larger -spots of a dark purple. This species was obtained in Southern Utah by -Mr. Henshaw. - - -II. - -EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING THE EXTERNAL FORM OF BIRDS. - -[Illustration: ½ NAT. SIZE. - -_Turdus migratorius_, L.] - - -REFERENCES TO THE FIGURE. - -N. B. In the figure the adjacent regions are separated by a double bar, -with the letters belonging to each affixed. - - A. The body in general. - B. The region of the head. - C. The region of the neck. - D. The region of the trunk. - E. The region of the tail. - F. The region of the wings. - G. The region of the legs. - H. The feathers. - -NOTE.—I am under obligations to Professor Sundevall of Stockholm and Dr. -Sclater of London for assistance in correcting and improving the present -article.—S. F. BAIRD. - - -B. Head. - - 9. Bill in general. - 10. Maxilla. - 11. Mandible. - 20. Ridge. - 21. Tip of maxilla. - 22. Keel. - 23. Angle of chin. - 27. Angle of mouth. - 28. Commissure. - 28½. Nostrils. - 30. Cap (pileus), includes 32, 33. - 31. Crown (vertex). - 32. Front head (sinciput). - 33. Hind head (occiput). - 34. Forehead. - 36. Frontal points. - 39. Lores. - 40. Ophthalmic region. - 41. Orbits. - 42. Cheeks. - 43. Eyebrows. - 44. Temples. - 45. Parotics. - 46. Chin. - - -C. Neck. - - 48. Hind neck (includes 49, 50). - 49. Nape. - 50. Scruff. - 51. Fore neck (includes 52, 53). - 52. Throat. - 53. Jugulum. - 54. Side neck. - - -D. Trunk or Body. - - 57. Back (includes 58, 59). - 58. Upper back. - 59. Lower back. - 60. Rump. - 61. Mantle (back and wings together). - 62. Breast. - 63. Abdomen (includes 64, 65). - 64. Epigastrium. - 65. Belly. - 66. Crissum. - - -E. Tail. - - 70. Tail feathers (or rectrices). - 72. Upper tail coverts. - 73. Lower tail coverts. - - -F. Wings. - - 75. Primary quills. - 76. Secondary quills. - 77. Bend of wing. - 79. False wing (alula). - 80. Scapulars. - 86. Primary coverts. - 89. Secondary coverts (include 92, 93, 94). - 92. Greater wing coverts. - 93. Lesser wing coverts. - 94. Middle wing coverts. - 95. Edge of wing. - - -G. Legs. - - 97. Thigh (concealed under skin). - 98. Shin (tibia). - 103. Heel joint. - 103½. Tarsus. - 112. Foot. - 116. Toes. - 126. Outer toe. - 127. Inner toe. - 128. Middle toe. - 129. Hind toe. - -For the purpose of defining the form, markings, coloration, and other -peculiarities of birds, the different regions of the body have received -names by which intelligible reference can be made to any portion. It -is, perhaps, hardly necessary to say that all living birds have a head -supported on a neck, with jaws extended into a bill covered with a -horny sheath, or with skin, the two jaws situated one above the other, -and always destitute of teeth. The anterior pair of limbs is developed -into wings which, however, are not always capable of use in flight; the -posterior serve as legs for the support of the body in an oblique or -nearly erect position. The body is covered with feathers of variable -structure and character, both in the young bird and the old. (The wings -are apparently wanting in some fossil species.) - -The following terms, English and Latin, are those most generally -employed in describing the external form of birds, and are principally -as defined by Illiger. In cases where there is no suitable English word -in use, the Latin equivalent only is given. The figure selected for -illustration, drawn by Mr. R. Ridgway, is that of the common American -robin (_Turdus migratorius_, L.), and will be familiar to most students -of ornithology. - - -A. Body in General (_Corpus_). - - 1. =Feathers= (_Plumæ_). A dry elastic object, with a central stem at - one end forming a hollow horny tube implanted in the skin at its tip, - the other feathered on opposite sides. - - 2. =Quills= (_Pennæ_). The large stiff feathers implanted in the - posterior edge of the wing and in the tail. - - 3. =Plumage= (_Ptilosis_). The general feathery covering of the body. - - 4. =Unfeathered= (_Implumis_). A portion of skin in which no feathers -are inserted. - - 5. =Upper parts= (_Notæum_). The entire upper surface of the animal. - (Sometimes restricted to the trunk.) - - 6. =Lower parts= (_Gastræum_). The entire lower surface of the animal. - (Sometimes restricted to the trunk.) - - 7. =Anterior portion= (_Stethiæum_). The forward part of the body - (about half), both upper and under surfaces, including the chest. - - 8. =Posterior portion= (_Uræum_). The hinder portion of the body - (about half), including the abdominal cavity. - - -B. The Head (_Caput_). - - 9. =Bill= (_Rostrum_). The projecting jaws, one above the other, - united by a hinge joint behind, and covered by a horny sheath, or a - skin, and enclosing the mouth. - - 10. =Maxilla=, or =upper jaw= (_Maxilla_). - - 11. =Mandible=, or =lower jaw= (_Mandibula_). - - 12. =Ramphotheca.= The horny covering, or sheath of the jaws. - - 13. =Rhinotheca.= The covering of the upper jaw. - - 14. =Gnathotheca.= The covering of the lower jaw. - - 15. =Cere= (_Cera_, or _Ceroma_). A skin at the base of the - maxilla, in certain birds. (In birds without a horny sheath to the - bill, the cere may be considered as extending to its very tip.) - - 16. =Edges of bill= (_Tomia_). The margins of upper and lower jaws - where they come in contact. We have thus a - - 17. =Maxillary tomium=, and a - - 18. =Mandibular tomium.= - - 19. =Gape= or =Commissure= (_Commissura_). The junction of the - tomia, or of the two bills. - - 20. =Ridge= (_Culmen_). The upper outline of the bill when viewed - laterally; extending from base of bill to the - - 21. =Tip= (_Dertrum_). - - 22. =Keel= (_Gonys_). The lower outline of the bill viewed - laterally; extending from the angle of the chin to the tip. - - 23. =Angle of the chin= (_Angulus mentalis_). The point where the - two branches, or rami, of the lower jaw - - 24. (=Gnathidia=, _Rami_) unite, thence to be continued to its tip - as the - - 25. =Myxa= (_Symphysis_). - - 26. =Malar region= (_Regio malaris_). The outside of the base of - lower jaw; usually covered with feathers. - - 27. =Angle of the mouth= (_Angulus oris_). The angle formed by - the mandible and maxilla; the posterior boundary of the gape or - commissure, the tip of bill being the anterior. - - 28. =Nostrils= (_Nares_). - - 29. =Head=, as restricted (_Caput_). The head, exclusive of the bill. - - 30. =Cap= (_Pileus_). The whole top of head from the base of bill to - nape. - - 31. =Crown= (_Vertex_). The highest central portion of the top of - head (between the ears). - - 32. =Sinciput= (_Sinciput_). The anterior half of cap (from bill to - middle of crown). - - 33. =Occiput= (_Occiput_). The posterior half of cap, (from middle - of crown to the nape). - - 34. =Forehead= (_Frons_). From base of bill to crown (usually - anterior to line of eye). - - 35. =Nape= (_Nucha_). See 49. - - 36. =Frontal points= (_Antiæ_). The two projecting feathered angles - of the forehead embracing the base of the culmen, or included - between the frontal angle of the maxilla and the angle of the mouth - (not always present). - - 37. =Mastax= (_Mastax_). The side of the fore part of the head, - adjacent to the base of the maxilla, and distinguished by its - feathers or its color. - - 38. =Capister= (_Capistrum_). The anterior portion of the head all - round the base of the bill. - - 39. =Lore= (_Lorum_). Narrow space between the bill and the eye, on - each side. - - 40. =Ophthalmic region= (_Regio ophthalmica_). Space round the eye. - - 41. =Orbits= (_Orbita_). The innermost portion of the ophthalmic - region immediately adjacent to the eye. - - 42. =Cheeks= (_Genæ_). See Malar region. - - 43. =Eyebrow= (_Supercilia_). A longitudinal stripe immediately - above the eye. - - 44. =Temples= (_Tempora_). Whole side of the head behind the eye or - between the eye, top of head, and the ear. - - 45. =Parotic region= (_Regio parotica_). Space around the ears. - - 46. =Chin= (_Mentum_). Space embraced between the branches of lower - jaw. - - -C. The Neck (_Collum_). - - 47. =Neck= (_Collum_). The part connecting the head and trunk, - enclosing the neck vertebræ. - - 48. =Hind-neck= (_Cervix_). The upper or posterior portion of the - neck, from occiput to back. - - 49. =Nape= (_Nucha_). The portion of hind neck nearest the head. - - 50. =Auchenium= (_Auchenium_). The portion of hind neck nearest - the back, the “scruff” of the neck. - - 51. =Fore-neck= (_Guttur_). The inferior or anterior portion of - neck, from the chin to the breast. - - 52. =Throat= (_Gula_). The upper part of fore neck, or that - nearest the chin. - - 53. =Jugulum= (_Jugulum_). The lower part of fore neck, between - the throat and the breast. (Divided into upper, middle, and - lower.) - - 54. =Side neck= (_Parauchenium_). The sides of the neck, between the - front and the hind neck. - - 55. =Collar= (_Torques_). A ring of any kind encircling the neck. - - -D. The Trunk (_Truncus_). - - 56. =Trunk= (_Truncus_). That portion of the body enclosing the - viscera and intestines, and carrying the neck and head at one end, the - tail at the other, as also the four limbs. - - 57. =Back= (_Dorsum_). The portion of the upper surface of the - trunk, from the neck to the rump, and corresponding to the dorsal - and sacral vertebræ. - - 58. =Upper back= (_Interscapulium_). The upper portion of the - back, or along the dorsal vertebræ; between the shoulder-blades, - and opposite the breast, sometimes called _dorsum anticum_. - - 59. =Lower back= (_Tergum_). The lower portion of the back along - the saeral region, from the upper back to the rump, and opposite - the belly, sometimes called _dorsum posticum_. - - 60. =Rump= (_Uropygium_). The portion of the upper side of the trunk - corresponding to the caudal vertebræ. - - 61. =Mantle= (_Stragulum_; _Pallium_). The back and the outside of - the folded wings taken together. - - 61½. =Ventral region= (_Regio ventralis_). Under side of body, - including breast and abdomen. - - 62. =Breast= (_Pectus_). The most anterior portion of the lower - surface of trunk, representing the region of the sternum or breast - bone (between the jugulum and the abdomen). - - 63. =Abdomen= (_Abdomen_). The under side of body, between the - breast and the anal region. - - 64. =Epigaster= (_Epigastrium_). The anterior portion of abdomen, - next to the breast. - - 65. =Belly= (_Venter_). The hinder portion of the abdomen, next to - the anal region or crissum. - - 66. =Anal region= (_Crissum_). The region around the anus, below - the tail, and opposite to the rump. Frequently includes under tail - coverts. - - 67. =Flanks= (_Hypochondria_). The sides of the soft parts of the - body. - - 68. =Humeral region= (_Regio humeralis_). The anterior portion of - the sides; that in which the wing is implanted. - - -E. The Tail (_Cauda_). - - 69. =Tail= (_Cauda_). The feathers forming the posterior extremity of - the body, implanted on the os coccygis, or rump bone. - - 70. =Tail feathers= (_Rectrices_). The long individual feathers - belonging to the tail. - - 71. =Tail coverts= (_Calypteria_). The feathers overlying and - covering the base of the tail feathers; the - - 72. =Upper= (_superiores_) being those above, and - - 73. =Lower= (_inferiores_) those below; sometimes concealing or - projecting beyond the tail. - -NOTE.—_Tegmina_ (73½) are coverts in general, whether of wing or tail. -_Calypteria_ are tail coverts. _Tectrices_ (83), wing coverts. - - -F. The Wings (_Alæ_). - - 74. =Wings= (_Alæ_). The anterior pair of limbs of the bird, used in -flight. - - 75. =Primary quills=, or =quills of the first series=; =Hand-quills= - (_Remiges primariæ_). The (usually) ten stiff feathers inserted on - the hand or first joint (metacarpus and digit), or from the bend of - the wing to the tip. - - 76. =Secondary quills= or =quills of the second series=; - =Arm-quills= (_Remiges secundarii_; _Pennæ cubili_). The inner - quills, or those inserted along the posterior edge of the forearm - or cubitus. The innermost of these quills, sometimes longer or - different from the rest, are frequently called tertials. (_Pennæ - tertiariæ._) - - 77. =Bend of the wing= (_Flexura_, _Plica_). The angle of junction - of the hand-joint and that of the forearm. - - 78. =Armpit= (_Axilla_). The under side of the insertion of the wing - into the body. - - 79. =False= or =Bastard wing= (_Alula_). A series of several - stiffened feathers on the edge of the wing, overlying and exterior - to the primary quills, and inserted on the thumb joint of the hand. - - 80. =Scapulars= (_Pennæ scapulares_). Stiffened feathers inserted on - the shoulder-blade or the insertion of arm (_humerus_), and filling - up the interval between the secondary quills and the body. - - 81. =Axillars= (_Pennæ axillares_). Similar feathers connecting the - under surface of the wing and the body, and concealed in the closed - wing. - - 82. =Speculum=, or =Mirror= (_Speculum alæ_). A brilliantly colored - portion of the wing especially in the ducks, over the extremities of - the secondary quills, and framed in on one side (in the closed wing) - by the primary quills, or the other by the scapulars. - - 83. =Wing coverts= (_Tectrices_). The smaller feathers of the wing. - The - - 84. =Upper= (_superiores_), side above or outer. The - - 85. =Lower= (_inferiores_), below, or inside, and overlying the - bases of the quills. These and the quills form the surfaces of the - wings. - - 86. _Primary coverts_ (_Tectrices primariæ_). The feathers, which - either - - 87. =Upper= or - - 88. =Under= overlie the bases of the primary quills. These - are on the upper or under surface of the wing; not often - distinguished in descriptions. - - 89. =Secondary coverts= (_Tectrices secundariæ_). The feathers - which, as - - 90. =Upper= and - - 91. =Under=, cover the bases of the secondary quills, on the - upper or under surface of the wings, being generally those - referred to as “coverts.” - - 92. =Greater coverts= (_Tectrices majores_). The longest coverts - projecting beyond the rest, and resting directly upon the bases of - the secondary quills. - - 93. =Lesser coverts= (_Tectrices minores_). The succession of many - series of small feathers beginning at and covering the anterior - edge of the wing, very small at first and increasing in size - behind. - - 94. =Middle coverts= (_Tectrices mediæ_). One or more rows of - coverts, intermediate in size as well as position, between the - lesser and greater coverts. - - 95. =Edge of the wing= (_Campterium_; _Margo carpi_). The small - feathers covering the anterior edge of the wing, both along the - forearm and the hand or first joint, including the bend of the wing. - - -G. The Legs (_Pedes_). - - 96. =Legs= (_Pedes_). The posterior pair of limbs inserted in the - pelvis, and used in walking or running. - - 97. =Thigh= (_Femur_). The basal joint of the leg, its head - articulating with the pelvis. This is generally imbedded in the - flesh, and covered by the skin so as not to be appreciable, - especially in the prepared specimen. - - 98. =Shin= (_Tibia_). The second or middle joint of the leg, - articulated above to the thigh, below to the tarsus. The upper part, - sometimes the whole, is enveloped in flesh, and covered by skin and - feathers; sometimes the lower extremity is covered by horny plates, - the - - 99. (=Cnemidium=). - - 100. =Foot joint= (_Podarthrum_). The junction of the tarsus below - with the foot. - - 101. =Podotheca= (_Podotheca_). The horny or skinny covering of - lower tibia, tarsus, and feet. - - 102. =Knee= (_Genu_). The junction of the thigh with the leg, - usually concealed by the skin. - - 103. =Heel joint= (_Suffrago_). The junction of the leg with the - tarsus. - - 103½. =Tarsus= (_Tarsus_). The third joint of the leg and next to - the tibia; covered generally with horn, sometimes with naked skin or - feathers, never with flesh; the toes are articulated to its lower - extremity. This joint corresponds to the ankle joint of the human - body. - - 104. =Instep=, or =Front of tarsus= (_Acrotarsium_). The anterior - face of the tarsus, usually covered by small plates, which in the - higher groups are united into one; sometimes covered by skin. - - 105. =Side of tarsus= (_Paratarsium_). - - 106. =Back of tarsus= (_Planta tarsi_). Homologically the =Sole= - (_Planta_). - - 107. =Heel= (_Calcaneus_; _Talus_). The upper posterior extremity - of the tarsus. - - 108. =Spur= (_Calcar_). Any bony sharp process or spine implanted - on the tarsus, as in the rooster. - - 109. =Scutellæ= (_Scutella_). The succession of small, usually - rectangular plates, applied against the anterior face of the - tarsus, and the upper surface of toes. These sometimes encircle - the tarsus completely, meeting on the inner side; sometimes - reach half round with similar half-rings on the back side of the - tarsus; are sometimes divided into polygonal plates; are sometimes - fused into a continuous plate, either anteriorly or laterally. - Modifications of structure in this respect indicate differences in - rank and systematic position of the highest value. - - 110. =Scutellate tarsus.= When the tarsus is covered with - transverse or polygonal scales, as described above. - - 111. =Booted tarsus.= Where the anterior face is covered with a - continuous horny plate not divided into scutellæ. - - 112. =Foot= (_Pes_). The toes and tarsus taken together. - - 113. =Top of foot= (_Acropodium_). The entire upper surface of the - foot. - - 114. =The track= (_Pelma_). The entire lower surface of the foot. - - 115. =Heel pad= (_Pterna_; _Tuber_). The posterior portion of the - _pelma_, immediately under the joint of the foot, and frequently - prominent. - - 116. =Toes= (_Digiti_). The, usually four, sometimes three, very - rarely two, articulated portions of the leg hinged on the lower - extremity of the tarsus. When all four are present, one is usually - behind, sometimes two before, and two behind. - - 117. =Top of toes= (_Acrodactylum_). The upper surface of the toes - individually. - - 118. =Soles of toes= (_Hypodactylum_). The lower or plantar - surface of the toes individually. - - 119. =Side of toes= (_Paradactylum_). The sides, in any way - distinguished from the soles. - - 120. =Phalanges.= The several bones composing a toe. - - 121. =Claw= (_Ungues_). The horny tips sheathing the last joint of - the toes. - - 122. =Claw joint= (_Rhizonychium_). The terminal bone of the toe, - carrying or armed with the claws. - - 123. =Pads= (_Tylari_). The swellings or bulbs on the under side - of the phalanges. Those =Toes= are - - 124. =Anterior= which are directed forwards; - - 125. =Posterior=, directed backwards; - - 126. =Exterior=, on the outer side of the foot; - - 127. =Interior=, on the inner side of the foot; the - - 128. =Middle toe= is the central of three toes directed forwards. - - 129. =Hind toe= (_Hallux_). The single toe directed backwards. - This is homologically the first or great toe directed backward. It - is - - 130. =Insistent= (_insistens_), when the tip at least touches the - ground, but the base raised above the level of the rest; - - 131. =Incumbent= (_incumbens_), when its whole under surface - touches the ground; and - - 132. =Elevated= (_elevatus_; _amotus_), when raised so high that - the tip does not touch the ground at all. - - 133. =Unarmed toe= (_Digitus muticus_). Toe without a claw. The - tarsus is unarmed when without a spur. - - 134. =Fringed toe= (_Digitus lomatinus_). A lateral membranous - margin to the toes. This - - 135. =Fringe= (_Loma_) may be - - 136. =Continuous= (_continuum_), or - - 137. =Lobed= or =Scolloped= (_lobatum_). - - 138. =Membrane= (_Palama_). A skin either soft or covered with - scales or feathers connecting two adjacent toes together at the - base, and sometimes extending to or beyond their tips. The foot so - constructed is called - - 139. =Palmate= (_palmatus_) when the anterior toes only are so - connected and - - 141. =Oared= (_Steganopus_), where all the toes, including the - hinder, are so connected in the cormorants, etc. The feet may be - half, or semipalmate; entirely or totipalmate. - -NOTE. In the usual arrangement of the toes, of three before and one -behind, the hinder corresponds to the great toe of man, or the first; -the inner anterior is the second; the middle is the third; and the outer -is the fourth. When the toes are in pairs or two before and two behind, -it is the outer or fourth toe that is turned backwards, as is the -woodpeckers. In the Trogons, however, the inner toe is reversed. With -scarcely an exception in birds, the hinder or first toe has two joints; -the inner (2d) has three; the middle (3d) has four; and the outer (4th) -has five, or a formula of 2.3.4.5. In the typical _Caprimulgidæ_ the -outer toe has only four phalanges the formula being 2.3.4.4. Finally, -in some _Cypselidæ_ (_Cypselus_ and _Panytila_), we have the middle and -outer toes with three joints only each, the formula being 2.3.3.3. When -there are but three toes, the hinder or first is wanting; the ostrich -(_Struthio_) has but two toes, lacking the first and second. - - -H. The Outer Covering (_Indumentum_). - - 142. =Outer covering= (_Indumentum_; _Ptilosis_). The exterior of the - bird in detail. - - 143. =Feathers= (_Plumæ_). Composed of the _stem_ and the _webs_. - - 144. =Stem= (_Scapus_). The entire central axis of the feather. - - 145. =Quill= (_Calamus_). The hollow horny basal portion of the - feather. - - 146. =Shaft= (_Rhachis_). The solid terminal portion of the stem - in which the fibres are implanted. - - 147. =Webs= (_Pogonia_). The series of fibres implanted on each - side the shaft, generally stiff, and having little - - 148. =Hooks= or =barbules= along the edges, by which adjacent ones - interlock; sometimes soft, with the barbules not interlocking, the - barbules sometimes wanting. The - - 149. =Inner web= (_Pogonium internum_) is situated on the inner - side of the shaft; the - - 150. =Outer= (_externum_), on the outer side. - - 151. =Vane= (_Vexillum_). The shaft and webs taken together, or - the portion of the feather left when the barrel or quill is cut - away. - - - - -GLOSSARY. - - -GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN DESCRIPTIVE ORNITHOLOGY. - -_Including a number of prominent Anatomical and Physiological Terms._ - -(PREPARED BY DR. COUES.) - -NOTE.—The number in parenthesis refers to the foregoing “Explanation of -Terms,” etc. The sign (´) marks accent; _n._, noun; _a._, adjective; -_pl._, plural; _gen._, genitive. - - -A. - -ABDO´MEN or AB´DOMEN, _n._ Belly; part of gastræum between sternum and -anus. (63.) - -ABDOM´INAL, _a._ Pertaining to the belly. - -ABDUC´TION, _n._ Act of carrying a limb away from the axis of the body. -Opposed to _adduction_. Muscles so acting are _abductors_. - -ABER´RANT, _a._ Deviating from ordinary character. - -ABNOR´MAL, _a._ Of highly unusual, extraordinary character; deformed; -monstrous. - -ABOR´TIVE, _a._ Suppressed; remaining or becoming imperfect. The -nostrils of the cormorant are _abortive_. - -ACAR´IDES, _n. pl._ Certain external parasites. - -ACCIP´ITRINE, _a._ Hawk-like; belonging to _Accipitres_. - -ACCLIMATIZA´TION, _n._ Naturalization, with reference to the effect of a -new country upon the economy. - -ACETAB´ULUM, _n._ Pelvic cavity for reception of head of femur. - -ACHIL´LIS (_tendo_), _n._ Tendon of principal extensor muscle of foot. - -ACIC´ULAR, _a._ Needle-shaped; sharp and very slender. - -ACRODAC´TYLUM, _n._ Top of toes collectively. (117.) (Little used.) - -ACRO´MION, _n._ Process of the scapula. - -ACROPO´DIUM, _n._ Entire upper surface of foot. (113.) (Little used.) - -ACROTAR´SIUM, _n._ Front of tarsus, corresponding to the human instep. -(104.) (Little used). - -ACU´MINATE, _a._ Tapering gradually to a point. - -ACUTE´, _a._ Sharp-pointed. - -AD- (_in composition_). To; towards. - -ADDUC´TION, _n._ Act of drawing a limb toward axis of body. Muscles so -acting are _adductors_. Compare ABDUCTION. - -AD´ENOID, _a._ Glandular; glandiform. - -AD´IPOSE (_tissue_), _a._ for _n._ Cellular tissue holding fat in -special vesicles. - -ADOLES´CENCE, _n._ Youth. - -ADRE´NAL (_body_), _a._ for _n._ A small organ capping the kidney. - -ADULT´, _a._ or _n._ Grown to full size; mature. - -ÆGITHOGNATH´OUS, _a._ Having the palate bones disposed as in a sparrow -or other passerine bird. - -AF´FERENT, _a._ Bringing to or towards. Opposed to _efferent_. - -AFFINED´, _a._ Joined or related by affinity. - -AFFIN´ITY, _n._ Quality of direct relation; conformity; agreement. -Morphological _affinity_ implies relationship by genetic descent; -teleological _affinity_ cannot be properly predicated. - -AF´TER-SHAFT, _n._ Scape or stem of the supplementary plume springing -from many feathers, or, oftener, such plume itself. - -AL´A, _n._; pl. _alæ._ Wing; the anterior limb of birds. (73.) - -A´LAR, _a._ Pertaining to the wings. - -ALAT´US, _a._ Winged. - -AL´BINISM, _n._ State of whiteness, complete or partial, resulting from -deficiency or entire lack of pigment in the skin and its appendages. - -ALBI´NO, _n._ An animal affected with albinism. - -ALBINOT´IC, _a._ Affected with albinism. - -ALBU´MEN, _n._ Transparent glairy fluid of which white of egg mainly -consists. - -ALBU´MINOUS, _a._ Containing or consisting of albumen. - -ALIMEN´TARY, _a._ Pertaining to the digestive organs or nutritive -function. - -ALISPHE´NOID, _n._ “Wing,” or expanded part of sphenoid bone. - -ALLANTO´IS, _n._ A certain organ of the embryo. - -AL´LEX, _n._ Same as HALLUX (which see). - -AL´TRICES, _n. pl._ Birds reared in the nest and fed by the parents. - -ALTRIC´IAL, _a._ Having the nature of _Altrices_. - -AL´ULA, _n._ Literally, little wing. The bastard wing, composed of the -feathers that are set on the so-called thumb. - -AL´ULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the bastard wing. - -ALVE´OLUS, _n._ Socket, particularly of a tooth. - -AL´VINE, _a._ Pertaining to the lower belly (said chiefly of intestinal -discharges). - -AM´BULATORY, _a._ Same as GRADIENT (which see). - -AM´NION, _n._ A certain organ of the embryo. - -AMO´TUS, _a._ Denoting the hind toe so elevated and short that the tip -does not touch the ground. (132.) - -AMPHIARTHRO´DIAL, _a._ Denoting a sliding joint, or one capable of mixed -movement. - -AMPHICŒL´IAN, _a._ Said of a vertebra when both ends of its centrum -are cupped. Corresponding terms are _procœlian_, cupped in front, and -_opisthocœlian_, cupped behind. - -AMPUL´LA, _n._ A certain cavity of the inner ear. - -A´NAL, _a._ Pertaining to the anus; situated about the anus. - -ANALOG´ICAL, _a._ Having analogy; related by analogy. - -ANAL´OGY, _n._ Quality of likeness in certain (generally superficial or -inconsiderable) respects, between things essentially unlike. There may -be analogy entirely without homology, as between the wing of a bird and -of a butterfly. - -ANASTOMO´SIS, _n._ Inosculation or intercommunication of two or more -vessels. - -AN´ATINE, _a._ Duck-like. - -ANCHYLO´SIS or ANKYLO´SIS, _n._ Restriction or loss of motion in a -naturally movable joint; also, any coössification. - -AN´CONAL, _a._ Pertaining to the elbow. - -ANGLE OF CHIN = ANGULUS MENTI. (23.) - -ANGLE OF MOUTH = ANGULUS ORIS. (27.) - -AN´GULUS O´RIS, _n._ Corner of the mouth; equivalent to commissural -point. - -AN´NOTINE, _n._ A bird one year old, or which has once moulted. - -AN´NULAR, _a._ Ringed. - -AN´NULUS, _n._ Ring. - -ANOM´ALOUS, _a._ Extremely irregular; very strange or unusual; contrary -to natural order (nearly synonymous with _abnormal_). - -AN´SERINE, _a._ Pertaining to the _Anseres_; goose-like. - -AN´TE- (_in composition_). Before; as, _anteocular_, _anteorbital_, etc. - -ANTERIOR, _a._ Forward; in front of. - -ANTERIOR PORTION. (7.) See STETHIÆUM. - -ANTERIOR TOES. (124.) - -AN´TI- (_in composition_). Against. - -AN´TIÆ, _n. pl._ Frontal points; projections of feathers on either side -of base of culmen. (36.) - -ANTIBRACH´IUM, _n._ Cubit or forearm. - -A´NUS, _n._ Outlet of refuse of digestion. In birds, the same orifice -discharges the products of the genito-urinary organs. - -AOR´TA, _n._ The first great artery, immediately issuing from the left -ventricle of the heart. - -AOR´TIC, _a._ Pertaining to the aorta. - -APERTU´RA, _n._ An opening; as, _apertura auris_, ear-opening. - -A´PEX, _n._; pl. _apices_. Tip or point of anything. - -APOHY´AL, _a._ A portion of the “horn” of the hyoid bone. - -APONEURO´SIS, _n._ Broad, strong, fibrous membrane or band; fascia. - -APOPH´YSIS, _n._ Any natural bony prominence of notable size. - -APPOSED´, _a._ Mutually fitted, adapted; set over against; meeting -closely and exactly. The tomia of the bill are usually _apposed_. - -APTE´RIUM, _n._; pl. _apteria_. Tract of skin where no feathers grow. -Compare PTERYLA. - -AQUAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the water; said of birds frequenting water, -and thence drawing subsistence. - -A´QUEOUS, _a._ Watery. Said of the fluid in the anterior chamber of the -eye. See VITREOUS. - -AQ´UILINE, _a._ Eagle-like; belonging to the _Aquilinæ_. - -ARACH´NOID, _n._ One of the three enveloping membranes of the brain, -between the _dura mater_ and the _pia mater_. - -ARBOR´ICOLE, _a._ Tree-inhabiting. - -ARCH´ETYPE, _n._ Original plan or idea of structure, modified or lost by -subsequent specialization. - -ARCHETYP´ICAL, _a._ Having the primitive pattern or original plan of -structure. - -ARC´UATE, _a._ Bow-shaped; bent regularly and gradually. - -ARE´OLA, _n._; pl. _areolæ_. Small naked space on the feet between -scales. - -ARE´OLAR TISSUE. The light cellular connective tissue of the body. - -ARMIL´LA, _n._ Ring of color, like a bracelet, around lower end of crus. - -ARM´PIT, _n._ (78.) See AXILLA. - -ARTE´RIAL, _a._ Pertaining to arteries; as, arterial system, arterial -blood. - -AR´TERY, _n._ Vessel conveying blood from the heart. - -ARTICULA´TION, _n._ A joining together; joint. - -ARTIC´ULUS, _n._ Joint of a finger or toe (commonly used to signify the -hinge itself, but better to designate any one of the segments joined by -articulation). - -ARTIFI´CIAL, _a._ Elaborate; skilfully or artfully contrived. Some birds -build highly _artificial_ nests. Also, arbitrary; as, an _artificial_ -classification, more or less at variance with that which a _natural_ -system may be. - -AR´TUS, _n._; pl. _artus_. Any member, limb. - -ARYT´ENOID, _a._ Denoting certain ossicles of the larynx. - -ASCAR´IDES, _n. pl._ Certain intestinal parasites. - -ASH _or_ ASH´Y, _a._ Pale gray. - -ASTER´NAL (_ribs_), _a._ Denoting “floating” ribs; those not joining the -sternum. - -ASTRAG´ALUS, _n._ One of two proximal tarsal bones of birds, early -confluent with the tibia. - -ASYMMET´RICAL, _a._ Uneven; disproportionate as to opposite, as right -and left, parts. - -ASYM´METRY, _n._ Disproportion of duplicate parts or organs, or of those -which are repeated on opposite sides of a plane or axis. - -AT´AVISM, _n._ Reversion, or tendency to revert, to characters of -ancestral stock. - -AT´LAS, _n._ First cervical vertebra, articulating with the occipital -bone. - -ATRES´IA, _n._ Closure. - -AT´ROPHY, _n._ See HYPERTROPHY. - -ATTEN´UATE, _a._ Growing gradually slenderer toward an extremity; or, -narrowly produced for a long distance; in neither case necessarily -sharp-pointed, which would be rather _acuminate_. - -ATTYP´ICAL, _a._ Of particular character acquired in specialization from -a common type. - -AUCHE´NIUM, _n._ Lower back part of neck; the scruff. (50.) (Little -used.) - -AU´RAL or AURIC´ULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the ear. - -AU´RICLE, _n._ The external ear; wanting or imperfect in birds. Also, -cavity (right and left) of the heart receiving blood from the system and -lungs; also called _atrium_. - -AURIC´ULARS, _n. pl._ Peculiar feathers overlying the ear-opening. - -AUTOCH´THONOUS, _a._ Indigenous. - -AUTOG´ENOUS, _a._ Literally, self-producing. In homology, developing -from distinct and independent centres. Opposed to _exogenous_. - -AU´TOPSY, _n._ Personal observation or examination. - -AUTOP´TICAL, _a._ Personally inspected. - -AUTUM´NAL PLUM´AGE. That ensuing from the first moult, if any, or prior -to the spring moult, from which it is different in many birds. - -A´VIARY, _n._ Place where birds are kept captive. - -AVIC´ULA, _n._ Little bird; hence, nestling, fledgling, or any ungrown -bird. - -AVICUL´TURE, n. Care of birds. - -A´VIS, _n._; pl. _aves_. Bird. - -AXIL´LA, _n._ Armpit; hollow beneath the shoulder. (78.) - -AX´ILLAR or AX´ILLARY, _a._ Pertaining to the armpit. - -AX´ILLARIES, _n. pl._ Lengthened or otherwise distinguished feathers -growing from the axillary region. (81.) - -AX´IS, _n._ Second cervical vertebra. Also, an imaginary line passing -along the middle of any one of the three mutually perpendicular planes -of the body, the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse. Also, a pivot. - -A´ZYGOS, _a._ Single, in the sense of _not paired_. - - -B. - -BACK, _n._ Upper surface of body proper, corresponding to dorsal and -sacral vertebræ. Includes INTERSCAPILIUM and TERGUM (which see). (57.) - -BACK OF NECK. Cervical region. Includes NUCHA and CERVIX (which see). -Equivalent to hind-neck. (48.) - -BACK OF TAR´SUS. Hinder edge and hinder half, on each side, of tarsus. -See PLANTA. Homologically the sole. (106.) - -BAND or BAR. Any crosswise color-mark, transverse to long axis of the -body. - -BAND´ED or BARRED, _a._ Marked crosswise. - -BARB, _n._ Any one of the laminæ composing the vane of a feather. - -BAR´BA, _n._ Beard. Lengthened or otherwise distinguished feathers of -chin or throat. - -BARBAT´US, _a._ Bearded. - -BAR´BICEL, _n._ Barb of a barbule, not hooked. Compare HAMULUS. - -BAR´BULE, _n._ Barb of a barb. (148.) - -BA´SAL, _a._ Pertaining to the base; situate at the base. - -BASE, BA´SIS, _n._ Bottom; root; origin. - -BASIHY´OID, n. Central tongue-bone. - -BASIOCCIP´ITAL, _n._ Basal element of the occipital bone; centrum of -hindermost cranial vertebra. - -BASIPTER´YGOID, _n._ A boss or protuberance of the base of the sphenoid -bone, often movably abutting against the pterygoid bone. - -BASISPHE´NOID, _n._ Basal element of sphenoid bone; centrum of second -cranial vertebra. - -BEAK, _n._ Bill. See ROSTRUM. (9.) - -BEL´LY, _n._ See ABDOMEN. (65.) - -BELT, _n._ Bar or band of color more or less completely encircling the -body. - -BEND OF WING. Angle or prominence formed at carpus in the folded wing. - -BEV´ELLED, _a._ Having two plane surfaces meeting obliquely. - -BEV´Y, _n._ Flock of quail. - -BI- (_in composition_). Twice; double. - -BIBLIOG´RAPHY, _n._ History or other account of the literature of the -subject. - -BI´CEPS, _n._ Principal flexor muscle of forearm. - -BI´NARY, _a._ Double, in sense of compounded of two. - -BINO´MIAL, _a._ Of two terms. Also, noting a system of nomenclature -in which each object has two names, generic and specific. This is the -generally adopted system at present. - -BIOL´OGY, _n._ The study of living beings, as to the laws and results of -organization. It is more comprehensive than physiology. - -BIOTAX´Y, _n._ Equivalent to taxonomy. - -BIVEN´TER, _n._ Name of a double-bellied muscle of the neck. - -BLAS´TODERM, _n._ Superficies of the early embryo. - -BOAT-SHAPED (_tail_), _a._ Having plane of each side of tail meeting the -other obliquely, making a re-entrance above and keel below. - -BOOT, _n._ The tarsal envelope when entire. - -BOOT´ED (_tarsus_), _a._ Having the tarsal envelope entire, i.e. -undivided in most or all of its extent, by fusion of the usual scales or -plates. (111.) - -BO´REAL, _a._ Northern. - -BOSS, _n._ Stud; knob; protuberance; short stout process. - -BRACH´IAL, _a._ Pertaining to the wing. - -BRACHYP´TEROUS, _a._ Short-winged. - -BRACHYU´ROUS, _a._ Short-tailed. - -BREAST, _n._ (62.) See PECTUS. - -BRIS´TLE, _n._ Small stiff hair-like feather, especially about the mouth -or eyes. Compare VIBRISSA. - -BRON´CHIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the bronchi. - -BRON´CHUS, _n._; pl. _bronchi_. Fork or branch of the windpipe below, -leading to either lung. - -BUC´CAL, _a._ Pertaining to the cheeks internally. - -BUFF, BUFFY; _a._ Pale brownish-yellow; color of yellow buckskin. - - -C. - -CADU´COUS, _a._ Falling off early. - -CÆ´CAL, _a._ Pertaining to the cæca. - -CÆ´CUM, _n._; pl. _cæca_. (Pronounced _see´cum_.) Intestinal cul-de-sac -at junction of smaller and larger intestines, usually present paired in -birds; sometimes a foot long. (Also written _cœcum_, _cœca_.) - -CAL´AMUS, _n._ Quill; the dry, hard, horny portion of the stem of a -feather below the web, hollow or partly pithy, and translucent. Calamus -+ rhachis = scapus. (145.) - -CALCA´NEAL, _a._ Pertaining to the back upper portion of the -tarso-metatarsus (tarsus of ordinary language). - -CALCA´NEUM, _n._ Heel; back upper part of tarso-metatarsus. Same as -_talus_. (107.) One of the tibial condyles is by some regarded as the -homologue of the calcaneum. - -CAL´CAR, _n._ Spur; sharp horn-covered bone-cored process on the shank -of many birds; also, similar horny process on the metacarpal bone. - -CALCARAT´US, _a._ Spurred. - -CALCA´REOUS, _a._ Chalky. A cormorant’s egg is covered with _calcareous_ -substance. - -CALCIF´IC, _a._ Calcifying; an epithet of that portion of the oviduct -where the egg-shell is formed. - -CALIG´ULA, _n._ Same as BOOT (which see). - -CAL´LUS, _n._ New bony matter joining a fracture. - -CALYPTE´RIA, _n. pl._ Tail-coverts; the smaller feathers underlying or -overlying the base of the tail. (Little used.) See CRISSUM and TECTRICES -CAUDÆ. (71.) - -CA´LYX, _n._ Pedicellated ovarian capsule of two membranes with lax -tissue and vessels, rupturing at a point called the _stigma_ to -discharge the ovum, then collapsing and becoming absorbed. - -CAMPTE´RIUM, _n._ Front and outer border of wing as far as the bone -extends. (Little used.) (95.) - -CANALIC´ULUM, _n._ Little groove. - -CAN´CELLATED, _a._ Denoting bony network. - -CAN´THUS, _n._; pl. _canthi_. Corner of eye where the lids meet; -commissural point of eyelids. _Canthi_ are anterior and posterior. - -CAP, _n._ PILEUS (which see). (30.) - -CAP´ILLARY, _a._ or _n._ Of hair-like slenderness. The smallest -bloodvessels are the capillaries. - -CAPIS´TRATE, _a._ Hooded or cowled. - -CAPIS´TRUM, _n._ Hood or cowl; front of head all around bill. (38.) - -CAP´ITATE, _a._ Said of a feather having enlarged extremity. - -CAPIT´ULUM, _n._ Head of a rib. - -CAP´SULAR, _a._ Denoting certain ligaments that completely invest a -joint. - -CA´PUT, _n._; gen. _capitis_, pl. _capita_. Head. (9, 29.) - -CAR´DIAC, _a._ Pertaining to the heart. - -CARI´NA, _n._ Keel; under ridge, as if a keel. - -CAR´INATE, _a._ Keeled; ridged beneath as if keeled; having a keel, as -the sternum of most birds. - -CAR´INATE (_birds_), _n._ Those possessing a keeled sternum; the group -_Carinatæ_ as contrasted with _Ratitæ_. - -CAR´NEOUS, _a._ Fleshy. - -CARNIV´OROUS, _a._ Flesh-eating. - -CAROT´ID (_artery_), _a._ for _n._ The principal bloodvessel of the -neck, single in most birds, sometimes paired as in mammalia. - -CAR´PAL, _a._ Pertaining to the wrist. - -CAR´PAL AN´GLE, _n._ Prominence formed at the wrist-joint when the wing -is closed. It is practically an important point regionally, since the -universally used measurement, “length of wing,” is from this point to -the end of the longest quill. - -CAR´PUS, _n._ The wrist; especially its bones. - -CAR´TILAGE, _n._ A whitish, hard, and solid, but elastic, flexible, -and soluble, substance of the body, permanent, or becoming osseous by -deposition of bone-earth. It occurs in the windpipe, in many joints, and -elsewhere. - -CARTILAG´INOUS, _a._ Like, containing, or consisting of, cartilage. - -CAR´UNCLE, _n._ Small fleshy excrescence, particularly about the head, -usually naked, and wrinkled, warty, or brightly colored. - -CARUN´CULATE, _a._ Having caruncles. - -CAU´DA, _n._ The tail. (69.) In descriptive ornithology, generally only -the tail-feathers are meant. _Cauda navicularis_ = BOAT-SHAPED TAIL -(which see). - -CAU´DAD. Backwards; toward the tail. - -CAU´DAL, _a._ Pertaining to the tail; as, _caudal_ vertebræ, or _caudal_ -extremity; but we hardly say _caudal_ feathers. - -CELL, _n._ Any closed sac containing fluid or other substance. - -CEL´LULAR, _a._ Having cells; composed of cells. - -CEN´TRE OF GRAV´ITY, _n._ Point of a body about which the whole is -balanced, and which, if supported, supports the whole. In a flying bird -the centre of gravity is below the middle of the body, so that the bird -is naturally ballasted. - -CEN´TRUM, _n._; pl. _centra_. Body of a vertebra. - -CEPH´ALAD. Forwards; towards the head. - -CEPHAL´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the head. - -CEPHALO-CER´CAL (_axis_), _a._ Denoting the long axis of the body. - -CE´RA, CERE, CERO´MA, _n._ Fleshy, cutaneous or membranous, often -feathered, covering of base of bill of many birds, as parrots, hawks, -and owls; differing thus in texture from the rest of the _rhamphotheca_, -and usually also showing an evident line of demarcation. When present, -the nostrils are always pierced in its substance,—at least at its edge. - -CERATOHY´AL, _n._ A portion of the “horn” of the hyoid bone. - -CER´CAL, _a._ Pertaining to the tail. (Little used.) - -CEREBEL´LAR, _a._ Pertaining to the cerebellum. - -CEREBEL´LUM, _n._ Little brain; the hinder, lower, smaller mass of the -brain, in birds striate transversely. - -CER´EBRAL, _a._ Pertaining to the brain. - -CER´EBRO-SPINAL (_axis or column_). The whole neural axis, or column of -nerve-substance enclosed in the spinal canal and cranium. - -CER´EBRUM, _n._ Brain proper, or larger brain, as distinguished from the -_cerebellum_. - -CERU´MEN, _n._ Ear-wax. - -CER´VICAL, _a._ Pertaining to the hind-neck; as, a _cervical_ collar. -Also, pertaining to the whole neck; as, _cervical_ vertebræ. - -CER´VIX, _n._ Hind-neck; from occiput to interscapulium, including nape -and scruff. (48.) - -CHALAZ´Æ, _n. pl._ Twisted filaments of condensed albumen forming a -thread at each pole of the yolk, steadying it by attachment to the -lining membrane of the egg, and balancing it in such manner that the -“tread” stays uppermost. - -CHALAZIF´EROUS, _a._ Denoting the layers of condensed albumen which form -the chalazæ. - -CHAR´ACTER, _n._ Any material attribute susceptible of definition for -use in description and classification. Also, a sum of such attributes; -as, of passerine _character_. - -CHAS´MA, _n._ Decussation of the optic nerve. - -CHEEK, _n._ Outside of base of lower jaw; also, the corresponding -region of upper jaw. Compare GENÆ and MALAR REGION. (26.) (The term is -differently employed by various writers, and is at best not definite.) - -CHIN, _n._ Space between forks of lower jaw; upper throat. See MENTUM. -(46.) - -CHO´ROID, _n._ Vascular black membrane of the eye, between retina and -sclerotic. _Choroid plexus_, a certain fold of the _pia mater_. - -CHYLE, _n._ A certain intestinal fluid resulting from digestion. - -CHYME, _n._ A certain product of incompleted digestion. - -CICATRIC´ULA, _n._ Dark spot on the surface of a fecundated yolk. See -YOLK. - -CIL´IATED, _a._ Bristly; furnished with bristles, or small bristle-like -feathers; fringed. - -CIL´IUM, _n._; pl. _cilia_. Bristly or hair-like feather, about the -mouth and eyes especially. See VIBRISSA and SETA. - -CINE´REOUS, _a._ Of an ashy color. - -CIRCUM- (_in composition_). Around; about: as, _circumanal_, -_circumorbital_, _circumaural_,—around the anus, orbit, ear, etc. - -CIRCUMDUC´TION, _n._ Movement of a limb by which, if completed, a cone -is described. - -CIRRH´OUS, _a._ Tufted. - -CLASS, _n._ Fundamental division of animals: the _class_ of Birds; the -_class Aves_. - -CLASSIFICA´TION, _n._ Systematic arrangement. - -CLAV´ICLE, _n._ Collar-bone. In birds, the two clavicles usually unite -to form the furculum, merry-thought or wish-bone. - -CLAVIC´ULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the clavicles. - -CLAW, _n._ (121.) - -CLAW-JOINT, _n._ (122.) See RHIZONYCHIUM. - -CLIT´ORIS, _n._ Erectile venereal organ of the female, homologue of the -male penis, present in some birds. - -CLOA´CA, _n._ Enlarged lower end of straight gut, receptacle of products -of genito-urinary system and refuse of digestion. - -CLUTCH, _n._ Nest-complement of eggs. - -CNE´MIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the crus or shin. Equivalent to _crural_. - -CNEMID´IUM, _n._ End of crus, naked in most wading birds. - -COCCYGE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the tail, especially to its bones; -synonymous with _caudal_. - -COC´CYX, _n._ The tail, as to its bones collectively. _Os coccygis._ Any -one of the tail-bones, or coccygeal vertebræ. - -COCH´LEA, _n._ A certain portion of the inner ear. - -CŒ´CUM, _n._; pl. _cœca_. See CÆCUM. - -CŒ´LIAC, _a._ Pertaining to certain of the abdominal viscera. Little -used, excepting as the name of a certain artery, the _cœliac axis_. - -COI´TUS, _n._ Sexual intercourse. - -COL´LAR, _n._ Ring of color around neck. See TORQUES. (55.) - -COL´LUM, _n._ Neck; part of body between and connecting head and trunk. -(47.) - -COLORA´TION, _n._ Coloring; pattern or mode of coloring, or the colors -collectively. - -COLUMEL´LA, _n._ Bone or cartilage of the inner ear of _Sauropsida_, -answering to the _stapes_ of mammalia. - -COMB, _n._ Erect fleshy lengthwise process, or caruncle, on top of head, -as in the domestic cock. - -COMMIS´SURAL POINT. Point where the apposed edges of the mandibles -meet and join; corner of the mouth. Equivalent to angle of the mouth, -_angulus oris_. - -COM´MISSURE, _n._ (Lat. _con_ and _mitto_, to put or lay together.) Line -of closure of the two mandibles; track or trace of their apposed edges -when the jaws are closed. Often improperly used to signify the _opening -between_ the mandibles; but this is _apertura oris_, _gape_, _rictus_. -_Commissure_ is the whole _rima oris_, outline of the mouth, when such -outline of upper and under jaw is made one in closure of the mouth. - -COMPLEX´US, _n._ Name of a certain cervical muscle. - -COMPRESSED´, _a._ Narrowed sidewise; higher than wide. The opposite of -_depressed_. - -COMPRESSED´ (_tail_), _a._ Folded together, as in the barnyard cock. = -_Cauda compressa_. - -CONA´RIUM, _n._ Same as PINEAL BODY (which see). - -CON´CAVE, _a._ Hollowed, as the inner side of a curved line or inner -face of a curved surface. Opposite of _convex_. - -CON´DYLE, _n._ Articular eminence of bone in hinge-joints. - -CON´FLUENT, _a._ Run together; grown together; coalesced. - -CONIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having a conical bill, like a sparrow’s. - -CONJUNCTI´VA, _n._ Vascular membrane lining the eyelids and reflected -over the front of the eyeball. - -CON´NATE, _a._ Born or produced together; originally united; joined from -the beginning. _Connation_ is earlier and more intimate or complete -union than _confluence_. - -CONTINU´ITY, _n._ Part of a thing between its ends in any way -distinguished. - -CON´TOUR FEATH´ERS, _n._ The general plumage of perfect feathers, lying -external and determining the superficial shape of a bird. Distinguished -from _down feathers_. - -COR´ACOID (_bone_), _n._ Large stout bone connecting shoulder with -sternum. - -COR´DATE, COR´DIFORM, _a._ Heart-shaped. - -CORIA´CEOUS, _a._ Denoting integument of dense, tough, leathery texture. - -CO´RIUM, _n._ Same as CUTIS (which see). - -COR´NEA, _n._ Transparent portion of the eyeball. - -COR´NEOUS, _a._ Horny. - -COR´NIPLUME, _a._ Tuft of feathers on head, erected like a horn. - -COR´NU, _n._ Horn. - -CORO´NA, _n._ Top of head. Equivalent to cap or pileus. Vertex is the -highest point of corona. - -COR´ONATE, _a._ Having coronal feathers lengthened or otherwise -distinguished. - -COR´PUS, _n._ Body, as a whole. - -COR´PUS CALLO´SUM, _n._ Mass of transverse white fibres, connecting the -cerebral hemispheres; wanting in birds. - -COR´TICAL, _a._ External, as opposed to _medullary_. - -COS´TAL, _a._ Pertaining to the ribs. - -COSTIF´EROUS, _a._ Rib-bearing, as the dorsal vertebræ. - -COT´YLE, _n._ Same as ACETABULUM. - -COX´A, _n._ Hip. - -CRA´NIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the skull. - -CRA´NIUM, _n._ Skull. - -CREST, CRIS´TA, _n._ Any lengthened feathers of top or sides of head. - -CRIB´RIFORM, _a._ Sieve-like. - -CRI´COID, _a._ Name of a certain laryngeal cartilage. - -CRIS´SUM, _n._ Properly, the under tail-coverts collectively. Oftener -used to designate the circumanal plumage. (66.) - -CRO´TAPHYTE (_depression_). A concavity on the outside of the skull on -each side behind, filled with muscle; temporal fossa. - -CROWN, _n._ Pileus; top of head, especially the vertex. - -CRU´CIAL, CRU´CIFORM, _a._ In the shape of a cross. The _crucial test_ -is one experimentally conclusive. - -CRURÆ´US, _n._ Name of a certain muscle of the thigh. - -CRU´RAL, _a._ Pertaining to the crus, or shin. - -CRUS, _n._ The shin; segment of the leg between the thigh and ankle, -represented by the tibia. - -CRYS´TALLINE (_lens_), _a._ See LENS. - -CU´BIT, _n._ The forearm. - -CU´BITAL, _a._ Pertaining to the forearm. - -CU´CULLATE, _a._ Hooded. - -CUL-DE-SAC, _n._ “Bottom of a bag”; closed end of a cavity. - -CUL´MEN, _n._ Ridge of upper mandible; highest median lengthwise line of -the bill. (20.) - -CUL´MINAL, _a._ Pertaining to the culmen. - -CULTRIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having the bill shaped like a heron’s. - -CUN´EATE, CUN´EIFORM, _a._ Wedge-shaped. A cuneate tail has the middle -feathers longest, the rest successively regularly shortened. - -CUN´EIFORM (_bone_), _n._ One of the wrist-bones. - -CURSO´RIAL, _a._ Running; pertaining or belonging to an obsolete group, -_Cursores_ or runners. - -CUS´PIDATE, _a._ Pointed as a spear-head. - -CUTA´NEOUS, _a._ Pertaining to the skin. Same as _dermal_. - -CU´TICLE, _n._ Scarf-skin; outermost layer of skin, which continually -exfoliates. - -CU´TIS, _n._ Skin; the true skin, as distinguished from cuticle and -subcutaneous tissue. _Corium_ and _derma_ are synonymous. - -CYST, _n._ Sac holding pathological products. - - -D. - -DAC´TYL, _n._ Finger or toe. Equivalent to _digit_. - -DACTYLOTHE´CA, _n._ Covering of the toes. - -DASYPÆ´DIC, _a._ Synonymous with _ptilopædic_. - -DECID´UOUS, _a._ Temporary; falling early. The dorsal plumes of the -egret are _deciduous_. - -DECOMPOSED´, _a._ Separate; standing apart. A _decomposed_ crest has the -feathers standing away from each other. - -DECUM´BENT, _a._ Lying or hanging downward. - -DECURVED´, _a._ Gradually curved downward. Opposed to _recurved_. - -DECUS´SATE, _a._ Crossed; intersected. - -DEFECA´TION, _n._ Act of discharging the contents of the cloaca. - -DEGLUTI´TION, _n._ Act of swallowing. - -DEJEC´TION, _n._ Same as defecation. Also, the matters so discharged. - -DEL´TOID, _a._ Triangular. A muscle over the shoulder is so named. - -DEMI- (_in composition_). Half; same as _semi-_. - -DEN´TARY, _a._ An epithet of the foremost element of the compound -mandibular bone. - -DEN´TATE, DENTIC´ULATE, _a._ Toothed; notched as if toothed. - -DENTIG´EROUS, _a._ Bearing teeth. The _Ichthyornis_, _Apatornis_, and -_Odontopteryx_ (?) are _dentigerous_ birds. - -DENTIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having the bill notched as if toothed. Belonging to -a certain obsolete order, _Dentirostres_. - -DENTI´TION, _n._ Act of cutting teeth. - -DENUDA´TION, _n._ State of nakedness; act of laying bare. - -DENU´DED, _a._ Naked; laid bare. - -DEOR´SUM. Below. - -DEPLU´MATE, DEPLUMA´TUS, _a._ Bare of feathers. (4.) - -DEPRESSED´, _a._ Flattened vertically. Opposite of _compressed_. - -DERÆ´UM, _n._ Bottom or lower part of the neck. (Little used.) - -DER´MAL, _a._ Pertaining to the skin; made of skin; cutaneous. - -DER´MAL APPEN´DAGE. Any outgrowth from the skin. - -DERTROTHE´CA, _a._ Covering of end of bill. - -DER´TRUM, _n._ End of maxilla, in any way distinguished. (21.) - -DESMOGNATH´OUS, _a._ Having the palate bones united. - -DES´MOID, _a._ Ligamentous. - -DESQUAMA´TION, _n._ Peeling off. - -DEX´TRAD, _a._ Toward the right side. - -DEX´TRAL, _a._ Of or on the right side. - -DI- (_in composition_). Twice; double. - -DIAGNO´SIS, _n._ Distinctive knowledge. Also characterization, or a -brief, precise, and exclusively pertinent definition. _Diagnosis_ is -nearly synonymous in this sense with _definition_; both differ from -_description_ in omitting non-essential particulars; but _definition_ -may include points equally applicable to some other object. - -DIAGNOS´TIC, _a._ Distinctively and exclusively characteristic. Feathers -are _diagnostic_ of birds. - -DIAPH´ANOUS, _a._ Transparent. - -DI´APHRAGM, _n._ Midriff; musculo-tendinous partition between thorax and -abdomen, rudimentary or wanting in birds. - -DIAPHRAGMAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the diaphragm. - -DIAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Transverse process of a vertebra. - -DIARTHRO´SIS, _n._ Movable articulation of bones in general. - -DIAS´TASIS, DIAS´TEMA, _n._ A separation of bones, particularly the -cranial ones, or of teeth, from each other. - -DIAS´TOLE, _n._ Dilatation of the heart, alternating with the _systole_ -or contraction, occasioning pulsation. - -DICHOT´OMOUS, _a._ Divided into pairs. - -DICHROMATIC, _a._ Of two colors, as the “red” and “gray” plumages of -_Scops asio_. - -DIDAC´TYLOUS, _a._ Two-toed, as the ostrich. - -DIGAS´TRIC, _a._ Double-bellied; name of a certain muscle. - -DIGIT´IGRADE, _a._ Walking on the toes. Opposed to _plantigrade_. - -DIGITUS, _n._; pl. _digiti_. Digit. Finger or toe. (116.) - -DIMORPHIC, _a._ Of two forms. - -DIPLO´Ë, _n._ Light spongy network of bone between inner and outer -surface of the skull. - -DISC or DISK, _n._ Set of radiating feathers of peculiar shape or -texture around the eye of owls. - -DISSEPIMEN´TUM NAR´IUM, _n._ Same as _septum narium_, which see. - -DIS´TAD, _a._ Toward an extremity. - -DIS´TAL, _a._ Remote; situate at or near an extremity; opposed to -_proximal_. - -DIS´TICHOUS, _a._ Two-rowed; spread apart on either side of a middle -line, as the hairs of a squirrel’s tail, or the tail-feathers of the -_Archæopteryx_. - -DITOK´OUS, _a._ Producing but two eggs, as the pigeon and humming-bird. - -DIUR´NAL, _a._ Pertaining to the daytime. - -DIVAR´ICATE, _a._ Branching off; spreading apart; curving away. - -DIVERTIC´ULUM, _n._ An offshoot of the small intestine. - -DOR´SAD, _a._ Toward the back. Opposite of _ventrad_. - -DOR´SAL, _a._ Pertaining to the back. - -DOR´SUM, _n._ Back; upper surface of trunk from neck to rump. (57.) - -DOWN, _n._ Small soft feathers of plumulaceous structure, generally -growing about the roots of _plumæ_, and concealed by them. See PLUMULÆ. - -DOWN´Y, _a._ Of plumulaceous structure. A part of the plumage is of -down-feathers, and the bases of the contour feathers usually also are of -_downy_ structure. - -DUCT, _a._. Any tube for conveyance of an animal product; as _oviduct_, -sperm-_duct_, lachrymal _duct_. - -DUOD´ENAL, _a._ Pertaining to the duodenum. - -DUOD´ENUM, _n._ A short portion of the upper intestine next to the -gizzard, receiving the pancreatic and hepatic secretions. - -DU´RA MA´TER, _n._ Outer membranous investment of the brain. - -DUSK´Y, _a._ Of any undefined dark color. - - -E. - -EARED, _a._ Having lengthened or highly colored auricular or other -feathers on the side of the head. _Eared_ grebe; long-_eared_ owl. - -EC´DYSIS, _n._ Moult; the shedding and renewal of plumage. - -ECON´OMY (also written _œconomy_), _n._ Physical or physiological -disposition. (Literally, regulation of a household.) - -ECTO- (_in composition_). Outer. - -ECTOZO´ÖN, _n._ External parasite, as a louse; same as _epizoön_. -Opposed to _entozoön_. - -EDEN´TATE, EDEN´TULOUS, _a._ Toothless, as nearly all birds are. - -EDGE OF WING. (95.) See CAMPTERIUM. - -EF´FERENT, _a._ Conveying outward or away; opposed to _afferent_. - -EL´EMENT, _n._ A simple ultimate constituent part of a compound organ. -The centrum is an _element_ of a vertebra. - -EL´EVATED, _a._ Said of the hind toe when inserted above the level of -the others. - -ELON´GATE, _a._ Lengthened beyond usual ratio. - -EMAR´GINATE, _a._ Notched at the end; slightly forked, especially in -case of a tail so shaped; also notched, or abruptly narrowed along the -edge, in its continuity, as the border of many a wing-quill. - -EMBONPOINT, _n._ State of perfect health, as indicated by condition of -fatness not amounting to corpulence or obesity. - -EM´BRYO, _n._ Fecundated germ or rudiment of an animal; said of a bird -until hatched, and therefore corresponding to _fœtus_ in mammalogy. - -EMBRYOL´OGY, _n._ Science or study of the development of animals before -birth or hatching. - -EMBRYON´IC, _a._ Pertaining to an embryo; being an embryo; not yet -hatched. - -ENAM´EL, _n._ The hard white substance covering the teeth. - -ENARTHRO´SIS, _n._ Ball-and-socket joint. - -ENCEPH´ALON, _n._ Contents of the cranium, especially the brain. - -ENDOCAR´DIUM, _n._ Lining membrane of the heart. - -ENDOG´ENOUS, _a._ Of internal growth or formation; interstitially -deposited. Compare _autogenous_. Opposed to _exogenous_. - -ENDOSKEL´ETON, _n._ The skeleton proper, or skeleton as commonly -understood; the inner bony framework of the body. (Used in distinction -from _exoskeleton_ or _dermoskeleton_, such as some animals possess.) - -ENTER´IC, _a._ Belonging or relating to the intestines; intestinal. - -ENTO- (_in composition_). Inner. - -EPENCEPH´ALON, _n._ Hindmost segment of the brain. - -EPI- (_in composition_). On; upon; over. Opposed to _hypo-_. - -EPIDER´MIS, _n._ Cuticle or scarf-skin. - -EPIDID´YMIS, _n._ An associate organ of the testis, in birds apparently -a remnant of the primordial kidney. - -EPIGAS´TRIUM, _n._ Pit of stomach; upper belly, next to breast. (A -region not well distinguished in birds. The term is scarcely used.) -(64.) - -EPIGLOT´TIS, _n._ Gristly flap on top of windpipe, rudimentary or -wanting in birds. - -EPIGNATH´OUS, _a._ Hook-billed. - -EPIOT´IC, _a._ for _n._ A certain element of the auditory capsule. - -EPIPH´YSIS, _n._ Gristly cap on the end of a bone, afterward becoming -bony and united. - -EPIPLEU´RA, _n._ An obliquely backward bony process of a vertebral rib. - -EPITHE´LIUM, _n._ Superficial layer of mucous membrane. Sometimes also -the thick tough membrane lining the gizzard. - -EPITHE´MA, _n._ Horny excrescence upon the bill. - -EPIZO´ÖN, _n._ An external parasite. - -EPIZOÖT´IC, _a._ Parasitic among animals. - -EREC´TILE, _a._ Susceptible of being raised, as a crest; or capable of -swelling and stiffening, as a penis. - -ER´YTHRISM, _n._ A particular state of plumage characterized by excess -of red pigment; it is well shown in _Scops asio_ and other owls. -(Compare _albinism_ and _melanism_.) - -ETH´MOID, _n._ One of the cranial bones, in the nasal region. - -ETYP´ICAL, _a._ Of exceptional character. Tending away from a particular -type. Opposed to _attypical_. - -EUSTA´CHIAN (_tube_), _a._ for _n._ The air-tube from the fauces to the -inner ear. - -EVEN (_tail_), _a._ Having all the feathers of equal length. Also called -_cauda æqualis_ or _integra_. - -EX- (_in composition_). Out; out of; away from. - -EXCRES´CENCE, _n._ Outgrowth, fleshy or cutaneous. - -EXCRE´TA, _n. pl._ Excrement, or other animal refuse. - -EX´CRETORY or EX´CRETIVE, _a._ Having power or quality of excreting. -_Excreting_ differs from secreting, in that the substance resulting is -to be eliminated from the economy, not used; e.g. saliva is _secreted_; -urea is _excreted_. - -EXOCCIP´ITAL, _a._ or _n._ One of the lateral elements of the occipital -bone. - -EXOG´ENOUS, _a._ Produced by outgrowth. - -EXOSTO´SIS, _n._ Any morbid bony outgrowth or enlargement. - -EXTEN´SOR, _n._ Generic name of muscles that extend or straighten a limb -or any of its segments. - -EXTE´RIOR TOES. (126.) - -EXTREM´ITY, _n._ Any limb, member; equal to _membrum_, _artus_. - -EY´AS, _n._ An unfledged hawk. - -EYE´BROW, _n._ (43.) See SUPERCILIUM. - -EY´RY or EY´RIE, _n._ Nest of a bird of prey. - - -F. - -FABEL´LA, _n._ A certain sesamoid bone. - -FA´CET, _n._ Smooth, flattened articulating surface. - -FA´CIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the face. - -FA´CIES, _n._ Face; whole front of head, excepting the bill. - -FÆ´CAL, _a._ Pertaining to excrement; excrementitious. - -FÆ´CES, _n. pl._ Excrement; dung. - -FAL´CATE, FAL´CIFORM, _a._ Sickle-shaped; scythe-shaped. - -FAL´CONINE, _a._ Like a hawk; belonging to the _Falconidæ_. - -FALSE WING. (79.) See ALULA. - -FALX CEREBRI, _n._ A certain fold of the _dura mater_. - -FAMILY, _n._ Systematic group of the grade between order and genus, -generally distinguished or denoted by the termination _-idæ_, as -_Falcon-idæ_. - -FAS´CIA, _n._ Broad band of color. Also, equivalent to APONEUROSIS -(which see). - -FAS´CIATED, _a._ Broadly banded with color. - -FAS´CICLE, _n._ Bundle. - -FAS´CICLED, FASCIC´ULATE, _a._ Bundled. - -FASTIG´IATE, _a._ Bundled together into conical shape, or with enlarged -head, like a wheat-sheaf. - -FAU´CES, _n._ The jaws, internally; back of the mouth. Compare PHARYNX. - -FEATHER, _n._ (1; 143.) See PLUMA, PENNA. Any one of the objects which -collectively constitute the peculiar covering of birds. - -FEC´ULENT, _a._ Excrementitious. - -FECUN´DATED, _a._ Impregnated; made fruitful; said of the germ of an egg -which has received the male element. - -FECUNDA´TION, _n._ Impregnation; the usual consequence of the completed -joint act of the ovarian and spermatic organs. - -FECUN´DITY, _n._ Fruitfulness. - -FEM´ORAL, _a._ Pertaining to the thigh, or part of leg from hip to knee. - -FE´MUR, _n._ Thigh-bone. Also used synonymously with _thigh_. (97.) - -FENES´TRATE, _a._ Furnished with openings (from _fenestra_, a window). - -FE´RAL, _a._ Wild; not tamed. Opposed to _domestic_. The mallard is the -_feral_ stock of the tame duck. - -FERRUGIN´EOUS or FERRU´GINOUS, _a._ Rusty-red. - -FE´TUS or FŒ´TUS, _n._ Unborn young. (But the unhatched young of birds -are oftener called _embryos_.) - -FIBRIL´LA, _n._; pl. _fibrillæ_. Little fibre. - -FIB´RIN, _a._ Certain animal substance of fibrous composition, found in -the blood and elsewhere. - -FI´BRO-CAR´TILAGE, _n._ A kind of cartilage of fibrous structure, such -as that between vertebræ and many other joints. - -FIB´ULA, _n._ Smaller outer leg-bone, lying alongside the tibia. - -FIL´AMENT, _n._ Thread or slender fibre. - -FILAMENT´OUS, FIL´IFORM, _a._ Threadlike; composed of filaments; -oftener, very narrowly linear. - -FILOPLUMA´CEOUS, _a._ Having the structure of a filoplume. - -FIL´OPLUME, _n._ Thread-like or hair-like feather; one with slender -scape, and without web in most or all of its length. - -FIM´BRIATED, _a._ Fringed. - -FISSIPAL´MATE, _a._ Lobiped and semipalmate, as a grebe’s foot is. - -FIS´SIPED, _a._ Having cleft toes. Opposed to _palmiped_. - -FISSIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having the bill cleft far beyond the base of its -horny part. - -FISSIROS´TRES, _n._ An obsolete order of cleft-billed birds. - -FLAM´MULATED, _a._ Pervaded with reddish color. - -FLANK, _n._ Hinder part of side of trunk. (67.) - -FLAP, _n._ See LOMA. - -FLEX´ION, _n._ Bending (of a limb). Opposed to _extension_. - -FLEX´OR, _n._ Generic name of a muscle that bends a limb or any of its -segments. - -FLEXU´RA (_alæ_), _n._ Bend of the wing; carpal angle; salient angle or -prominence formed at the wrist when the wing is folded. (77.) - -FLEX´URE, _n._ See FLEXURA. - -FLOC´CULENT, _a._ Pertaining to the peculiar down of newly hatched or -unfledged young birds. (Not used in ornithology in its common sense of -_flaky_.) - -FLOC´CUS, _n._ A peculiar kind of plumage of simple structure (generally -downy), found in unfledged birds, at first growing directly from the -skin, afterwards for the most part affixed to the tip of the true -feather, of which it is the precursor, or rather the first-formed -part; and finally falling off. In psilopædic birds the floccus is only -associated with the true plumage, sprouting from the future pterylæ -alone; in ptilopædic birds it also sprouts from the apteria, and in so -far is unconnected with future plumage; the whole body is in such cases -densely clothed. (_Sundevall._) - -FŒ´TUS, _n._ Same as FETUS (which see). - -FOL´LICLE, _n._ Minute secretory sac. - -FOLLIC´ULAR, FOLLIC´ULATE, _a._ Having follicles; composed of follicles. - -FOOT, _n._ (112.) See PES. - -FOOT-JOINT, _n._ Junction of toes collectively with the metatarsus. -(100.) See PODARTHRUM. - -FORA´MEN, _n._; pl. _foram´ina_. Hole; opening; perforation. _Foramen -magnum_, the large hole in the occipital bone transmitting the neural -axis. _Foramen lacerum_, irregular vacuity between certain bones at base -of skull. The _foramen rotundum_ transmits the optic nerve; _foramen -ovale_, the trigeminal nerve; the latter is also a name of the opening -between right and left sides of the heart. - -FORE´HEAD, _n._ Front of head from bill to crown. (34.) See FRONS. - -FORE-NECK, _a._ Whole front of collum, from chin to breast; whole -throat. (51.) See GUTTUR. - -FOR´FICATE, _a._ Deeply forked. - -FORKED (_tail_), _a._ Having the outer feathers longest, the rest -gradually successively shortened to the middle pair; when these are -again lengthened somewhat, the tail is said to be _doubly forked_. - -FOS´SA, _n._; pl. _fossæ_. Ditch; excavated place. Used chiefly in the -plural to denote the pits or grooves in which most birds’ nostrils open. - -FOS´SIL, _a._ or _n._ Dug out of the ground. Particularly, any organized -body, or remains, trace, or mould of such body, naturally buried in past -time by geologic agencies. The _Archæopteryx macrurus_, of the Jurassic -formation of Solenhofen, a mesozoic bird, is the oldest known ornithic -_fossil_. - -FOSSO´RIAL, _a._ Digging into the earth for a habitation. - -FOS´TER. This word and its various compounds are used in their common -senses in treating of the relations of young cowbirds and young cuckoos -with the birds upon which they are parasitic. - -FO´VEA, _n._ A slight depression. - -FREE, _a._ Said of the leg when not enclosed to the knee in the common -integument of the body. - -FRE´NUM, _a._ Bridle; hence, any cheek-stripe. - -FRINGE, _n._ Marginal membrane; also, marginal row of feathers. (135.) -See LOMA. - -FRINGED TOE. (134.) - -FRONS, _n._ Forehead. (34.) - -FRON´TAL, _a._ Pertaining to the forehead. - -FRON´TAL BONE, _n._ Principal bone of the forehead. - -FRON´TAL POINTS. See ANTIÆ. (36.) - -FRONT OF TARSUS. Instep. (104.) - -FRUGIV´OROUS, _a._ Fruit-eating. - -FULIG´INOUS, _a._ Sooty-brown; dark smoky brown. - -FUL´VOUS, _a._ Of a brownish-yellow color. - -FUR´CATE, _a._ Forked; forficate. - -FUR´CULA or FUR´CULUM, _n._ The merry-thought or wish-bone; the two -clavicles or collar-bones taken together. Also called _os furcatum_. - -FUS´COUS, _a._ Of a dark-brown color. - -FU´SIFORM, _a._ Spindle-shaped; tapering at each end. - - -G. - -GAL´EATE, _a._ Covered as with a helmet; said of certain gallinules, -coots, etc. - -GALL, _n._ Bile; the secretion of the liver. - -GALL-BLAD´DER, _n._ Membranous sac attached to liver for holding bile. - -GALL-DUCT, _n._ Tube for conveyance of bile into the intestine; the -_ductus choledochus_. - -GALLINA´CEOUS, _a._ Belonging to the _Gallinæ_; having the nature of the -domestic fowl. - -GANG´LION, _n._; pl. _ganglia_. Natural knot-like enlargement of a -nerve. - -GAPE, _n._ Opening of the mouth; area of the opened mouth. (28.) Compare -RICTUS and COMMISSURE. - -GASTRÆ´UM, _n._ The whole under part of a bird. (16.) - -GAS´TRIC, _a._ Pertaining to the stomach or belly. The _gastric_ juice -of birds is the secretion of the _proventriculus_, or follicular -stomach, not of the gizzard or grinding muscular stomach. - -GASTROCNE´MIUS, _n._ A muscle of the back of the leg. - -GEMEL´LI, _n. pl._ The twins; certain muscles of the pelvis. - -GE´NA, _n._ Cheek; feathered side of under mandible. (43.) See MALAR -REGION. - -GEN´ERATIVE OR´GANS, _n._ Organs of reproduction in either sex. - -GENER´IC, _n._ Pertaining to a genus; as, _generic_ character, _generic_ -description. - -GEN´ESIS, _n._ Act, mode, or conditions of reproduction. In science, -_genesis_ notes rather the laws and results of origination of -individuals or species. The “genesis of species” is a term equivalent to -the evolution of species from antecedent forms, with some; with others, -their origination by creative fiat. - -GENET´IC, _a._ Pertaining to genesis. _Genetic_ descent, or _genetic_ -succession in species, is maintained by those who hold the theory of -evolution. - -GE´NU, _n._ Knee; joint of femur with tibia. - -GE´NUS, _n._; pl. _gen´era_. An assemblage of species, or a single -species, constituting a taxonomic group of value next below that of the -family. - -GEN´YS, _n._ See GONYS. - -GER´MINAL VES´ICLE, _n._ Cell in the vitellus having a dark spot. - -GIBBOSE´, GIB´BOUS, _a._ Swollen; protuberant; humped; hunched. - -GIBBOS´ITY, _n._ A swelling or protuberance. - -GIGE´RIUM, _n._ Gizzard. - -GIN´GLYMUS, _n._ Hinge-joint. The knee and elbow are _ginglymoid_, or -hinged joints. - -GLAB´ROUS, _a._ Smooth. - -GLAND, _n._ A soft fleshy organ, in which fluids of the body are -modified to form new products, to be used in, or eliminated from, the -economy. But some organs without ducts, and the function of which is -unknown, are called _glands_, as the thymus, thyroid, and pineal. The -liver is the largest _gland_ of the body. The proventriculus is a -_glandular_ organ. - -GLAN´DULAR, _a._ Pertaining to glands; having glands; consisting of -glands. - -GLANS, _n._ Head of the penis. - -GLOS´SA or GLOT´TA, _n._ Tongue. - -GLOS´SO-HY´AL, _n._ Principal bone of the tongue. - -GLOS´SO-PHARYN´GEAL, _a._ Pertaining to the tongue and jaws. A certain -nerve is so called. - -GLU´TÆAL, _a._ Pertaining to the buttocks; certain muscles are so -called. - -GLU´TÆUS, _n._ A muscle of the side of the rump. - -GNATHID´IUM, _n._; pl. _gnathidia_. Branch of the lower jaw as far as it -is naked. (Oftener used in the plural.) (24.) - -GNATHOTHE´CA, _n._ Covering of the lower mandible. (14.) - -GONYDE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the mandibular symphysis. - -GO´NYS, _n._ Keel or lower outline of the bill as far as the mandibular -rami are united. (The word is commonly but erroneously so written, as if -from the Greek _gonu_, knee, or protuberance of the bill; it is rather -from the Greek _genus_ (_genys_), signifying chin.—_Sundevall._) - -GOR´GET, _n._ Throat-patch, distinguished by color or texture of the -feathers. - -GRA´DIENT, _a._ Walking or running by steps. Opposed to _saltatory_, or -leaping. - -GRAD´UATED, _a._ Changing length at regular intervals, in regular -succession; said chiefly of the tail when its feathers regularly shorten -successively by more and more from the middle to the outer. - -GRAMINIV´OROUS, _a._ Grass-eating. - -GRANIV´OROUS, _a._ Seed-eating. - -GRAN´ULATE, _a._ Roughened with numerous small elevations, like -shagreen. (Said chiefly of the tarsus.) - -GREATER WING-COV´ERTS, _n._ The single, longest, most posterior series -of the secondary set. (92.) - -GROUND-COL´OR (_in oölogy_), _n._ The color of the general surface of -the egg-shell, as distinguished from its markings. - -GRYPAN´IUM, _a._ Noting a particular form of bill, in which the culmen -is nearly straight, but bent down at the tip. - -GU´LA, _n._ Upper foreneck, adjoining chin; upper throat. (52.) - -GU´LAR, _a._ Pertaining to the upper foreneck. - -GUT´TATE, _n._ Having drop-shaped spots. - -GUT´TIFORM, _a._ Drop-shaped. - -GUT´TUR, _n._ The whole foreneck. (51.) (But _guttural_ is rarely used -in this connection.) - -GYMNOPÆ´DIC, _n._ Synonymous with _psilopædic_. - -GYMNORHI´NAL, _a._ Having unfeathered nostrils. - - -H. - -HAB´ITAT, _n._ Locality or region frequented by a species; its -geographical distribution. - -HAB´ITUS, _n._ Habitude; mode of life. - -HACK´LE, _n._ Long cervical feather of the domestic cock. - -HÆ´MAL ARCH, _n._ The lower ring of a (ideally or actually) complete -vertebra, enclosing a section of the principal vascular and visceral -systems, as the neural arch does a section of the principal nervous -system. In birds the hæmal arch is complete only in the thoracic region. - -HÆ´MAL SPINE, _n._ An ideal transverse section of the sternum -corresponding to any one pair of ribs, completing the hæmal arch -inferiorly. - -HÆMAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Segment, actual or potential, of the hæmal arch -between the pleurapophysis and hæmal spine. In birds it actually exists -in the thoracic region, as the _sternal rib_, movably articulated with -the sternum and the vertebral rib, which latter is the pleurapophysis. - -HÆMATIT´IC, _a._ Of a bloody-red color. - -HÆMATOTHER´MA, _n._ Warm-blooded animals collectively; the antithesis is -_hæmatocrya_. - -HAL´LUCAL, _a._ Pertaining to the hallux. - -HAL´LUX, _n._ The hind toe. The name is retained, even when the hind -toe is brought round to the front. When the toes are in pairs, it is -the inner of the two hind ones, excepting in _Trogonidæ_. In the genus -_Picoides_ the actual single hind toe is not the hallux, but the fourth -toe reversed, there being no hallux. This toe may always be recognized -by presence of not more than two joints. It is the one usually wanting -in three-toed birds, and is frequently rudimentary or functionless, even -when present. Its large size, with largest claw, and specialization of -its flexor muscle, marks the passerine or highest group of birds. (129.) -(Sometimes written _hallex_ or _allex_.) - -HALO´NES, _n. pl._ Certain appearances of the yolk, probably due to the -margins of its successive layers. - -HAM´ULATE, _a._ Hooked. - -HAM´ULUS, _n._; pl. _hamuli_. Hooked fringe of a barbule; hooked -barbicel. - -HAND-QUILLS, _n._ Primary remiges. (75.) - -HAS´TATE, _a._ Spear-head shaped. - -HEAD, _n._ (9, 29.) - -HEEL, _n._ (107.) See CALCANEUS and TALUS. Upper back part of -tarso-metatarsus (tarsus or shank), rarely resting on the ground in -birds when standing erect. (Commonly, but most improperly, called -_knee_.) - -HEEL-JOINT, _n._ (103.) See SUFFRAGO. The tibio-tarsal articulation, -as it is called; that between the leg (crus), and the tarso-metatarsus -(shank). With few exceptions among certain _Raptores_, it always bends -backward; the _knee_ always has its convexity forward. - -HEEL-PAD, _n._ (115.) Pterna; tuber (which see). The posterior portion -of _pelma_, immediately under the foot-joint, and frequently prominent. -(But _heel-pad_ should not be used in this connection, since the _heel_ -(_calcaneus_) is at the top of the tarsus, and not at the bottom where -the _heel-pad_ lies.) (115.) - -HEMI- (_in composition_). Semi-; demi-; half. - -HEPAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the liver; as, _hepatic_ artery, _hepatic_ -secretion. - -HETEROGE´NEOUS, _a._ Of different or dissimilar nature; of mixed or -miscellaneous character. - -HEX´AGON, _n._ Figure of six sides and six edges. - -HEXAG´ONAL, _a._ Having six sides and edges. - -HIBER´NAL, _a._ Pertaining to the winter time. (Neither this nor -_æstival_ are much used, although _vernal_ and _autumnal_ are -continually employed.) - -HIND-NECK, _n._ (48.) See CERVIX. - -HIND-TOE, _n._ (129.) See HALLUX. - -HINDER PARTS. (8.) See URÆUM. - -HIP, _n._ Joint of femur with pelvis; projection formed by femoral -trochanter over the joint. - -HIRSUTE´, _a._ Hairy; rather shaggy, as the feet of a grouse. - -HISTOG´ENY, _n._ Formation of tissue. - -HISTOL´OGY, _n._ Minute anatomy; history of tissue. - -HISTON´OMY, _n._ Laws of formation of tissue. - -HOAR´Y, _a._ Of a pale silvery-gray. - -HOLORHI´NAL, _a._ Having the nasal bones contiguous. - -HOMOGENE´ITY, _n._ Sameness; structural similarity. - -HOMOGE´NEOUS, _a._ Of the same kind or nature. Opposed to -_heterogeneous_. A _homogeneous_ group contains only structurally -related forms. - -HOMOLOG´ICAL, HOMOL´OGOUS, _a._ Structurally related; having structural -affinity. Opposed to _analogous_, which implies similarity of -appearance, purpose, or use without corresponding affinity. - -HOMOL´OGY, _n._ Structural affinity, generally implying genetic -relationship. Opposed to _analogy_, or mere resemblance. - -HOMOTYP´ICAL, _a._ Of the same type of structure. - -HOMOT´YPY, _n._ A particular kind of homology. - -HOR´NOTINE, _a._ or _n._ Yearling; a bird of the year. - -HU´MERAL, _a._ Pertaining to the humerus, or, more generally, to the -upper arm. - -HU´MERUS, _n._ The upper arm bone; sometimes the whole upper-arm, from -shoulder to elbow. - -HY´ALINE, HY´ALOID, _a._ Transparent, like glass; said chiefly of the -vitreous humor of the eye, and of certain appurtenances of the back -chamber of the eye. - -HY´BRID, _a._ or _n._ Cross-born between two species; mongrel. - -HYBRIDIZA´TION, _n._ Cross-fertilization. Production of hybrids. - -HY´BRIDIZE. To cross and bear mongrel offspring. - -HY´OID, HYOID´EAN, _a._ Pertaining to the _os hyoides_ or tongue-bone, -or, more generally, to the tongue itself. - -HYPAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Bony process from the under side of a vertebra, -sometimes very large, as in the loon. - -HYPER- (_in composition_). Same as _super-_ (which see). - -HYPERBO´REAN, _a._ Northern; boreal. - -HYPERCHROM´ATISM, _n._ State of unusually increased or intensified -coloration. - -HYPER´TROPHY, _n._ Inordinate enlargement of a part or organ, due to -excessive nutrition. The opposite of _atrophy_, or the wasting away of -an organ through deficient nutrition. - -HYPO- (_in composition_). Same as _sub-_ (which see). - -HYPOCHON´DRIUM, _n._ The flank. (Oftener used in the plural, -_hypochondria_, flanks.) (67.) - -HYPODAC´TYLUM, _n._ Soles of the toes. (118.) - -HYPOGAS´TRIC, _a._ Under or behind the belly. (Little used). - -HYPOGNATH´OUS, _a._ Having the under mandible longer than the upper, as -the black skimmer. - -HYPOPTI´LUM, _n._ Supplementary plume, or accessory plume, springing -from the same barrel of the main feather. Generally found, but wanting -in many families, and always on the quills of the wings and tail. -Synonymous with _hyporrhachis_ as generally used. - -HYPORA´DII, _n. pl._ Barbs of the hypoptilum. - -HYPORRHA´CHIS, _n._ Aftershaft; stem or scape of the supplementary -plume. Generally used for the whole of such accessory feather, but best -thus restricted. - -HYPOTH´ESIS, _n._ A reasonable presumption or supposition taken as -premise of an argument, or as probably true, to account for what is not -understood. As it does not necessarily rest upon fact, it has not the -weight or dignity of _theory_. - -HYPOTHET´ICAL, _a._ Reasonably presumptive: logically supposititious; -conditional; assumed without proof but with fair probability. - - -I. - -IDENTIFICA´TION, _n._ Act or process of determining to what species a -specimen or a name belongs; the determination so made. - -IDEN´TIFY. To determine the name of a specimen or of a species; to -ascertain the identity of a certain specimen with a name, or name with a -certain species. - -IGNO´BLE, _a._ Said of hawks lacking the special qualities of those used -in falconry. - -IL´EUM, _n._ Lower portion of small intestine. - -IL´IAC, _a._ Relating to the ilium, or haunch-bone; also, to the ileum. - -IL´IUM, _n._ Haunch-bone; principal bone of the pelvis, forming with the -ischium and pubis the _os innominatum_. - -IM´BRICATED, _a._ Fixed shingle-wise with overlapping edge or end. - -IMMAC´ULATE, _a._ Unspotted; not marked with different colors. - -IMMATURE´, _a._ Not having yet assumed final size, shape, color, or -other conditions of the adult. - -IMPER´FORATE, _a._ Not pierced through; also, closed up (said chiefly of -the nostrils). - -IMPLACEN´TAL, _a._ Having no placenta. Birds are _implacental_. - -INCISED´, _a._ Cut out; cut away. - -INCUBA´TION, _n._ Act of setting on eggs to hatch them. - -INCUM´BENT, _a._ Depressed or bending down upon something; laid at full -length; chiefly said of the hind-toe when its whole length rests on the -ground or other support, owing to its low insertion on the level of the -rest. (131.) - -IN´CUS, _a._ A bone of the inner ear of mammalia, held by high authority -to be homologous with the _os quadratum_ of birds (which see). See also -MALLEUS. - -IN´DEX, _n._ The principal digit of the wing is often so called, but is -really homologous with the third or middle finger of mammals; the pollex -or so-called thumb of birds being the homologue of the mammalian index. - -IN´DOLES, _n._ Natural disposition. - -INDUMEN´TUM, _n._ Covering of birds; the ptilosis or plumage. (142.) - -IN´FRA- (_in composition_). Below; under; opposite of _supra-_. It is in -part synonymous with _sub-_, but refers only, to position, while _sub-_ -is of more extensive application. - -INFRAMAX´ILLARY, _n._ The under jaw bone, or mandible. - -INFRAOR´BITAL, _a._ Below the eye-socket. - -INFUNDIBU´LIFORM, _a._ Funnel-shaped. - -INFUNDIB´ULUM, _n._ Funnel; name of several different organs. - -INGES´TA, _n. pl._ Things eaten; contents of crop or stomach. Opposed to -_egesta_. - -INGLU´VIES, _n._ Crop or craw. Also used synonymously with _chin_. - -IN´GUEN, _n._ The groin; whence the adj. _inguinal_. (Little used.) - -IN´GUINAL, _a._ Pertaining to the groin. - -INNER TOE, _n._ (127.) In most birds the second is the inner anterior -toe; in the trogons, the third or middle toe becomes inner anterior by -reversion of the second, which is then inner posterior. In a few exotic -kingfishers, the second or inner anterior is rudimentary or wanting. In -several birds the hallux or first or hinder toe is reversed, and becomes -inner anterior. But in any position the _inner toe_, properly speaking, -is the second, that one with only three joints. - -INNOM´INATE (_bone_), _n._ The pelvic bone, composed of ilium, ischium, -and pubis. - -INOSCULA´TION, _n._ Same as ANASTOMOSIS (which see). - -INSECTIV´OROUS, _a._ Insect-eating. - -INSESSO´RES, _n. pl._ Perching-birds; an order now becoming obsolete. - -INSESSO´RIAL, _a._ Relating to perching-birds. - -INSIS´TENT, _a._ Said of the hind toe, when its base is so elevated that -the tip only touches the ground. (130.) - -IN´STINCT, _n._ Imperfect reason; the faculty of doing the right thing -without knowing why. - -INTEG´UMENT, _n._ A covering or envelope; commonly, the skin. - -INTER- (_in composition_). Between; among. - -INTERARTIC´ULAR, _a._ Between the joints; in a joint; as, -_interarticular_ cartilage. - -INTERCOS´TAL, _a._ Between two ribs; as, _intercostal_ muscle, artery, -vein. - -INTERMAX´ILLARY (_bone_), _n._ Same as PREMAXILLARY (which see). - -IN´TERNODE, _n._ Any bone of a finger or toe. - -INTEROR´BITAL, _a._ Between the eye-sockets. - -INTERRA´MAL, _a._ Between the forks or rami of the lower jaw. - -INTERRUPT´ED, _a._ Discontinuous; broken up. - -INTERSCAPIL´IUM or INTERSCAP´ULUM, _n._ Region of the upper back between -the shoulders. (58.) - -INTERSCAP´ULAR, _a._ Between the shoulders. The plural, _interscapulars_ -or interscapularies, is used to denote the feathers of such region -collectively. - -INVAG´INATE, _a._ Sheathed. - -INVER´TEBRATE, _a._ or _n._ Having no backbone; an animal without a -backbone. Opposed to _vertebrate_. - -I´RIAN, IRID´IAN, _a._ Pertaining to the iris. - -IRIDES´CENT, _a._ Glittering with many colors, which change in different -lights. - -I´RIS, _n._ Circular muscular curtain suspended perpendicularly in the -eye between the aqueous and vitreous chambers, having a hole in the -centre (the pupil). It is of all colors in birds. - -ISCHIAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the ischium. - -IS´CHIUM, _n._ One of the pelvic bones, the hindermost. - --ISH. A suffix, forming an adjective, _usually_ denoting possession of a -quality in less degree; especially used for colors; as, _blackish_, not -quite black, etc. - -ISTH´MUS, _n._ Neck or narrow strip connecting two larger portions of -same region, patch of color, etc. - - -J. - -JAW, _n._ See MAXILLA, MANDIBLE. - -JEJU´NUM, _n._ Portion of intestine between duodenum and ileum (not -definite, and little used). - -JU´GAL, _a._ Pertaining to the zygoma. - -JU´GAL (_bone_), _n._ Same as _malar_ bone. - -JU´GULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the jugulum. - -JU´GULUM, _n._ Lower throat; lower foreneck. (53.) - -JUNCTU´RA, _n._ Articulation; joint. - - -K. - -KEEL, _n._ Same as GONYS (which see). (22.) - -KNEE, _n._ Femoro-tibial articulation. (N. B. The heel-joint, -_suffrago_, or tibio-metatarsal articulation, is often improperly called -_knee_.) (102.) - - -L. - -LA´BEL, _n._ Card, ticket, or similar slip of paper, parchment, etc., -affixed to an object, giving written information respecting it. - -LAC´ERATE, LACIN´IATE, _a._ Cut or slashed on the edge or end into a -fringe or brush. - -LACH´RYMAL (_bone_), _a._ A large stout bone forming part of the orbit. - -LACU´NA, _n._ Small pit or depression; oftener, an open space or -vacuity, as in the palate. - -LACU´NÆ, _n. pl._ Certain small excavations in bone and in mucous -membrane. - -LACUS´TRINE, _a._ Lake-inhabiting. - -LAMB´DOID, _a._ L-shaped. - -LAMEL´LA, _n._; pl. _lamellæ_, LAM´INA, _n._; pl. _laminæ_, A thin plate -or scale; a plate-like process. The processes inside a duck’s bill are -lamellæ; the individual barbs of a feather are laminæ. - -LAM´ELLATE, LAM´INATE, _a._ Having, or composed of, laminæ, or series of -plates. - -LAMELLIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having a lamellate bill. - -LAMELLIROS´TRES, _n. pl._ A group of lamellate-billed birds (the duck -tribe). - -LAN´CEOLATE, _a._ Lance-head shaped; tapering narrowly at one end, less -so at the other. - -LARYNGE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the larynx. - -LAR´YNX, _n._ Adam’s-apple, hollow cartilaginous organ, a modification -of the windpipe either at the top or bottom, but especially the former; -the lower larynx being called SYRINX (which see). - -LAT´ERAL, _a._ To or towards the side; on either hand from the middle -line. - -LAT´ERALLY, _a._ Sidewise. - -LATIS´SIMUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain muscle of the back. - -LEGS. (96.) - -LENS (_crystalline_), _n._ A circular biconvex transparent body in the -eye which brings rays of light to a focus. - -LESSER WING-COVERTS, _n. pl._ The smaller anterior set of secondary -coverts in several series upon the _plica alaris_. - -LEVA´TOR, _n._ Generic name of muscles that elevate; as, _levator -palpebræ_, lifter of the eyelid. - -LIG´AMENT, _n._ Fibrous band or sheet binding bones or other structures -together. - -LIGAMEN´TUM NU´CHÆ, _n._ A particular strong elastic ligament along the -nape and cervix of many animals. - -LIGAMEN´TUM TE´RES, _n._ A particular strong fibrous cord holding the -head of the femur in its socket. - -LIM´BATE, _a._ Having edging of one color against another. - -LI´MES FACIA´LIS, _n._ Facial outline; line of the feathers all around -the bill. - -LIMICO´LÆ, _n. pl._ A group of shore-waders, as plover, snipe, etc. - -LIMIC´OLINE, _a._ Shore-inhabiting. - -LIN´EAR, _a._ Narrow, with straight parallel sides; uniformly narrow for -a long distance. - -LIN´GUA, _n._ Tongue. - -LINIS´CI, _n. pl._ Reticulations of the podotheca. (Little used.) - -LIV´ER, _n._ See GLAND. - -LO´BATE, LOBED, _a._ Furnished with membranous flaps (said chiefly of -_toes_). See LOMATINUS. (137.) - -LOBE, _n._ Membranous flap (generally curved, but may be -straight-edged). See LOMA. - -LO´MA, _n._ Lobe; membranous fringe or flap. (135.) - -LOMAT´INUS, _a._ Furnished with lobes or flaps. (134.) - -LONG-EXSERT´ED, _a._ Said of tail-feathers abruptly much longer than the -rest. - -LONGIPEN´NES, _n. pl._ A group of long-winged swimming-birds, the gulls, -terns, and petrels. - -LONGIPEN´NINE, _a._ Having long wings (reaching, when folded, beyond the -tail). - -LONGIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having a long bill (longer than the head). - -LONGIROS´TRES, _n. pl._ An obsolete group of long-billed wading birds. - -LONGIS´SIMUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain muscle of the back. - -LONGITU´DINAL, _a._ Running lengthwise, or in direction of the -antero-posterior axis of the body. - -LON´GUS COL´LI. A certain muscle of the neck. - -LO´RAL, _a._ Pertaining to the lore. - -LORE, LO´RUM, _n._ Space between eye and bill. (39.) - -LOWER BACK. (59.) See TERGUM. - -LOWER JAW. LOWER MANDIBLE. (11.) See MANDIBLE. - -LOWER PARTS. (6.) See GASTRÆUM. - -LOWER WING-COVERTS. (85.) See TECTRICES. - -LOWER TAIL-COVERTS. See CALYPTERIA, CRISSUM, TECTRICES. - -LUM´BAR, _a._ Pertaining to, or situate in, the loins. In birds, a -_lumbar_ region or _lumbar_ vertebræ are not well distinguished, if at -all; and in many, rib-bearing vertebræ continue into the sacral region. - -LUMBRIC´IFORM, _a._ Same as VERMIFORM (which see). - -LU´NULATE, _a._ Narrowly crescentic. - -LU´TEOUS, _a._ Clay-colored. - -LYMPHAT´IC, _a._ or _n._ Pertaining to lymph; an absorbent vessel. - -LY´RATE, _a._ Lyre-shaped, as the tail of _Menura superba_ or _Tetrao -tetrix_. - - -M. - -MAC´ERATED, _a._ Soaked to softness. - -MAC´ULA, _n._ A spot. - -MAC´ULATE, _a._ Spotted. - -MAG´NUM, _a._ for _n._ One of the carpal bones. - -MA´LA, _n._ Basal portion of outside of lower jaw, usually feathered. -(Sometimes used for corresponding portion of upper jaw; the site and -boundary of _mala_ and _gena_ are not well determined, and vary with -writers. Both lie on side of head, back of bill, and under lore, eye, -and ear.) (26.) - -MA´LAR RE´GION. Same as _mala_. - -MALLEO´LUS, _n._; pl. _malleoli_. The enlarged articular surface of the -bottom of the tibia; in birds formed by confluence of the two proximal -tarsal ossicles. - -MAL´LEUS, _n._ A bone of the inner ear of mammalia, held by high -authority as probably homologous with the OS QUADRATUM (which see). - -MAM´MA, _n._ Teat. - -MAM´MARY, _a._ Pertaining to the teats, or function of lactation. - -MAN´DIBLE, MANDIB´ULA, _n._ Jaw. Properly the _under_ jaw, the upper jaw -being _maxilla_. (11.) - -MANDIB´ULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the under jaw. (_Maxillary_ relates to -the upper jaw.) - -MANDUCA´TION, _n._ Mastication. - -MANDU´CATORY, _a._ Pertaining to mastication. - -MANTLE, _n._ (61.) See STRAGULUM and PALLIUM. - -MANU´BRIUM STER´NI, _n._ (Literally “handle.”) Process of breast-bone on -front border at root of keel. - -MAN´US, _n._ Hand; all of the wing, excepting the feathers, which lies -beyond the wrist; the metacarpus and digits, with associate soft parts. -It corresponds with _pes_. - -MAR´BLING, _n._ Fine spotting and streaking intermixed; variegation like -marble. The markings are more distinct than in clouding or _nebulation_. - -MAR´GINAL FRINGE, _n._ See LOMA. (135.) - -MAR´GO, _n._ Margin. _Margo mentalis_, inner boundary of the forks of -the mandible. _Margo malaris_, boundary of the base of the mala. - -MARSU´PIUM, _n._ Vascular, erectile, membranous organ in the back -chamber of the eye of birds, supposed to aid in accommodation of vision. -Also called _pecten_. - -MASSE´TER, _n._ One of the muscles that effect mastication. - -MAS´TAX, _n._ “Side of the forepart of head, adjacent to the base of the -bill.” (37.) (Little used, and undistinguished from _lore_.) - -MAS´TOID, _a._ Name of a process of the temporal bone. - -MA´TRIX, _n._ Mould. Tissue or organ containing something and -determining its form or other condition. - -MAXIL´LA, _n._ Jaw, especially the upper jaw, or _maxilla superior_; the -_maxilla inferior_ being especially called _mandibula_. (10.) - -MAX´ILLAR, MAX´ILLARY, _a._ Pertaining to the upper jaw. _Maxillary -bone_, the cheek-bone; in birds an inconsiderable bone of the bill -itself, not of the cheek. - -MAX´ILLO-PAL´ATINE (_bone_), _n._ Certain paired bone of the upper jaw -in the palate. - -MEA´TUS, _n._ Passage or canal. _Meatus auditorius_, ear-passage. - -ME´DIAN, _a._ Lying in the middle line. Opposed to _lateral_. - -MEDIASTI´NUM, _n._ One of the thoracic partitions. - -MEDUL´LA, _n._ Marrow. _Medulla spinalis_, spinal cord. _Medulla -oblongata_, tract of nerve matter between cerebellum and spinal cord -proper. - -MEL´ANISM, _n._ State of coloration resulting from excess of black or -dark pigment; a frequent condition of hawks. - -MELANIS´TIC, MELANOT´IC, _a._ Affected with melanism. - -MEM´BRANA PUTAM´INIS, _n._ The lining membrane of the egg-shell, formed -of dense modified albumen. - -MEM´BRANE, _n._ Thin soft sheet of various structure covering a part -or organ. _Cerebral_ or _spinal membrane_. See MENINGES. _Nictitating -membrane_, the third or inner eyelid of birds, which sweeps across the -ball. Soft skinny covering of the bill of many birds is said to be -_membranous_. Webbing of the toes is the interdigital _membrane_. _Loma_ -is a fringed _membrane_. - -MEM´BRUM, _n._; pl. _membra_. Any limb, or other peripheral part, as a -bill, as distinguished from body proper or _truncus_. - -MENIN´GES, _n._ _pl._ Envelopes of the brain or spinal cord; especially -the _dura mater_ and _pia mater_. (The singular, _meninx_, is scarcely -used.) - -MEN´TAL, _a._ Pertaining to the chin. - -MEN´TUM, _n._ Chin; soft parts between the branches of the lower jaw. - -MESENCEPH´ALON, _n._ A certain brain-tract, the second from behind. - -MESENTER´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the mesentery. - -MES´ENTERY, _n._ A fold of the peritoneum binding the intestines in -place. - -MESERA´IC, _a._ Same as MESENTERIC (which see). - -ME´SIAL, _a._ In the middle; same as _median_. - -MESO- (_in composition_). Middle; median. - -MESOMET´RIUM, _n._ Partially muscular peritoneal fold supporting the -oviduct. - -MESORHI´NIUM, _n._ Portion of bill between the nostrils. (Little used.) - -MESOSTER´NUM, _n._ Middle segment of the breast-bone. - -METACAR´PAL, _a._ or _n._ Pertaining to the metacarpus; particularly the -_metacarpal_ bone. - -METACAR´PUS, _n._ Hand, exclusive of the fingers; segment of the wing -between the carpus and the digits. - -METAGNATH´OUS, _a._ Cross-billed; having the points of the mandibles -passing each other on the right and left. - -METATAR´SAL, _a._ Pertaining to the metatarsus; particularly the -_metatarsal_ bone. - -METATAR´SUS, _n._ Foot, exclusive of the toes; segment of the leg -between the tarsus and the digits, commonly called _the shank_, and in -descriptive ornithology usually known as the _tarsus_. The metatarsus, -however, has a distal tarsal ossicle confluent with it, so that it is -actually _tarso-metatarsus_. In birds, the metatarsus proper (exclusive -of the confluent tarsal bone) consists of three parallel metatarsal -bones, more or less completely confluent, and of the associated -_accessory metatarsal_ bone which bears the hallux. Compare TARSUS. - -METATAR´SUS HAL´LUCIS, _n._ The accessory metatarsal bone, as just said. - -MID´DLE TOE, _n._ The third toe in order of reckoning, with few -exceptions four-jointed. When the fourth toe is reversed, as in all -zygodactyle birds except trogons, it becomes the _outer_ anterior toe; -in trogons, and a few birds in which the true inner or second toe is -wanting, it becomes the _inner_ anterior toe. It is never versatile. It -rarely has only three joints, like the second toe. (128.) - -MID´DLE WING-COV´ERTS, or ME´DIAN COV´ERTS. The series of upper -coverts of the secondary set, situate in one or more rows between -the greater and lesser coverts. They are usually recognized by their -overlapping each other in the reverse direction (i.e. inner border of -one overlapping outer border of the next one) from the others, whence -they are sometimes called _tectrices perversæ_. (94.) - -MIGRA´TION, _n._ Periodical (but sometimes irregular) journeyings, or -change of abode, of birds at certain seasons, to secure food, climate, -or other physical conditions of environment best suited to their wants. -Migration is generally meridional (north-south), and believed by some to -be mainly accomplished along a magnetic meridian; but it is often quite -otherwise, influenced by topography, etc., or altogether capricious. In -the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal migration is northward, the autumnal -in the opposite direction. - -MIME´SIS, _n._ Mimicry; mocking; simulated resemblance in voice, shape, -color, etc. - -MIMET´IC, _a._ Imitative; given to mimicry. _Mimetic analogy_, simulated -resemblance in superficial respects, such as many insects bear to the -twigs or leaves they rest upon. - -MIR´ROR, _n._ See SPECULUM. (82.) - -MOL´ECULE, _n._ Embryo part of the impregnated ovum. See CICATRICULUM. - -MOL´LIPILOSE, _a._ Softly downy. - -MONOG´AMOUS, _a._ Pairing; mating with a single one of the opposite sex. -Birds of which the male assists in incubation and care of the young are -called _doubly monogamous_. - -MONOG´AMY, _n._ The paired state. - -MONOMOR´PHIC, _a._ Of the same or essentially similar type of structure. -Opposed to _polymorphic_. - -MONOTO´KOUS, _a._ Uniparous; laying a single egg. - -MON´STER, _n._ Any malformed animal. - -MORPHOL´OGY, _n._ The science of form. The doctrine of the laws of -form. Structure itself, considered as to its principles; e.g. the -_morphology_ of the odontoid process of the axis is centrum of the -atlas, the _morphological_ interpretation of the tibial condyles is -tarsal ossicles. The segment called metatarsus is, _morphologically_, -tarso-metatarsus. Homology rests upon morphology; analogy is generally -predicable upon teleology. - -MOR´SUS DIABOL´ICUS, _n._ An epithet of the infundibuliform orifice of -the oviduct which takes in the ova. - -MUCIP´AROUS, _a._ Producing mucus. - -MU´COUS MEM´BRANE, _n._ Lining of the alimentary and other interior -tracts of the body, secreting mucus. - -MU´CRO, _n._ A sharp spine. - -MU´CRONATE, _a._ Spine-tipped, as the tail of a swift. - -MU´CUS, _n._ Peculiar secretion of the mucous membrane. - -MULTIF´IDUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain spinal muscle. - -MULTIP´AROUS, _a._ Producing many young. - -MUS´CLE, _n._ (_musculus_, pl. _musculi_). Organ of animal motion, -consisting of contractile fibre, the shortening of which draws upon -attached parts. With the muscular tissue is usually associated a fibrous -ligament, the tendon or “leader.” Voluntary muscles have striped fibre, -contracting at will of the animal; such are all those of the general -system, moving the bones, effecting locomotion, mastication, etc. -Involuntary muscles mostly have plain fibre contractile under special -stimuli without obedience to the will; such are those of the intestines, -etc. - -MUS´CULAR, _a._ Pertaining to muscle; having muscle or composed of -muscle; resulting from muscle: as, _muscular_ fibre, _muscular_ organ, -_muscular_ exertion. Also, strong, vigorous: the falcon is a _muscular_ -bird. - -MU´TICUS, _a._ Unarmed; as, a toe without a claw, an unspurred tarsus. -(133.) - -MYELENCEPH´ALON, _n._ Whole cerebro-spinal column. - -MY´ELON, _n._ The spinal cord. - -MYOLEM´MA, _n._ Sheath of muscular fibre. - -MYOL´OGY, _n._ Doctrine or description of the muscles. - -MYX´A, _n._ End of the mandible, as far as the symphysis, corresponding -to the dertrum of the maxilla. (25). - - -N. - -NAN´US, _a._ or _n._ Dwarf; pigmy. - -NAPE, _n._ (49.) See NUCHA. - -NAR´IS, _n._; pl. _nares_. Nostril (always paired). (28½.) The _external -nares_ open upon the bill, or its cere, in very various shape and -position; the _internal nares_ open slit-wise upon the back part of the -palate. - -NA´SAL, _a._ Pertaining to the nostrils. _Nasal bones_, a pair at the -root of the upper mandible. - -NAS´CENT, _a._ About being born; beginning to grow or exist. - -NATA´TION, _n._ Act of swimming. - -NATATO´RES, _n. pl._ A group of swimming-birds. - -NATATO´RIAL, _a._ Capable of swimming; belonging to swimming-birds. - -NEARC´TIC, _a._ Indigenous to the northern portion of the Western -Hemisphere. - -NEBULA´TED, _a._ Clouded with various indistinct colors. - -NECK, _n._ (47.) See COLLUM. - -NEOGÆ´AN, _n._ Indigenous to the Western Hemisphere or “New World.” - -NEOS´SINE, _n._ Substance of the “edible birds’-nests.” - -NEOSSOL´OGY, _n._ Study of young birds. - -NEOTROP´ICAL, _a._ Indigenous to the tropical portion of the Western -Hemisphere. - -NER´VINE, _n._ Nerve substance. - -NEU´RAL, _a._ Pertaining to nerves. _Neural canal_, the tube of the -backbone. _Neural spine_, the so-called spinous process of a vertebra. -_Neural axis_, cerebro-spinal axis. _Neural arch_, see NEURAPOPHYSIS. - -NEURAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ The laminate process of a vertebra, which, meeting -its fellow at the neural spine, closes the canal for transmission of the -spinal cord. - -NEURILEM´MA, _n._ Sheath of nerve fibre. - -NEUROL´OGY, _n._ Study of the nerves. - -NIC´TITATING MEM´BRANE, _n._ The third or inner eyelid of birds. - -NIDIFICA´TION, _n._ Nest-building; mode of nesting. - -NI´DUS, _n._ Nest. - -NI´SUS FORMATI´VUS, _n._ The formative tendency; the unknown law which -determines the rudiment of an animal to take its proper shape, “each -after its kind.” “Plastic force.” - -NODE, NO´DUS, _n._ A swelling; hence, a joint, as bones usually enlarge -at their articulating extremities. Compare INTERNODE. - -NOMEN´CLATURE, _n._ The sum of the words or terms peculiar to any -department of knowledge; as, ornithological _nomenclature_; in this -sense equivalent to _terminology_. Also, the naming of objects according -to some fixed principle; as, the binomial _nomenclature_. It is -essential to the integrity of nomenclature that it should rest upon -classification, or _taxonomy_. - -NON-. Not. A frequent prefix in scientific literature, denoting -negation, used much like _dis-_, _un-_, _in-_, etc. - -NOS´TRIL, _n._ (28½.) See NARIS. - -NOTÆ´UM, _n._ The entire upper part of a bird. (5.) - -NO´THA, _a._ Spurious. By _ala notha_ has been meant the scapular, -axillar, and tertiary feathers collectively, which are also called -_parapterum_. - -NO´TOCHORD, _n._ Primitive condition of the backbone. - -NU´CHA, _n._ Nape; upper part of cervix, next to occiput. (49.) - -NU´CHAL, _a._ Pertaining to the nape. - -NU´CLEATED, _a._ Containing a special cell or cells. - -NUCLEO´LUS, _n._ Cell or point within a nucleus. - -NU´CLEUS, _n._ Special cell within another. - -NU´TRIENT, _a._ Nourishing; nutritious. - -NUTRI´TION, _n._ Repair of waste that ensues by decomposition in animal -life, and promotion of growth, with supply of new assimilable material. -Alimentation is the act of supply; aliment or nutriment the supply; -nutrition the result of its assimilation. - - -O. - -OARED (_foot_), _a._ Having the hind toe, as well as the others, -full-webbed. See STEGANOPODOUS. (140.) - -OBCOR´DATE, _a._ Inversely heart-shaped. - -OBLIQUE´, _a._ Indirect; aslant. Also, name of certain abdominal -muscles. - -OB´LONG, _a._ Longer than broad. - -OBO´VATE, _a._ Inversely ovate. - -OBSCURE´, _a._ Dark; not evident; little known; faintly marked. - -OB´SOLETE, _a._ Disused; little used. Also, synonymous with _obscure_, -as _obsolete_ spots; also, synonymous with _imperfect_ or _rudimentary_: -the hind toe of the petrel is _obsolete_. - -OBTURA´TOR, _n._ A muscle, membrane, and foramen of the pelvis are -respectively so called. - -OBTUSE´, _a._ Blunt. Opposed to _acute_. - -OCCIP´ITAL, _a._ or _n._ Pertaining to the hind-head; as, _occipital_ -bone, _occipital_ region. - -OC´CIPUT, _n._ The hind head. (33.) - -OCEL´LUS, _n._ (Literally “little eye.”) Distinct rounded spot of color, -like the “eyes” of a peacock’s tail. - -OCH´REY, OCH´REOUS, _a._ Color of yellow ochre. - -OC´REATE, _a._ Booted. See BOOT and CALIGULA. - -OC´ULO-MO´TOR, _n._ A nerve of the eye-muscles. - -OC´ULUS, _n._ Eye. (The adjective _ocular_ being applied chiefly to -processes and results of sight, much like _visual_, rather than to -physical attributes, the word _orbital_ is used for the latter instead.) - -ODON´TOID (_process_), _a._ A part of the axis (second cervical -vertebra) is so called. - -ŒSOPH´AGUS, _n._ Gullet; tube conveying food from mouth to stomach. - -OLEC´RANON, _n._ Upper back part of the ulna, not prominent in birds. - -OLFAC´TORY, _a._ Pertaining to the sense of smell. - -OLIGOMY´OID, _a._ Having few or imperfect syringeal muscles among -_Passeres_. - -OLIGOTO´KOUS, _a._ Producing few young. - -OLIVA´CEOUS, _a._ Of a mixed green and brown color. - -OMNIV´OROUS, _a._ Eating anything; feeding indiscriminately. - -O´MOPLATE, _n._ Shoulder-blade. (_Omo-_, in composition, is a prefix -referring to the shoulder.) - -OM´PHALOS, _n._ Same as _umbilicus_, navel. - -OÖLOG´ICAL, _a._ Pertaining to oölogy. - -OÖL´OGY, _n._ Science of birds’ eggs. - -OPER´CULUM, _n._ Lid or cover; flap. The nasal scale, or roofing of the -external nostrils, is the _operculum naris_. - -OPHTHAL´MIC, _a._ Pertaining to the eye. _Ophthalmic_ region is -equivalent to orbital region. - -OP´TIC, _a._ Pertaining to the eye, or to the sight. The _optic_ nerve -issues from the brain and spreads into the retina. - -O´RAL, _a._ Pertaining to the mouth. - -ORBIC´ULAR, _a._ Circular. - -OR´BIT, _n._ Eye-socket. Also, synonymous with _orbita_. - -OR´BITA, _n._ Circumorbital region taken immediately around the -eye-opening. (41.) - -OR´BITAL, _a._ Pertaining to the orbit. - -ORBI´TO-SPHE´NOID, _n._ Part of the sphenoid bone, forming a portion of -the orbit. - -OR´DER, OR´DO, _n._ In classification, a group pl. _ordines_, between -family and class. - -OR´DINAL, _a._ Having the taxonomic rank or value of an order. - -OR´GAN, _n._ Any individual part, or system of parts, of the body having -a specific physiological function, considered with reference to its -action, processes, or results. Eye, _organ_ of sight; wing, _organ_ of -flight; stomach, liver, _organs_ of digestion; muscles collectively, -_organs_ of locomotion. - -OR´GANISM, _n._ Any living body capable of separate existence. - -OR´GASM, _n._ Immoderate excitement; said chiefly of sexual excitement, -of which the _orgasm_ is the height. Erethism. - -ORNITH´IC, _a._ Pertaining to birds. - -ORNITHOCOP´ROLITE, _n._ Fossil bird-dung. - -ORNITHOL´OGY, _n._ Science of birds. - -ORNITHOT´OMY, _n._ Anatomy of birds. - -OS, _n._; gen. _oris_; pl. _ora_. Mouth. _Cavum oris_, cavity of the -mouth. - -OS, _n._; gen. _ossis_; pl. _ossa_. Bone. Many or most names of -individual bones are adjectives, used substantively, _os_ or _bone_ -being understood; as, _hyoid_ or _hyoides_, _hyoid_ (bone) or (_os_) -_hyoides_, etc. The _quadrate bone_ or _os quadratum_ is, as to its -physical characters and office, not found in animals above birds; it -hinges the lower jaw, pterygoid, and malar bones to the rest of the -skull. It is regarded as the homologue of the mammalian _incus_ by some, -by others as probably homologous with the mammalian _malleus_. - -OS´CINE, _a._ Musical; capable of singing. - -OS´CINES, _n. pl._ A group of singing-birds, possessing a complex vocal -organ of numerous syringeal muscles, conferring musical ability. These -are regarded as the highest or most perfectly developed of their class. - -OS´SEOUS, _a._ Bony. - -OS´SICLE, _n._ A small bone. - -OSSIF´IC, _a._ Bony; rather, having power to ossify. - -OS´SIFIED, _a._ Become bony; united by bone. - -OS´SIFY. To form bone; to change into bone. - -OSTEOLOG´ICAL, _a._ Pertaining to osteology. - -OSTEOL´OGY, _n._ A description of bones. Also used to denote the osseous -system, as myology, neurology, splanchnology, likewise are for their -respective systems. - -OS´TIUM, _n._ Doorway; entrance. - -O´TIC, _a._ Pertaining to the ear. - -O´TOCRANE, _n._ “Skull of the ear”; cavity containing essential organs -of hearing. - -OUTER COVERING. (142.) See INDUMENTUM and PTILOSIS. - -OUTER WEB (of a feather). (150.) See POGONIUM EXTERNUM. - -O´VAL, O´VATE, O´VOID, OVOID´AL, _a._ Egg-shaped; in a general sense, -oblong and curvilinear. Distinctions which may subsist between these -words are practically ignored among oölogical writers, who use them -interchangeably for the oblong curvilinear shape when the curve is -unequal at the opposite ends; the terms _elliptical_, _ellipsoidal_, -being generally used to denote a curve equal at both ends. The -transverse contour-line of an egg being always circular, the descriptive -terms refer to the lengthwise contour, considered either as of a surface -or a solid. - -OVA´RIUM, _n._; pl. _ovaria_, O´VARY, _n._; pl. _ovaries_, Organ or -tissue in which eggs originate; they subsequently acquire albuminous -deposit, and, in birds, a calcareous shell, in the oviduct. - -O´VIDUCT, _n._ Tube conveying eggs from ovary to cloaca. - -OVIP´AROUS, _a._ Producing eggs which are developed after exclusion from -the body. Opposed to _viviparous_. - -OVIPOSI´TION, _n._ Act of laying eggs. - -O´VISAC, _n._ Ovarian cavity in which an egg originates. Graafian -vesicle. - -OVULA´TION, _n._ Formation of eggs in, and discharge from, the ovary. - -O´VUM, _n._; pl. _ova_. Egg. Sometimes synonymous with _embryo_. - - -P. - -PAB´ULUM, _n._ Food; nourishment; aliment. - -PADS. (123.) See TYLARI. - -PALÆARC´TIC, _a._ Indigenous to the northern parts of the Eastern -Hemisphere. - -PALÆOGÆ´AN, _a._ Indigenous to the Eastern Hemisphere, or “Old World.” - -PALÆORNITHOL´OGY, _n._ Science of fossil birds. - -PAL´AMA, _n._ Webbing between the toes. (138.) - -PAL´ATAL, PAL´ATINE, _a._ Pertaining to the palate; _palatine _ is said -especially of certain bones. - -PAL´ATE, _n._ Roof of mouth. - -PAL´ATUM, _n._ The palate. - -PA´LEA, _n._ Fleshy pendulous skin of the chin or throat; dewlap. - -PAL´LIUM, _n._ Same as STRAGULUM (which see). - -PAL´MAR, _a._ Pertaining to the under surface of the pinion. - -PAL´MATE, PALMA´TED, PAL´MIPED, _a._ Web-footed; having the anterior -toes full-webbed. Compare SEMIPALMATE and TOTIPALMATE. - -PAL´MATE FOOT. (139.) - -PAL´PEBRA, _n._ Eyelid. - -PAL´PEBRAL, _a._ Pertaining to the eyelids. - -PAL´PEBRATE, _a._ Having eyelids. - -PALU´DICOLE, _a._ Marsh-inhabiting. - -PAN´CREAS, _n._ A lobulated gland near the stomach, the secretion of -which poured into the duodenum aids digestion by making an emulsion of -fat. - -PANCREAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the pancreas; as, _pancreatic_ fluid. - -PAPIL´LA, _n._ Small fleshy nipple-like prominence. - -PAP´ILLATE, PAP´ILLOSE, _a._ Having _papillæ_. - -PAP´ULÆ, _n. pl._ Pimples. - -PAP´ULOUS, _a._ Pimply. - -PARADAC´TYLUM, _n._ Side of the toes, in any way distinguished from top -or sole. (119.) (Little used.) - -PARAGNATH´OUS, _a._ Having both mandibles of equal length, their tips -meeting. - -PARAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Certain lateral process of a vertebra. - -PARAP´TERUM, _n._ Of uncertain meaning, but has been applied to the -scapular region or its feathers. (Little used.) - -PARASIT´IC, _a._ Habitually making use of other birds’ nests. - -PARATAR´SIUM, _n._ Side of the tarsus, in any way distinguished. (105.) -(Little used.) - -PARATO´NUM, _n._ Side of upper mandible when distinguished from the -culmen. (Little used.) - -PARAUCHE´NIUM, _n._ Side of neck. (54.) (Little used.) - -PAREN´CHYMA, _n._ Essential substance of a _viscus_. - -PARI´ETAL (_bones_), _a._ for _n._ Expanded bones forming part of the -cranium. - -PARI´ETES, _n._ Wall. - -PAROCCIP´ITAL, _a._ for _n._ Certain lateral elements of the occipital -bone. - -PAROT´IC, _a._ About the ear. (45.) - -PAROT´ID, _a._ or _n._ Pertaining to the ear. _Especially_, a salivary -gland situate near the ear. - -PAS´SERES, _n. pl._ A group of birds including sparrows and all the -higher birds. - -PAS´SERINE, _a._ Sparrow-like. Belonging to the group of _Passeres_. - -PATEL´LA, _n._ Knee-pan; knee-cap. Sesamoid bone of knee-joint. - -PAT´ENT, _a._ Open. - -PATHOL´OGY, _n._ Physiology of disease. - -PEC´TEN, _n._ Same as MARSUPIUM (which see). - -PEC´TINATE, PEC´TINATED, _a._ Having tooth-like projections, like those -of a comb. - -PECTINA´TION, _n._ Comb-like toothing. - -PEC´TORAL, _a._ Pertaining to the breast. The _pectoral_ muscles of -birds, three in number, are the principal ones in point of bulk in most -birds; they move the wing as a whole. - -PEC´TUS, _n._ Breast. (62.) Anterior portion of lower part of trunk, -between jugulum and abdomen; properly, the region overlying and -containing the breast-bone, but generally restricted to the more forward -_swelling_ portion of such region. - -PE´DES, _n._; pl. of _pes_. Feet. (96.) Leg beyond the end of the tibia. - -PED´ICEL, _n._ Narrow foot-stalk or stem by which an organ is attached. -Same as _peduncle_. - -PELAG´IC, _a._ Frequenting the high seas. - -PEL´LICLE, _n._ Any very delicate membrane. - -PEL´MA, _n._ The track; entire lower surface of the toes. (114.) - -PEL´VIC, _a._ Pertaining to the pelvis. - -PEL´VIS, _n._ Cavity of the body formed by the _ossa innominata_, -_sacrum_, and _coccyx_; also, these bones collectively. - -PE´NIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the penis. - -PENICIL´LATE, _a._ Brushy-tipped. - -PE´NIS, _n._ The male intromittent organ. - -PEN´NA, _n._ A feather. Generally a contour-feather (_pluma_), as -distinguished from a down-feather (_plumula_); _particularly_, a large -stiff feather of the wing or tail, one of the _remiges_ or _rectrices_. - -PENNA´CEOUS, _a._ Denoting a perfect feather complete in all the parts a -feather can have; distinguished from _plumulaceous_. - -PEN´NIFORM, _a._ Noting a muscle whose fibres are arranged alongside of -a central tendon, like the web of a feather. - -PER´FORATE, _a._ Pierced through. (Said especially of the nostrils when -without a _septum_.) - -PERICAR´DIUM, _n._ Bag holding the heart. - -PERICRA´NIUM, _n._ Soft parts enclosing the skull; especially the -periosteum of the bones. - -PERIOS´TEUM, _n._ Membranous investment of bone. - -PERIPHERAL PARTS, _n. pl._ Superficial, as opposed to interior, parts. - -PERIPH´ERY, _n._ Superficies; contour. - -PERISTAL´TIC, _a._ Denoting the peculiar motion of the intestines by -which their contents are urged onward; the _peristole_. - -PERITONE´UM, _n._ Thin smooth serous membrane lining the belly, and -investing most of the contained organs. - -PERONE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the fibula. - -PERONE´US, _a._ for _n._ Name of a fibular muscle. - -PER´VIOUS, _a._ Open. Used synonymously with _perforate_ in respect of -the nostrils, but better restricted to the opposite of impervious or -closed (as to an _external_ opening). - -PES, _n._; pl. _pedes_ (which see). Foot. (96.) - -PES´SULUS, _n._ Cross-bone of the syrinx; bony bar across lower end of -windpipe, at point of forking into the bronchi. - -PETRO´SAL, _a._ (Used substantively.) Same as _petrous_. - -PE´TROUS, _a._ Stony; hence, hard. The _petrous_ bone is an element of -the temporal bone. - -PHA´LANX, _n._; pl. _phalan´ges_. Commonly any bone of a finger or toe. -Equivalent to internode or joint (not _articulation_). Properly in such -application lacking the singular number, _phalanges_ being the row or -series of the small digital bones, taken collectively. (120.) - -PHARYNGE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the pharynx. - -PHAR´YNX, _n._ Back compartment of the mouth, leading directly into the -œsophagus. - -PHREN´IC, _n._ Pertaining to the diaphragm. - -PHYS´ICAL, _a._ Bodily; material. Opposed to _mental_ or _psychical_. - -PHYSIOG´NOMY, _n._ Countenance, in respect to temper of mind; general -appearance, in respect to habits. - -PHYSIOL´OGY, _n._ Science of animal or vegetable economy; science of -bodily functions, processes, operations. It is less comprehensive than -_biology_, or the science of life, as it takes account only of material -or physical, not psychical, offices. - -PI´A MA´TER, _n._ Soft vascular membrane immediately investing the -brain. - -PI´CINE, _a._ Woodpecker-like. - -PICTU´RA, _n._ Pattern of coloring. - -PIG´MENT, _n._ Coloring-matter. - -PIL´EUS (also written _pileum_), _n._ The cap; top of head from base of -bill to nape. (30.) - -PIN´EAL BODY, _n._ A small organ associated with the brain. - -PIN´ION, _n._ Part of the wing beyond the wrist exclusive of the -feathers; usually the metacarpus and phalanges; the hand bone. Not -technically used synonymously with _quill_ or _wing_. - -PIN´NATED, _a._ Having little wing-like tufts of feathers on the neck. - -PIN´NIFORM, _a._ An epithet of the penguin’s wing; fin-like. - -PISCIV´OROUS, _a._ Fish-eating. - -PITU´ITARY, _a._ That secretes mucus. _Pituitary membrane_, the mucous -membrane of the nasal passages. _Pituitary gland_, a certain appendage -of the brain. - -PLA´GA, _n._ Stripe of color. - -PLAN´TA, _a._ Back of tarsus, homologically the _sole_. (106.) - -PLAN´TAR, _a._ Pertaining to the sole. A certain muscle is the -_plantaris_. - -PLAN´TIGRADE, _a._ Walking on the back of the tarsus as well as on the -soles of the toes. Many pygopodous birds are plantigrade. - -PLAS´MA, _n._ Colorless fluid of the blood. - -PLAS´TIC, _a._ That may be moulded. Forming or serving to form; -_histogenetic_. _Plastic force._ See NISUS FORMATIVUS. - -PLEU´RA, _n._ Membrane lining the thorax and investing the lungs. - -PLEURAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Segment of the hæmal arch next to the centrum. The -vertebral rib of a bird is a _pleurapophysis_. - -PLEX´US, _n._ Union in network of nerves, vessels, or fibres. Said -especially of the anastomosis of nerves. - -PLI´CA ALA´RIS, or PLI´CA PREALA´RIS, _n._ The feathered fold of skin -on the front border of the wing stretched by an elastic tendon from the -shoulder to the wrist, rendering the smooth straight anterior border of -the wing. (_Plica alaris_ is rarely used for the fold or bend of the -wing.) - -PLI´CA INTERDIGITA´LIS, _n._ Webbing between the toes. Same as _palama_. - -PLI´CÆ PRIMITI´VÆ, _n. pl._ Primitive folds; certain parallel lines -observed in the early embryonal trace. - -PLU´MA, _n._ A feather in general. Compare PENNA and PLUMULA. (1.) -A feather of which the two webs are equal and alike is called -_isopogonous_: otherwise _anisopogonous_. - -PLU´MAGE, _n._ The feathers, collectively; PTILOSIS (which see). - -PLUM´BEOUS, _a._ Having the color of tarnished lead; dull bluish-gray. - -PLUM´IPED, _a._ Having the feet feathered. - -PLU´MOSE, PLU´MOUS, _a._ Feathery; in general, having feathers; -feathered. Compare PENNACEOUS and PLUMULACEOUS. - -PLU´MULA, _n._ A down feather, lacking certain qualities and parts of a -_penna_. - -PLUMULA´CEOUS, _n._ Downy. Compare PENNACEOUS. - -PNEUMAT´IC, _a._ Relating to the respiratory system; permeated with air. - -PNEUMOGAS´TRIC, _a._ Pertaining to lungs and belly; a name of the most -extensive cranial nerve. - -PODARTH´RUM, _n._ Foot-joint; the articulation of the toes collectively -with the metatarsus. (100.) - -PO´DIUM, _n._ Foot. (Same as _pes_.) Generally used, however, for the -_toes_ collectively without the shank. (112.) - -PODOTHE´CA, _n._ Whole envelope of tarsus and toes. (101.) - -POGO´NIUM, _n._; pl. _pogonia_. Web or vanes of a feather. (147.) -_Pogonium externum_, outer web (farthest from middle line of the body). -_Pogonium internum_, inner web. See PLUMA. - -POL´LEX, _n._ Thumb. The joint which bears the alula is so called, -though it is homologous with the index or second finger. _Spina -pollicaris_, or _Tuberculum pollicare_, the horny spur on the wing of -some birds. - -POLYG´AMOUS, _a._ Mating with more than one female, like the domestic -cock. - -POLYMOR´PHIC, _n._ Of many forms; consisting of, or containing, several -different types of structure: as, a _polymorphic group_. - -POLYMY´OID, _a._ Having numerous syringeal muscles; noting a group -equivalent to _Oscines_. - -POLYNO´MIAL, _n._ or _a._ Name of more than two words. Consisting of -several words. The _polynomial_ nomenclature is obsolete. - -POLYTO´KOUS, _a._ Multiparous; producing many young. - -PONS, _n._ Bridge. Certain parts of the brain. - -POPLITE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the back of the knee. - -POR´TAL CIRCULA´TION. Passage of blood from the capillaries of one organ -to those of another, as is conspicuous in certain of the digestive -viscera. - -POSTAX´IAL, _a._ Situate on the external or posterior (ulnar or fibular) -side of a limb. - -POSTE´RIOR PORTION. (8.) See URÆUM. - -POSTERIOR TOE. (125.) The hind-toe, or that one directed backward, is -generally the hallux; often also the fourth or outer; rarely the second -or inner. The hallux is generally meant by _posterior toe_. - -POSTOR´BITAL, _a._ Situate behind the eye. - -POW´DER-DOWN FEATH´ERS, _n. pl._ Peculiar imperfect feathers, in a -matted patch, which grow continually, and as constantly break down, with -a scurfy exfoliation, and pervaded with a greasy substance; they are -especially conspicuous in the heron tribe, but are also found elsewhere. - -PRÆAX´IAL, _a._ Situate on the internal or anterior (radial or tibial) -side of a limb. - -PRÆCO´CES, _n. pl._ An obsolete group of birds, able to run about and -feed themselves at birth. - -PRÆCO´CIAL, _n._ Belonging to the _Præcoces_; having the nature of -_Præcoces_. - -PRÆPEC´TUS, _n._ Fore-breast; region of the craw. Not well distinguished -from _jugulum_. - -PREMAX´ILLARY (_bone_), _a._ The foremost and principal bone of the -upper jaw. _Intermaxillary_ is synonymous. - -PREP´UCE, _n._ Foreskin. The homologous structure occurs in some birds. -_Preputial_, pertaining to the foreskin. - -PRESSIROS´TRAL, _a._ Having a bill like that of a plover. (Obsolete.) - -PRESTER´NUM, _n._ Anterior segment of the breast-bone. - -PRI´MARY, _n._; pl. _primaries_. Any one of the (usually ten, often -nine, rarely eleven) large stiff quills growing upon the pinion or -hand-bone, as distinguished from the secondaries which grow upon the -forearm. They form the tip of the wing, and much of its surface. - -PRI´MARY WING-COVERTS, _n. pl._ Those overlying the bases of the -primaries. - -PROCE´RES or PRO´CERI, _n. pl._ Same as RATITÆ (which see). - -PROLIG´EROUS, _a._ See YOLK. - -PRONA´TION, _n._ A particular movement of the radius upon the ulna, by -which the hand turns over,—in birds it is very slight, if it occur at -all. The reverse movement is termed _supination_. The muscles effecting -it are _pronators_ and _supinators_. - -PROÖT´IC, _a._ for _n._ An element of the auditory capsule. - -PROSENCEPH´ALON, _n._ A certain tract of the brain, the third from -behind. - -PRO´TOPLASM, _n._ Primitive common embryonic tissue, out of which -different organs and parts are formed. - -PROTOVER´TEBRÆ, _n. pl._ First trace of the backbones. - -PROTRAC´TILE, PROTRU´SILE, _a._ Susceptible of being thrust forward or -out, as the tongue of most woodpeckers. - -PROVENTRIC´ULUS, _n._ Part of gullet, usually enlarged, next to gizzard, -having solvent glands for digestion. It is the true _stomach_ of a bird, -as distinguished from the gizzard or grinding stomach. - -PROX´IMAL, _a._ Proximate; nearest or next to any centre or axis. -Opposed to _distal_ or _terminal_. - -PSILOPÆ´DES, _n. pl._ A group of psilopædic birds, further distinguished -by being born weak and helpless, fed and reared in the nest. The term -_gymnopædes_ is synonymous. - -PSILOPÆ´DIC, _a._ Having down growing only from the future pterylæ, as -the precursor of the future plumage, to which it is subsequently affixed -for a while and then falls off. - -PSO´AS, _n._ Name of certain pelvic muscles. - -PTERAPOPH´YSIS, _n._ Certain process of cranial bones. - -PTER´NA, _n._ Heel-pad. (115.) - -PTERO´MATA, _n. pl._ (This word is of uncertain meaning.) (89 ?) - -PTER´YGOID (_bone_), _n._ A slender bone connecting the quadrate with -the palatine. - -PTER´YLA, _n._; pl. _pterylæ_. Area or _tract_ on the skin where -feathers grow. - -PTERYLOG´RAPHY, _n._ A description of the plumage, especially with -reference to the distribution of the feathers on the skin. - -PTERYLO´SIS, _n._ Plumage, considered with reference to its distribution -on the skin. - -PTI´LA, _n._ (This word is of uncertain meaning.) (86 ?) - -PTILOPÆ´DES, _n. pl._ Ptilopædic birds. Such are generally able to -run about at birth, or at least to feed themselves. _Dasypædes_ is -synonymous. - -PTILOPÆ´DIC, _a._ Clothed at birth with floccus, which sprouts not only -from the future pterylæ, but also from apteria. - -PTILO´SIS, _n._ Plumage. (3.) - -PU´BIC, _a._ Pertaining to the pubis. - -PU´BIS, _n._ The most anterior bone of the pelvis. In birds the _ossa -pubis_ or _pubes_ are separate, there being no pubic symphysis, and -directed more or less backward. - -PUL´LUS, _n._ A chick; young bird, before its first complete plumage. - -PUL´MONARY, _a._ Pertaining to the lungs; relating to respiration. - -PUL´SUS, PULSE, _n._ Beating of the arteries. - -PUNC´TATE, _a._ Dotted; pitted; studded with points. - -PUNC´TUM SA´LIENS, _n._ First trace of the embryonic heart. - -PUPIL´LA, _n._ Central black disc circumscribed by the iris; the pupil -(a _hole_, not a substance). - -PUPIL´LARY, _a._ Pertaining to the pupil. - -PYGOP´ODES, _n. pl._ A group of birds distinguished by the far backward -position, and deep burial, in common integument, of the legs. - -PYGOP´ODOUS, _a._ Belonging to _Pygopodes_, or having the character of -that group. - -PY´GOSTYLE, _n._ Last coccygeal vertebra, of peculiar size and shape in -recent birds; also called the _vomer_. - -PYLOR´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the pylorus. - -PYLO´RUS, _n._ Opening from gizzard into duodenum; _especially_, valve -guarding this orifice. - -PYR´IFORM, _a._ Pear-shaped. - - -Q. - -QUADRAN´GULAR, _a._ Four-edged or four-angled. - -QUAD´RATE, _a._ Squared. - -QUAD´RATE BONE, _n._ See OS QUADRATUM. A peculiarly shaped bone -interposed between the lower jaw and the rest of the skull. - -QUADRILAT´ERAL, _a._ Four-sided. - -QUADRILOC´ULAR, _a._ Four-chambered, as the heart of higher vertebrates -is. - -QUAR´RY, _n._ Prey of raptorial birds. - -QUILL, _n._ See PENNA. (2, 75, 76, 145.) - -QUI´NARY, _a._ Noting a certain absurd system of classification which -presumes that there are _five_ types, or sets of objects, in every -natural group. - -QUIN´CUNX, _n._ Set of five, arranged thus, ⁙ - - -R. - -RA´DIAL, _a._ Pertaining to the radius. - -RA´DII, _n. pl._ Barbs of a main feather. - -RA´DII ACCESSO´RII, _n. pl._ Barbs of the supplementary feather. - -RADIO´LI, _n. pl._ BARBULES (which see). - -RADIO´LI ACCESSO´RII, _n. pl._ Barbules of the supplementary feather, -aftershaft or hypoptilum. - -RA´DIUS, _n._ Outer bone of forearm. - -RA´MUS, _n._; pl. _rami_. Branch or fork. Gnathidea. - -RAPH´E, _n._ Line of separation of two parts of an organ when prominent -or otherwise distinguished. - -RAPTO´RIAL, _a._ Pertaining to birds of prey. - -RATI´TÆ, _n. pl._ Birds with flat sternum, as ostriches, emus or -cassowaries, and the apteryx. - -RAU´COUS, _a._ Hoarse-voiced. - -REC´TRIX, _n._; pl. _rectrices_. Quills of the tail. (70.) (The singular -is little used.) - -REC´TUM, _n._ Lower straight gut. - -REC´TUS, _a._ Name of certain muscles. - -RECURVED´, _a._ Bent regularly and gradually upward. - -REFLECT´ED, _a._ Turned backward. - -REFLEC´TION, _n._ Play of color changing in different lights. - -REG´IMEN, _n._ Diet. - -RE´GIO, RE´GION, _n._ Portion of the body in any way distinguished; -dorsal _region_; cervical _region_. - -RE´MEX, _n._; pl. _remiges_. Quill of the wing. (75, 76.) (Little used -in the singular.) - -RE´NAL, _a._ Pertaining to the kidneys. - -RE´TE, _n._ Same as _plexus_. - -RETIC´ULATE, _a._ Marked with network of lines. - -RETICULA´TION, _n._ Network; mosaic. - -RET´INA, _n._ Expansion of the optic nerve within the eye, upon which -images of objects are impressed. - -RETRAC´TILE, _a._ Susceptible of being drawn back and driven forward as -a hawk’s claw. - -RETRORSE´, _a._ Directed backward. - -RHACH´IS, _n._; pl. _rhachides_. Scapus exclusive of calamus; shaft of a -feather, bearing the webs, without the hollow horny barrel. (146.) Also, -the spinal column. - -RHAMPHOTHE´CA, _n._ Covering of the whole bill. (12.) - -RHI´NAL, _a._ Pertaining to the nose. - -RHINENCEPH´ALON, _n._ Foremost tract of the brain, the fourth from -behind. - -RHINOTHE´CA, _n._ Covering of the upper mandible. (13.) - -RHIZONYCH´IUM, _n._ Terminal bone of a toe bearing a claw. (122.) -(Little used.) - -RHOM´BOID, _a._ Lozenge-shaped. Name of a muscle of the shoulder-blade. - -RIC´TUS, _n._ Gape of the mouth. - -RIDGE, _n._ CULMEN (which see). (20.) - -RI´MA, _n._ Outline of a slit-like opening. - -RI´MA GLOT´TIDIS, _n._ Opening of the glottis. - -RI´MA ORIS, n. Equivalent to COMMISSURE (which see). - -ROS´TRUM, _n._ Bill; beak; projecting forepart of head of birds; of two -jaws, upper and lower, consisting of a frame of certain bones over which -is stretched unfeathered skinny or horny membrane, the rhamphotheca. -(9.) - -ROUND´ED (_tail_), _a._ Having the central feathers longest, the rest -successively gradually and slightly shorter. A tail is _double-rounded_ -when, with central feathers shorter than the next, the rest are -graduated as before. - -RU´DIMENT, _n._ A beginning. - -RUDIMEN´TARY, _a._ Undeveloped; imperfectly elaborated; existing only in -its beginnings. - -RUFF, _n._ Set of lengthened or otherwise modified or peculiarly colored -feathers around the throat or whole neck. - -RU´GA, _n._ Ridge or raised fold; wrinkle. - -RUGOSE´ or RU´GOUS, _a._ Wrinkled. - -RUMP, n. UROPYGIUM (which see). (60.) - - -S. - -SAC´RAL, _a._ Pertaining to the sacrum. - -SAC´RUM, _n._ A compound bone of the spine, composed of several -anchylosed vertebræ of the pelvic region, with which the iliac bones are -sutured. - -SAC´RO-COCCYGE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the sacrum considered as -comprising also several coccygeal vertebræ. - -SAG´ITTATE, _a._ Arrow-head shaped; an elongated cordate figure with -pointed lobes. - -SALI´VA, _n._ Spittle. - -SAL´IVARY GLANDS. Organs secreting saliva. - -SAL´TATORY, _a._ Progressing by leaps. Opposed to _ambulatory_ or -_gradient_. - -SAN´GUIS, _n._ Blood. - -SAPHE´NA, _n._ Principal vein of the leg. - -SARCOLEM´MA, _n._ Same as _myolemma_. - -SARTOR´IUS, _a._ Name of a certain muscle of the leg. - -SAUROP´SIDA, _n._ A primary group of vertebrata, comprising birds and -reptiles. - -SAURU´RÆ, _n. pl._ Name of a certain primary group of _Aves_ formed for -the reception of the _Archæopteryx_. - -SCAB´ROUS, _a._ Scabby; scurfy; scaly. Said of a surface roughened as if -in such manner. - -SCANSO´RIAL, _a._ Capable of climbing, as a woodpecker. - -SCAPHOLUN´AR, _n._ One of the carpals or wrist-bones. - -SCAP´ULA, _n._ Shoulder-blade. - -SCAP´ULAR, _a._ Pertaining to the shoulder-blade; as, _scapular_ region. - -SCAP´ULAR, _n._ Any feather of a series growing on the pteryla -humeralis, in an oblique line across the humerus. _Scapulars_ is -generally said, the plural designating these feathers collectively; they -are also called _scapularies_. (80.) The scapulars fill up what would -otherwise be an interval between the inner border of the wing and the -body. Illiger’s word, _parapterum_, seems to designate them, but is also -used in an entirely different sense. - -SCA´PUS, _n._ Entire stem of a feather; calamus + rachis. (144.) - -SCHIZOGNATH´OUS, _a._ Having the palate bones separated. - -SCHIZORHI´NAL, _a._ Having the nasal bones separated. - -SCI´ATIC, _n._ Same as _ischiatic_; pertaining to the ischia. - -SCIS´SION, _n._ A cutting apart; fissuration. - -SCIS´SOR-SHAPED (_tail_), _a._ Deeply forficate. - -SCLEROT´IC, _n._ Dense opaque fibrous membrane forming most of the -eyeball. - -SCOL´LOPED, _a_. Lobed. (137.) - -SCOLO´PACINE, _a._ Snipe-like. - -SCRO´TUM, _n._ Bag holding testicles. - -SCUTEL´LATE, _a._ Provided with scutella. - -SCUTEL´LATE TARSUS. (110.) - -SCUTEL´LUM, _n._; pl. _scutella_. Scale. Any one of the divisions into -which the podotheca may be broken up by regular lines of impression; -especially such divisions when large and in regular vertical series; -various smaller divisions being called _reticulations_. _Scutella_ occur -especially on the anterior face of the tarsus and top of the toes; often -also on the back of the tarsus; sometimes they completely encircle the -tarsus. When thus large, some ornithologists call them _scuta_; then -using _scutella_ for the smaller irregular reticulations. _Scutella_ are -sometimes obsolete. (Commonly, but erroneously, written _scutellæ_.) -(109.) - -SCU´TIFORM, _a._ Scalelike. - -SCU´TUM, _n._; pl. _scuta_. See SCUTELLUM. - -SEC´ONDARY COV´ERTS. The smaller wing-feathers growing from the forearm -and its region, overlying the bases of the secondary quills. (89.) - -SEC´ONDARY QUILLS or SEC´ONDARIES. Quills growing upon the forearm. - -SEG´MENT, _n._ A portion specially distinguished. The tarsus is a -_segment_ of the leg. - -SEGMENTA´TION, _n._ Division into parts. Particularly applied to a -process which takes place in the vitellus or yolk during incubation. - -SEL´LA TUR´CICA, _n._ A certain part of the sphenoid bone. - -SE´MEN, _n._ The male fluid, containing spermatozoa. - -SEMI- (_in composition_). Half. - -SEMILU´NAR, _a._ Crescentic. - -SEMIMEMBRANO´SUS, _n._ A certain muscle of the thigh. - -SEM´INAL, _a._ Pertaining to the male generative fluid. - -SEMINIF´EROUS, _a._ Secreting or conveying semen. - -SEMIPAL´MATE, _a._ Half webbed; having a basal membrane between the -front toes not reaching to their ends. - -SEM´IPLUME, _n._ Feather with pennaceous stem and plumulaceous web. - -SEMITENDINO´SUS, _n._ A certain muscle of the thigh. - -SE´NILE, _a._ Aged; pertaining to old age. - -SENSE, _n._ Faculty of apprehending external impressions; as, _sense_ of -sight, hearing. - -SEN´SORY, _a._ Relating to the senses. - -SEP´TUM, _n._ A partition. Same as _Dissepiment_. - -SE´ROUS, _a._ Thin, watery (of fluids). - -SER´RATE, _a._ Toothed, like a saw. - -SERRA´TUS, _a._ for _n._ A muscle of the trunk. - -SE´RUM, _n._ Watery portion of animal fluids, especially of the blood. - -SES´AMOID (_bone_), _n._ A small rotund bone situate in the substance of -a tendon about a joint. - -SES´SILE, _a._ Seated; i.e. without a stem or peduncle. - -SETA´CEOUS, _a._ Bristly; bristled. - -SE´TÆ, _n. pl._ Bristles. - -SE´TIFORM, _a._ Bristle-like. - -SEX´UAL, _a._ Pertaining to sex. - -SEX´US, _n._ Sex. - -SHAFT, _n._ (146.) - -SHANK, _n._ Properly, the _shin_ or tibial segment of the leg. -In case of birds oftener used, but incorrectly, for the tarsus -(tarso-metatarsus). - -SHIN, _n._ (98.) - -SHOULDER, _n._ (68.) - -SIB´ILANT, _a._ Hissing. - -SIDE-NECK, _n._ (64.) - -SIDE OF TARSUS, _n._ (105.) - -SIDE OF TOES, _n._ (119.) - -SIG´MOID, _a._ S-shaped. Several parts are so called. - -SIGN, SIG´NUM, _n._ Any character or other arbitrary abbreviation of a -word or term. - -Prominent among those used in ornithology are: ♂, _male_; ♀, _female_; -⚪, juv. _young_, _juvenis_; ad., _adult_; hornot., _hornotine_; -pull., _pullus_, _chick_; sen. or sr., _senior_, _senex_, _old_; pt., -_plumage_; nupt. temp., _in the breeding season_; æst., _summer_; hyem., -_winter_; vern., _spring_; aut., _autumnal_; mus., _museum_; coll., -_collection_, _cabinet_; syn., _synonym_; =, _equal to_; >, _more than_; -<, _less than_; +, _plus_; ×, _in a different sense_; v., _vide_, _see_; -cf., _confer_, _consult_; i.e. or h.e., _that is_; l. c., _loco citato_, -_in the place just cited_; op. cit., _the work cited_; h. l., _hoc -loco_, _here_; auct., auctt., _author_, _authors_; script., _writer_; -p., _page_; vol. or t., _volume_, _tome_; pl. or tb., _plate_, _tabula_; -f., or fig., _figure_; infra, _below_ (reference); supra, _above_; -qu., _query_; ?, _query_; !, _certainty, from autopsy_; err., _error_; -corr., _corrigenda_; add., _addenda_; descr., _description_; id., _the -same_ (person); ib. or ibid., _there_ (in the same place); quid? _what_ -(may it be)? sc., _scilicet_, to wit; viz., _videlicet_, namely; excl., -_exclusive of_; n., _nova_, _novum_, _new_; var., _variety_; sp., -_species_; gen., _genus_; fam., _family_; ord., _order_; n. sp., n. g., -_new species_, _genus_. Authors’ names are constantly abbreviated, with -the first one, two, or three, or other most characteristic letters. - -SINCIP´ITAL, _a._ Pertaining to the sinciput. - -SIN´CIPUT, _n._ Anterior half of pileus, from bill to vertex. (32.) - -SINIS´TRAD, _a._ Toward the left. - -SINISTRAL, _a._ On the left side. - -SI´NUS, _n._ Name of numerous and various cavities of the body. - -SKEL´ETON, _n._ Sum of the bones of a body. It generally means only -the _endoskeleton_ proper, or internal bony framework of the body, as -distinguished from _exoskeleton_ or _dermoskeleton_. - -SOLE, _n._ (106.) - -SOLES OF TOES, _n._ (118.) - -SO´LEUS, _n._ A muscle of the leg. - -SPAT´ULATE, _a._ Spoon-shaped; contracted near the end, where enlarged. - -SPE´CIES, _n._ Aggregate of individuals related by genetic succession -without notable change of physical characters. - -SPECIF´IC, _a._ Of, or relating to, a species; as, _specific_ name, -_specific_ character. - -SPEC´ULUM, _n._ Mirror; brightly colored area on the secondaries, -especially of ducks. - -SPERM, _n._ The secretion of the testicles; same as _semen_. - -SPERMAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to semen, or to the organs concerned in its -production and emission. - -SPERMATOZO´A, _n. pl._ Essence of the male seed. - -SPHE´NOID (_bone_), _n._ A compound bone of the skull, constituting much -of the second cranial segment. - -SPHENOID´AL, _n._ Relating to the sphenoid. - -SPHINC´TER, _n._ An annular muscle constricting or closing a natural -orifice; especially, _sphincter ani_. - -SPI´NAL, _a._ Relating to the backbone. - -SPINA´LIS, _a._ for _n._ Name of a certain muscle of the back. - -SPINE, _n._ Backbone. Also, any sharp projecting point of bone or horn. - -SPINOSE´ or SPI´NOUS, _a._ Sometimes said of a mucronate feather. - -SPLANCH´NIC, _a._ Visceral. - -SPLANCHNOL´OGY, _n._ Science or study of the viscera. - -SPLEEN, _n._ A deep red, soft, spongy, ductless and extremely vascular, -abdominal organ of uncertain function. - -SPLE´NIAL, _a._ Name of a certain element of the mandible. - -SPLE´NIUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain cervical muscle. - -SPUR, _n._ (108.) - -SPU´RIOUS, _a._ False; bastard; imperfect; rudimentary. - -SPU´RIOUS QUILL, _n._ The first primary, when rudimentary or very short. - -SPU´RIOUS WING, _n._ Feathers growing on the so-called thumb of birds. - -SQUAM´OUS, _a._ Scaly. - -STA´PES, _n._ One of the auditory ossicles; the stirrup-bone, becoming -the _columella_ in _Sauropsida_. - -STEGANOP´ODOUS, _a._ Having all four toes full-webbed. (141.) - -STEL´LATE, _a._ Starred. - -STEM, _n._ (144.) See SCAPUS. - -STER´ILE, _a._ Unfruitful; infecund; barren; noting the condition of the -female corresponding to impotence of the male. - -STER´NAL, _a._ Relating to the breast-bone. - -STER´NUM, _n._ Breast-bone. - -STETHIÆ´UM, _n._ Entire anterior half of a bird. (7.) (Little used.) - -STIG´MA, _n._ See CALYX. - -STIP´ULA, _n._ Newly sprouted feather. - -STO´MA, _n._ Mouth. - -STRAG´ULUM, _n._ Mantle; back and folded wings taken together. Same as -_pallium_. (61.) (Little used.) - -STRA´TUM, _n._ Layer. - -STREAK, _n._ Lengthwise color-mark; not so strong, firm, or large as -_stripe_. - -STRI´A, _n._; pl. _striæ_. Stripe; streak. - -STRI´ATE, _a._ Striped; streaked. - -STRI´DENT, _a._ Shrill. - -STRIG´INE, _a._ Owl-like; belonging to the _Strigidæ_. - -STRIPE, _n._ A long, strong, sharp streak. - -STRO´MA, _n._ Essential texture of any organ. - -STRU´THIOUS, _a._ Ostrich-like. - -STY´LOID or STY´LIFORM, _a._ Shaped like a peg or pin. - -SUB- (_in composition_). Under; less than; not quite; somewhat; slightly -so. _Sub-_ diminishes the force, point, or extent of application of a -term. - -SUB-BA´SAL, _a._ Near the base. - -SUB-CLASS, _n._ An intermediate group often recognized between class and -order, of less taxonomic value than the former. - -SUBCLA´VIAN, _a._ Beneath the clavicle. - -SUBFAM´ILY, _n._ A group between a family and a genus. - -SUBGE´NUS, _n._ A group between a genus and a species. (Often used; of -extremely indefinite value.) - -SUBMAX´ILLARY, _a._ or _n._ Under the jaw. Also, equivalent to inferior -maxillary or _mandible_. - -SUBSCAP´ULAR, _a._ or _n._ Under the shoulder-blade; name of a muscle. - -SUBTYP´ICAL, _a._ Not quite true to the type; deviating somewhat; -slightly aberrant. It expresses a condition between _typical_ and -_aberrant_. - -SUB´ULATE, _a._ Awl-shaped. - -SUFFRA´GO, _n._ The tibio-tarsal joint; the heel-joint. (103.) - -SUFFU´SION, _n._ A “running” shade of color. - -SUL´CATE, _a._ Grooved or channelled. - -SUL´CUS, _n._ A groove or channel. - -SU´PER- (_in composition_). Over; above; beyond; more than. The opposite -qualification of _sub-_. - -SUPERCIL´IARY, _a._ Pertaining to region of eyebrow, as a streak of -color over the eye. - -SUPERCIL´IUM, _n._ Eyebrow. (43.) - -SUPER-FAM´ILY, _n._ A group containing one or more families, yet not of -ordinal rank. - -SUPERFIC´IES, _n._ The exterior in general. - -SUPE´RIOR, _a._ Lying over, above, or uppermost. - -SUPEROCCIP´ITAL, _a._ for _n._ The superior element of the occipital -bone. - -SUPER-OR´DER, _n._ A group containing one or more orders, yet not of the -taxonomic rank of a class. (N. B. Super-genus is a word not yet used.) - -SUPINA´TOR, _n._ Name of a muscle that effects, or tends to effect, the -reverse movement of _pronation_ (which see). - -SUPRA- (_in composition_). Same as _super-_. - -SUPRACIL´IARY, _a._ See SUPRAORBITAL. - -SUPRA-OCCIP´ITAL, _a._ for _n._ Superior element of the occipital bone. - -SUPRAOR´BITAL, _a._ Situate over the orbit. - -SUPRA-RENAL (_body_), _a._ for _n._ See ADRENAL. - -SURAN´GULAR, _a._ Name of a certain element of the mandible. - -SUR´SUM. Over; above. - -SU´TURE, _n._ A kind of immovable articulation. - -SYM´BOL, _n._ See SIGN. - -SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM (_of nerves_). That portion of the nervous system not -belonging to the cerebro-spinal axis. - -SYM´PHYSIS, _n._ A growing together; as, _symphysis pubis_, _symphysis -menti_. - -SYNARTHRO´SIS, _n._ Same as _suture_. - -SYNCHONDRO´SIS, _n._ Cartilaginous union or articulation. - -SYNDAC´TYLE or SYNDAC´TYLOUS, _a._ Having two toes immovably coherent -for a considerable distance. - -SYNGNE´SIOUS (_foot_), _a._ Same as _syndactyle_ foot. - -SYN´ONYM, _n._; pl. _syn´onyms_ or _synon´yma_. A different word of the -same or similar meaning. _Archæopteryx macrurus_, Owen, is a synonym of -_Arch. lithographica_, Meyer. _Synonym_ is the converse of _homonym_, -which is the same word, of different meanings. Thus, _Sylvicola_, -Swainson, a bird, is a _homonym_ of _Sylvicola_, Humphreys, a mollusk. -(Also written _synonyme_.) - -SYNON´YMOUS, _a._ Expressing the same meaning in different terms. -(_Synonymical_ is also written, but rarely.) (Also written -_synonomous_.) - -SYNON´YMY, _n._ A collection of synonyms. In this sense, _synonymy_ is a -burden and a disgrace to ornithology. Also, in the abstract, expression -of the same meaning by different words. (Also written _synonomy_.) - -SYNO´VIA, _n._ The peculiar glairy fluid which lubricates joints. So, -_synovial_ fluid; _synovial_ membrane. - -SYN´THESIS, _n._ Act of putting together this and that fact or -observation, whence to deduce a generalization; opposed to _analysis_. -Also, merely _composition_. - -SYRINGE´AL, _a._ Pertaining to the lower larynx. - -SY´RINX, _n._ The lower larynx, situate at the bottom of the trachea, at -the fork of the bronchi. The vocal organ of birds. - -SYS´TOLE, _n._ Contraction of the heart, urging on the blood. Opposed to -_diastole_ (which see). - - -T. - -TAC´TILE, _a._ Pertaining to the sense of touch. - -TAIL, _n._ (69.) See CAUDA. - -TAIL-COV´ERTS, _n. pl._ (71.) See CALYPTERIA. - -TAIL-FEATHERS, _n. pl._ (70.) See RECTRICES. - -TA´LUS, _n._ Same as CALCANEUS (which see). - -TAR´SAL, _a._ Relating to the tarsus, or tarso-metatarsus. - -TAR´SO-METATAR´SUS, _n._ The morphologically correct term for the -segment, commonly called the _tarsus_ in descriptive ornithology,—that -bone reaching from the tibia to the toes, and which is really nearly all -metatarsus, but has at its top one of the small tarsal bones confluent -with it, so that in itself it comprehends part of tarsus as well as all -of metatarsus. - -TAR´SUS, _n._ The ankle-bones, collectively. In birds, there are no -persistently separate tarsal bones, since the two proximal ones are -confluent with the extremity of the tibia, forming its so-called -malleoli, and the distal one anchyloses with the metatarsus, leaving the -tarsal joint between them, as in reptiles, not between the tarsal bones -and the tibia, as in mammalia. But, in descriptive ornithology, the -whole segment between the tibia and the toes, commonly called the shank, -is usually called _tarsus_. See, also, TARSO-METATARSUS and METATARSUS. -(103½.) (N. B. In the foregoing “Explanation,” etc., the word _tarsus_ -is defined as used in descriptions, not in its morphologically correct -sense.) - -TAR´SUS, BACK OF. (106.) See PLANTA TARSI. - -TAR´SUS, BOOTED. (111.) See BOOT. - -TAXIDER´MY, _a._ Art of preparing and preserving skins so as to -represent the appearance of the living animal. - -TAXONOM´IC, _a._ Classificatory. - -TAXON´OMY, _n._ Classification; rational arrangement according to some -scientific principle. Biotaxy. - -TEC´TRICES, _n. pl._ Coverts; the smaller feathers, either of wing or -tail, but especially of the former; tail-coverts being calypteria. (72, -73, 83.) - -TEC´TRICES ALÆ, _n. pl._ Wing-coverts. - -TEC´TRICES CAUDÆ, _n. pl._ Tail-coverts. - -TEC´TRICES INFERIO´RES, _n. pl._ Under coverts. (73.) - -TEC´TRICES PERVER´SÆ, _n. pl._ Median upper wing-coverts, of the -secondary set. - -TEC´TRICES SUPERIO´RES, _n. pl._ Upper coverts. (72.) - -TEG´MINA, _n. pl._ Same as _tectrices_. - -TEG´UMENT, _n._ Same as _integument_. - -TELEOLOG´ICAL, _a._ Relating to teleology. - -TELEOL´OGY, _n._ Doctrine of final causes; science of adaptation of -means to ends. - -TEM´PLES, _n. pl._ (44.) See TEMPORA. - -TEM´PORA, _n. pl._ Temples; portion of sides of head between eyes and -ears. (Scarcely used.) - -TEN´DO or TEN´DON, _n._ Fibrous cord or band of attachment of muscle to -bone or other parts; a “leader.” _Tendo achillis_, hamstring. - -TENUIROS´TRAL, _a._ Slender-billed. - -TERATOL´OGY, _n._ Science of monsters. - -TE´RES or TE´RETE, _a._ Cylindrical and tapering; fusiform. Also, name -of a muscle. - -TER´GUM, _n._ Lower back, between interscapilium and uropygium. (Not -well distinguished, and little used.) (59.) - -TER´MINAL, _a._ At the end. - -TERMINOLOG´ICAL, _a._ Relating to terminology. - -TERMINOL´OGY, _n._ Science of calling things by their right names -according to some determined principle. Nomenclature. - -TER´TIALS, TER´TIARIES, _n. pl._ Large inner quills of wing growing -from humerus or elbow. The two or three longer inner true secondaries -(which see) are often incorrectly called tertials, especially when -distinguished by size, shape or color from the rest of the secondaries. -(76.) - -TES´TIS, _n._; pl. _testes_. Testicles; male organs secreting -spermatozoa. - -TETRADAC´TYLE, _a._ Four-toed. - -THAL´AMUS, _n._ A certain tract of the brain. - -THE´CA, _n._ Sheath. - -THE´NAR, _a._ Palmar; plantar. - -THE´ORY, _n._ Scientific speculation. Philosophical explanation. Result -of inference from established principles. - -THERMOG´ENOUS, _a._ Heat-producing, as all vital processes are. - -THIGH, _n._ Segment of leg between hip and knee. (97.) - -THORAC´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the chest. - -THO´RAX, _n._ The chest; segment of the body enclosed by ribs, sternum, -and certain vertebræ, containing heart and lungs. - -THROAT, _n._ See GULA. (52.) - -THUMB, _n._ In birds, the so-called thumb, upon which the alula, or -bastard wing, grows, is homologically the index-finger. Penguins lack -this segment. - -THYROHY´AL, _n._ An element of the hyoid bone. - -THY´ROID, _a._ Shield-shaped. Name of principal laryngeal cartilage. - -THY´ROID CAR´TILAGE. One of those forming the larynx. - -TIB´IA, _n._ Principal and inner bone of leg between knee and heel; the -shin-bone. - -TIB´IAL, _a._ Pertaining to the tibia. - -TOE, TOES, _n._ (116.) - -TOMIUM, _n._; pl. _tomia_. The cutting edge of the bill. There is a -superior or maxillary _tomium_, and an inferior or mandibular _tomium_; -each is double (i.e. right and left); together they are the tomia, -mutually apposed when the mouth is shut. - -TOP OF TOES. (117.) See ACRODACTYLUM. - -TOR´QUATE, _a._ Ringed; collared. - -TOR´QUES, _n._ Ring or collar of color or of feathers otherwise -distinguished. Lewis’s woodpecker has a cervical _torques_ both in color -and texture of the feathers. - -TOTIPAL´MATE, _a._ Having all four toes webbed. Same as _steganopodous_. - -TRACH´EA, _n._ Windpipe. - -TRANSVERSE´, _a._ Crosswise; in direction at right angle with -longitudinal axis of the body. - -TREAD (_of the cock_), _n._ Cicatriculum; molecule. See YOLK. - -TRI- (_in composition_). Thrice; treble. - -TRI´CEPS, _n._ A certain extensor muscle of wing and leg. - -TRIDAC´TYLE, _a._ Three-toed. - -TRIGEM´IMUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain cranial nerve. - -TRIHE´DRAL, _a._ Three-sided. - -TRIV´IAL, _a._ Said of a _specific_ name. Opposed to _generic_. - -TROCHAN´TER, _n._ Prominence at top of femur. - -TROCH´LEA, _n._ A pulley; smooth bony surface over which a tendon plays. - -TRUN´CATE, _a._ Cut squarely off. - -TRUN´CUS, _n._ Trunk; body without its members. (56.) - -TUBER´CULUM, _n._ Tubercle; a little lump or elevation. - -TU´NIC, _n._ Enveloping membrane of various organs. - -TU´NICA ALBUGIN´EA, _n._ Dense whitish membranous investment of the -testicles. - -TUR´BINAL, _a._ Scroll-like; name of certain bones of nasal passages. - -TYLAR´I, _n. pl._ Pads under the toes. (123.) - -TYM´PANIC (_bone_), _a._ for _n._ Same as OS QUADRATUM (which see). - -TYM´PANUM, _n._ Ear-drum. Also, the naked inflatable air-sacs on the -sides of the neck of grouse, an enlargement of the ordinary cervical -reservoirs of air which communicate with the bronchi. - -TYPE, _n._ Way; plan; mode. Also, sign or symbol. The _type_, or -_typical form_, of a group is that which exhibits a given set of -characters most perfectly. But the _type_ of a genus is usually the -species, if any, from which the generic characters were especially drawn -up, without reference to such qualification; while, furthermore, the -_type_ of a species, in current acceptation, is merely the specimen from -which the species was originally described, even though it may very -inadequately represent such species. - -TYP´ICAL, _a._ Of most usual structure; adhering strictly to a given -plan of structure. (But compare TYPE.) - - -U. - -UL´NA, _n._ Inner or posterior bone of forearm. - -UL´NAR, _a._ Pertaining to the ulna. - -UMBIL´ICAL, _a._ Relating to the umbilicus. - -UMBIL´ICATE, _a._ Pitted, as if with an umbilicus. - -UMBILI´CUS, _n._ Navel. Pitted scar, indicating point of entrance of -placental vessels into the fœtus. Also, any similar pit or depression, -as that on the scape of a feather at junction of rhachis and calamus. - -UNARMED TOE. Toe bearing no claw. See DIGITUS MUTICUS. (133.) - -UN´CIFORM, _a._ Hooked. - -UNDER JAW. See MANDIBULUM. - -UNDER PARTS. See GASTRÆUM. - -UNDER TAIL-COVERTS. (13.) See CRISSUM. - -UNDER WING-COVERTS. (84.) See TECTRICES. - -UNDULA´TION, _n._ Wavy color-marks. - -UNGUIC´ULATE, _a._ Clawed. - -UNGUIS, _n._; pl. _ungues_. Claw. - -UNIP´AROUS, _a._ Producing but one young. Same as _monotokous_. - -UPPER BACK. (58.) See INTERSCAPILIUM. - -UPPER JAW. (10.) See MAXILLA. - -UPPER PARTS. (5.) See NOTÆUM. - -UPPER TAIL-COVERTS. (72.) See CALYPTERIA. - -UPPER WING-COVERTS. (84.) See TECTRICES. - -URÆ´UM, _n._ Hinder half of a bird. (8.) (Little used.) - -URE´A, _n._ A certain component of urine. - -URE´TER, _n._ Tube conveying urine from kidney to cloaca. - -URE´THRA, _n._ Groove in penis for direction of the discharge. - -U´RINARY BLADDER, _n._ A certain compartment of the cloaca, in some -birds, is so named. - -U´RINE, _n._ Liquid excretion of the kidneys, in birds voided more or -less mixed with the fæces. - -URO-GEN´ITAL or GEN´ITO-U´RINARY, _a._ Said of organs common to the two -offices implied in the words, or of such organs regarded as associate -parts. - -UROHY´AL, _n._ Median backward process of the hyoid bone. - -UROPYG´IUM, _n._ Rump. (60.) - -U´TERUS, _n._ Womb. Wanting in birds; but a lower tract of the oviduct -where the eggshell is formed has been loosely so called. - - -V. - -VACU´ITY, _n._ Deficiency in a part; as, a _vacuity_ in the bony palate. - -VAGI´NA, _n._ Any sheath, in general. Particularly, the female sexual -passage. In birds the lowermost tract of the oviduct is sometimes -loosely so called. - -VANE, _n._ (151.) See VEXILLUM. - -VARIETY, _n._ A nascent species. Practically, the term designates a set -of objects incompletely distinguished from others of the same species, -by reason of slightness of the difference, or presence of connecting -links. - -VAS´CULAR, _a._ Permeated with blood vessels. Also equivalent to -_circulatory_; as, the _vascular_ system. - -VAS DEF´ERENS, _n._ Tube conveying semen from testes to cloaca. - -VAS´TUS, _a._ for _n._ A certain muscle of the thigh. - -VEIN, _n._ Vessel conveying blood from the capillaries to the heart. -_Artery_ carries blood from the heart. - -VE´NÆ CA´VÆ, _n. pl._ Large veins pouring blood from the system into the -heart. - -VE´NOUS, _a._ Pertaining to a vein; as, _venous_ blood, the _venous_ -system. - -VEN´TER, _n._ Lower belly. (Not well distinguished from _abdomen_, and -little used.) (65.) - -VEN´TRAD, _a._ Towards the belly. - -VEN´TRAL, _a._ Pertaining to the belly. - -VEN´TRICLE, _n._ Chamber of the heart, right or left, whence issue the -pulmonary arteries and the aorta. Compare AURICLE. Also, a cavity of the -cerebrum. - -VEN´TRICOUS, _a._ Swollen; bulbous. - -VENTRIC´ULUS BULBO´SUS, _n._ Same as _gigerium_. - -VENTRIC´ULUS SUCCENTURIA´TUS, _n._ Same as _proventriculus_. - -VERMICULA´TION, _n._ Very fine crosswise marking. - -VER´MIFORM, _a._ Shaped like a worm; as, a woodpecker’s tongue. -LUMBRICIFORM is the same. - -VER´NAL, _a._ Relating to the spring. - -VERRU´COUS, _a._ Warty. - -VER´SATILE, _n._ Reversible; susceptible of turning either way. - -VERTEBRA, _n._; pl. _vertebræ_. Any bone of the spine; any one of the -backbones. - -VER´TEBRAL, _a._ Pertaining to the backbone. - -VERTEBRARTE´RIAL (_canal_), _a._ for _n._ Passage for an artery through -several cervical vertebræ. - -VER´TEBRATE, _a._ Having a backbone; also, used substantively for an -animal with a backbone. - -VER´TEX, _n._ Crown; highest central portion of pileus. - -VESCIC´ULA SEMINA´LIS, _n._ A structure, imperfect or wanting in birds, -for storage of semen. - -VESTI´TUS, _a._ or _n._ Clothed, i.e. feathered. Clothing, i.e. plumage; -as, _vestitus nuptialis_, breeding plumage. - -VEXIL´LUM, _n._ Rhachis and web of a feather taken together; all of a -feather excepting _calamus_. - -VIBRIS´SA, _n._; pl. _vibrissæ_. Bristly or bristle-tipped feather about -the mouth of a bird. - -VIC´TUS, _n._ Food; diet. - -VIL´LI, _n. pl._ Soft papulous projections of membrane. - -VIS´CERAL, _a._ Pertaining to the viscera. - -VIS´CUS, _n._; pl. _viscera_. Any interior organ of the body, but -especially of the digestive system. The stomach is a _viscus_; the -intestines are _viscera_. - -VI´SUS, _n._ Vision; eyesight. - -VI´TELLINE, _a._ Pertaining to the vitellus. - -VI´TELLINE MEM´BRANE, _n._ An envelope of the vitellus. - -VITEL´LUS, _n._ YOLK (which see). - -VIT´REOUS, _a._ Glassy; said of the humor in the back chamber of the -eye. - -VIT´TA, _n._ Broad band of color. - -VO´MER, _n._ A bone of the skull, lying at the base, in the median line, -in advance of the sphenoid. Also, the peculiarly shaped and enlarged -last bone of the tail, or pygostyle. - - -W. - -WASHED, _a._ As if overlaid with a thin layer of different color. - -WAT´TLE, _n._ A naked, fleshy, and usually wrinkled and highly colored -skin hanging from the chin or throat, as in the cock and turkey. - -WEB, _n._ The vane of a feather, on either side of the rhachis. - -WEDGE-SHAPED, _a._ See CUNEATE. - -WHIS´KERED, _a._ Having lengthened or bristly feathers on the cheeks. - -WING, _n._ (73.) See ALA. - -WING, BEND OF. (77.) See FLEXURA. - -WING-COVERTS, _n. pl._ (83.) See TECTRICES. - -WOLFF´IAN BODIES, _n._ Certain organs of the embryo associated with the -uro-genitals. - - -X. - -XI´PHOID, _a._ or _n._ Sword-shaped. Posterior prolongation of the -sternum. - - -Y. - -YOLK or YELK, _n._ “Yellow” of an egg; a soft, opaque, yellow globular -mass, enveloped in a proper membrane (the vitelline) and suspended in -the white by the _chalazæ_. It has a central cavity full of a clear -substance, furnished with a duct leading to a mass of cells termed -_proligerous disc_; adhering to its surface is the _cicatriculum_, or -“tread,” which becomes the embryo. - - -Z. - -ZO´NA PELLU´CIDA, _n._ Consolidated membranous envelope of the primitive -ovum. - -ZOÖLOGY, _n._ Natural history of animals, of which ornithology is one -department. - -ZYGAPOPH´YSIS, _a._ Articular process of a vertebra. - -ZYGODAC´TYLE, _a._ Yoke-toed; having the toes in pairs, two before and -two behind. - -ZYGO´MA, _n._ Malar bone and its connections. - -ZYGOMAT´IC, _a._ Pertaining to the malar bone. - - - - -INDEXES. - - - - -INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES. - - - Ani, II. 488. - - Bee Martin, II. 316. - Bird of Paradise (Texas), II. 311. - Birds of Prey, III. 1. - Blackbird, Brewer’s, II. 206. - Cow, II. 154. - Crimson-shouldered, II. 163. - Crow, II. 214. - Red and White shouldered, II. 165. - Redwing, II. 159. - Rusty, II. 203. - Savanna, II. 488. - Swamp, II. 159. - White-winged, II. 61. - Yellow-headed, II. 167. - Black Warrior, III. 292. - Bluebird, Eastern, I. 62. - California, I. 65. - Rocky Mountain, I. 67. - Bobolink, II. 149. - Bob-White, III. 468. - Bull-Bat, II. 401. - Bullfinch, Cassin’s, I. 457. - Bunting, Arctic, II. 119. - Baird’s, I. 531. - Bay-winged, I. 545. - Black-crowned, I. 573. - Black-throated, II. 65. - Blue, II. 82. - Cañon, II. 125. - Chestnut-collared, I. 520. - Green-tailed, II. 131. - Henslow’s, I. 550. - Indigo, II. 82. - Lark, II. 61. - Leconte’s, I. 552. - Long-clawed, II. 113. - Maccown’s, I. 523. - Painted, II. 87. - Seaside, I. 560. - Sharp-tailed, I. 557. - Smith’s, I. 518. - Townsend’s, II. 68. - Varied, II. 86. - Western Yellow-winged, I. 556. - Yellow-winged, I. 553. - Burion, I. 465, 466, 468. - Bush-Titmouse, Black-eared, I. 108. - Lead-colored, I. 110. - Least, I. 109. - Yellow-headed, I. 112. - Butcher-Bird, I. 415. - Buzzard, Harris’s, III. 250. - Turkey, III. - - Cardinal, Cape, II. 103. - Grosbeak, II. 100. - Texas, II. 95. - Catbird, I. 52. - Cedar-Bird, I. 401. - Chacalacca, Texas, III. 398. - Chaparral Cock, II. 472. - Chat, Long-tailed, I. 309. - Yellow-breasted, I. 390. - Chatterer, Bohemian, I. 396. - Chewink, II. 109. - Florida, II. 112. - White-eyed, II. 112. - Chickadee, Brown-capped, I. 105. - Chestnut-backed, I. 104. - Eastern, I. 96. - Hudson’s Bay, I. 105. - Long-tailed, I. 99. - Mountain, I. 95. - Southern, I. 102. - Western, I. 101. - White-browed, I. 95. - Chippy, II. 7. - Chuck-Will’s Widow, II. 410. - Cock of the Plains, III. 429. - Condor, California, III. 338. - Cowbird, II. 154. - Creepers, I. 124, 425. - Creeper, Bahama, I. 428. - Brown, I. 125. - Mexican, I. 128. - Crossbill, Mexican, I. 488. - Red, I. 484. - White-winged, I. 488. - Crow, Carrion, III. 351. - Clarke’s, II. 255. - Common, II. 243. - Fish, II. 251. - Florida, II. 247. - Northwestern Fish, II. 248. - White-necked, II. 242. - Cuckoos, II. 470. - Cuckoo, Black-billed, II. 484. - Mangrove, II. 482. - Yellow-billed, II. 477. - Curassows, III. 397. - - Dipper, American, I. 56. - Dove, Carolina, or Common, III. 383. - Ground, III. 389. - Red-billed, III. 363. - Scaly, III. 387. - White-winged, III. 376. - Zenaida, III. 379. - - Eagle, American, III. 326. - Bald, III. 326. - Caracara, III. 178. - Golden, III. 314. - Ring-tailed, III. 314. - Emerald, Linnæus’s, II. 468. - - Falcons, III. 103. - Falcon, American Peregrine, III. 132. - Aplomado, III. 155. - Black Peregrine, III. 137. - Prairie, III. 123. - Finches, I. 466. - Finch, Black-faced, II. 93. - Blanding’s, II. 131. - California Purple, I. 465. - Cañon, II. 122. - Cassin’s Purple, I. 460. - Crimson-fronted, I. 465, 466. - Eastern Purple, I. 462. - Gray-cheeked, I. 507. - Gray-crowned, I. 504. - Gray-eared, I. 508. - Hepburn’s, I. 507. - Lazuli, II. 84. - Lincoln’s, II. 31. - Mountain, II. 3. - Painted, II. 87. - Summer, II. 39. - Yellow-throated, II. 65. - Flicker, II. 575. - Cape, II. 583. - Hybrid, II. 582. - Red-shafted, II. 578. - Flycatcher, Arkansas, II. 324. - Ash-throated, II. 337. - Buff-breasted Least, II. 386. - Canada, I. 320. - Cassin’s, II. 327. - Crested, II. 334. - Fork-tailed, II. 309. - Great-crested, II. 334. - Green Black-capped, I. 317. - Hammond’s, II. 383. - Least, II. 372. - Little, II. 366. - Mexican Olive-sided, II. 356. - Olive-sided, II. 353. - Red, II. 387. - Shining-crested, I. 405. - Small-headed, I. 316. - Small Green-crested, II. 374. - Swallow-tail, II. 311. - Traill’s, II. 369. - Western Yellow-bellied, II. 380. - Wright’s, II. 381. - Yellow-bellied, II. 378. - - Gerfalcon, Black, III. 117. - Iceland, III. 113. - McFarlane’s, III. 115. - White, III. 111. - Gnatcatcher, Arizona, I. 80. - Black-capped, I. 81. - Blue-gray, I. 78. - Eastern, I. 78. - Lead-colored, I. 80. - Goatsuckers, II. 398. - Goatsucker, Long-winged, II. 401. - Short-winged, II. 410. - Goldfinch, Arizona, I. 476. - Arkansas, I. 474. - Black, I. 478. - Lawrence’s, I. 478. - Mexican, I. 478. - Pine, I. 480. - Rocky Mountain, I. 474. - Goshawk, American, III. 237. - Grakle, Boat-tailed, II. 222. - Bronzed, II. 218. - Florida, II. 221. - Great-tailed, II. 225. - Purple, II. 215. - Greenlet, Florida, I. 360. - Philadelphia, I. 367. - Red-eyed, I. 363. - Warbling, I. 368. - Western Warbling, I. 371. - Grosbeak, Black-headed, II. 73. - Blue, II. 77. - Evening, I. 449. - Pine, I. 453. - Rose-breasted, II. 70. - Ground-Tits, I. 83, 84. - Grouse, III. 414. - Canada, III. 416. - Dusky, III. 422. - Franklin’s, III. 419. - Oregon, III. 454. - Oregon Dusky, III. 425. - Pinnated, III. 440. - Richardson’s Dusky, III. 427. - Ruffled, III. 448. - Sharp-tailed, III. 434. - Shoulder-knot, III. 448. - Spotted, III. 416. - Willow, III. 457. - Gyrfalcon. _See_ Gerfalcon. - - Hang-Nest, II. 195. - Harrier, American, III. 214. - Hawk, American Sparrow, III. 169. - Baird’s, III. 263. - Band-tail, III. 272. - Black, III. 304. - Broad-winged, III. 259. - California Squirrel, III. 300. - Cooper’s, III. 230. - Cooper’s Red-tailed, III. 295. - Duck, III. 132. - Fish, III. 184. - Gruber’s, III. 254. - Harlan’s, III. 292. - Marsh, III. 214. - Mexican, III. 246. - Mexican Blue-backed, III. 231. - Pigeon, III. 144. - Red-bellied, III. 277. - Red-shouldered, III. 275. - Red-tailed, III. 281. - Rough-legged, III. 304. - Sharp-shinned, III. 224. - Sharp-winged, III. 266. - Swainson’s, III. 263. - Swallow-tailed, III. 192. - Heathcock, Black-spotted, III. 416. - High-Holder, II. 575. - Hoot-Owl, III. 34. - House-Finch, California, I. 468. - Hummer, Ruffed, II. 457. - Humming-Birds, II. 437. - Humming-Bird, Anna, II. 454. - Black-chinned, II. 450. - Broad-tailed, II. 462. - Calliope, II. 445. - Costa’s, II. 457. - Heloisa’s, II. 465. - Ruby-throated, II. 448. - Rufous-backed, II. 459. - Xantus’s, II. 467. - - Indigo-Bird, II. 82. - - Jackdaw, II. 222. - Jay, Alaskan Gray, II. 302. - Blue, II. 273. - Brown, II. 304. - California, II. 288. - Canada, II. 299. - Florida, II. 285. - Green, II. 295. - Long-crested, II. 281. - Maximilian’s, II. 260. - Rocky Mountain Gray, II. 302. - Sierra, II. 279. - Steller’s, II. 277. - Ultramarine, II. 293. - Woodhouse’s, II. 291. - - Kestrel, American, III. 169. - Kingbird, II. 316. - Couch’s, II. 329. - Gray, II. 319. - King-Buzzard, III. 178. - Kingfishers, II. 391. - Kingfisher, Belted, II. 392. - Green, II. 396. - Texas, II. 396. - Kinglet, Cuvier’s, I. 75. - Golden-crowned, I. 73. - Ruby-crowned, I. 75. - Kite, Black-shouldered, III. 198. - Blue, III. 203. - Everglade, III. 203. - Fork-tailed, III. 192. - Hook-bill, III. 203. - Mississippi, III. 203. - White-tailed, III. 198. - - Lanner, American, III. 123. - Lark, Meadow, II. 174. - Old Field, II. 174. - Western, II. 176. - Linnet, Brewster’s, I. 501. - House, I. 465. - Red-headed, I. 468. - Log-Cock, II. 550. - Loggerhead, I. 418. - Western, I. 421. - Longspur, Black-bellied, I. 520. - Black-shouldered, I. 521. - Chestnut-shouldered, I. 523. - Lapland, I. 515. - Painted, I. 518. - - Magpie, II. 266. - Yellow-billed, II. 270. - Martin, Cuban, I. 332. - Purple, I. 329. - Sand, I. 353. - Marsh-Wren, Long-billed, I. 161. - Short-billed, I. 159. - Merlin, American, III. 144. - Black, III. 147. - Richardson’s, III. 148. - Mocking-Bird, I. 49. - Moose-Bird, II. 299. - - Night-Hawk, II. 401. - Texas, II. 406. - Western, II. 404. - Nonpareil, II. 87. - Nuthatch, Brown-headed, I. 122. - Pygmy, I. 120. - Red-bellied, I. 118. - Slender-billed, I. 117. - White-bellied, I. 114. - - Orioles, II. 147. - Oriole, Audubon’s, II. 186. - Baltimore, II. 195. - Bullock’s, II. 199. - Hooded, II. 193. - Orchard, II. 190. - Red-winged, II. 159. - Scott’s, II. 188. - Osprey, American, III. 184. - Owls, III. 4. - Owl, American Barn, III. 13. - American Hawk, III. 75. - American Snowy, III. 70. - American Sparrow, III. 40. - Barred, III. 34. - Burrowing, III. 90. - California Pygmy, III. 81. - Feilner’s, III. 58. - Great Gray, III. 30. - Great Horned, III. 62. - Kennicott’s, III. 53. - Kirtland’s, III. 43. - Lesser-horned, III. 18. - Little Red, III. 49. - Long-eared, III. 18. - Marsh, III. 22. - Mottled, III. 49. - Red-tailed, III. 85. - Richardson’s, III. 40. - Saw-whet, III. 43. - Short-eared, III. 22. - Spotted, III. 38. - Western-barred, III. 38. - Western Great-horned, III. 64. - Western-mottled, III. 52. - White-fronted, III. 43. - Whitney’s, III. 87. - - Paisano, II. 472. - Parakeet, II. 587. - Parrots, II. 585. - Parrot, Carolina, II. 587. - Illinois, II. 587. - Orange-headed, II. 587. - Partridge, III. 448, 466, 468. - Massena, III. 492. - Mountain, III. 453. - Plumed, III. 475. - Scaled or Blue, III. 487. - Spruce, III. 416. - Pewee, II. 343. - Black, II. 340. - Say’s, II. 347. - Short-legged, II. 360. - Western Wood, II. 360. - Wood, II. 357. - Pheasant, III. 448. - Phœbe-Bird, II. 343. - Pigeons, III. 357. - Pigeon, Band-tailed, III. 360. - Blue-headed, III. 395. - Key West, III. 393. - Passenger, III. 368. - White-headed, III. 363. - Wild, III. 368. - Pipit, American, I. 171. - European, I. 173. - Sprague’s, I. 175. - Poor-Will, II. 417. - Prairie-Chicken, III. 440. - Prairie-Hen, III. 440. - Texas, III. 446. - Ptarmigan, White, III. 457. - Rock, III. 462. - White-tailed, III. 464. - - Quail, III. 468. - California, III. 479. - Gambel’s, III. 482. - Mountain, III. 475. - - Raven, American, II. 234. - Redbird, II. 100. - Summer, I. 441. - Redbreast, American, I. 25. - Red-Poll, Lesser, I. 493. - Mealy, I. 498. - Redstart, American, I. 322. - Red-Tail, Eastern, III. 282. - St. Lucas, III. 285. - White-bellied, III. 284. - Reedbird, II. 149. - Ricebird, II. 149. - Road-Runner, II. 472. - Robins, I. 25. - Robin, Cape St. Lucas, I. 27. - Golden, II. 195. - Ground, II. 109. - Oregon, I. 29. - Oregon Ground, II. 116. - - Sage-Cock, III. 429. - Sapsucker, Larger, II. 503. - Lesser, II. 509. - Scissor-Tail, II. 311. - Screech-Owl, III. 49. - Sea-Eagle, Gray, III. 324. - Seed-Eater, Little, II. 91. - Sharp-Tail, Columbia, III. 436. - Shore-Lark, II. 141. - Shrikes, I. 412. - Shrike, Great Northern, I. 415. - Southern, I. 418. - White-rumped, I. 421. - White-winged, I. 420. - Skylark, II. 136. - Missouri, I. 175. - Snowbirds, I. 580. - Snowbird, Oregon, I. 584. - Red-backed, I. 587. - White-winged, I. 584. - Snow-Bunting, I. 512. - Solitaire, Townsend’s, I. 409. - Sparrows, I. 528. - Sparrow, Arizona, II. 41. - Artemisia, I. 594. - Bachman’s, II. 39. - Bell’s, I. 593. - Black-chinned, II. 15. - Black-hooded, I. 577. - Black-throated, I. 590. - Brewer’s, II. 13. - California Shore, I. 539. - Cassin’s, II. 42. - Chipping, II. 7. - Clay-colored, II. 11. - Field, II. 5. - Fox-colored, II. 50. - Golden-crowned, I. 573. - Grass, I. 545. - Harris’s, I. 577. - Heermann’s Song, II. 24. - House, I. 525. - Ipswich, I. 540. - Kodiak Song, II. 30. - Lark, I. 562. - Little Brown, II. 5. - Northwest Savanna, I. 538. - Oregon Song, II. 27. - Rufous-crowned, II. 45. - Rusty Song, II. 29. - St. Lucas, I. 544. - Samuel’s Song, II. 26. - San Diego, I. 542. - Savanna, I. 534. - Song, II. 19. - Swamp, II. 34. - Texas, II. 47. - Thick-billed, II. 57. - Townsend’s, II. 53. - Tree, II. 3. - Western Chipping, II. 11. - Western Savanna, I. 537. - Western Song, II. 22. - Western White-crowned, I. 569. - White-crowned, I. 566. - White-throated, I. 574. - Starlings, II. 228. - Starling, II. 229. - Swallows, I. 326. - Swallow, Aculeated, II. 432. - Bank, I. 353. - Barn, I. 339. - Chimney, II. 432. - Cliff, I. 334. - Eave, I. 334. - Rough-winged, I. 350. - Violet-green, I. 347. - White-bellied, I. 344. - Swifts, II. 421. - Swift, Black, II. 429. - Oregon Chimney, II. 435. - White-throated, II. 424. - - Tanagers, I. 431. - Tanager, Louisiana, I. 437. - Scarlet, I. 435. - Thistle-Bird, I. 471. - Thrasher, Brown, I. 37. - California, I. 45. - Cape St. Lucas, I. 40. - Gray Curve-Bill, I. 41. - Leconte’s, I. 44. - Palmer’s, I. 43. - Red-vented, I. 47. - Sage, I. 32. - Texas, I. 39. - Thrushes, I. 1. - Thrush, Alice’s, I. 11. - Dwarf Hermit, I. 20. - Golden-crowned, I. 280. - Gray-cheeked, I. 11. - Hermit, I. 18. - Louisiana Water, I. 287. - Rocky Mountain Hermit, I. 21. - Olive-backed, I. 14. - Oregon, I. 16. - Red-wing, I. 23. - Rufous-tailed, I. 18. - Small-billed Water, I. 283. - Swainson’s, I. 14. - Tawny, I. 9. - Varied, I. 29. - Wilson’s, I. 9. - Wood, I. 7. - Titlark, I. 171. - Titmice, I. 86. - Titmouse, Black-capped, I. 96. - Black-fronted, I. 87. - Black-tufted, I. 90. - California, I. 91. - Gray-tufted, I. 91. - Striped-headed, I. 93. - Texas, I. 90. - Tufted, I. 87. - Wollweber’s, I. 93. - Towhees, II. 109. - Towhee, Abert’s, II. 128. - Brown, II. 122. - Cape, II. 127. - Troupial, II. 184. - Turkey-Buzzard, III. 344. - Turkeys, III. 402. - Turkey, Mexican, III. 410. - Wild, III. 404. - Tyrant Flycatchers, II. 306. - - Vireo, Arizona, I. 393. - Bell’s, I. 389. - Black-capped, I. 383. - Blue-headed, I. 373. - Cassin’s, I. 376. - Hutton’s, I. 387. - Lead-colored, I. 377. - Least, I. 391. - White-eyed, I. 385. - Yellow-green, I. 366. - Yellow-throated, I. 379. - Vultures, III. 335, 338. - Vulture, Black, III. 351. - Red-headed, III. 344. - - Wagler, I. 578. - Wagtails, I. 164. - Wagtail, White, I. 165. - Yellow, I. 167. - Warblers, I. 177. - Warbler, Alaska Willow, I. 70. - Arizona, I. 243. - Audubon’s, I. 229. - Bachman’s, I. 194. - Bay-breasted, I. 251. - Black and White, I. 180. - Black and Yellow, I. 232. - Blackburnian, I. 237. - Black-masked Ground, I. 297. - Black-Poll, I. 248. - Black-throated Blue, I. 254. - Black-throated Gray, I. 258. - Black-throated Green, I. 261. - Blue Mountain, I. 271. - Blue-winged Yellow, I. 195. - Blue Yellow-backed, I. 208. - Cærulean, I. 235. - Cape May, I. 212. - Carbonated, I. 214. - Chestnut-sided, I. 245. - Connecticut, I. 290. - Creeping, I. 180. - Golden Swamp, I. 184. - Golden-winged, I. 192. - Hooded, I. 314. - Kentucky, I. 293. - Kirtland’s, I. 272. - Lucy’s, I. 200. - Macgillivray’s Ground, I. 303. - Maryland Yellow-throat, I. 297. - Mourning, I. 301. - Myrtle, I. 227. - Nashville, I. 196. - Olive-headed, I. 258. - Orange-crowned, I. 202. - Orange-throated, I. 237. - Pacific Orange-crowned, I. 204. - Pine-creeping, I. 268. - Prairie, I. 276. - Prothonotary, I. 184. - Rocky Mountain, I. 199. - Swainson’s Swamp, I. 190. - Tennessee, I. 205. - Townsend’s, I. 265. - Virginia’s, I. 199. - Western, I. 266. - Western Yellow-rump, I. 229. - White-throated Blue, I. 235. - Worm-eating Swamp, I. 187. - Yellow Red-poll, I. 273. - Yellow-rump, I. 227. - Yellow-throated Gray, I. 240. - Water Ouzel, I. 56. - Waxwing, Northern, I. 396. - Southern, I. 401. - Wheat-Ear, I. 60. - Whippoorwill, II. 413. - Nuttall’s, II. 417. - Whiskey-Jack, II. 299. - Woodcock, Black, II. 550. - Woodpecker, Black-backed Three-toed, II. 530. - Brown-headed, II. 547. - California, II. 566. - Cape, II. 519. - Downy, II. 509. - Gairdner’s, II. 512. - Gila, II. 558. - Hairy, II. 503. - Harris’s, II. 507. - Ivory-billed, II. 496. - Ladder-backed, II. 515. - Lewis’s, II. 561. - Narrow-fronted, II. 573. - Nuttall’s, II. 521. - Pileated, II. 550. - Red-bellied, II. 554. - Red-breasted, II. 544. - Red-cockaded, II. 524. - Red-headed, II. 564. - Red-naped, II. 542. - White-backed, Three-toed, II. 532. - White-headed, II. 526. - White-rumped, II. 564. - Williamson’s, II. 545. - Yellow-bellied, II. 539, 557. - Yellow-shafted, II. 575. - Wrens, I. 130. - Wren, Alaska, I. 157. - Berlandier’s, I. 144. - Bewick’s, I. 145. - Cactus, I. 132. - Cañon, I. 139. - Cape Cactus, I. 133. - Great Carolina, I. 142. - House, I. 149. - Long-tailed House, I. 145. - Parkman’s, I. 153. - Rock, I. 135. - Western Wood, I. 153. - White-throated Rock, I. 139. - Winter, I. 155. - Wood, I. 149. - Tit, I. 84. - - Yellow-Bird, I. 471. - Summer, I. 222. - - - - -INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES. - - - Aburria, III. 397. - Acanthis, I. 491. - canescens, I. 498. - holbölli, I. 493. - Acanthylis, II. 431. - pelagica, II. 432. - vauxi, II. 435. - Accipiter, III. 220, 222. - æsalon, III. 142. - ardosiacus, III. 225. - carolinensis, III. 169. - cauda furcata, III. 192. - cooperi, III. 220, 222, 230. - dominicensis, III. 167. - falco freti hudsonis, III. 111. - falco islandicus, III. 113. - falco maculatus, III. 132. - falco niger, III. 137. - falco piscator antillarum, III. 184. - falco piscator carolinensis, III. 184. - fringillarius, III. 222. - fringilloides, III. 225. - fuscus, III. 224, 225. - gyrfalco, III. 111. - lithofalco, III. 142. - mexicanus, III. 231. - milvus carolinensis, III. 192. - minor, III. 169. - palumbarius, III. 144. - pennsylvanicus, III. 225. - pileatus, III. 230. - piscatorius, III. 184. - ruficaudus, III. 282. - trinotatus, III. 220, 222. - velox, III. 225. - Aëtos, III. 312. - Ægiothus, I. 448, 491. - brewsteri, I. 493, 501. - canescens, I. 493, 498. - exilipes, I. 493. - flavirostris, I. 493. - fuscescens, I. 493. - holbölli, I. 493. - linarius, I. 493. - rostratus, I. 493. - Ægithaliscus, I. 107. - melanotis, I. 108. - flaviceps, I. 111, 112. - Ægolius, III. 17. - Æsalon, III. 107, 142. - columbarius, III. 144. - lithofalco, III. 142. - Agelainæ, II. 147, 148. - Agelaius, II. 148, 158. - assimilis, II. 159. - bullocki, II. 199. - gubernator, II. 159, 163. - icterocephalus, II. 167. - longipes, II. 167. - phœniceus, II. 158, 159. - tricolor, II. 159, 165. - xanthocephalus, II. 167. - Agrodoma spraguei, I. 175. - Alauda, II. 135; III. 519. - agrestis, II. 136. - alpestris, II. 139, 143. - arvensis, II. 136. - cælipeta, II. 136. - chrysolæma, II. 144. - cornuta, II. 143. - italica, II. 136. - ludoviciana, I. 171. - magna, II. 171, 174. - minor, II. 144. - montana, II. 136. - pennsylvanica, I. 171. - pratensis, I. 173. - rubra, I. 171. - rufa, I. 164, 170, 171; II. 144. - segetum, II. 136. - spraguei, I. 174, 175. - vulgaris, II. 136. - Alaudidæ, I. 164, 431; II. 135. - Alcedinidæ, II. 391. - Alcedo alcyon, II. 391, 392. - americana, II. 396. - cabanisi, II. 396. - guacu, II. 392. - jaguacate, II. 392. - rudis, II. 391. - viridis, II. 396. - Amazilia xantusi, II. 467. - Ammodromus, I. 529, 556. - Ammodromus bachmani, II. 39. - caudacutus, I. 557. - macgillivrayi, I. 560. - maritimus, I. 560; III. 515. - palustris, II. 34. - rostratus, I. 542. - ruficeps, II. 45. - samuelis, II. 26. - Ampelidæ, I. 3, 356, 395, 431. - Ampelinæ, I. 395. - Ampelis, I. 395. - americana, I. 401. - cedrorum, I. 396, 401. - garrulus, I. 396, 401. - phœnicopterurn, I. 396. - sialis, I. 63. - Angusticolles, II. 492. - Anorthura, I. 131, 149. - Antenor, III. 105. - Anthinæ, I. 164, 169. - Anthus, I. 149, 170. - aquaticus, I. 171. - bogotensis, I. 164, 170. - l’herminieri, I. 284. - ludovicianus, I. 170, 171, 175, 286; III. 509. - pennsylvanica, I. 171. - pipiens, I. 171. - pratensis, I. 170, 173. - reinhardti, I. 171. - rubens, I. 171. - rufus, I. 170. - spinoletta, I. 171. - spraguei, I. 175. - Antrostomus, II. 399, 400, 408. - Antrostomus carolinensis, II. 409, 410; III. 523. - cubanensis, II. 409. - macromystax, II. 409. - nuttalli, II. 409, 417. - vociferus, II. 409, 413. - Aphelocoma, II. 282. - californica, II. 288. - crissoleucus, II. 529. - floridana, II. 285. - Apternus, II. 528. - americanus, II. 532. - arcticus, II. 530. - hirsutus, II. 532. - kamtchatkensis, II. 529. - tridactylus, II. 529. - Aquila, III. 105, 312. - albicilla, III. 324. - americana, III. 184. - canadensis, III. 313, 314. - chrysaëtus, III. 313. - fulva, III. 314. - haliætus, III. 183. - leucocephala, III. 324, 326. - melanaëtus, III. 314. - nobilis, III. 314. - ossifraga, III. 324. - piscatrix, III. 184. - regia, III. 314. - valeria, III. 313. - Archibuteo, III. 105, 297. - ferrugineus, III. 298, 300. - lagopus, III. 298. - regalis, III. 300. - sancti-johannis, III. 299, 304. - Argyrtria maculata, II. 468. - Asio, III. 17. - brachyotus, III. 22. - bubo virginianus, III. 62. - crassirostris, III. 61. - galopagoensis, III. 23. - hypogæa, III. 25. - macrorhyncha, III. 61. - mexicana, III. 61. - nævia, III. 49. - otus, III. 17. - peregrinator, III. 18. - scops carolinensis, III. 49. - Astragalinus mexicanus, I. 478. - tristis, I. 471. - Astur, III. 220, 236. - atricapillus, III. 237. - borealis, III. 282. - cinerea, III. 245, 246. - cooperi, III. 230. - fuscus, III. 224, 275. - hyemalis, III. 275. - latissimus, III. 259. - palumbarius, III. 236, 237. - pennsylvanicus, III. 225, 259. - plagiata, III. 245, 246. - striolatus, III. 245. - unicinctus, III. 249. - velox, III. 225. - Asturina, III. 105, 244. - nitida, III. 245. - Asyndesmus, II. 559. - torquatus, II. 561. - Athene cunicularia, III. 90. - ferruginea, III. 85. - gnoma, III. 81. - hypogæa, III. 90. - nana, III. 85. - noctua, III. 97. - phalænoides, III. 43. - socialis, III. 90. - whitneyi, III. 86, 87. - wilsoni, III. 43. - Attagen rupestris, III. 462. - Atthis, II. 438, 439, 464. - anna, II. 454. - heloisæ, II. 445. - Aulanax, II. 339. - fuscus, II. 343. - nigricans, II. 340. - sayus, II. 347. - Auriparus, I. 86, 111. - flaviceps, I. 112. - - Balbusardus, III. 182. - Basileuterus belli, I. 313. - culicivorus, I. 312. - Bathmidurus major, II. 306. - Bidens aurantius, III. 129. - dominicensis, III. 166. - sparverius, III. 166. - Blacicus pallidus, II. 351. - Blagrus, III. 320. - Bæolophus, I. 86, 87. - bicolor, I. 87. - Bombycilla americana, I. 401. - carolinensis, I. 401. - cedrorum, I. 401. - phœnicopterum, I. 396. - Bonasa, III. 414, 446. - cupido, III. 440. - sabini, III. 447, 454. - sylvestris, III. 446. - umbelloides, III. 447, 453. - umbellus, III. 446, 448. - Brachyotus, III. 5, 17, 18. - americanus, III. 23. - cassini (_plate_.), III. 23, 102. - galopagoensis, III. 23. - palustris, III. 22. - Bubo, III. 6, 60. - albifrons, III. 43. - arcticus, III. 60, 64. - asio, III. 49. - clamator, III. 61. - crassirostris, III. 61. - ludovicianus, III. 62. - magellanicus, III. 61, 64. - maximus, III. 60. - mexicanus, III. 60, 61. - otus, III. 17. - pacificus, III. 61, 65. - pinicola, III. 62. - subarcticus, III. 64. - virginianus (_plate_), III. 60, 62, 64, 65, 98, 99, 100, 101. - virginianus arcticus, III. 64. - virginianus atlanticus, III. 62. - virginianus pacificus, III. 64, 65. - Budytes, I. 164, 167. - flava, I. 167, 168. - Butaëtes, III. 297. - lagopus, III. 299. - sancti-johannis, III. 304. - Butaquila, III. 297. - strophiata, III. 297. - Buteo, III. 105, 254. - albicaudatus, III. 266. - albonotatus, III. 272. - americanus, III. 282. - ater, III. 304. - bairdi, III. 263. - borealis, III. 257, 281, 282. - calurus, III. 258, 292. - cenchris, III. 203. - cinereus, III. 263. - cooperi, III. 258, 275, 295. - costaricensis, III. 285. - elegans, III. 257, 277. - ferrugineocaudus, III. 282. - fuliginosus, III. 266. - fulvus, III. 282. - fuscus, III. 275. - gallinivorus, III. 282. - galapagoensis, III. 254. - gutturalis, III. 263. - hamatus, III. 209. - harlani, III. 258, 292. - harrisi, III. 250. - hyemalis, III. 275. - insignatus, III. 263. - krideri, III. 258, 284. - lagopus, III. 299, 304. - leverianus, III. 282. - lineatus, III. 257, 275. - lucasanus, III. 285. - montanus, III. 263. - niger, III. 304. - oxypterus, III. 256, 266. - pennsylvanicus, III. 256, 259. - sancti-johannis, III. 304. - spadiceus, III. 304. - swainsoni, III. 256, 263. - unicinctus, III. 249, 250. - vulgaris, III. 263. - zonocercus, III. 257, 272. - - Cacicus alaudarius, II. 174. - Cæreba cyanea, I. 425. - Cærebidæ, I. 163, 425, 431. - Calamospiza, II. 59, 60. - bicolor, II. 61. - Calandritinæ, II. 135. - Callichelidon, I. 327, 338. - cyaneoviridis, I. 338. - Callipepla, III. 466, 487. - californica, III. 479. - gambeli, III. 482. - picta, III. 475. - squamata, III. 487. - strenua, III. 487. - venusta, III. 482. - Calliphlox anna, II. 454. - Calocitta, II. 264. - Calothorax calliope, II. 445. - cyanopogon, II. 445. - Calypte, II. 438, 439, 453. - anna, II. 453, 454. - costæ, II. 453, 457. - floresi, II. 453. - helenæ, II. 453. - Campephilus, II. 493, 494. - bairdi, II. 496. - imperialis, II. 496. - principalis, II. 494, 496. - Campylorhynchus, I. 130, 131. - affinis, I. 131, 133. - brunneicapillus, I. 131, 132; III. 508. - scolopaceus, I. 131. - Canace, III. 415. - canadensis, III. 416. - franklini, III. 419. - fuliginosus, III. 421, 425. - obscurus, III. 421, 422. - richardsoni, III. 422, 427. - Caprimulgidæ, II. 398. - Caprimulginæ, II. 398. - Caprimulgus albicollis, II. 399. - acutipennis, II. 400. - acutus, II. 400. - americanus, II. 401. - brachypterus, II. 410. - carolinensis, II. 408, 410. - clamator, II. 413. - exilis, II. 400. - macromystax, II. 409. - nuttalli, II. 417. - popetue, II. 401. - pruinosus, II. 400. - rufus, II. 410. - semitorquatus, II. 400. - texensis, II. 406. - virginianus, II. 400, 401, 413. - vociferans, II. 413. - vociferus, II. 413. - Caracara, III. 176. - vulgaris, III. 177. - Cardellina, I. 179, 312. - rubra, I. 312. - Cardellineæ, I. 179. - Cardinalis, II. 60, 99. - carneus, II. 99. - coccineus, II. 99. - igneus, II. 99, 103; III. 518. - phœniceus, II. 99. - sinuatus, II. 95. - virginianus, I. 295; II. 99–101. - Carduelis lawrenci, I. 478. - luxuosus, II. 86. - mexicanus, I. 478. - spinoides, I. 470. - psaltria, I. 474. - tristis, I. 471. - Carpodacus, I. 447, 459. - californicus, I. 460, 465. - cassini, I. 459, 460. - familiaris, I. 466, 468. - frontalis, I. 460, 465, 466. - hæmorrhous, I. 460. - obscurus, I. 466. - purpureus, I. 459, 462. - rhodocolpus, I. 460, 468. - Catharista, III. 337, 350. - atrata, III. 355, 356. - californianus, III. 338. - Cathartes, III. 337, 339, 343, 350. - atratus, III. 351. - aura, III. 344. - burrovianus, III. 344. - californianus, III. 338. - falklandicus, III. 345. - fœtens, III. 351. - iota, III. 345, 351. - ruficollis, III. 345. - urubu, III. 351. - vulturinus, III. 338. - Cathartidæ, III. 1, 335. - Cathartinæ, III. 335. - Catharus melpomene, I. 3. - occidentalis, I. 3. - Catherpes, I. 130, 137. - conspersus, I. 139; III. 508. - mexicanus, I. 137–139. - Centrocercus, III. 414, 428. - phasianellus, III. 436. - urophasianus, III. 429. - Centrophanes, I. 510. - calcaratus, I. 515. - lapponicus, I. 515. - ornatus, I. 520. - Centronyx, I. 529, 530. - bairdi, I. 531, 540; III. 514. - Centureæ, II. 492, 553. - Centurus, II. 553. - aurifrons, II. 554, 557. - carolinus, II. 553, 554. - carolinensis, II. 587. - elegans, II. 557. - flaviventris, II. 557. - hoffmanni, II. 554. - hypopolius, II. 558. - santacruzi, II. 557. - subelegans, II. 554. - sulfureiventer, II. 558. - tricolor, II. 554. - uropygialis, II. 554, 558; III. 523. - Ceophloeus pileatus, II. 550. - Cerchneis sparverius, III. 169. - Certhia, I. 124. - americana, I. 125, 128. - caroliniana, I. 142. - costæ, I. 124, 125. - familiaris, I. 124, 125. - flaveola, I. 425, 428. - fusca, I. 125. - maculata, I. 180. - mexicana, I. 125, 128. - palustris, I. 158, 161. - pinus, I. 195. - Certhiadæ, I. 124. - Certhiidæ, I. 431. - Certhiola, I. 425. - bahamensis, I. 427, 428. - bairdi, I. 428. - bananivora, I. 427. - barbadensis, I. 428; III. 512. - bartholemica, I. 428. - caboti, I. 427; III. 512. - chloropyga, I. 428. - dominicana, I. 428. - flaveola, I. 427, 428. - frontalis, I. 428; III. 512. - luteola, I. 427. - major, I. 427. - maritima, I. 212. - martinicana, I. 428. - mexicana, I. 428. - minor, I. 427. - newtoni, I. 427; III. 512. - peruviana, I. 428. - portoricensis, I. 427. - Ceryle, II. 391. - alcyon, II. 392. - americana, II. 396. - cabanisi, II. 396. - Chætura, II. 422, 427, 431. - cinereiventris, II. 431. - pelagica, II. 431, 432. - pelasgia, II. 432. - poliura, II. 431. - sclateri, II. 431. - spinicauda, II. 432. - vauxi, II. 431, 435; III. 523. - Chæturinæ, II. 422, 427. - Chalcophanes macrurus, II. 225. - major, II. 222. - quiscalus, II. 215. - virescens, II. 203. - Chamæa, I. 83. - fasciata, I. 83, 84; III. 507. - Chamæadæ, I. 83. - Chamæpelia, III. 375, 389. - albivitta, III. 389. - granatina, III. 389. - pallescens, III. 389. - passerina, III. 389. - Chamæpelieæ, III. 375. - Chamæpetes, III. 397. - Chelidon thalassina, I. 347. - Chloris, I. 207. - Chloroceryle, II. 391. - Chlorœnas fasciata, III. 360. - flavirostris, III. 366. - monilis, III. 360. - Chondestes, I. 529, 562. - grammaca, I. 562. - strigatus, I. 562. - Chordeiles, II. 399, 400. - acutipennis, II. 400, 406. - brasilianus, II. 406. - henryi, II. 400, 404. - labeculatus, II. 400. - minor, II. 400; III. 523. - peruvianus, II. 400. - popetue, II. 400, 401. - saptii, II. 406. - texensis, II. 400, 406; III. 523. - virginianus, II. 401. - Chrysomitris, I. 447, 470. - arizonæ, I. 471, 476; III. 513. - columbiana, I. 471. - lawrenci, I. 471, 478. - macroptera, I. 480. - mexicana, I. 471, 476, 478. - notata, I. 471. - pinus, I. 471, 480. - psaltria, 470, 474; III. 513. - tristis, I. 470, 471. - Ciccaba, III. 28. - Cichlopsis nitens, I. 405. - Cinclidæ, I. 1, 2, 55. - Cinclus, I. 55. - americanus, I. 56. - aquaticus, I. 58. - ardesiacus, I. 56. - mexicanus, I. 55, 56. - mortoni, I. 56. - pallasi, I. 56. - townsendi, I. 56. - unicolor, I. 56. - Circus, III. 104, 212. - axillaris, III. 197. - campestris, III. 214. - cinereus, III. 214. - cyaneus, III. 213. - cyaneus hudsonius, III. 214. - frenatus, III. 214. - histrionicus, III. 214. - hudsonius, III. 214. - hyemalis, III. 275. - jardini, III. 212. - macropterus, III. 212. - pygargus, III. 213. - uliginosus, III. 214. - Cistothorus, I. 131, 158. - elegans, I. 159. - paludicola, I. 161. - palustris, I. 160, 161. - stellaris, I. 159, 162; III. 509. - Cladoscopus, II. 535. - nuchalis, II. 542. - ruber, II. 544. - varius, II. 539. - Cleptes, II. 264. - hudsonicus, II. 266. - nuttalli, II. 270. - Coccoborus, II. 76. - cæruleus, II. 77. - ludovicianus, II. 70. - melanocephalus, II. 73. - Coccothraustes abeillii, I. 449. - canadensis, I. 453. - cardinalis, II. 100. - ludoviciana, II. 70. - melanocephala, II. 73. - rubricollis, II. 70. - vespertina, I. 449. - virginiana, II. 100. - vulgaris, I. 448. - Coccothraustinæ, I. 446. - Coccyginæ, II. 470. - Coccygus, II. 470, 475. - americanus, II. 476, 477. - bairdi, II. 477. - dominicus, II. 472, 477, 484. - erythrophthalmus, II. 477, 484. - julieni, II. 477. - melanocoryphus, II. 476. - minor, II. 476, 482. - pyrrhopterus, II. 477. - seniculus, II. 482. - Colaptes, II. 492, 573. - auratus, II. 575. - ayresii, II. 582. - chrysocaulosus, II. 575. - chrysoides, II. 575, 583. - collaris, II. 578. - hybridus, II. 582. - mexicanoides, II. 574. - mexicanus, II. 574, 578, 582. - rubricatus, II. 574, 578. - Collocallia, II. 422. - Collurio, I. 412. - borealis, I. 413–415. - elegans, I. 414, 420. - excubitor, I. 412, 414. - excubitoroides, I. 413, 415, 421. - ludovicianus, I. 413, 414, 418. - robustus, I. 413, 420; III. 512. - Columba, III. 357, 358. - albilinea, III. 359. - americana, III. 368. - araucana, III. 359. - canadensis, III. 368. - caribœa, III. 359. - carolinensis, III. 381, 383. - corensis, III. 360. - cyanocephala, III. 394, 395. - denisea, III. 359. - fasciata, III. 358, 360. - flavirostris, III. 360, 366. - griseola, III. 389. - hoilotl, III. 376. - inornata, III. 360, 366. - leucocephala, III. 359, 364. - leucoptera, III. 376. - livia, III. 358. - marginata, III. 383. - martinica, III. 392. - meridionalis, III. 359. - migratoria, III. 367, 368. - monilis, III. 360. - montana, III. 393. - mystacea, III. 393. - passerina, III. 389. - rufina, III. 359, 360. - solitaria, III. 366. - squamosa, III. 387. - trudeaui, III. 376. - zenaida, III. 378. - Columbidæ, III. 357. - Columbigallina montana, III. 393. - Columbinæ, III. 357. - Compsothlypis, I. 207. - americanus, I. 208. - gutturalis, I. 208. - Conirostrum ornatum, I. 112. - superciliosum, I. 208. - Contopus, II. 308, 350. - bahamensis, II. 352. - bogotensis, II. 360. - borealis, II. 350, 353, 356. - brachytarsus, II. 351. - caribæus, II. 351. - cooperi, II. 353. - hispaniolensis, II. 351. - lugubris, II. 351. - mesoleucus, II. 353. - ochraceus, II. 352. - pallidus, II. 351. - pertinax, II. 351, 356. - plebeius, II. 360. - punensis, II. 352. - richardsoni, II. 352, 360. - schotti, II. 351. - sordidulus, II. 360. - virens, I. 249; II. 352, 356, 357. - Conurus, II. 585, 586. - carolinensis, II. 587. - ludovicianus, II. 587. - Cooperastur, III. 220, 222. - Coracias, II. 264. - mexicanus, II. 299. - Coræognathæ, I. 431. - Coragypys, III. 350. - Corthylio, I. 72. - calendula, I. 75. - Corveæ, II. 231. - Corvidæ, I. 431; II. 231. - Corvinæ, II. 231. - Corvus, II. 231, 232. - americanus, II. 243–247. - cacalotl, II. 234. - canadensis, II. 297, 299. - carnivorus, II. 233, 234. - caurinus, II. 233, 248. - columbianus, II. 254, 255. - corax, II. 232. - corone, II. 243. - cristatus, II. 271, 273. - cryptoleucus, II. 233, 242; III. 520. - floridanus, II. 233, 247, 285. - hudsonicus, II. 266. - jamaicensis, II. 234. - leucognaphalus, II. 234. - littoralis, II. 234. - lugubris, II. 234. - megonyx, II. 255. - mexicanus, II. 233. - minutus, II. 234. - nasicus, II. 234. - ossifragus, II. 233, 251. - palliatus, II. 288. - peruvianus, II. 294. - pica, II. 264–266. - stelleri, II. 277. - ultramarinus, II. 288. - Corydalina, II. 60. - bicolor, II. 61. - Corythus, I. 452. - canadensis, I. 453. - enucleator, I. 453. - Coturniculus, I. 529, 548. - bairdi, I. 531. - dorsalis, I. 549. - henslowi, I. 549, 550. - lecontei, I. 549, 552. - manimbe, I. 549. - mexicanus, II. 38. - passerinus, I. 195, 549, 553. - perpallidus, I. 549, 556; III. 515. - tixicrus, I. 553. - Cotyle, I. 327, 353. - riparia, I. 347, 353. - Cracidæ, III. 397. - Cracinæ, III. 397. - Craxirex, III. 248, 254. - unicinctus, III. 250. - Crotophaga, II. 470, 486. - ani, II. 486–488. - lævirostra, II. 488. - major, II. 487. - minor, II. 488. - rugirostra, II. 488. - sulcirostris, II. 487. - Crucirostra leucoptera, I. 488. - Cuculidæ, II. 469, 470. - Cuculus americanus, II. 475, 477. - auratus, II. 573, 575. - carolinensis, II. 477. - cinerosus, II. 477. - dominicensis, II. 477. - dominicus, II. 477. - erythrophthalmus, II. 484. - minor, II. 482. - seniculus, II. 482. - Culicivora atricapilla, I. 81. - cœrulea, I. 78. - mexicana, I. 78, 81. - townsendi, I. 409. - Cuncuma, III. 320. - Cupidonia, III. 414, 439. - americana, III. 440. - cupido, III. 440. - pallidicinctus, III. 440, 446. - Cureus americanus, II. 477. - Curvirostra, I. 448. - americana, I. 484. - leucoptera, I. 488. - Cyanocephalus, II. 259. - Cyanocitta, II. 264, 271, 282. - arizonæ, II. 284, 292. - californica, II. 283, 288; III. 521. - couchi, II. 284, 293. - cristata, II. 273. - floridana, II. 283, 285. - macrolopha, II. 281. - sordida, II. 284, 292. - stelleri, II. 277. - sumichrasti, II. 283. - superciliosa, II. 288. - ultramarina, II. 284. - unicolor, II. 284. - woodhousei, II. 283, 291. - Cyanocorax californicus, II. 288. - cassini, II. 260. - cristatus, II. 273. - cyanicapillus, II. 295. - floridanus, II. 285. - luxuosus, II. 295. - stelleri, II. 277. - unicolor, II. 284. - yncas, II. 295. - Cyanogarrulus cristatus, II. 273. - stelleri, II. 277. - ultramarinus, II. 293. - Cyanoloxia cærulea, II. 77. - Cyanospiza, II. 59, 81. - amœna, II. 81, 84. - ciris, II. 81, 87. - cyanea, II. 81, 82. - leclancheri, II. 82. - versicolor, II. 81, 86. - Cyanura, II. 264, 271; III. 521. - coronata, II. 272. - cristata, II. 271, 273. - diademata, II. 272. - frontalis, II. 272, 279. - galeata, II. 272. - macrolopha, II. 272, 281. - stelleri, II. 272, 277. - Cyanurus cristatus, II. 273. - floridanus, II. 285. - stelleri, II. 277. - Cymindis cinerea, III. 245. - leucopygus, III. 208. - Cypselidæ, I. 326; II. 421. - Cypselinæ, II. 422, 423. - Cypseloides, II. 422. - Cypselus, II. 422. - borealis, II. 429. - melanoleucus, II. 424. - niger, II. 429. - pelasgius, II. 432. - poliurus, II. 431. - spinicauda, II. 431. - spinicaudus, II. 432. - vauxi, II. 435. - Cyrtonyx, III. 466, 491. - massena, III. 492. - ocellatus, III. 492. - - Dædalion, III. 220, 236. - nitidum, III. 245. - Dædalium, III. 220, 236. - Dendragapus, III. 421. - obscurus, III. 422. - richardsoni, III. 427. - Dendrochelidon, II. 422. - Dendrocopus principalis, II. 496. - pubescens, II. 509. - varius, II. 539. - villosus, II. 503. - Dendrofalco, III. 142. - Dendroica, I. 178, 215. - adelaidæ, I. 220, 241. - æstiva, I. 70, 200, 215, 216, 222, 234, 237, 246, 277, 318, 324, - 325. - albilora, I. 220, 241; III. 510. - atricapilla, I. 248. - auduboni, I. 215, 219, 229, 260, 272; III. 509. - aureola, I. 217. - blackburniæ, I. 220, 237; III. 510. - bryanti, I. 218, 223; III. 509. - cœrulea, I. 219, 235; III. 510. - cærulescens, I. 218, 254, 267. - canadensis, I. 254. - capitalis, I. 217. - carbonata, I. 214. - castanea, I. 215, 219, 248, 251, 271, 313; III. 510. - chrysopareia, I. 221, 260, 262, 266, 268. - coronata, I. 215, 219, 227, 230, 231, 254, 260, 272. - decora, I. 220, 244; III. 510. - discolor, I. 222, 276. - dominica, I. 215, 220, 240, 241; III. 510. - eoa, I. 218. - graciæ, I. 220, 241, 243, 244, 260. - gundlachi, I. 216. - kirtlandi, I. 215, 221, 272. - maculosa, I. 219, 232, 257. - montana, I. 222, 271. - nigrescens, I. 221, 258; III. 511. - niveiventris, I. 266. - occidentalis, I. 221, 261, 262, 266, 268; III. 511. - olivacea, I. 218, 258. - palmarum, I. 215, 222, 269, 273. - pennsylvanica, I. 215, 219, 245. - petechia, I. 216, 217. - pharetra, I. 220. - pinus, I. 222, 268, 271, 274. - pityophila, I. 221. - ruficapilla, I. 217. - ruficeps, I. 217. - rufigula, I. 217. - striata, I. 215, 219, 248. - superciliosa, I. 240. - tigrina, I. 212. - townsendi, I. 221, 261, 262, 265; III. 511. - vieilloti, I. 217. - virens, I. 221, 239, 261, 262. - Despotes tyrannus, II. 309. - Diplopterus viaticus, II. 472. - Dolichonyx, II. 148. - agripennis, II. 149. - bicolor, II. 61. - oryzivorus, II. 149; III. 519. - Dryobates, II. 500, 502. - harrisi, II. 507. - homorus, II. 512. - leucomelas, II. 503. - pubescens, II. 509. - turati, II. 512. - villosus, II. 503. - Dryocopus pileatus, II. 550. - principalis, II. 496. - Dryopicus, II. 548. - pileatus, II. 550. - Dryotomus, II. 548. - pileatus, II. 550. - principalis, II. 496. - Dyctiopicus, II. 501, 514. - scalaris, II. 515. - Dyctiopipo, II. 514. - scalaris, II. 515. - Dysornithia, II. 297. - canadensis, II. 299. - - Ectopistes, III. 357, 367. - carolinensis, III. 383. - marginata, III. 383. - marginellus, III. 383. - migratoria, III. 368. - Elanoides, III. 190. - cæsius, III. 197. - furcatus, III. 192. - yetapa, III. 192. - Elanus, III. 104, 196. - axillaris, III. 197. - cæsius, III. 197. - cœruleus, III. 197. - dispar, III. 198. - furcatus, III. 192. - leucurus, III. 197, 198. - minor, III. 197. - notatus, III. 197. - scriptus, III. 197. - Emberiza americana, II. 65. - amœna, II. 84. - arctica, I. 538. - atricapilla, I. 573. - bairdi, I. 530, 531. - belli, I. 593. - bilineata, I. 590. - cærulea, II. 82. - canadensis, II. 3. - chrysops, I. 538. - cinerea, II. 30. - ciris, II. 87. - coronata, I. 573. - cyanea, II. 82. - cyanella, II. 82. - erythrophthalma, II. 109. - glacialis, I. 512. - grammaca, I. 562. - henslowi, I. 550. - hyemalis, I. 578, 580. - lapponica, I. 510, 515. - lateralis, II. 106. - lecontei, I. 552. - leucophrys, I. 565, 566. - mexicana, II. 65. - montana, I. 512. - mustelina, I. 512. - nigro-rufa, I. 589. - nivalis, I. 510, 512. - olivacea, II. 93. - ornata, I. 520. - oryzivora, II. 148, 149. - pallida, II. 11, 13. - passerina, I. 553. - pecoris, II. 154. - picta, I. 518. - pratensis, II. 50. - pusilla, II. 5. - rostrata, I. 542. - rufina, II. 29, 53. - sandwichensis, I. 538. - savanna, I. 534. - shattucki, II. 11. - townsendi, II. 68. - unalaschkensis, II. 53. - Embernagra, I. 530; II. 46. - blandingiana, II. 131. - chlorura, II. 131. - rufivirgata, II. 47. - Empidias fuscus, II. 344. - Empidonax, II. 308, 362. - albigularis, II. 365. - acadicus, II. 365, 374. - axillaris, II. 363, 365. - bahamensis, II. 352. - bairdi, II. 363. - brachytarsus, II. 351. - brunneus, II. 363; III. 521. - difficilis, II. 364, 378, 380. - flavescens, II. 363. - flavipectus, II. 364. - flaviventris, II. 363, 378. - fulvifrons, II. 385. - griseigularis, II. 365. - griseipectus, II. 365. - hammondi, II. 364, 383. - hypoxanthus, II. 378. - magnirostris, II. 365. - minimus, II. 364, 372; III. 521. - obscurus, II. 364, 381; III. 521. - pectoralis, II. 364. - pusillus, II. 365, 366. - rubicundus, II. 385. - trailli, II. 365, 366, 369. - wrighti, II. 381. - Ephialitis, III. 47. - Ephialtes asio, III. 49. - choliba, III. 52. - Eremophila, II. 135, 139. - alpestris, II. 140, 141. - chrysolæma, II. 140, 144. - cornuta, II. 143. - occidentalis, II. 140. - peregrina, II. 142, 144. - Ergaticus, I. 179, 312. - Erythraca arctica, I. 67. - wilsoni, I. 63. - Erythrophrys, II. 475. - americanus, II. 477. - erythrophthalmus, II. 484. - seniculus, II. 482. - Erythrospiza, I. 459; III. 220, 222. - frontalis, I. 466. - purpurea, I. 462. - tephrocotis, I. 504. - Euhierax, III. 127. - Euspina, II. 65. - americana, II. 65; III. 518. - Euspiza, II. 59, 65. - americana, II. 65. - townsendi, II. 65, 69. - Eustrinx, II. 10. - Euthlypis, I. 312. - canadensis, I. 320. - Eutolmaëtus, III. 312. - - Falco, III. 103, 106, 107, 127. - æruginosus, III. 212. - æsalon, III. 142, 148. - albicaudus, III. 324. - albicilla, III. 320. - albicilla borealis, III. 324. - albigularis, III. 130. - americanus, III. 184. - anatum, III. 128, 132. - aquilinus, III. 282. - arundinaceus, III. 183. - atricapillus, III. 237. - auduboni, III. 144. - aurantius, III. 129. - axillaris, III. 197. - bonelli, III. 312. - borealis, III. 254, 282. - brasiliensis, III. 176, 177. - buffoni, III. 214. - buteo, III. 254, 263. - buteo, β, III. 111. - buteoides, III. 275. - cæsius, III. 143. - canadensis, III. 314. - candicans, III. 108, 111, 112. - candicans islandicus, III. 113. - candidus, III. 327. - carolinensis, III. 184. - cassini, III. 132. - cayennensis, III. 184. - cenchris, III. 159. - chrysætos, III. 312. - chrysaëtus, III. 313. - cineraceus, III. 212. - cinereus, III. 115. - cinnamominus, III. 168. - clamosus, III. 197. - cœruleus, III. 197. - columbarius, III. 143, 144, 225. - communis, III. 127, 128, 132. - communis, ζ, η, III. 132. - cooperi, III. 230. - cucullatus, III. 130. - cyanescens, III. 155. - cyaneus, III. 212, 214. - deiroleucus, III. 129. - dispar, III. 198. - dominicensis, III. 167. - dubius, III. 225. - emerillus, III. 143. - feldeggii, III. 109. - femoralis, III. 154, 155. - ferrugineus, III. 300. - forficatus, III. 190, 192. - frontalis, III. 127. - fulvus, III. 314. - furcatus, III. 190, 192. - fuscocœrulescens, III. 155. - fuscus, III. 224. - gabar, III. 220, 222. - gracilis, III. 166. - grœnlandicus, III. 111. - gyrfalco, III. 107, 108, 113. - gyrfalco norvegicus, III. 108. - haliætus, III. 182, 183. - hamatus, III. 207, 209. - harlani, III. 292. - harrisi, III. 248, 250. - hinularius, III. 324. - hæmorrhoidalis, III. 130. - hudsonius, III. 214. - hyemalis, III. 275. - icthyaëtus, III. 320. - imperator, III. 322. - intermixtus, III. 142, 144. - isabellinus, III. 171. - islandicus, III. 108, 111, 113, 114. - jugger, III. 107, 109. - labradora, III. 108, 117. - lagopus, III. 111, 297, 299, 304. - lanarius, III. 108, 109, 113. - latissimus, III. 259. - leucocephalus, III. 326. - leucogaster, III. 327. - leucophrys, III. 161. - leucopterus, III. 322. - leverianus, III. 282. - lineatus, III. 275. - lithofalco, III. 142. - lugger, III. 109. - macei, III. 320. - macropus, III. 129. - melanaëtus, III. 314. - melanogenys, III. 129. - melanopterus, III. 196–198. - melanotus, III. 324. - mexicanus, III. 109, 123. - mississippiensis, III. 202, 203. - nævius, III. 132. - niger, III. 137, 304, 314. - nigriceps, III. 132. - nisus, III. 220, 222. - nitidus, III. 244, 245. - novæhollandiæ, III. 220, 236. - obscurus, III. 144. - obsoletus, III. 263. - orientalis, III. 128, 132. - ossifragus, III. 324, 327. - palumbarius, III. 220, 236, 237. - pealei, III. 129, 137. - pelagicus, III. 320, 322. - pennatus, III. 312. - pennsylvanicus, III. 225, 259. - peregrinus, III. 127, 128, 132. - plancus, III. 177. - plumbea, III. 202. - plumbeus, III. 203. - polyagrus, III. 109, 110, 123, 137. - pterocles, III. 254. - pygargus, III. 213, 324, 327. - regulus, III. 142. - richardsoni, III. 148. - rostrhamus, III. 208. - rufigularis, III. 129, 130. - rusticolus, III. 111. - sacer, III. 108, 110, 115. - sancti-johannis, III. 304. - sibiricus, III. 143. - spadicens, III. 214. - spadiceus, III. 304. - sparverius, III. 159, 166, 169. - subæsalon, III. 143. - subbuteo, III. 142. - sublanarius, III. 109. - suckleyi, III. 143, 147. - temerarius, III. 144. - tharus, III. 177. - thermophilus, III. 109. - thoracicus, III. 130, 155. - tinnunculus, III. 159. - tinus, III. 220, 222. - uliginosus, III. 214. - unicinctus, III. 249. - velox, III. 225. - vulturinus, III. 312. - wilsoni, III. 259. - Falconidæ, III. 1, 103. - Falconinæ, III. 103, 106. - Ficedula canadensis cinerea, I. 227. - dominica cinerea, I. 240. - jamaicensis, I. 283. - ludoviciana, I. 208. - Fringilla æstiva, II. 39. - æstivalis, II. 37, 39. - albicollis, I. 574. - ambigua, II. 154. - americana, II. 65. - amœna, II. 84. - arborea, II. 3. - arctica, II. 116. - atrata, I. 585. - atricapilla, I. 573. - aurocapilla, I. 573. - bachmani, II. 39. - bicolor, II. 60, 61, 93. - blandingiana, II. 131. - borealis, I. 498. - brunneinucha, I. 504. - cærulea, II. 77. - calcarata, I. 515. - canadensis, II. 1, 3. - cardinalis, II. 100. - catatol, I. 478. - caudacuta, I. 553, 557. - chlorura, II. 131. - cinerea, I. 578; II. 27, 30. - comata, I. 577. - crissalis, II. 122. - cyanea, II. 82. - domestica, I. 525. - erythrophthalma, II. 104, 109. - fasciata, II. 19. - ferruginea, II. 50. - flavicollis, II. 65. - frontalis, I. 465, 466. - gambeli, I. 569. - georgiana, II. 34. - graminea, I. 544, 545. - grammaca, I. 562. - griseinucha, I. 508. - henslowi, I. 550. - hudsonia, I. 580, 585. - hyemalis, I. 534, 580; II. 19. - hypoleuca, II. 90. - iliaca, II. 49, 50. - juncorum, II. 5, 580. - lapponica, I. 515. - leucophrys, I. 566. - linaria, I. 493, 501. - lincolni, II. 31. - littoralis, I. 557. - ludoviciana, II. 70. - macgillivrayi, I. 560. - mariposa, II. 87. - maritima, I. 560. - melanocephala, II. 73. - melanoxantha, I. 478. - melodia, II. 16, 19. - meruloides, II. 53. - monticola, II. 3. - nivalis, I. 580. - oregona, I. 584. - palustris, II. 34. - passerina, I. 548, 553. - pecoris, II. 153, 154. - pennsylvanica, I. 574. - pinus, I. 480. - psaltria, I. 474. - purpurea, I. 459, 462. - pusilla, II. 5. - querula, I. 577. - rufa, II. 50. - rufescens, I. 501. - rufidorsis, I. 580. - savanna, I. 532, 534. - savanarum, I. 553. - socialis, II. 1, 7. - spinus, I. 470. - tephrocotis, I. 504. - texensis, I. 478. - tristis, I. 470, 471. - townsendi, II. 53. - xantomaschalis, II. 73. - vespertina, I. 448, 449. - zena, II. 93. - Fringillidæ, I. 431, 446; II. 1. - - Galeoscoptes, I. 3, 51. - carolinensis, I. 52. - Gallopavo sylvestris, III. 404. - Garrulinæ, II. 231, 263. - Garrulus cærulescens, II. 285. - californicus, II. 282, 288. - canadensis, II. 299. - cristatus, II. 273. - cyaneus, II. 285. - floridanus, II. 285. - fuscus, II. 299. - luxuosus, II. 295. - sordidus, II. 284. - stelleri, II. 277, 281. - trachyrrhynchus, II. 299. - ultramarinus, II. 288, 293. - Gennaia, III. 107. - lanarius, III. 109. - Geococcyx, II. 470. - affinis, II. 471. - californianus, II. 471, 472; III. 523. - mexicanus, II. 472. - variegata, II. 472. - velox, II. 471. - viaticus, II. 472. - Geophilus cyanocephalus, III. 395. - Geopicus, II. 573. - campestris, II. 573. - chrysoides, II. 583. - rubricatus, II. 574. - Geothlypeæ, I. 179, 295. - Geothlypinæ, I. 178, 279. - Geothlypis, I. 179, 295; III. 511. - æquinoctialis, I. 296. - caninucha, I. 296. - macgillivrayi, I. 297, 303; III. 512. - melanops, I. 296, 298. - philadelphia, I. 296, 297, 301, 303. - poliocephala, I. 296. - rostratus, I. 296. - semiflavus, I. 296. - speciosa, I. 296. - trichas, I. 296–298; III. 512. - velatus, I. 296. - Geotrygon, III. 375. - martinica, III. 393. - Glabirostres, II. 399. - Glaucidium, III. 6, 79. - californicum, III. 81, 83. - ferrugineum (_plate_), III. 81, 85, 98–101. - gnoma, III. 81. - infuscatum, III. 81. - passerinum, III. 80. - siju, III. 79. - Glaucopteryx, III. 212. - Goniaphea, II. 69. - cærulea, II. 77. - ludoviciana, II. 70. - melanocephala, II. 73. - Gracula barita, II. 215, 222. - ferruginea, II. 203. - purpurea, II. 215. - quiscala, II. 212, 215, 222. - Granatellus, I. 179. - venustus, I. 306. - Gryphinæ, III. 335. - Guiraca, II. 59, 76. - abeillii, I. 449. - cærulea, II. 77; III. 518. - ludoviciana, II. 70. - melanocephala, II. 73. - tricolor, II. 73. - Gymnokitta, II. 232, 259. - cyanocephala, II. 259, 260. - Gymnorhinus, II. 259. - cyanocephalus, II. 260. - Gypagus, III. 337. - Gyparchus, III. 337. - Gypogeranidæ, III. 2. - - Hadrostomus affinis, II. 306. - aglaiæ, II. 306. - Hæmorrhous, I. 459. - purpurea, I. 462. - Haliaëtus, III. 105, 320. - albicilla, III. 320, 323, 324. - icthyaëtus, III. 320. - leucocephalus, III. 323, 326. - leucogaster, III. 320. - nisus, III. 324. - pelagicus, II. 323. - vocifer, III. 320. - washingtoni, III. 327. - Harpes redivivus, I. 35, 45. - Harporhynchus, I. 3, 35. - cinereus, I. 35, 36, 40. - crissalis, I. 35, 37, 40, 47; III. 505. - curvirostris, I. 35, 36, 41; III. 505. - lecontei, I. 44, 47. - longirostris, I. 39, 41, 144. - ocellatus, I. 35, 36; III. 504. - palmeri, I. 43; III. 505. - redivivus, I. 35, 37, 40, 45, 48; III. 505. - rufus, I. 33–37, 40, 46, 58; III. 505. - Hedymeles, II. 59, 69. - capitalis, II. 70. - ludovicianus, II. 70. - melanocephalus, II. 70, 73. - Heleothreptus, II. 399. - Heliaptex arcticus, III. 64. - Helinaia, I. 178, 186. - bachmani, I. 194. - carbonata, I. 211, 214. - celata, I. 202. - chrysoptera, I. 192. - peregrina, I. 205. - protonotaria, I. 184. - rubricapilla, I. 196. - solitaria, I. 195. - swainsoni, I. 190. - vermivora, I. 187. - Heliopædica, II. 438, 440, 466. - castaneocauda, II. 467. - melanotis, II. 466. - xantusi, II. 466, 467. - Helminthophaga, I. 178, 191. - bachmanni, I. 191, 194. - celata, I. 192, 200, 202, 204, 205, 317. - chrysoptera, I. 191, 192. - citrea, I. 184. - gutturalis, I. 191. - luciæ, I. 192, 200; III. 509. - lutescens, I. 192, 204; III. 509. - obscura, I. 192. - ocularis, I. 191. - peregrina, I. 191, 192, 205. - pinus, I. 191, 195. - rubricapilla, I. 191, 196, 199, 201, 203, 206, 310. - solitaria, I. 195. - virginiæ, I. 192, 199; III. 509. - Helmitherus, I. 178, 186. - bachmani, I. 194. - chrysopterus, I. 192. - migratorius, I. 187. - peregrinus, I. 205. - protonotarius, I. 184. - rubricapilla, I. 196. - solitarius, I. 195. - swainsoni, I. 186, 187, 190; III. 509. - vermivorus, I. 186, 187; III. 509. - Hemiaëtus, III. 297. - Hemiprocne, II. 427. - pelasgia, II. 432. - Henicocichla, I. 279. - aurocapilla, I. 280. - ludoviciana, I. 287. - major, I. 287. - motacilla, I. 287. - noveboracensis, I. 283. - Herpetotheres sociabilis, III. 208. - Hesperiphona, I. 447, 448. - abeillii, I. 449. - montana, I. 449; III. 513. - vespertina, I. 449. - Hesperocichla, I. 3, 4, 28. - Hieracospiza, III. 220, 222. - Hieraëtus, III. 312. - Hieraspiza, III. 220, 222. - Hieroaëtus, III. 312. - Hierofalco, III. 107. - candicans, III. 111. - gyrfalco, III. 108. - grœnlandicus, III. 111. - islandicus, III. 113. - Hirundinidæ, I. 326, 431. - Hirundo, I. 327, 338. - americana, I. 339. - dominicensis, II. 429. - bicolor, I. 185, 331, 344. - cærulea canadensis, I. 329. - cayanensis, II. 423. - cinerea, I. 353. - cyaneoviridis, I. 327. - fulva, I. 334. - horreorum, I. 339. - leucogaster, I. 344. - ludoviciana, I. 329. - lunifrons, I. 66, 334. - melanogaster, I. 334. - nigra, II. 428, 429. - opifex, I. 334. - pelagica, II. 432. - pelasgia, II. 432. - purpurea, I. 327, 329, 332. - respublicana, I. 334. - riparia, I. 353. - riparia americana, I. 353. - rufa, I. 339. - rustica, I. 339. - serripennis, I. 350. - subis, I. 329. - thalassina, I. 344, 347. - versicolor, I. 329. - violacea, I. 329. - viridis, I. 344. - Holoquiscalus, II. 213. - Hybris, III. 10. - Hydrobata, I. 55. - mexicana, I. 56. - Hydropsalis, II. 399. - Hylemathrous ædon, I. 149. - Hylocichla, I. 4, 22, 28. - Hylotomus, II. 494, 548. - pileatus, II. 550. - Hypacanthus, I. 470. - Hyphantes abeillei, II. 184. - baltimore, II. 195. - bullocki, II. 199. - solitaria, II. 190. - Hypomorphnus unicinctus, III. 249. - Hypotriorchis, III. 142. - æsalon, III. 142. - aurantius, III. 129. - columbarius, III. 144. - femoralis, III. 155. - - Icteria, I. 179, 306. - auricollis, I. 309. - dumecola, I. 307. - longicauda, I. 307, 309, 310. - velasquezi, I. 307. - virens, I. 307. - viridis, I. 307. - Icterianæ, I. 178, 179, 306. - Icteridæ, I. 431; II. 147. - Icterieæ, I. 179, 306. - Icterinæ, II. 147, 179. - Icterus, II. 179. - abeillei, II. 184. - agripennis, II. 149. - auduboni, II. 182, 186. - auricapillus, II. 183. - baltimore, II. 183, 195; III. 520. - bullocki, II. 183, 199; III. 520. - cucullatus, II. 183, 193; III. 519. - dominicensis, II. 182. - emberizoides, II. 154. - frenatus, II. 167. - graduacauda, II. 186. - gubernator, II. 163. - hypomelas, II. 182. - icterocephalus, II. 167. - melanocephalus, II. 182. - melanochrysura, II. 188. - parisorum, II. 183, 188. - pecoris, II. 154. - perspicillatus, II. 167. - phœniceus, II. 159. - portoricensis, II. 182. - prosthemelas, II. 182. - scotti, II. 188. - spurius, II. 183, 190. - tricolor, II. 165. - vulgaris, II. 181, 184. - wagleri, II. 182, 188. - xanthocephalus, II. 167. - Icthierax, III. 127. - Icthyætus, III. 320. - Ictinia, III. 104, 202. - mississippiensis, III. 203. - plumbea, III. 203. - Idiotes, I. 312. - Ispida, II. 391. - ludoviciana, II. 392. - - Jerafalco, III. 107. - Jeraspiza, III. 220, 222. - Jerax, III. 220, 222. - Junco, I. 530, 578; III. 516. - aikeni, I. 579, 584; III. 516. - alticola, I. 580, 584. - caniceps, I. 579, 587. - cinereus, I. 580, 584. - hyemalis, I. 137, 274, 282, 579, 580. - oregonus, I. 579, 584; III. 516. - phænotus, I. 580. - - Kieneria aberti, II. 128. - fusca, II. 121, 122. - rufipilea, II. 131. - - Lagopus, II. 690; III. 414, 456. - albus, III. 456, 457. - americanus, III. 462. - brachydactylus, III. 457. - ferrugineus, III. 300. - grœnlandicus, III. 462. - islandorum, III. 462. - leucurus, III. 456, 464. - mutus, III. 456, 462. - reinhardti, III. 462. - rupestris, III. 456, 462. - subalpinus, III. 457. - Lampornis, II. 438, 440. - aurulentus, II. 440. - mango, II. 440. - porphyrurus, II. 440. - virginalis, II. 440. - Laniidæ, I. 356, 412, 431. - Lanius agilis, I. 359. - ardosiaceus, I. 418. - borealis, I. 415. - carolinensis, I. 418. - cristatus, I. 412. - elegans, I. 420. - excubitor, I. 412, 415. - excubitoroides, I. 421. - garrulus, I. 395, 396. - lahtora, I. 420. - ludovicianus, I. 418, 421. - olivaceus, I. 363. - septentrionalis, I. 415. - tyrannus, II. 316, 319. - Lanivireo, I. 358, 372. - cassini, I. 373, 376. - flavifrons, I. 358, 373, 379. - plumbea, I. 358; III. 512. - plumbeus, I. 373, 377. - propinquus, I. 373. - solitaria, I. 358. - solitarius, I. 373; III. 512. - Laphyctes, II. 315. - verticalis, II. 324. - vociferans, II. 327. - Leptostoma, II. 470. - longicauda, II. 472. - Lepturus galeatus, I. 405. - Leuconerpes albolarvatus, II. 526. - Leucospiza, III. 220, 236. - Leucosticte, I. 448, 502. - brunneinucha, I. 504. - campestris, I. 504, 507. - griseigenys, I. 508. - griseinucha, I. 504, 507, 508. - littoralis, I. 504, 507. - tephrocotis, I. 504; III. 513. - Ligonirostres, II. 492. - Linaria americana, I. 493. - borealis, I. 498. - canescens, I. 498. - flavirostris, I. 501. - holbölli, I. 493. - hornemanni, I. 498. - lincolni, II. 31. - minor, I. 493. - savanna, I. 534. - tephrocotis, I. 504. - Linota canescens, I. 498. - montium, I. 501. - Lithofalco columbarius, III. 144. - Lophophanes, I. 86. - atricristatus, I. 87, 90. - bicolor, I. 87, 92. - cristatus, I. 93. - galeatus, I. 93. - inornatus, I. 87, 88, 91; III. 507. - missouriensis, I. 87. - wollweberi, I. 87, 93. - Lophortyx, III. 466, 478. - californica, III. 479. - gambeli, III. 479, 482. - plumifera, III. 475. - Loxia, I. 483. - americana, I. 483, 484. - bifasciata, I. 483; III. 513. - cærulea, II. 76, 77. - canora, II. 92, 93. - cardinalis, II. 99, 100. - curvirostra, I. 483. - enucleator, I. 453. - erythrina, I. 459. - fusca, I. 484. - himalayana, I. 484. - leucoptera, I. 483, 488. - ludoviciana, II. 69, 70. - mexicana, I. 483, 488. - obscura, II. 70. - pusilla, I. 484. - pityopsittacus, I. 484. - rosea, II. 70. - violacea, I. 462. - virginica, I. 441. - Lurocalis, II. 399. - - Macrocercus pachyrhynchus, II. 586. - Megaceryle alcyon, II. 392. - Megapicus, II. 494. - Megaquiscalus, II. 214. - Megascops, III. 47. - Melampicus, II. 559. - Melanerpes, II. 553, 559. - albolarvatus, II. 526. - angustifrons, II. 561, 575. - erythrocephalus, II. 560, 564. - flavigula, II. 561. - formicivorus, II. 560, 566. - ruber, II. 544. - rubrigularis, II. 545. - striatipectus, II. 561. - thyroideus, II. 547. - torquatus, II. 560, 561. - williamsoni, II. 545. - Meleagridæ, III. 402. - Meleagris, III. 403. - americana, III. 404. - fera, III. 404. - gallopavo, III. 403, 404. - mexicana, III. 410. - mexicanus, III. 403. - ocellatus, III. 404. - sylvestris, III. 404. - Melittarchus dominicensis, II. 319. - Mellisuga heloisa, II. 465. - Melopelia, III. 375, 376. - leucoptera, III. 376. - Melospiza, I. 530; II. 16. - cinerea, II. 29. - fallax, II. 18, 22. - gouldi, II. 26. - guttata, II. 19, 27, 29. - heermanni, II. 18, 24. - insignis, II. 19, 30. - lincolni, II. 19, 31; III. 516. - melodia, I. 146, 158; II. 18, 19. - mexicana, II. 18. - palustris, II. 19, 34; III. 517. - pectoralis, II. 18. - rufina, I. 158; II. 19, 27, 29. - samuelis, II. 18, 26. - unalashkensis, I. 158. - Melospizeæ, I. 530. - Merula, I. 4. - Methriopterus, I. 35. - Micrathene, III. 6, 86. - whitneyi, III. 87. - Microglaux, III. 79. - Micronisus, III. 220, 222. - Microptynx, III. 79. - passerina, III. 80. - Milans, III. 196. - Milvulus, II. 307, 308. - forficatus, II. 309, 311. - savanus, II. 309. - tyrannus, II. 309. - violentus, II. 309. - Milvus cenchris, III. 203. - dispar, III. 198. - furcatus, III. 192. - leucurus, III. 198. - mississippiensis, III. 203. - Mimimæ, I. 2, 31, 34. - Mimus, I. 3, 48. - carolinensis, I. 52. - curvirostris, I. 41. - longirostris, I. 39. - montanus, I. 32. - orpheus, I. 49. - polyglottus, I. 33, 46, 49, 52; III. 506. - Mitrephorus, II. 308, 385. - fulvifrons, II. 385. - pallescens, II. 385, 386. - phæocercus, II. 385. - Mniotilta, I. 178, 180. - borealis, I. 180. - longirostris, I. 180. - noveboracensis, I. 283. - rubricapilla, I. 196. - striata, I. 248. - varia, I. 180, 181, 216, 243, 249. - virens, I. 261. - Mniotilteæ, I. 178, 179. - Mniotiltidæ, I. 298, 431. - Molothrus, I. 182, 310; II. 148, 153. - obscurus, II. 154. - pecoris, II. 154. - Monedula purpurea, II. 215. - Montifringilla brunneinucha, I. 504. - griseinucha, I. 508. - Morphnus unicinctus, III. 249. - Motacilla, I. 164, 165. - æquinoctialis, I. 296. - æstiva, I. 222. - alba, I. 165. - americana, I. 208. - aurocapilla, I. 279, 280. - auricollis, I. 184. - bananivora, I. 427. - blackburniæ, I. 237. - cærulea, I. 77, 78. - cærulescens, I. 254. - calendula, I. 72, 75. - calidris, I. 359. - cana, I. 78. - canadensis, I. 227, 254. - chrysocephala, I. 237. - chrysoptera, I. 192. - cincta, I. 227. - citrea, I. 183, 184. - coronata, I. 227. - dominica, I. 240. - eques, I. 208. - flava, I. 167. - flavicauda, I. 322. - flavicollis, I. 240. - flavifrons, I. 192. - fuscescens, I. 283. - hudsonica, I. 171. - incana, I. 237. - juncorum, II. 5. - ludoviciana, I. 208. - maculosa, I. 232. - mitrata, I. 313, 314. - noveboracensis, I. 283. - œnanthe, I. 60. - palmarum, I. 273. - pennsylvanica, I. 245. - pensilis, I. 240. - pileolata, I. 319. - pinguis, I. 227. - protonotaria, I. 184. - regulus, I. 72. - rubiginosa, I. 222. - ruticilla, I. 322. - sialis, I. 62. - striata, I. 248. - superciliosa, I. 240. - tigrina, I. 211, 212. - umbria, I. 227. - varia, I. 180. - vermivora, I. 186, 187. - virens, I. 261. - yarrelli, I. 165. - Motacillidæ, I. 163, 164, 431. - Motacillinæ, I. 164, 165. - Muscicapa, I. 4. - acadica, II. 374. - animosa, II. 316. - atra, II. 343. - belli, I. 313. - bonapartei, I. 320. - brasieri, I. 312. - canadensis, I. 320. - cantatrix, I. 385. - carolinensis, I. 51, 52; II. 344. - cooperi, II. 353. - crinita, II. 334. - cucullata, I. 314. - derhami, I. 322. - dominicensis, II. 319. - forficata, II. 311. - fulvifrons, II. 385. - fusca, II. 343. - gilva, I. 368. - guttata, I. 18, 20. - inornata, II. 353. - ludoviciana, II. 334. - melodia, I. 368. - minuta, I. 316. - nigricans, II. 340. - noveboracensis, I. 357, 382, 385. - nunciola, II. 343. - olivacea, I. 358, 363. - phœbe, II. 343, 360. - pusilla, I. 317; II. 366. - querula, II. 357, 374. - rapax, II. 357. - rex, II. 316. - richardsoni, II. 360. - rubra, I. 441. - ruticilla, I. 322. - savana, II. 309. - saya, II. 347. - selbyi, I. 314. - semiatra, II. 340. - solitaria, I. 373. - striata, I. 248. - sylvicola, I. 379. - trailli, II. 369. - tyrannus, II. 309, 316. - verticalis, II. 324. - virens, II. 350, 357. - virginiana cristata, II. 334. - viridis, I. 306, 307. - wilsoni, I. 317. - Muscicapidæ, I. 326. - Myiadesteæ, I. 408. - Myiadestes, I. 3, 408. - genibarbis, I. 408. - obscurus, I. 409. - townsendi, I. 22, 409. - unicolor, I. 409. - Myiarchus, II. 307, 329; III. 521. - antillarum, II. 332. - cinerascens, II. 332, 337. - cooperi, II. 331. - crinitus, II. 331, 334. - erythrocercus, II. 331. - irritabilis, II. 331. - lawrencei, II. 333. - mexicanus, II. 331, 337. - nigricans, II. 340. - nigricapillus, II. 333. - nigriceps, II. 333. - pertinax, II. 337. - phæocephalus, II. 330. - phœbe, II. 332. - stolidus, II. 331, 332. - tristis, II. 332, 333. - tyrannulus, II. 330. - validus, II. 331. - yucatanensis, II. 331. - Myiobius borealis, II. 353. - crinitus, II. 334. - nunciola, II. 343. - pallidus, II. 351. - sayus, II. 347. - stolidus, II. 332. - virens, II. 357. - Myioborus, I. 179, 312. - Myioctonus, I. 313. - mitratus, I. 314. - pusillus, I. 317. - Myiodiocteæ, I. 179. - Myiodioctes, I. 179, 312, 313. - canadensis, I. 313, 320. - formosus, I. 293. - minutus, I. 313, 316. - mitratus, I. 313, 314. - pardalina, I. 320. - pileolata, I. 313, 319; III. 512. - pusillus, I. 313, 314, 317, 319. - wilsoni, I. 317. - Myionax crinitus, II. 334. - Myiothlypis, I. 312. - - Nauclerus, III. 104, 190. - forficatus, III. 191, 192. - furcatus, III. 191, 192. - Neocorys, I. 164, 170, 174. - spraguei, I. 175. - Neophron iota, III. 351. - Nephœcetes, II. 427, 428. - niger, II. 429; III. 523. - Nertus, III. 202. - mississippiensis, III. 203. - plumbeus, III. 203. - Niphæa hyemalis, I. 580. - oregona, I. 584. - Nisastur, III. 220, 222. - Nisus cooperi, III. 224, 230. - fuscus, III. 224, 225. - hyemalis, III. 275. - mexicanus, III. 224, 231. - pacificus, III. 225. - pennsylvanicus, III. 225. - unicinctus, III. 249. - Noctua aurita minor, III. 49. - brodiei, III. 79. - ferruginea, III. 85. - passerina, III. 80. - Notiocorys, I. 164, 170. - Nucifraga columbiana, II. 255. - Nucifrageæ, II. 232. - Nudinares, II. 492. - Nyctale, III. 6, 39. - abietum, III. 39. - acadica, III. 40, 43. - albifrons, III. 43. - funerea, III. 39. - harrisi, III. 40. - kirtlandi, III. 39, 43. - pinetorum, III. 39. - planiceps, III. 39. - richardsoni (_plate_), III. 39–41, 97–101. - tengmalmi, III. 39. - Nyctalops stygius, III. 17. - Nyctea, III. 6, 60, 61. - arctica, III. 61, 70. - candida, III. 70. - nivea (_plate_), III. 61, 70, 98–102. - scandiaca, III. 61. - Nyctibius, II. 398. - Nyctidromus, II. 399, 400. - affinis, II. 399. - albicollis, II. 399. - americanus, II. 399. - derbyanus, II. 399. - grallarius, II. 399. - guianensis, II. 399. - - Ochthæca sayi, II. 347. - Odontophorus maleagris, III. 492. - Onychotes gruberi, III. 252–254. - Oporornis, I. 178, 279, 290. - agilis, I. 290, 291, 301. - formosus, I. 290, 293. - Oreopeleia, III. 392. - martinica, III. 393. - montana, III. 393. - Oreophasinæ, III. 397. - Oreophasis derbianus, III. 397. - Oreortyx, III. 466, 475. - pictus, III. 475. - Oreoscoptes, I. 2, 31. - montanus, I. 32, 33, 40, 41. - Oriolus baltimore, II. 195. - castaneus, II. 190. - caudacutus, I. 556, 557. - costototl, II. 184. - dominicensis, II. 182. - ferrugineus, II. 202, 203. - fuscus, II. 154. - icterus, II. 184. - ludovicianus, II. 215. - mutatus, II. 190. - niger, II. 203, 215. - phœniceus, II. 158, 159. - spurius, II. 190. - varius, II. 190. - Oriturus wrangeli, II. 122. - Ornismya anna, II. 454. - arsenni, II. 466. - costæ, II. 453, 457. - heloisa, II. 464, 465. - montana, II. 462. - tricolor, II. 462. - viridissima, II. 468. - Orpheus carolinensis, I. 52. - curvirostris, I. 41. - leucopterus, I. 49. - longirostris, I. 39. - meruloides, I. 29. - montanus, I. 31, 32. - Ortalida, III. 397, 398. - maccalli, III. 398. - poliocephala, III. 398. - Ortyginæ, III. 466. - Ortyx, III. 466, 467. - californica, III. 479. - castaneus, III. 468. - cubanensis, III. 468. - floridanus, III. 469. - massena, III. 491, 492. - montezumæ, III. 492. - picta, III. 475. - plumifera, III. 475. - squamata, III. 487. - texanus, III. 468, 474. - virginianus, III. 467, 468. - Oscines, I. 1, 163, 326. - Otocoris, II. 139. - rufa, II. 144. - Otocorys alpestris, II. 143. - chrysolæma, II. 144. - cornuta, II. 143. - occidentalis, II. 143. - peregrina, II. 142, 144. - Otus, III. 5, 17. - albicollis, III. 17. - americanus, III. 18. - arboreus, III. 17. - asio, III. 17, 52. - aurita, III. 17. - brachyotus, III. 18, 22, 24. - communis, III. 17, 18. - crassirostris, III. 61. - europæus, III. 17. - galopagœnsis, III. 23. - gracilis, III. 17. - italicus, III. 17. - macrorhynchus, III. 61. - mexicanus, III. 61. - nævius, III. 49. - palustris, III. 22. - siguapa, III. 18. - stygius, III. 17, 18. - sylvestris, III. 17. - virginianus, III. 62. - vulgaris, III. 17. - wilsonianus (_plate_), III. 17, 18, 98–101. - - Pachyramphus aglaiæ, II. 306. - major, II. 306. - Pandion, III. 104, 182. - alticeps, III. 183. - americanus, III. 184. - carolinensis, III. 183, 184. - fasciatus, III. 184. - fluvialis, III. 183. - haliætus, III. 182, 183. - indicus, III. 183. - leucocephalus, III. 183. - planiceps, III. 183. - Panyptila, II. 422, 423. - cayanensis, II. 424. - melanoleuca, II. 424; III. 523. - sancti-hieronymi, II. 424. - Paridæ, I. 69, 86, 431. - Parinæ, I. 86. - Paroides flaviceps, I. 112. - Parula, I. 178, 207. - americana, I. 207–209, 259; III. 509. - inornata, I. 208. - insularis, I. 207. - pitiayumi, I. 207. - superciliosa, I. 208. - Parus, I. 86, 93. - albescens, I. 99. - americanus, I. 207, 208. - annexus, I. 93. - atricapillus, I. 91–96, 100, 102, 103, 105, 128, 157. - atricapillus canadensis, I. 96. - atricristatus, I. 90. - bicolor, I. 86, 87. - carolinensis, I. 88, 94, 97, 102, 185. - cristatus, I. 86, 87. - erythrocephalus, I. 107. - fasciatus, I. 83, 84. - hudsonicus, I. 94, 97, 105. - inornatus, I. 91. - leucotis, I. 312. - littoralis, I. 105. - major, I. 93. - meridionalis, I. 94, 102. - minimus, I. 109. - montanus, I. 92–95, 118. - occidentalis, I. 94, 100, 101, 104. - palustris, I. 96, 103. - rufescens, I. 94, 104; III. 507. - septentrionalis, I. 94, 97, 99, 101, 107. - sibiricus, I. 95, 105. - virginianus, I. 227. - Passer, I. 525. - arctous, I. 508. - bicolor bahamensis, II. 93. - canadensis, II. 3. - domesticus, I. 525. - pennsylvanicus, I. 574. - Passerculeæ, I. 529. - Passerculus, I. 529, 532. - alaudinus, I. 533, 537; III. 515. - anthinus, I. 533, 537, 539. - cassini, II. 42. - guttatus, I. 533, 544. - lincolni, II. 31. - princeps, I. 533, 540; III. 515. - rostratus, I. 533, 542. - sandwichensis, I. 533, 538. - savanna, I. 533, 534. - zonarius, II. 31. - Passerella, II. 49; III. 518. - cinerea, II. 27. - iliaca, II. 50. - megarhynchus, II. 49, 57; III. 518. - obscura, II. 50. - rufina, II. 29. - schistacea, II. 49, 56. - townsendi, II. 29, 49, 53. - unalashkensis, II. 53. - Passerellinæ, I. 446; II. 48. - Passerina, II. 81. - caudacuta, I. 557. - ciris, II. 87. - cyanea, II. 82. - nigricollis, II. 65. - oryzivora, II. 149. - pecoris, II. 154. - pratensis, I. 553. - Patagiænas, III. 357. - leucocephalus, III. 363. - Pediocætes, III. 414, 433. - columbianus, III. 434, 436, 446. - kennikotti, III. 434. - phasianellus, III. 434. - Pediocorys, I. 164. - Pendulinus, II. 179. - affinis, II. 190. - ater, II. 203. - cucullatus, II. 193. - dominicensis, II. 188. - flavigaster, II. 182. - hypomelas, II. 182. - lessoni, II. 182. - nigricollis, II. 190. - portoricensis, II. 182. - spurius, II. 190. - viridis, II. 182. - Penelope, III. 397. - Penelopina, III. 397. - Penelopinæ, III. 397. - Percnopterus aura, III. 345. - urubu, III. 351. - Perdicidæ, III. 466. - Perdix borealis, III. 468. - californica, III. 479. - marilandica, III. 468. - plumifera, III. 475. - virginiana, III. 468. - Perisoreus, II. 264, 297. - canadensis, II. 298, 299. - capitalis, II. 298, 302. - infaustus, II. 298. - obscurus, II. 298, 302. - Perissoglossa, I. 178, 211. - carbonata, I. 212, 214. - tigrina, I. 211, 212. - Perissura, III. 381. - carolinensis, III. 383. - Petrochelidon, I. 327, 334. - bicolor, I. 344. - lunifrons, I. 334. - swainsoni, I. 334. - thalassina, I. 347. - Peucæa, I. 530; II. 37. - æstivalis, II. 34, 38, 39. - arizonæ, II. 38, 41; III. 517. - bachmani, II. 39. - botterii, II. 38. - boucardi, II. 38. - carpalis, III. 517. - cassini, II. 41, 42. - lincolni, II. 31. - notosticta, II. 38. - ruficeps, II. 38, 45. - Phabotypus, III. 220. - Phænicosoma æstiva, I. 441. - hepatica, I. 437. - rubra, I. 435. - Phænisoma, I. 432. - æstiva, I. 441. - rubra, I. 435. - Phænopepla, I. 405. - nitens, I. 405. - Phæthornithinæ, II. 438. - Phasianus columbianus, III. 436. - motmot, III. 398. - Phileremos, II. 139. - Phlœotomus, II. 548. - Pholeoptynx, III. 88. - Phonipara, II. 60, 92. - bicolor, II. 93. - canora, II. 93. - marchi, II. 93. - olivacea, II. 93. - omissa, II. 93. - pusilla, II. 93. - zena, II. 93. - Phrenopicus, II. 501, 523. - Phrenopipo, II. 523. - borealis, II. 524. - Phyllobasileus, I. 72. - Phyllomanes, I. 358. - barbatula, I. 360. - flavoviridis, I. 366. - olivacea, I. 363. - Phyllopneuste, I. 69, 70. - borealis, I. 70, 71. - kennicotti, I. 70, 71. - sylvicultrix, I. 71. - trochilus, I. 71, 72. - Pica, II. 264. - albiventris, II. 265. - cærulescens, II. 285. - caudata, II. 265. - chloronota, II. 295. - cristata, II. 273. - europea, II. 265. - hudsonica, II. 265, 266. - melanoleuca, II. 265, 266. - morio, II. 303, 304. - nuttalli, II. 265, 270. - rusticorum, II. 265. - stelleri, II. 277. - Piceæ, II. 492, 493. - Picicorvus, II. 232, 254. - columbianus, II. 255. - Picidæ, II. 469, 491. - Picinæ, II. 491, 492. - Pico cruzado, I. 488. - Picoides, II. 494, 529. - americanus, II. 529, 532. - arcticus, II. 528, 530. - crissoleucus, II. 529. - dorsalis, II. 529, 532. - europæus, II. 529. - hirsutus, II. 532. - tridactylus, II. 529. - Picolaptes brunneicapillus, I. 132, 134. - Picumninæ, II. 491. - Picus, II. 493, 500. - albolarvatus, II. 502, 526. - americanus, II. 532. - arcticus, II. 530. - atrothorax, II. 539. - auduboni, II. 503. - auratus, II. 575. - aurifrons, II. 557. - bairdi, II. 515, 517. - bogotus, II. 515. - borealis, II. 501, 523, 524. - cafer, II. 578. - canadensis, II. 503. - carolinus, II. 554. - chrysoides, II. 583. - dorsalis, II. 532. - erythrauchen, II. 554. - erythrocephalus, II. 559, 564. - gairdneri, II. 501, 512; III. 523. - gracilis, II. 515. - graysoni, II. 501, 515, 517. - griseus, II. 554. - harrisi, II. 501, 507. - hirsutus, II. 532. - hudsonica, II. 266. - hybridus aurato-mexicanus, II. 582. - hylocopus, II. 507. - inornatus, II. 507. - jardini, II. 507. - lathami, II. 578. - leconti, II. 509. - leucomelanus, II. 503. - leucomelas, II. 503. - leucotis, II. 524. - lewisii, II. 561. - lucasanus, II. 501, 517, 519, 520. - martinæ, II. 503. - martius, II. 500. - medianus, II. 509. - melanopogon, II. 566. - meridionalis, II. 509, 512. - mexicanus, II. 578. - montanus, II. 561. - nataliæ, II. 547. - nuttalli, II. 501, 517, 520, 521. - obscurus, II. 564. - orizabæ, II. 515. - ornatus, II. 557. - parvus, II. 515. - phillipsi, II. 503. - pileatus, II. 550. - principalis, II. 496. - pubescens, I. 103, 185; II. 501, 502, 509. - querulus, II. 524. - ruber, II. 544. - rubricapillus, II. 503. - rubicatus, II. 578. - scalaris, II. 501, 514, 515, 520. - septentrionalis, II. 503. - submexicanus, II. 574. - thyroideus, II. 535, 547. - torquatus, II. 559, 561. - tridactylus, II. 528, 530. - turati, II. 512. - undatus, II. 532. - undosus, II. 532. - undulatus, II. 532. - varius, II. 535, 539. - vieilloti, II. 524. - villosus, II. 500, 503, 520. - williamsoni, II. 545. - wilsoni, II. 521. - zebra, II. 554. - Pilumnus, II. 535. - ruber, II. 544. - thyroideus, II. 547. - varius, II. 539. - Pinicola, I. 447, 452. - americana, I. 453. - canadensis, I. 453. - enucleator, I. 453; III. 513. - Pipile, III. 397. - Pipilo, I. 34; II. 60, 104. - aberti, II. 106, 126, 128; III. 519. - albicollis, II. 121, 122. - albigula, II. 121, 122, 127. - alleni, II. 108, 112. - arcticus, II. 109, 116, 119. - ater, II. 109. - carmani, II. 109. - chlorosoma, II. 105. - chlorurus, II. 106, 131; III. 519. - crissalis, II. 121, 122. - erythrophthalmus, II. 105, 106, 108, 109; III. 518. - fuscus, II. 106, 121. - lateralis, II. 106. - macronyx, II. 105. - maculatus, II. 105, 108. - megalonyx, II. 108, 113. - mesoleucus, II. 121, 122, 125; III. 518. - oregonus, II. 108, 116. - personata, I. 589. - superciliosa, II. 106. - virescens, II. 105. - Pipra polyglotta, I. 307. - Pitylus cardinalis, II. 100. - guttatus, II. 73. - Planesticus, I. 4, 22, 24, 28. - Platypsaris affinis, II. 306. - Platyrhynchus pusillus, II. 366. - virescens, I. 374. - Plectrophanes, I. 448, 510. - lapponicus, I. 511, 515. - maccowni, I. 511, 523. - melanomus, I. 511, 521. - nivalis, I. 511, 512. - ornatus, I. 511, 520. - pictus, I. 511, 518. - smithi, I. 518. - Ploceidæ, I. 431. - Plyctolophinæ, II. 585. - Podager, II. 399. - Podagrinæ, II. 398. - Pœcile atricapilla, I. 96. - carolinensis, I. 102. - melanotis, I. 108. - minima, I. 109. - rufescens, I. 104. - Pœcilopternis, III. 254. - borealis, III. 282. - lineatus, III. 275. - wilsoni, III. 259. - Pœcilornis, III. 159. - cinnamominus, III. 168. - sparverius, III. 169. - Pœcilopteryx, III. 202. - plumbeus, III. 203. - Polioaëtus, III. 320. - Polioptila, I. 77, 201. - cærulea, I. 78; III. 506. - lembeyi, I. 78. - melanura, I. 78, 79, 81; III. 507. - mexicana, I. 78. - plumbea, I. 78, 80. - Polioptilinæ, I. 69, 77. - Polyborus, III. 103, 176. - auduboni, III. 178. - brasiliensis, III. 177, 178. - cheriway, III. 177. - tæniurus, III. 249. - tharus, III. 176–178. - vulgaris, III. 177, 178. - Pomatorhinus turdinus, I. 41. - Pontoaëtus, III. 320. - Poocætes, I. 529, 544. - gramineus, I. 545. - Poospiza, I. 530, 589. - belli, I. 33, 590, 593; III. 516. - bilineata, I. 589, 590. - lateralis, II. 106. - mystacalis, II. 589. - nevadensis, I. 590, 594. - Psittacidæ, II. 469. - Progne, I. 326, 327. - concolor, I. 328. - cryptoleuca, I. 328, 329, 332. - domestica, I. 328. - dominicensis, I. 328, 329. - elegans, I. 328, 330. - furcata, I. 328. - leucogaster, I. 329, 333. - modesta, I. 328. - purpurea, I. 328, 332. - subis, I. 328, 329, 332. - Protonotaria, I. 178, 183. - citrea, I. 183, 184, 289. - Psaltria, I. 107. - flaviceps, I. 112. - melanotis, I. 108. - plumbea, I. 110. - Psaltriparus, I. 86, 107. - melanotis, I. 107, 108. - minimus, I. 108, 109, 120. - personatus, I. 108. - plumbeus, I. 108, 110. - Psarocolius auricollis, II. 199. - baltimore, II. 195. - caudacutus, II. 149. - cyanocephalus, II. 206. - gubernator, II. 163. - melanocephalus, II. 186. - pecoris, II. 154. - perspicillatus, II. 167. - phœniceus, II. 159. - Pseudaëtus, II. 312. - Pseudogryphus, III. 337, 338. - californianus (_plate_), III. 338, 355, 356. - Pseudoprocne, II. 423. - Psilorhinus, II. 264, 303. - cyanocephalus, II. 260. - mexicanus, II. 304. - morio, II. 304. - Psittaca carolinensis, II. 587. - Psittacidæ, II. 585. - Psittacinæ, II. 585. - Psittacus caroliniensis, II. 587. - ludovicianus, II. 587. - militaris, II. 586. - pascha, II. 586. - strenuus, II. 586. - thalassinus, II. 587. - Pteroaëtus, III. 312. - Pterocircus, III. 212. - Ptilogonateæ, I. 404. - Ptilogonatinæ, I. 395, 404. - Ptilogonus cinereus, I. 405. - Ptilogonys, I. 405. - nitens, I. 405. - townsendi, I. 409. - Pipilo rufipileus, II. 131. - Pulsatrix, III. 28. - Pygargus, III. 212. - Pyranga, I. 432. - æstiva, I. 434, 441. - ardens, I. 433. - azaræ, I. 434, 440. - bidentata, I. 433. - cooperi, I. 434, 444. - erythrocephala, I. 433. - erythromelæna, I. 433, 435. - erythropis, I. 437. - hepatica, I. 433, 440; III. 512. - ludoviciana, I. 433, 435, 437. - mississippiensis, I. 441. - roseigularis, I. 434. - rubra, I. 34, 432, 435. - rubriceps, I. 433. - saira, I. 434. - testacea, I. 434. - Pyrgita, I. 525. - arctica, II. 119. - domestica, I. 525. - Pyrgitænas passerinus, III. 389. - Pyrgitinæ, I. 446, 524. - Pyrocephalus, II. 308, 386. - mexicanus, II. 387; III. 522. - nanus, II. 387. - obscurus, II. 387. - rubineus, II. 387. - Pyrrhula, I. 447, 456. - cassini, I. 457; III. 513. - coccinea, I. 457. - cruentata, I. 468. - enucleator, I. 453. - falcirostris, II. 90. - frontalis, I. 466. - ludoviciana, II. 70. - Pyrrhuloxia, II. 60, 95. - sinuata, II. 95. - - Quiscalinæ, II. 147, 202. - Quiscalus, II. 202, 212. - æneus, II. 213, 218. - ænius, II. 218. - aglæus, II. 213, 221. - assimilis, II. 214. - baritus, II. 213, 221. - brachypterus, II. 213. - breweri, II. 206. - ferrugineus, II. 203. - gundlachi, II. 213. - inflexirostris, II. 214. - macrurus, II. 214, 225. - major, II. 214, 222. - mexicanus, II. 214. - niger, II. 213. - nitens, II. 215. - palustris, II. 214. - peruvianus, II. 214. - purpuratus, II. 215. - purpureus, II. 213–215. - tenuirostris, II. 214. - versicolor, II. 215, 218. - - Raptores, III. 1. - Regulinæ, I. 69, 72. - Reguloides proregulus, I. 72. - Regulus, I. 72. - Regula calendula, I. 34, 75; III. 506. - cuvieri, I. 75. - mystaceus, I. 297. - rubineus, I. 75. - satrapa, I. 75, 104. - Rhimamphus, I. 215. - æstivus, I. 222. - blackburniæ, I. 237. - canadensis, I. 254. - castaneus, I. 251. - chryseolus, I. 222. - coronatus, I. 227. - discolor, I. 276. - maculosus, I. 232. - maritimus, I. 212. - olivaceus, I. 258. - pensilis, I. 240. - pinus, I. 268. - rufus, I. 273. - striatus, I. 248. - tigrina, I. 273. - virens, I. 261. - Rhinogryphus, III. 337, 343. - aura (_plate_), III. 344, 355, 356. - burrovianus, III. 344. - Rhinoptynx, III. 60. - Rhinostrix, III. 60. - Rhynchodon, III. 127. - Rhynchofalco, III. 107, 154. - Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, II. 586. - Rostrhamus, III. 104, 207. - hamatus, III. 209. - niger, III. 208. - plumbeus, III. 208, 209. - sociabilis, III. 208. - tæniurus, III. 209. - - Sagræ, II. 332. - Salpinctes, I. 130, 134. - obsoletus, I. 135, 140; III. 508. - Saltator viridis, II. 46. - Sarcorhamphidæ, III. 335. - Sarcorhamphus, III. 336, 337. - californicus, III. 338. - gryphus (_plate_), III. 355, 356. - papa (_plate_), III. 356. - Saurothera bottæ, II. 472. - californiana, II. 472. - marginata, II. 472. - Saxicola, I. 59. - œnanthe, I. 59, 60; III. 506. - œnanthoides, I. 60. - Saxicolidæ, I. 1, 2, 59, 69. - Sayornis, II. 307, 339; III. 521. - aquaticus, II. 340. - cinerascens, II. 340. - fuscus, I. 295; II. 343. - latirostris, II. 340. - nigricans, II. 340. - pallidus, II. 347. - sayus, II. 347. - Scaphidurus palustris, II. 214. - Scardafella, III. 375, 387. - inca, III. 387. - squamosa, III. 387. - Scolecophagus, II. 202. - cyanocephalus, III. 203, 206. - ferrugineus, I. 77; II. 203. - mexicanus, II. 206. - niger, II. 203. - Scops, III. 6, 47. - albifrons, III. 43. - asio (_plate_), III. 48, 49, 51, 98–101. - enano, III. 48. - flammeola, III. 58. - floridanus, III. 48, 51. - kennicotti, III. 48, 53, 55. - maccalli, III. 49, 52. - semitorques, III. 56. - trichopsis, III. 53. - zorca, III. 47. - Scotiaptex, III. 5, 28, 29. - cinereum (_plate_), III. 29, 30, 98–102. - lapponicum, III. 29, 30. - Scotophilus acadicus, III. 43. - Securirostres, II. 492. - Seirureæ, I. 178, 279. - Seiurus, I. 178, 279. - aurocapillus, I. 279, 280, 295, 304. - gosse, I. 284. - ludovicianus, I. 280, 285, 287, 295; III. 511. - motacilla, I. 287. - noveboracensis, I. 280, 281, 283, 289. - sulfurascens, I. 284. - tenuirostris, I. 283. - Selasphorus, II. 438, 439, 458. - costæ, II. 457. - flammula, II. 459. - heloisæ, II. 465. - platycercus, II. 458, 462. - rufus, II. 459. - scintilla, II. 459. - Setirostres, II. 399. - Setophaga, I. 179, 312, 322. - bonapartei, I. 320. - canadensis, I. 320. - miniata, I. 322. - nigricincta, I. 320. - picta, I. 322; III. 512. - rubra, I. 312. - ruticilla, I. 322, 323. - wilsoni, I. 317. - Setophageæ, I. 179. - Setophaginæ, I. 178, 179, 311. - Sialia, I. 59, 62. - arctica, I. 62, 66–68. - azurea, I. 62, 63. - cæruleocollis, I. 65. - macroptera, I. 67. - mexicana, I. 62, 65, 66, 68; III. 506. - occidentalis, I. 65. - sialis, I. 62, 66, 68. - wilsoni, I. 62. - Siphonorhis, II. 399. - Sitta, I. 114. - aculeata, I. 92, 114, 115, 117. - canadensis, I. 114, 117, 118, 121, 122. - carolinensis, I. 114, 117, 122. - melanocephala, I. 114. - pusilla, I. 114, 120, 122; III. 507. - pygmæa, I. 92, 114, 120; III. 507. - varia, I. 118. - Sittace, II. 585. - militaris, II. 586. - pachyrhyncha, II. 586. - Sittacinæ, II. 585. - Sittinæ, I. 86, 113. - Sparvius, III. 220. - cirrhocephalus, III. 220, 222. - platypterus, III. 259. - Speotyto, III. 6, 88. - cunicularia, III. 90. - domingensis, III. 89, 90. - fusca, III. 89, 90. - grallaria, III. 89. - guadeloupensis, III. 90. - hypogæa (_plate_), III. 90, 93, 98–101. - Spermophila, II. 60, 90. - albigularis, II. 91. - moreletti, II. 91. - Spheotyto hypogæa, III. 90. - Sphyropicus, II. 494, 535. - nuchalis, II. 538, 542. - ruber, II. 538, 544. - thyroideus, II. 538, 547. - varius, II. 537, 539; III. 521. - williamsoni, II. 538, 545. - Spilocircus, III. 212. - Spinites, II. 1. - atrigularis, II. 15. - monticolus, II. 3. - pusillus, II. 5. - socialis, II. 7. - Spiza, II. 81. - amœna, II. 84. - ciris, I. 315; II. 87. - cyanea, I. 315; II. 82. - versicolor, II. 86. - Spizacircus, III. 212. - Spizageranus unicinctus, III. 249. - Spizella, I. 530; II. 1. - arizonæ, II. 2, 11. - atrigularis, II. 3, 15. - breweri, II. 13; III. 516. - canadensis, II. 3. - maxima, I. 566. - monticola, II. 2, 3; III. 516. - pallida, II. 2, 11. - pinetorum, II. 2. - pusilla, II. 2, 5. - shattucki, II. 11. - socialis, II. 2, 7; III. 516. - Spizelleæ, I. 529. - Spizellinæ, I. 446, 528. - Spiziacircus, III. 212. - Spizinæ, I. 446; II. 58. - Spizognathæ, I. 431. - Sporophila, II. 90. - moreletti, II. 91. - Starnœnadeæ, III. 375. - Starnœnas, III. 375, 394. - cyanocephala, III. 395. - Steatornis, II. 398. - Steatornithinæ, II. 398. - Stegnolæma, III. 397. - Stelgidopteryx, I. 327, 350. - serripennis, I. 350. - Stellula, II. 438, 439, 445. - calliope, II. 445. - Stenopsis, II. 399. - Stolida lucaysiensis, II. 332. - Stolidus dominicensis, II. 332. - Streptoceryle, II. 391. - alcyon, II. 392. - Stridula, III. 10. - Strigiceps, III. 212. - hudsonius, III. 214. - uliginosus, III. 214. - Strigidæ, III. 1, 4. - Stringopinæ, II. 585. - Strix, III. 5, 10. - acadica, III. 43, 80. - acadiensis, III. 43. - acclamator, III. 30. - albifrons, III. 43. - aluco, III. 28. - americana, III. 13. - arctica, III. 64, 70. - asio, III. 47, 49. - brachyotus, III. 17, 22. - bubo, III. 60, 62. - californica, III. 90. - canadensis, III. 75. - cinerea, III. 28, 30. - clamata, III. 61. - crassirostris, III. 61. - cunicularia, III. 88, 90. - delicatula, III. 13. - eluta, III. 81. - ferruginea, III. 85. - flammea, III. 10, 11. - freti hudsonius, III. 75. - frontalis, III. 43. - funerea, III. 75. - furcata, III. 12. - guatemalæ, III. 11. - havanense, III. 79. - hudsonia, III. 75. - huhula, III. 28. - hypogæa, III. 90. - javanica, III. 13. - macrorhyncha, III. 61. - maculata, III. 61. - maximus, III. 62. - mexicana, III. 60, 61. - nævia, III. 49. - nacuruta, III. 61. - nebulosa, III. 34. - nivea, III. 61. - nyctea, III. 61, 70. - otus, III. 17. - passerina, III. 39, 43, 79. - passerinoides, III. 81. - peregrinator, III. 18. - perlata, III. 12, 13. - phalænoides, III. 43. - pratincola (_plate_), III. 11, 13, 98–101. - pusilla, III. 80. - pygmæa, III. 80. - scops, III. 47. - tengmalmi, III. 39, 40. - torquatus, III. 28. - ulula, III. 74. - virginiana, III. 62. - wapacuthu, III. 64. - Strobilophaga, I. 452. - Struthus atrimentalis, II. 15. - caniceps, I. 587. - oregonus, I. 584. - Sturnella, II. 148, 171. - collaris, II. 174. - hippocrepis, II. 172, 176. - ludoviciana, II. 174. - magna, II. 172, 174. - meridionalis, II. 172. - mexicana, II. 172. - neglecta, I. 33; II. 173, 176. - Sturnidæ, II. 228. - Sturnus, II. 228. - cinclus, I. 55, 56. - collaris, II. 174. - junceti, II. 154. - ludovicianus, II. 174. - nove-hispaniæ, II. 154. - obscurus, II. 154. - prædatorius, II. 159. - vulgaris, II. 228, 229. - Surnia, III. 6, 74. - ferruginea, III. 85. - hudsonia, III. 75. - nævia, III. 49. - passerina, III. 80. - ulula (_plate_), III. 39, 75, 98–102. - Sylvania bonapartei, I. 320. - mitrata, I. 314. - pumilia, I. 316. - pusilla, I. 317. - ruticilla, I. 322. - Sylvia æquinoctialis, I. 293. - æstiva, I. 222. - agilis, I. 290. - americana, I. 208. - anthoides, I. 283. - auduboni, I. 229. - auricollis, I. 184. - autumnalis, I. 251. - azurea, I. 235. - bachmani, I. 194. - bifasciata, I. 235. - blackburniæ, I. 237. - cærulea, I. 235. - canadensis, I. 254. - carbonata, I. 214. - carolinensis, I. 222. - castanea, I. 251. - celata, I. 202. - childreni, I. 222. - chivi, I. 359. - chrysoptera, I. 192. - citrinella, I. 222. - coronata, I. 227. - culicivora, I. 312. - discolor, I. 276. - domestica, I. 149. - flava, I. 222. - flavicollis, I. 240. - flavifrons, I. 192. - formosa, I. 293. - halseii, I. 258. - icterocephala, I. 245. - incana, I. 237. - juncorum, II. 5. - lateralis, I. 237. - leucogastra, I. 196. - leucoptera, I. 254. - ludoviciana, I. 141, 142. - macgillivrayi, I. 303. - macropus, I. 254. - maculosa, I. 232. - magnolia, I. 232. - marilandica, I. 297. - maritima, I. 212. - mexicana, I. 196. - minuta, I. 276, 316. - missouriensis, I. 205. - mitrata, I. 314. - montana, I. 271. - nashvillei, I. 196. - nigrescens, I. 258. - noveboracensis, I. 283. - occidentalis, I. 266. - olivacea, I. 258. - palmarum, I. 273. - palustris, I. 254. - pardalina, I. 320. - parus, I. 237. - pennsylvanica, I. 245. - pensilis, I. 240. - peregrina, I. 205. - petasodes, I. 317. - philadelphia, I. 301. - pinus, I. 195, 268. - populorum, I. 235. - protonotaria, I. 183, 184. - pusilla, I. 208, 254. - rathbonia, I. 222, 223. - ruficapilla, I. 191, 196. - sialis, I. 63. - solitaria, I. 195. - sphagnosa, I. 254. - striata, I. 248. - swainsoni, I. 186, 190. - tæniata, I. 258. - tigrina, I. 212, 271. - tolmiæi, I. 303. - torquata, I. 208. - townsendi, I. 265. - trichas, I. 239, 297. - troglodytes, I. 155. - velata, I. 296. - vermivora, I. 187. - vigorsii, I. 268. - virens, I. 261. - wilsoni, I. 317. - xanthopygia, I. 227. - xanthocoa, I. 227. - Sylvicola, I. 207, 215. - æstiva, I. 222. - agilis, I. 290. - americana, I. 208. - auduboni, I. 229. - bachmani, I. 194. - blackburniæ, I. 237. - cærulea, I. 235. - canadensis, I. 254. - castanea, I. 251. - celata, I. 202. - chrysoptera, I. 192. - coronata, I. 227. - discolor, I. 276. - formosa, I. 293. - icterocephala, I. 245. - kirtlandi, I. 272. - macgillivrayi, I. 303. - maculosa, I. 232. - maritima, I. 212. - mitrata, I. 314. - montana, I. 271. - nigrescens, I. 258. - occidentalis, I. 266. - olivacea, I. 258. - palmarum, I. 273. - pannosa, I. 254. - pardalina, I. 320. - parus, I. 237. - pensilis, I. 240. - peregrina, I. 205. - petechia, I. 273. - pinus, I. 268. - pusilla, I. 208. - rathbonia, I. 222. - rubricapilla, I. 196. - ruficapilla, I. 273. - solitaria, I. 195. - striata, I. 248. - swainsoni, I. 190. - tæniata, I. 258. - townsendi, I. 265. - vermivora, I. 187. - virens, I. 261. - Sylvicoleæ, I. 178, 211. - Sylvicolidæ, I. 1, 69, 163, 164, 177. - Sylvicolinæ, I. 178, 179. - Svlviidæ, I. 2, 69, 431. - Sylviinæ, I. 69. - Syrnia nyctea, III. 70. - Syrnium, III. 5, 28. - aluco (_plate_), III. 28, 97. - cinereum, III. 28, 30, 31. - fulvescens, III. 29. - lapponicum, III. 30. - nebulosum, III. 28, 29, 34. - occidentale, III. 28, 29, 38. - sartorii, III. 29. - - Tachycineta, I. 327, 338, 344. - bicolor, I. 344. - thalassina, I. 344, 347. - Tachytriorchis, III. 254. - Tænioptynx, III. 79. - Talpacota, III. 375. - Tanagra æstiva, I. 441. - columbiana, I. 437. - cyanea, II. 81, 82. - ludoviciana, I. 437. - mississippiensis, I. 441. - rubra, I. 435. - variegata, I. 441. - Tanagridæ, I. 431. - Telmatodytes, I. 131, 141, 158. - arundinaceus, I. 161. - bewickii, I. 141. - leucogaster, I. 141. - spilurus, I. 141. - Teraspiza, III. 220, 222. - Terestristeæ, I. 179. - Terestristis, I. 179. - Tetrao albus, III. 457. - bonasia, III. 446. - californicus, III. 478, 479. - canadensis, III. 415, 416, 419. - cristata, III. 487. - cupido, III. 439, 440. - franklini, III. 415, 419. - fusca, III. 419. - guttata, III. 492. - islandicus, III. 462. - lagopus, III. 456, 457, 462. - lagopus islandicus, III. 462. - lapponicus, III. 457. - leucurus, III. 464. - marilandicus, III. 468. - minor, III. 468. - mutus, III. 462. - obscurus, III. 415, 421, 423, 425. - phasianellus, III. 429, 433, 436. - rehusak, III. 457. - richardsoni, III. 427. - rupestris, III. 462. - sabini, III. 454. - saliceti, III. 457. - togatus, III. 448. - tympanus, III. 448. - umbelloides, III. 453. - umbellus, III. 448, 454. - urogallus, III. 434. - urophasianellus, III. 436. - urophasianus, III. 428. - virginianus, III. 467, 468. - Tetraonidæ, III. 414. - Tetrastes, III. 446. - Thalassoaëtus, III. 320, 322. - Thaumatias, II. 440, 468. - linnæi, II. 468. - Theromyias saya, II. 347. - Thryomanes, I. 130, 144. - Thryothorus, I. 130, 141, 142, 148, 158. - arundinaceus, I. 161. - bewickii, I. 142, 145. - berlandieri, I. 39, 141, 144. - leucogaster, I. 147; III. 508. - littoralis, I. 142. - louisianæ, I. 142. - ludovicianus, I. 39, 137, 141, 142; III. 508. - mexicanus, I. 137. - pinus, I. 268. - spilurus, I. 147, 154. - torquatus, I. 208. - Tiaris omissa, II. 93. - pusilla, II. 93. - Tichornis, III. 159. - Tinnunculus, III. 107, 159. - alaudarius, III. 159. - australis, III. 166. - cinnamominus, III. 168. - columbarius, III. 144. - dominicensis, III. 166, 167, 171. - isabellinus, III. 166, 167. - leucophrys, III. 161. - phalœna, III. 169. - sparveroides, III. 161, 162. - sparverius, III. 161, 166, 167, 169, 171. - Tolmaëtus, III. 312. - Toxostoma curvirostris, I. 41. - lecontei, I. 44. - longirostre, I. 39. - rediviva, I. 45. - vetula, I. 35, 41. - Trichas, I. 295. - agilis, I. 290. - brachydactylus, I. 297. - macgillivrayi, I. 303. - marilandicus, I. 297. - personatus, I. 297. - philadelphia, I. 301. - tephrocotis, I. 290. - tolmiæi, I. 303. - vegata, I. 303. - Trichoglossinæ, II. 585. - Trichopicus, II. 502. - Trichopipo, II. 502. - Tridactylia, II. 509, 528. - arctica, II. 530. - dorsalis, II. 532. - undulata, II. 532. - Triorchis, III. 182, 297. - Trochilidæ, II. 437, 466. - Trochilinæ, II. 438. - Trochilus, II. 438, 439, 447. - alexandri, II. 450. - anna, II. 454. - aureigaster, II. 448. - calliope, II. 445. - colubris, II. 448. - icterocephalus, II. 454. - leucotis, II. 466. - maculatus, II. 468. - mango, II. 440. - melanotus, II. 466. - platycercus, II. 462. - rufus, II. 458. - tobaci, II. 468. - tobagensis, II. 468. - tobago, II. 468. - Troglodytes, I. 131, 148. - ædon, I. 146, 148, 149, 162. - alascensis, I. 149, 157. - americanus, I. 136, 149, 151, 153. - arundinaceus, I. 141, 142. - aztecus, I. 148. - bewickii, I. 144, 145, 147. - brevirostris, I. 159. - fulvus, I. 149. - hyemalis, I. 149, 155, 158; III. 508. - latisfasciatus, I. 135. - leucogaster, I. 147. - ludovicianus, I. 142, 146. - mexicanus, I. 138. - obsoletus, I. 134, 135. - pacificus, I. 149, 155, 158. - palustris, I. 161. - parkmanni, I. 148, 153, 162. - spilurus, I. 147. - stellaris, I. 158, 159. - sylvestris, I. 153. - Troglodytidæ, I. 130, 431. - Trupialis, II. 148. - Tryphæna heloisa, II. 465. - Turdidæ, I. 1, 2, 59, 69, 130, 431. - Turdinæ, I. 2, 3, 31. - Turdus (_subgenus_), I. 2, 4, 22, 59. - aliciæ, I. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 16. - aonalaschkæ, I. 20. - ater, II. 182, 190. - auduboni, I. 5, 7, 15, 16, 21; III. 504. - aurocapillus, I. 280, 286. - carolinensis, I. 52. - confinis, I. 24, 27. - coronatus, I. 280. - densus, I. 8. - fuscescens, I. 4, 6, 9, 15–21. - guttatus, I. 18. - hudsonius, II. 203. - iliacus, I. 22, 23. - jamaicensis, I. 24. - jugularis, II. 182, 190. - labradorius, II. 203. - ludovicianus, II. 287. - melodus, I. 8. - merula, I. 27. - migratorius, I. 13, 23–25, 27, 28, 30, 48. - minimus, I. 14. - minor, I. 3, 14, 18. - montanus, I. 32. - motacilla, II. 287. - musicus, I. 30. - mustelinus, I. 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 19. - nævius, I. 28, 29. - nanus, I. 5, 7, 16, 20, 21; III. 504. - noveboracensis, II. 203. - No. 22, II. 203. - olivaceus, I. 14. - pallasi, II. 4–7, 11, 12, 14–16, 18, 282. - pilaris, I. 23. - polyglottus, I. 48, 49. - rufus, I. 37, 144. - silens, I. 9, 21. - swainsoni, I. 4, 5, 7, 11–13, 14, 16–18, 282. - trichas, I. 297. - ustulatus, I. 5, 7, 13, 15, 16, 20, 46. - variegatus, I. 131. - virens, I. 306, 307. - viscivorus, I. 3, 22. - wilsonii, I. 9. - Turtur carolinensis, III. 383. - leucopterus, III. 376. - Tyranni, II. 307. - Tyrannidæ, II. 306. - Tyrannula acadica, II. 374. - caribæa, II. 351. - cinerascens, II. 337. - coronata, II. 387. - crinita, II. 334. - flaviventris, II. 378. - fusca, II. 343. - hammondi, II. 383. - minima, II. 372. - nigricans, II. 340. - obscura, II. 381. - pallida, II. 347. - phœbe, II. 360. - pusilla, II. 362, 366, 378. - richardsoni, II. 360. - saya, II. 347. - Tyrannula trailli, II. 369. - virens, II. 357. - Tyrannuli, II. 307. - Tyrannus, II. 307, 314. - acadicus, II. 374. - antillarum, II. 332. - atriceps, II. 360. - borealis, II. 353. - carolinensis, II. 315, 316. - cassini, II. 327. - cooperi, II. 353. - couchi, II. 315, 329. - crinitus, II. 334. - dominicensis, II. 315, 319. - forticatus, II. 311. - fuscus, II. 343. - griseus, II. 319. - intrepidus, II. 316. - leucogaster, II. 316. - ludovicianus, II. 334. - matutinus, II. 319. - melancholicus, II. 315, 329. - mexicanus, II. 311. - nigricans, II. 340, 353. - phœbe, II. 332, 360. - pipiri, II. 316. - pusillus, II. 366. - savana, II. 309. - sayus, II. 347. - trailli, II. 369. - verticalis, II. 315, 324. - virens, II. 357. - vociferans, II. 315, 327; III. 521. - - Ulula brachyotus, III. 22. - cunicularia, III. 90. - flammea, III. 13. - nebulosa, III. 34. - otus, III. 17, 18. - passerina, III. 43. - virginiana, III. 62. - Uraspiza, III. 220, 222. - Uroaëtus, III. 312. - Urospiza, III. 220, 222. - Urospizia, III. 220, 222. - Urubitinga unicincta, III. 249. - - Vermivora bachmani, I. 194. - celata, I. 202. - fulvicapilla, I. 187. - nigrescens, I. 258. - pennsylvanica, I. 187. - peregrina, I. 205. - protonotaria, I. 184. - rubricapilla, I. 196. - solitaria, I. 195. - swainsoni, I. 190. - Vermivoreæ, I. 178, 183. - Vireo, I. 357, 358, 382. - atricapillus, I. 358, 382, 383. - belli, I. 81, 358, 383, 389. - bogotensis, I. 363. - carmioli, I. 383. - cassini, I. 376. - flavifrons, I. 357, 379. - flavoviridis, I. 366. - gilvus, I. 368. - huttoni, I. 358, 383, 387. - musicus, I. 385. - noveboracensis, I. 357, 358, 383, 385. - olivaceus, I. 357, 363. - philadelphicus, I. 359, 367. - pusillus, I. 358, 383, 391; III. 512. - solitarius, I. 357. - swainsoni, I. 371. - vicinior, I. 358, 383, 393. - vigorsii, I. 268. - virescens, I. 363. - Vireonella, I. 382. - gundlachi, I. 382. - Vireonidæ, I. 70, 306, 356, 357. - Vireosylvia, I. 357, 358. - agilis, I. 359. - altiloqua, I. 360. - barbadense, I. 359. - barbatula, I. 357, 359, 360. - calidras, I. 358, 359. - chivi, I. 359. - cobanensis, I. 367. - flavifrons, I. 379. - flavoviridis, I. 357, 359, 366. - gilva, I. 359, 360, 368, 371. - gilvus, I. 357. - josephæ, I. 360. - magister, I. 359. - olivacea, I. 357, 359, 363; III. 512. - philadelphica, I. 357, 367. - plumbea, I. 377. - propinquua, I. 373. - solitaria, I. 373. - swainsoni, I. 360, 371. - Vultur albicilla, III. 324, 327. - atratus, III. 350, 351. - audax, III. 312. - aura, III. 343, 344, 351. - aura niger, β, III. 351. - californianus, III. 338. - gryphus, III. 337. - iota, III. 345, 351. - papa, III. 337. - urubu, III. 351. - Vulturinæ, III. 335. - - Wilsonia, I. 313. - minuta, I. 316. - pusilla, I. 317. - - Xanthocephalus, II. 148, 167. - icterocephalus, II. 167. - perspicillatus, II. 167. - Xanthornus, I. 179, 182. - abeillei, II. 184. - bullocki, II. 199. - gubernator, II. 163. - melanocephalus, II. 186. - parisorum, II. 188. - phœniceus, II. 159. - Xanthoura, II. 264, 294. - guatemalensis, II. 295. - incas, II. 295. - luxuosa, II. 295. - Xenocraugus, III. 526. - albolarvatus, II. 526. - Xenopicus, II. 502, 526. - albolarvatus, II. 526. - - Yunginæ, II. 491. - Yphantes, II. 179, 183. - - Zebrapicus, II. 553. - kaupii, II. 558. - Zenaida, III. 375, 378. - amabilis, III. 379. - aurita, III. 379. - hypoleuca, III. 379. - leucoptera, III. 376. - maculata, III. 379. - martinicana, III. 379. - montana, III. 393. - Zenaideæ, III. 375. - Zenaidinæ, III. 357, 374. - Zenaidura, III. 375, 381. - carolinensis, III. 382, 383. - graysoni, III. 382. - marginella, III. 383. - yucatensis, III. 382. - Zonotrichia, I. 530, 565. - albicollis, II. 186, 574. - aurocapilla, I. 573. - belli, I. 593. - boucardi, II. 38. - cassini, II. 42. - chlorura, II. 131. - comata, I. 577. - coronata, I. 573. - fallax, II. 22. - fasciata, II. 22. - gambeli, I. 566, 569; III. 516. - graminea, I. 545. - leucophrys, I. 566. - melodia, II. 19. - monticola, II. 3. - pennsylvanica, I. 574. - plebeja, II. 47. - querula, I. 577. - Zygodactyli, II. 469. - - - - -INDEX TO PLATES OF LAND BIRDS. - - - Ægiothus brewsteri, I. 501, pl. 22, fig. 6 - - exilipes, ♂ I. 498, pl. 22, fig. 2 - - fuscescens, ♂ I. 493, pl. 22, fig. 3 - - fuscescens, I. 493, pl. 22, fig. 5 - - Agelaius gubernator (_shoulder_), ♂ II. pl. 33, fig. 4 - - gubernator, ♀ II. 163, pl. 33, fig. 8 - - phœniceus, ♂ II. 159, pl. 33, fig. 1 - - phœniceus, ♀ II. 159, pl. 33, fig. 2 - - phœniceus (_shoulder_), ♂ II. 159, pl. 33, fig. 3 - - tricolor (_shoulder_), ♂ II. 165, pl. 33, fig. 5 - - tricolor, ♂ II. 165, pl. 33, fig. 6 - - tricolor, ♀ II. 165, pl. 33, fig. 7 - - Alauda arvensis, II. 136, pl. 32, fig. 3 - - Ammodromus caudacutus, I. 557, pl. 25, fig. 7 - - maritimus, I. 560, pl. 25, fig. 8 - - Ampelis cedrorum, ♂ I. 401, pl. 18, fig. 2 - - garrulus, ♂ I. 396, pl. 18, fig. 1 - - Antenor unicinctus, III. 250. - - Anthus ludovicianus, I. 171, pl. 10, fig. 3 - - pratensis, I. 173, pl. 10, fig. 4 - - Antrostomus carolinensis, ♂ II. 410, pl. 46, fig. 1 - - nuttalli, ♂ II. 417, pl. 46, fig. 3 - - vociferus, ♂ II. 413, pl. 46, fig. 2 - - Aquila canadensis, III. 314. - - Archibuteo ferrugineus, III. 300. - - sancti-johannis, III. 304. - - Astur atricapillus, III. 237. - - Asturina plagiata, III. 246. - - Atthis heloisa, ♂ II. 465, pl. 47, fig. 6 - - Auriparus flaviceps, I. pl. 7, fig. 11 - - - Bonasa sabinei, III. 454. - - umbelloides, III. 453, pl. 61, fig. 10 - - umbellus, III. 448, pl. 61, fig. 3 - - umbellus, III. 448, pl. 61, fig. 9 - - Bubo arcticus, III. 64. - - pacificus, III. 65. - - virginianus, III. 62. - - Budytes flava, I. 167, pl. 10, fig. 2 - - Buteo borealis, III. 281. - - calurus, III. 286. - - cooperi, III. 295. - - elegans, III. 277. - - harlani, III. 292. - - krideri, III. 284. - - lineatus, III. 275. - - lucasanus, III. 285. - - oxypterus, III. 266. - - pennsylvanicus, III. 259. - - swainsoni, III. 263. - - zonocercus, III. 272. - - - Calamospiza bicolor, ♂ II. 61, pl. 29, fig. 2 - - bicolor, ♀ II. 61, pl. 29, fig. 3 - - Callipepla squamata, ♂ III. 487, pl. 63, fig. 6 - - Calypte anna, ♂ II. 454, pl. 47, fig. 7 - - costæ, ♂ II. 457, pl. 47, fig. 8 - - Campephilus principalis, ♂ II. 496, pl. 49, fig. 1 - - principalis, ♀ II. 496, pl. 49, fig. 2 - - Campylorhynchus affinis, I. 133, pl. 8, fig. 6 - - brunneicapillus, I. 132, pl. 8, fig. 5 - - Canace canadensis, III. 416, pl. 61, fig. 5 - - canadensis, ♀ III. 416, pl. 59, fig. 6 - - canadensis, ♂ III. 416, pl. 59, fig. 5 - - franklini, ♂ III. 419, pl. 59, fig. 3 - - fuliginosus, III. 495. - - obscurus, ♂ III. 422, pl. 59, fig. 1 - - obscurus, ♀ III. 422, pl. 59, fig. 2 - - richardsoni, ♂ III. 427, pl. 59, fig. 4 - - Cardinalis coccineus, ♂ II. pl. 30, fig. 8 - - igneus, ♂ II. 103, pl. 30, fig. 0 - - phœniceus, II. 103, pl. 30, fig. 9 - - virginianus, ♀ II. 100, pl. 30, fig. 6 - - virginianus, ♂ II. 100, pl. 30, fig. 7 - - Carpodacus californicus, ♂ I. 465, pl. 21, fig. 10 - - californicus, ♀ I. 465, pl. 21, fig. 11 - - cassini, ♂ I. 460, pl. 21, fig. 4 - - cassini, ♀ I. 460, pl. 21, fig. 5 - - frontalis, ♂ I. 465, pl. 21, fig. 3 - - frontalis, ♀ I. 465, pl. 21, fig. 6 - - hæmorrhous, ♂ I. 465, pl. 21, fig. 12 - - rhodocolpus, ♂ I. 468, pl. 21, fig. 9 - - purpureus, ♂ I. 462, pl. 21, fig. 7 - - purpureus, ♀ I. 462, pl. 21, fig. 8 - - Catharista atrata, III. 351. - - Catherpes mexicanus, I. 139, pl. 8, fig. 4 - - Centrocercus urophasianus, ♂ III. pl. 60, fig. 2 - - urophasianus, ♂ III. pl. 60, fig. 4 - - urophasianus, III. 429, pl. 61, fig. 6 - - Centronyx bairdi, I. 531, pl. 25, fig. 3 - - Centurus aurifrons, ♂ II. 557, pl. 52, fig. 3 - - aurifrons, ♀ II. 557, pl. 52, fig. 6 - - carolinus, ♂ II. 554, pl. 52, fig. 1 - - carolinus, ♀ II. 554, pl. 52, fig. 4 - - uropygialis, ♂ II. 558, pl. 52, fig. 2 - - uropygialis, ♀ II. 558, pl. 52, fig. 5 - - Certhia americana, I. 125, pl. 8, fig. 11 - - mexicana, I. 128. - - Certhiola bahamensis, ♂ I. 428, pl. 19, fig. 5 - - Ceryle alcyon, ♂ II. 392, pl. 45, fig. 6 - - cabanisi, ♂ II. 396, pl. 45, fig. 9 - - Chætura pelagica, ♂ II. 432, pl. 45, fig. 7 - - vauxi, ♀ II. 435, pl. 45, fig. 8 - - Chamæa fasciata, I. 84, pl. 6, fig. 8 - - Chamæpelia passerina, ♂ III. 389, pl. 58, fig. 6 - - Chondestes grammaca, ♂ II. 562, pl. 31, fig. 1 - - Chordeiles henryi, ♂ II. 404, pl. 46, fig. 4 - - popetue, II. 407. - - texensis, ♂ II. 406, pl. 46, fig. 5 - - Chrysomitris lawrenci, ♂ I. 478, pl. 22, fig. 14 - - lawrenci, ♀ I. 478, pl. 22, fig. 15 - - arizonæ, ♂ I. 476, pl. 22, fig. 11 - - mexicana, I. pl. 22, fig. 12 - - mexicana, ♀ I. pl. 22, fig. 13 - - pinus, ♂ I. 480, pl. 22, fig. 16 - - psaltria, ♂ I. 474, pl. 22, fig. 9 - - psaltria, ♀ I. 474, pl. 22, fig. 10 - - tristis (_summer_), ♂ I. 471, pl. 22, fig. 7 - - tristis (_winter_), ♂ I. 471, pl. 22, fig. 8 - - Cinclus mexicanus, I. 56, pl. 5, fig. 1 - - Circus hudsonius, III. 214. - - Cistothorus palustris, I. 161, pl. 9, fig. 6 - - stellaris, I. 161, pl. 9, fig. 7 - - Coccygus americanus, ♂ II. 477, pl. 48, fig. 3 - - erythrophthalmus, II. 484, pl. 48, fig. 5 - - minor, II. 482, pl. 48, fig. 4 - - Colaptes auratus, ♂ II. 575, pl. 55, fig. 1 - - auratus, ♀ II. 575, pl. 55, fig. 2 - - chrysoides, ♂ II. 583, pl. 54, fig. 1 - - chrysoides, ♀ II. 583, pl. 54, fig. 2 - - hybridus, ♂ II. 582, pl. 54, fig. 3 - - mexicanus, ♂ II. 578, pl. 55, fig. 3 - - mexicanus, ♀ II. 578, pl. 55, fig. 4 - - Collurio borealis, ♂ I. 415, pl. 19, fig. 1 - - borealis (_Juv._) I. 415, pl. 19, fig. 2 - - excubitoroides, ♂ I. 421, pl. 19, fig. 3 - - ludovicianus, ♂ I. 418, pl. 19, fig. 4 - - robustus, I. 420. - - Columba fasciata, ♂ III. 360, pl. 57, fig. 2 - - flavirostris, ♂ III. 366, pl. 57, fig. 3 - - leucocephala, ♂ III. 363, pl. 57, fig. 4 - - Contopus borealis, ♂ II. 353, pl. 44, fig. 1 - - pertinax, ♂ II. 356, pl. 44, fig. 2 - - richardsonii, ♂ II. 360, pl. 44, fig. 4 - - virens, ♂ II. 357, pl. 44, fig. 3 - - Conurus carolinensis, (_Ad._) II. 587, pl. 56, fig. 1 - - carolinensis, (_Juv._) II. 587, pl. 56, fig. 2 - - Corvus americanus, ♂ II. 243, pl. 37, fig. 5 - - carnivorus, ♀ II. 234, pl. 37, fig. 6 - - caurinus, ♂ II. 248, pl. 37, fig. 3 - - cryptoleucus, II. 242, pl. 37, fig. 8 - - floridanus, II. 247, pl. 37, fig. 9 - - mexicanus, ♂ II. 233, pl. 37, fig. 4 - - ossifragus, II. 251, pl. 37, fig. 7 - - Coturniculus henslowi, ♀ I. 553, pl. 25, fig. 5 - - leconti, ♀ I. 552, pl. 25, fig. 6 - - ochrocephalus, II. pl. 46, fig. 6 - - passerinus, I. 553, pl. 25, fig. 4 - - perpallidus, I. 556. - - Cotyle riparia, ♂ I. 353, pl. 16, fig. 14 - - Crotophaga ani, ♀ II. 488, pl. 48, fig. 2 - - Cupidonia cupido, III. 440, pl. 61, fig. 1 - - cupido, III. 440, pl. 61, fig. 7 - - pallidicincta, III. 446. - - Cyanocitta arizonæ, II. 292, pl. 41, fig. 2 - - californica, ♂ II. 288, pl. 40, fig. 1 - - couchi, II. 293. - - floridana, ♂ II. 285, pl. 40, fig. 4 - - sordida, II. 292, pl. 41, fig. 1 - - sumichrasti, ♂ II. pl. 40, fig. 2 - - woodhousei, ♂ II. 291, pl. 40, fig. 3 - - Cyanospiza amœna, ♂ II. 84, pl. 29, fig. 11 - - amœna, ♀ II. 84, pl. 29, fig. 12 - - ciris, ♂ II. 87, pl. 29, fig. 7 - - ciris, ♀ II. 87, pl. 29, fig. 8 - - cyanea, ♂ II. 82, pl. 29, fig. 13 - - cyanea, ♀ II. 82, pl. 29, fig. 14 - - parellina, ♂ II. pl. 29, fig. 6 - - versicolor, ♂ II. 86, pl. 29, fig. 9 - - versicolor, ♀ II. 86, pl. 29, fig. 10 - - Cyanura coronata, ♂ II. pl. 39, fig. 4 - - cristata, ♂ II. 273, pl. 42, fig. 3 - - frontalis, ♂ II. 279, pl. 39, fig. 2 - - macrolopha, ♂ II. 281, pl. 39, fig. 3 - - stelleri, ♂ II. 277, pl. 39, fig. 1 - - Cyrtonyx massena, III. 492, pl. 61, fig. 2 - - massena, ♂ III. 492, pl. 64, fig. 3 - - massena, ♀ III. 492, pl. 64, fig. 6 - - - Dendroica æstiva, I. 222, pl. 14, fig. 1 - - albilora, ♂ I. 240, pl. 14, fig. 7 - - auduboni, I. 229, pl. 13, fig. 1 - - blackburniæ, ♂ I. 237, pl. 13, fig. 2 - - blackburniæ, ♀ I. 237, pl. 13, fig. 3 - - cærulea, ♂ I. 235, pl. 13, fig. 10 - - cærulea, ♀ I. 237, pl. 13, fig. 11 - - cærulescens, ♂ I. 254, pl. 12, fig. 10 - - cærulescens, ♀ I. 254, pl. 12, fig. 11 - - castanea, ♂ I. 251, pl. 13, fig. 4 - - castanea, ♀ I. 251, pl. 13, fig. 5 - - chrysopareia, ♂ I. 260, pl. 12, fig. 6 - - coronata, ♂ I. 227, pl. 12, fig. 9 - - coronata, ♀ I. 227, pl. 12, fig. 12 - - discolor, ♂ I. 276, pl. 14, fig. 9 - - dominica, ♂ I. 240, pl. 14, fig. 5 - - graciæ, ♂ I. 243, pl. 14, fig. 10 - - kirtlandi, ♂ I. 272, pl. 14, fig. 5 - - maculosa, ♂ I. 232, pl. 14, fig. 2 - - montana, I. 271, pl. 14, fig. 3 - - nigrescens, ♂ I. 258, pl. 12, fig. 8 - - occidentalis, ♂ I. 266, pl. 12, fig. 5 - - olivacea, ♂ I. pl. 14, fig. 4 - - palmarum, ♂ I. 273, pl. 14, fig. 8 - - pennsylvanica, ♂ I. 245, pl. 13, fig. 7 - - pennsylvanica, (_Juv._) ♂ I. 245, pl. 13, fig. 8 - - pinus, ♂ I. 268, pl. 13, fig. 6 - - striata, ♂ I. 248, pl. 13, fig. 9 - - striata, ♀ I. 248, pl. 13, fig. 12 - - townsendi, ♂ I. 265, pl. 12, fig. 7 - - virens, ♂ I. 261, pl. 12, fig. 4 - - Dolichonyx orizyvorus, ♂ II. 149, pl. 32, fig. 4 - - orizyvorus, ♀ II. 149, pl. 32, fig. 5 - - - Ectopistes migratoria, ♂ III. 368, pl. 57, fig. 5 - - Elanus leucurus, III. 198. - - Embernagra rufivirgata, II. 47, pl. 28, fig. 3 - - Empidonax acadicus, ♂ II. 374, pl. 44, fig. 11 - - difficilis, II. 380. - - flaviventris, ♂ II. 378, pl. 44, fig. 12 - - hammondii, ♂ II. 383, pl. 44, fig. 7 - - minimus, ♂ II. 372, pl. 44, fig. 10 - - obscurus, ♂ II. 381, pl. 44, fig. 6 - - pusillus, ♂ II. 366, pl. 44, fig. 9 - - traillii, ♂ II. 369, pl. 44, fig. 8 - - Eremophila cornuta, ♂ II. 141, pl. 32, fig. 1 - - cornuta, (_Juv._) II. 141, pl. 32, fig. 2 - - Euspiza americana, ♂ II. 65, pl. 28, fig. 11 - - americana, ♀ II. 65, pl. 28, fig. 12 - - townsendi, ♀ II. 68, pl. 28, fig. 13 - - - Falco anatum, III. 132. - - candicans, III. 111. - - columbarius, III. 144. - - femoralis, III. 155. - - isabellinus, III. 171. - - islandicus, III. 113. - - labradora, III. 117. - - pealei, III. 137. - - polyagrus, III. 123. - - richardsoni, III. 148. - - sacer, III. 115. - - sparverius, III. 169. - - suckleyi, III. 147. - - - Galeoscoptes carolinensis, I. 52, pl. 3, fig. 5 - - Geococcyx californianus, ♂ II. 492, pl. 48, fig. 1 - - Geothlypis macgillivrayi, ♂ I. 303, pl. 15, fig. 4 - - macgillivrayi, ♀ I. 303, pl. 15, fig. 5 - - philadelphia, ♂ I. 301, pl. 15, fig. 6 - - philadelphia, ♀ I. 301, pl. 15, fig. 9 - - trichas, ♂ I. 297, pl. 15, fig. 7 - - trichas, ♀ I. 297, pl. 15, fig. 8 - - Glaucidium californicum, III. 81. - - ferrugineum, III. 85. - - Guiraca cærulea, ♂ II. 77, pl. 29, fig. 4 - - cærulea, ♀ II. 77, pl. 29, fig. 5 - - Gymnokitta cyanocephala, ♂ II. 260, pl. 38, fig. 2 - - - Haliaëtus albicilla, III. 324. - - leucocephalus, III. 326. - - Harporhynchus cinereus, I. 40, pl. 4, fig. 2 - - crissalis, I. 47, pl. 4, fig. 1 - - curvirostris, I. 41, pl. 3, fig. 3 - - lecontei, I. 44, pl. 4, fig. 3 - - longirostris, I. 39, pl. 3, fig. 2 - - palmeri, I. 43. - - redivivus, I. 45, pl. 4, fig. 4 - - rufus, I. 37, pl. 3, fig. 1 - - Hedymeles ludovicianus, ♂ II. 70, pl. 30, fig. 4 - - ludovicianus, ♀ II. 70, pl. 30, fig. 5 - - melanocephalus, ♂ II. 73, pl. 30, fig. 1 - - melanocephalus, ♀ II. 73, pl. 30, fig. 2 - - Heliopædica xantusi, ♂ II. 467, pl. 47, fig. 3 - - Helminthophaga bachmani, ♂ I. 194, pl. 11, fig. 3 - - celata (_var._ Cape Lucas), I. 204, pl. 11, fig. 4 - - celata (_var._ Florida), I. pl. 11, fig. 6 - - celata (_var._ Rocky Mts.), I. 202, pl. 11, fig. 5 - - chrysoptera, ♂ I. 192, pl. 11, fig. 2 - - luciæ, I. 200, pl. 11, fig. 9 - - peregrina (_in spring_), I. 205, pl. 11, fig. 10 - - peregrina (_in autumn_), I. 205, pl. 11, fig. 11 - - pinus, ♂ I. 195, pl. 11, fig. 1 - - ruficapilla, I. 196, pl. 11, fig. 7 - - ruficapilla (_var._ Calif.), I. pl. 11, fig. 8 - - virginiæ, I. 199, pl. 11, fig. 12 - - Helmitherus swainsoni, I. 190, pl. 10, fig. 9 - - vermivorus, I. 187, pl. 10, fig. 10 - - Hesperiphona montana, I. 449, pl. 22, fig. 4 - - vespertina, ♂ I. 449, pl. 22, fig. 1 - - Hirundo horreorum, ♂ I. 339, pl. 16, fig. 9 - - Hylotomus pileatus, ♀ II. 550, pl. 56, fig. 4 - - pileatus, ♂ II. 550, pl. 56, fig. 5 - - - Icteria longicauda, I. 309. - - virens, ♂ I. 307, pl. 15, fig. 12 - - Icterus auduboni, ♂ II. 186, pl. 35, fig. 1 - - baltimore, ♂ II. 195, pl. 35, fig. 5 - - bullocki, ♂ II. 199, pl. 34, fig. 3 - - bullocki, ♀ II. 199, pl. 34, fig. 7 - - cucullatus, ♂ II. 193, pl. 35, fig. 6 - - parisorum, ♂ II. 188, pl. 35, fig. 7 - - spurius, ♂ II. 190, pl. 34, fig. 4 - - spurius (_Juv._), ♂ II. 190, pl. 34, fig. 5 - - spurius, ♀ II. 190, pl. 34, fig. 6 - - wagleri, ♂ II. pl. 35, fig. 2 - - Ictinia mississippiensis, III. 203. - - - Junco aikeni, ♂ I. 584, pl. 26, fig. 6 - - caniceps, ♂ I. 587, pl. 26, fig. 3 - - hyemalis, ♂ I. 580, pl. 26, fig. 5 - - oregonus, ♂ I. 584, pl. 26, fig. 2 - - - Lagopus albus, III. 457, pl. 61, fig. 8 - - albus (_summer_), ♂ III. 457, pl. 62, fig. 1 - - albus (_winter_), ♂ III. 457, pl. 62, fig. 3 - - albus (_summer_), ♀ III. 457, pl. 62, fig. 2 - - leucurus (_summer_), ♂ III. 464, pl. 62, fig. 6 - - rupestris (_winter_), ♂ III. 462, pl. 62, fig. 4 - - rupestris (_summer_), ♀ III. 462, pl. 62, fig. 5 - - Lanivireo cassini, ♂ I. 376, pl. 17, fig. 9 - - flavifrons, ♂ I. 379, pl. 17, fig. 5 - - plumbea, ♂ I. 377, pl. 17, fig. 10 - - solitaria, ♂ I. 373, pl. 17, fig. 8 - - Leucosticte arctous, I. pl. 23, fig. 10 - - australis, I. pl. 23, fig. 9 - - campestris, I. 507, pl. 23, fig. 7 - - griseinucha, ♂ I. 508, pl. 23, fig. 5 - - littoralis, I. 507, pl. 23, fig. 6 - - tephrocotis, I. 504, pl. 23, fig. 8 - - Lophophanes atricristatus, I. 90, pl. 6, fig. 2 - - bicolor, I. 87, pl. 6, fig. 1 - - inornatus, I. 91, pl. 6, fig. 3 - - wollweberi, I. 93, pl. 6, fig. 4 - - Lophortyx californicus, III. 479, pl. 61, fig. 4 - - californicus, ♂ III. 479, pl. 64, fig. 1 - - californicus, ♀ III. 479, pl. 64, fig. 2 - - gambeli, ♂ III. 482, pl. 64, fig. 4 - - gambeli, ♀ III. 482, pl. 64, fig. 5 - - Loxia americana, ♂ I. 484, pl. 23, fig. 1 - - americana, ♀ I. 484, pl. 23, fig. 4 - - leucoptera, ♂ I. 488, pl. 23, fig. 2 - - leucoptera, ♀ I. 488, pl. 23, fig. 3 - - mexicana, I. 488, - - - Melanerpes angustifrons, ♂ II. 573, pl. 53, fig. 3 - - angustifrons, ♀ II. 573, pl. 53, fig. 4 - - erythrocephalus, ♂ II. 564, pl. 54, fig. 4 - - formicivorus, ♂ II. 566, pl. 53, fig. 1 - - formicivorus, ♀ II. 566, pl. 53, fig. 2 - - torquatus, ♂ II. 561, pl. 54, fig. 5 - - Meleagris gallopavo, III. 404. - - mexicana, III. 410. - - Melopeleia leucoptera, ♂ III. 376, pl. 58, fig. 4 - - Melospiza fallax, ♀ II. 22, pl. 27, fig. 10 - - guttata, II. 27, pl. 27, fig. 12 - - heermanni, ♂ II. 24, pl. 27, fig. 9 - - insignis, II. 30, pl. 27, fig. 8 - - lincolni, II. 31, pl. 27, fig. 13 - - melodia, II. 19, pl. 27, fig. 6 - - palustris, ♂ II. 34, pl. 28, fig. 1 - - palustris, ♀ II. 34, pl. 28, fig. 2 - - rufina, II. 29, pl. 27, fig. 11 - - samuelis, II. 26, pl. 27, fig. 7 - - Micrathene whitneyi, III. 87. - - Milvulus forficatus, ♂ II. 311, pl. 43, fig. 1 - - tyrannus, II. 309. - - Mimus polyglottus, I. 49, pl. 3, fig. 4 - - Mitrephorus pallescens, ♂ II. 386, pl. 44, fig. 13 - - Mniotilta varia, ♂ I. 180, pl. 10, fig. 6 - - Molothrus pecoris, ♀ II. 154, pl. 32, fig. 6 - - pecoris, ♀ II. 154, pl. 32, fig. 7 - - obscurus, ♂ II. pl. 32, fig. 8 - - Motacilla alba, I. 165, pl. 10, fig. 1 - - Myiadestes townsendi, ♂ I. 409, pl. 18, fig. 5 - - townsendi (_Juv._) I. 409, pl. 18, fig. 6 - - Myiarchus cinerascens, ♂ II. 337, pl. 43, fig. 8 - - crinitus, ♂ II. pl. 43, fig. 7 - - lawrencii, ♂ II. pl. 43, fig. 9 - - Myiodioctes canadensis, ♂ I. 320, pl. 16, fig. 6 - - minutus, I. 316, pl. 16, fig. 2 - - mitratus, ♂ I. 314, pl. 15, fig. 10 - - mitratus, ♀ I. pl. 15, fig. 11 - - pileolatus, I. 319. - - pusillus, ♂ I. 317, pl. 16, fig. 3 - - pusillus, ♀ I. 317, pl. 16, fig. 4 - - - Nauclerus forficatus, III. 192. - - Neocorys spraguei, ♀ I. 175, pl. 10, fig. 5 - - Nephœcetes niger, ♀ II. 429, pl. 45, fig. 4 - - Nisus cooperi, III. 230. - - fuscus, III. 224. - - mexicanus, III. 231. - - Nyctale richardsoni, III. 40. - - acadica, III. 43. - - Nyctea scandiaca, III. 70. - - - Onychotes gruberi, III. 254. - - Oporornis agilis, ♂ I. 290, pl. 15, fig. 1 - - agilis, ♀ I. 290, pl. 15, fig. 2 - - formosa, ♂ I. 293, pl. 15, fig. 3 - - Oreopeleia martinica, ♂ III. 393, pl. 58, fig. 1 - - Oreortyx pictus, ♂ III. 475, pl. 63, fig. 5 - - Oreoscoptes montanus, I. 32, pl. 3, fig. 6 - - Ortalida macalli, III. 398, pl. 57, fig. 1 - - Ortyx texanus, ♀ III. 474, pl. 63, fig. 4 - - texanus, ♂ III. 474, pl. 63, fig. 3 - - virginianus, ♂ III. 468, pl. 63, fig. 1 - - virginianus, ♀ III. 468, pl. 63, fig. 2 - - Otus brachyotus, III. 22. - - wilsonianus, III. 18. - - - Pandion carolinensis, III. 184. - - Panyptila melanoleuca, ♂ II. 424, pl. 45, fig. 5 - - Parula americana, ♂ I. 208, pl. 10, fig. 7 - - Parus atricapillus, I. 96, pl. 7, fig. 1 - - carolinensis, I. 102, pl. 7, fig. 4 - - hudsonicus, I. 105, pl. 7, fig. 7 - - montanus, I. 95, pl. 7, fig. 5 - - occidentalis, I. 101, pl. 7, fig. 3 - - rufescens, I. 104, pl. 7, fig. 6 - - septentrionalis, I. 99, pl. 7, fig. 2 - - Passerculus alaudinus, I. 537, pl. 24, fig. 11 - - anthinus, I. 539, pl. 24, fig. 10 - - caboti, II. pl. 46, fig. 9 - - guttatus, I. 544, pl. 25, fig. 1 - - princeps, I. 540, pl. 25, fig. 2 - - rostratus, I. 542, pl. 24, fig. 12 - - sandwichensis, I. 538, pl. 24, fig. 9 - - savanna, I. 534, pl. 24, fig. 8 - - Passerella iliaca, II. 50, pl. 28, fig. 7 - - megarhyncha, II. 57, pl. 28, fig. 10 - - schistacea, II. 56. - - townsendi, ♀ II. 53, pl. 28, fig. 8 - - Pediœcetes columbianus, III. 434, pl. 60, fig. 1 - - phasianellus, III. 436, pl. 60, fig. 3 - - Perisoreus canadensis, ♂ II. 299, pl. 41, fig. 3 - - canadensis (_Juv._) II. pl. 42, fig. 4 - - capitalis, ♂ II. 302, pl. 41, fig. 4 - - obscurus, II. 302, - - Perissoglossa carbonata, I. 214, pl. 12, fig. 3 - - tigrina, ♂ I. 212, pl. 12, fig. 1 - - tigrina, ♀ I. 212, pl. 12, fig. 2 - - Petrochelidon lunifrons, ♂ I. 334, pl. 16, fig. 13 - - Peucæa æstivalis, II. 39, pl. 28, fig. 4 - - arizonæ, II. 41. - - carpalis, II. pl. 46, fig. 8 - - cassini, II. 42, pl. 28, fig. 5 - - ruficeps, II. 45, pl. 28, fig. 6 - - Phænopepla nitens, ♂ I. 405, pl. 18, fig. 3 - - nitens, ♂ I. pl. 18, fig. 4 - - Phonipara zena, ♂ II. 93, pl. 29, fig. 15 - - zena, ♀ II. 93, pl. 29, fig. 16 - - Phyllopneuste borealis, I. pl. 5, fig. 5 - - Pica hudsonica, ♂ II. 266, pl. 38, fig. 1 - - nuttalli, ♂ II. 270, pl. 38, fig. 3 - - Picicorvus columbianus, II. 255, pl. 38, fig. 4 - - Picoides americanus, ♂ II. 532, pl. 50, fig. 2 - - arcticus, ♂ II. 530, pl. 50, fig. 1 - - Picus albolarvatus, ♂ II. 526, pl. 50, fig. 7 - - albolarvatus, ♀ II. 526, pl. 50, fig. 8 - - borealis, ♂ II. 524, pl. 49, fig. 8 - - gairdneri, II. 512. - - harrisi, II. 507. - - lucasanus, II. 519. - - nuttalli, ♂ II. 521, pl. 50, fig. 3 - - nuttalli, ♀ II. 521, pl. 50, fig. 6 - - pubescens, ♂ II. 509, pl. 49, fig. 6 - - pubescens, ♀ II. 509, pl. 49, fig. 7 - - scalaris, ♂ II. 515, pl. 50, fig. 4 - - scalaris, ♀ II. pl. 50, fig. 5 - - villosus, ♂ II. 503, pl. 49, fig. 3 - - villosus, ♀ II. 503, pl. 49, fig. 4 - - villosus (_Juv._) ♂ II. 503, pl. 49, fig. 5 - - Pinicola enucleator, ♂ I. 453, pl. 21, fig. 1 - - enucleator, ♀ I. 453, pl. 21, fig. 2 - - Pipilo aberti, ♂ II. 128, pl. 31, fig. 7 - - albigula, ♂ II. 127, pl. 31, fig. 11 - - alleni, II. 112. - - arcticus, ♂ II. 119, pl. 31, fig. 5 - - arcticus, ♀ II. 119, pl. 31, fig. 6 - - chlorura, ♂ II. 131, pl. 31, fig. 4 - - crissalis, ♂ II. 122, pl. 31, fig. 8 - - erythrophthalmus, ♂ II. 109, pl. 31, fig. 2 - - erythrophthalmus, ♂ II. 109, pl. 31, fig. 3 - - megalonyx, ♀ II. 113, pl. 31, fig. 9 - - mesoleucus, ♂ II. 125, pl. 31, fig. 10 - - oregonus, ♀ II. 116, pl. 31, fig. 12 - - Plectrophanes Iapponicus, ♂ I. 515, pl. 24, fig. 7 - - maccowni, ♂ I. 523, pl. 24, fig. 1 - - melanomus, ♂ I. 521, pl. 24, fig. 6 - - nivalis, ♂ I. 512, pl. 24, fig. 2 - - ornatus, ♂ I. 520, pl. 24, fig. 3 - - pictus, ♂ I. 518, pl. 24, fig. 4 - - pictus, ♀ I. 518, pl. 24, fig. 5 - - Polioptila cærulea, I. 78, pl. 6, fig. 5 - - melanura, I. 81, pl. 6, fig. 7 - - plumbea, I. 80, pl. 6, fig. 6 - - Polyborus auduboni, III. 178. - - Poocætes gramineus, II. 545, pl. 29, fig. 1 - - Poospiza belli, I. 593, pl. 26, fig. 9 - - bilineata, ♂ I. 590, pl. 26, fig. 8 - - nevadensis, I. 594. - - Progne cryptoleuca, I. 332. - - subis, ♀ I. 329, pl. 16, fig. 7 - - subis, ♂ I. 329, pl. 16, fig. 10 - - Protonotaria citrea, I. 184, pl. 10, fig. 8 - - Psaltriparus melanotis, I. 108, pl. 7, fig. 8 - - minimus, I. 109, pl. 7, fig. 9 - - plumbeus, I. 110, pl. 7, fig. 10 - - Pseudogryphus californianus, III. 338. - - Psilorhinus morio, ♀ II. 304, pl. 42, fig. 2 - - Pyranga æstiva, ♂ I. 441, pl. 20, fig. 5 - - æstiva, ♀ I. 441, pl. 20, fig. 6 - - cooperi, ♂ I. 444, pl. 20, fig. 1 - - cooperi, ♀ I. 444, pl. 20, fig. 2 - - hepatica, ♂ I. 440, pl. 20, fig. 9 - - hepatica, ♀ I. 440, pl. 20, fig. 10 - - ludoviciana, ♂ I. 437, pl. 20, fig. 3 - - ludoviciana, ♀ I. 437, pl. 20, fig. 4 - - rubra, ♂ I. 435, pl. 20, fig. 7 - - rubra, ♀ I. 435, pl. 20, fig. 8 - - Pyrgita domestica, I. 525, pl. 23, fig. 12 - - Pyrocephalus mexicanus, ♂ II. 387, pl. 44, fig. 5 - - Pyrrhula cassini, ♂ I. 457, pl. 23, fig. 11 - - Pyrrhuloxia sinuata, ♂ II. 95, pl. 30, fig. 3 - - - Quiscalus æneus, II. 218. - - aglæus, ♂ II. 221, pl. 37, fig. 2 - - macrourus, ♂ II. 225, pl. 36, fig. 1 - - macrourus, ♀ II. 225, pl. 36, fig. 2 - - major, ♂ II. 222, pl. 36, fig. 3 - - major, ♀ II. 222, pl. 36, fig. 4 - - purpureus, ♂ II. 214, pl. 37, fig. 1 - - - Regulus calendula, I. 75, pl. 5, fig. 9 - - cuvieri, I. 75, pl. 5, fig. 7 - - satrapa, I. 73, pl. 5, fig. 8 - - Rhinogryphus aura, III. 344. - - Rostrhamus sociabilis, III. 209. - - - Salpinctes obsoletus, I. 135, pl. 8, fig. 3 - - Saxicola œnanthe, I. 60, pl. 5, fig. 6 - - Sayornis fuscus, ♂ II. 343, pl. 45, fig. 2 - - nigricans, ♂ II. 340, pl. 45, fig. 1 - - sayus, ♂ II. 347, pl. 45, fig. 3 - - Scardafella inca, ♂ III. 387, pl. 58, fig. 7 - - Scolecephalus cyanocephalus, ♀ II. 206, pl. 35, fig. 3 - - ferrugineus, ♂ II. 203, pl. 35, fig. 4 - - Scops asio, III. 49. - - flammeola, III. 58. - - floridana, III. 57. - - kennicotti, III. 53. - - maccalli, III. 52. - - Seiurus aurocapillus, I. 280, pl. 14, fig. 11 - - ludovicianus, ♂ I. 287, pl. 14, fig. 13 - - noveboracensis, ♂ I. 283, pl. 14, fig. 12 - - Selasphorus platycercus, ♂ II. 462, pl. 47, fig. 5 - - rufus, ♂ II. 459, pl. 47, fig. 4 - - Setophaga picta, ♂ II. pl. 46, fig. 7 - - picta, ♂ II. pl. 56, fig. 3 - - ruticilla, ♂ I. 322, pl. 16, fig. 1 - - ruticilla, ♀ I. 322, pl. 16, fig. 5 - - Sialia arctica, I. 67, pl. 5, fig. 4 - - mexicana, I. 65, pl. 5, fig. 2 - - sialis, I. 62, pl. 5, fig. 3 - - Sitta aculeata, I. 117. - - canadensis, ♂ I. 118, pl. 8, fig. 7 - - canadensis, ♀ I. 118, pl. 8, fig. 8 - - carolinensis, ♂ I. 114, pl. 8, fig. 1 - - carolinensis, ♀ I. 114, pl. 8, fig. 2 - - pusilla, I. 122, pl. 8, fig. 9 - - pygmæa, I. 120, pl. 8, fig. 10 - - Spheotyto hypogæa, III. 90. - - Spermophila moreleti, ♂ II. 91, pl. 29, fig. 17 - - Sphyropicus nuchalis, ♂ II. 542, pl. 51, fig. 3 - - nuchalis, ♀ II. 542, pl. 51, fig. 4 - - ruber, ♂ II. 544, pl. 51, fig. 6 - - thyroideus, ♂ II. 547, pl. 56, fig. 6 - - varius, ♂ II. 539, pl. 51, fig. 1 - - varius, ♀ II. 539, pl. 51, fig. 2 - - williamsoni, ♀ II. 545, pl. 51, fig. 5 - - Spizella arizonæ, II. 11. - - atrigularis, ♂ I. 15, pl. 26, fig. 11 - - atrigularis, ♂ I. 15, pl. 26, fig. 12 - - breweri, II. 13, pl. 27, fig. 4 - - monticola, II. 3, pl. 27, fig. 5 - - pallida, II. 11, pl. 27, fig. 3 - - pusilla, ♀ II. 5, pl. 27, fig. 2 - - socialis, II. 7, pl. 27, fig. 1 - - Starnœnas cyanocephala, ♂ III. 395, pl. 58, fig. 5 - - Stelgidopteryx serripennis, ♂ I. 350, pl. 16, fig. 12 - - Stellula calliope, ♂ II. 445, pl. 47, fig. 9 - - Strix pratincola, III. 13. - - Sturnella magna, ♂ II. 174, pl. 34, fig. 2 - - neglecta, ♂ II. 176, pl. 34, fig. 1 - - Sturnus vulgaris, ♂ II. 229, pl. 35, fig. 8 - - Surnia ulula, III. 75. - - Syrnium cinereum, III. 30. - - nebulosum, III. 34. - - occidentale, III. 38. - - - Tachycineta bicolor, ♂ I. 344, pl. 16, fig. 8 - - thalassina, ♂ I. 347, pl. 16, fig. 11 - - Thaumatias linnæi, II. 468. - - Thryothorus berlandieri, I. 144, pl. 9, fig. 2 - - bewicki, ♂ I. 145, pl. 9, fig. 3 - - bewicki, I. pl. 9, fig. 4 - - leucogaster, I. 147. - - ludovicianus, I. 142, pl. 9, fig. 1 - - spilurus, I. 147. - - Trochilus alexandri, ♂ II. 450, pl. 47, fig. 1 - - colubris, ♂ II. 448, pl. 47, fig. 2 - - Troglodytes ædon, I. 149, pl. 9, fig. 5 - - alascensis, I. 157, pl. 9, fig. 8 - - hyemalis, I. 155, pl. 9, fig. 9 - - pacificus, I. pl. 9, fig. 10 - - parkmanni, I. 153. - - Turdus aliciæ, I. 11, pl. 1, fig. 3 - - auduboni, I. 21, pl. 1, fig. 8 - - confinis, I. 27, pl. 2, fig. 1 - - fuscescens, I. 9, pl. 1, fig. 5 - - iliacus, I. 23, pl. 2, fig. 4 - - migratorius, I. 25, pl. 2, fig. 3 - - mustelinus, I. 7, pl. 1, fig. 1 - - nævius, I. 29, pl. 2, fig. 2 - - nanus, I. 20, pl. 1, fig. 7 - - pallasi, I. 18, pl. 1, fig. 6 - - swainsoni, I. 14, pl. 1, fig. 4 - - ustulatus, I. pl. 1, fig. 2 - - Tyrannus carolinensis, ♂ II. 316, pl. 43, fig. 2 - - couchi, ♂ II. 329, pl. 43, fig. 6 - - dominicensis, ♂ II. 319, pl. 43, fig. 3 - - verticalis, ♂ II. 324, pl. 43, fig. 4 - - vociferans, ♂ II. 327, pl. 43, fig. 5 - - - Vireo atricapillus, ♂ I. 383, pl. 17, fig. 6 - - belli, ♂ I. 389, pl. 17, fig. 13 - - huttoni, ♂ I. 387, pl. 17, fig. 12 - - noveboracensis, ♂ I. 385, pl. 17, fig. 11 - - pusillus, ♂ I. 391, pl. 17, fig. 14 - - vicinior, ♂ I. 393, pl. 17, fig. 7 - - Vireosylvia barbatula, ♂ I. 360, pl. 17, fig. 1 - - flavoriridis, I. 366. - - gilva, ♂ I. 368, pl. 17, fig. 3 - - olivacea, ♂ I. 363, pl. 17, fig. 2 - - philadelphica, I. 367, pl. 17, fig. 4 - - swainsoni, I. 371. - - - Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, ♂ II. 167, pl. 32, fig. 9 - - icterocephalus, ♀ II. 167, pl. 33, fig. 9 - - Xanthoura luxuosa, II. 295, pl. 42, fig. 1 - - - Zenaida amabilis, ♂ III. 379, pl. 58, fig. 3 - - Zenaidura carolinensis, ♂ III. 383, pl. 58, fig. 2 - - Zonotrichia albicollis, ♂ I. 574, pl. 26, fig. 10 - - coronata, ♂ I. 573, pl. 26, fig. 1 - - gambeli, ♂ I. 569, pl. 25, fig. 11 - - gambeli, (_Juv._) I. 569, pl. 25, fig. 12 - - leucophrys, (_Juv._) ♂ I. 566, pl. 25, fig. 9 - - leucophrys, ♂ I. 566, pl. 25, fig. 10 - - querula, (_Ad._) ♂ I. 577, pl. 26, fig. 4 - - querula, (_autumn_) I. 577, pl. 26, fig. 7 - - - - -Footnotes - - -[1] The whole of the systematic portion of the article on the -_Raptores_, has been prepared by Mr. Ridgway; the biographies, -however, are furnished by Dr. Brewer, as usual. The outlines of the -skulls and sterna of the _Strigidæ_, the skulls, sterna, and heads -of the _Cathartidæ_, and the generic outlines of the _Falconidæ_ and -_Cathartidæ_, were drawn by Mr. Ridgway.—S. F. BAIRD. - -[2] By Thomas H. Huxley, F. R. S., V. P. Z. S.; Proceedings of the -Zoölogical Society of London, 1867, pp. 415–473. - -[3] By Charles Ludwig Nitzsch. English edition, translated from the -German by Dr. Philip Lutley Sclater, and published by the Ray Society of -London, 1867. - -[4] By William McGillivray, A. M.; London, 1840. - -[5] See Jardine’s Contributions to Ornithology, London, 1849, p. 68; -1850, p. 51; 1851, p. 119; 1852, p. 103; and Transactions of the -Zoölogical Society of London, 1862, p. 201. - -[6] Hand List of Genera and Species of Birds, distinguishing those -contained in the British Museum. By George Robert Gray, F. R. S., -etc. Part I. _Accipitres_, _Fisserostres_, _Tenuirostres_, and -_Dentirostres_. London, 1869. - -[7] I have, however, examined the sterna only of _Nyctea_, _Bubo_, -_Otus_, _Brachyotus_, _Syrnium_, _Nyctale_, and _Glaucidium_. - -[8] My unpublished determinations of the North American species were -furnished, by request, to Dr. Coues, for introduction into his “Key of -North American Birds”; consequently the names used in these pages are -essentially the same as those there employed. - -[9] This case of the restriction of the American representative of -a European or Western Palæarctic species to the western half of the -continent has parallel instances among other birds. The American -form of _Falcolanarius_ (var. _polyagrus_), of _Corvus corax_ (var. -_carnivorus_), _Pica caudata_ (var. _hudsonica_ and var. _nuttalli_) -and of _Ægialitis cantianus_ (var. _nivosus_), are either entirely -restricted to the western portion, or else are much more abundant there -than in the east. The European genera _Cinclus_, _Coccothraustes_, -_Nucifraga_, and _Columba_ have representatives only in the western -portion of North America. - -Instances of a similar relation between the plants of the Western -Province of North America and those of Europe, and more striking -likeness between the flora of the Eastern Region and that of Eastern -Asia, are beautifully explained in Professor Gray’s interesting and -instructive paper entitled “Sequoia, and its History,” an address -delivered at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement -of Science, at Dubuque, Iowa, August, 1872. The poverty in the species -of tortoises, and richness in lizards, and the peculiarities of the -ichthyological fauna, as well as absence of forms of Western North -America and Europe, compared with Eastern North America and Eastern -Asia, afford other examples of parallelism in other classes of the -Animal Kingdom. - -[10] See Baird, Am. Journ. Arts and Sciences, Vol. XLI, Jan. and March, -1866; Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl. Cambridge, Vol. II, No. 3; and -Ridgway, Am. Journ. Arts and Sciences, Vols. IV and V, Dec., 1872, and -Jan., 1873. - -[11] For diagnoses of these geographical races of _Strix flammea_, see -pp. 1339 and 1340. - -[12] See Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoöl., Cambridge, Vol. II, No. 3, pp. -338, 339, where these plumages are discussed at length. - -[13] _Strix flammea_, var. _flammea_. _Strix flammea_, LINN. S. N. I, -133, 1766, et AUCT.-STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 178. _Strix alba_, SCOP. -Ann. 1st, p. 21, 1768.—GMEL. S. N. 293.—LATH.—DAUD.—LEP. and SHAW. -_Strix guttata_, BREHM, Vög. Deutschl. p. 106, 1831. _Hab._ Europe and -Africa. - -[14] _Strix flammea_, var. _guatemalæ_, RIDGWAY. Central American -specimens differ very appreciably from Mexican and North American -examples, in being considerably darker-colored in the extreme phases -of plumage. Eight of eleven specimens convey an impression of decided -difference in this respect at a mere casual glance. The extremes of -plumage in this series are as follows:—Darkest (No. 40,961, Chimandega, -Nicaragua; F. Hicks): The dusky mottling of the upper parts is -altogether darker than in any example from Mexico or northward, and -prevails, with great uniformity, over the entire surface; the white -specks are linear, instead of roundish. On the primaries and tail, the -blackish and ochraceous are about equal in extent, the latter color -forming five bands on the quills, and four on the tail. The facial -circle is bright dark orange above the ears, and the portion below -the ears continuous black; the face is reddish-white, strongly tinged -with wine-brown, while the spot in front of the eye is deep black. The -whole lower parts are deep orange-ochraceous, with numerous irregular -specks of dusky, which posteriorly become broken or confused into ragged -zigzag transverse mottlings, while on the lower tail-coverts they form -irregular transverse bars. Wing-formula, 2, 1–3. Wing, 13.00; tail, -5.90; culmen, .85; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.50. Lightest (No. 41,252, -♂, San José, Costa Rica, Aug. 23, 1865; José C. Zeledon): The dark -tint above, though prevalent, is a continuous wash of grayish, instead -of a fine mottling of blackish and white; the white specks are nearly -obsolete. The wings are superficially plain grayish, this overlaying -the ground-color of ochraceous-orange; and have visible spots only on -the primaries, near their shafts. The tail has four rather distinct -grayish bands. The facial circle is ochraceous, somewhat darker across -the foreneck; the face white, with the ante-orbital spot claret-brown. -Entire lower parts immaculate pure white. Wing-formula, 2, 1=3. Wing, -12.30; tail, 5.30; culmen, .70; tarsus, 2.75; middle toe, 1.45. - -No. 24,283, Nicaragua, (Captain J. M. Dow,) is like the specimen -just described, in the uniform dark wash of the upper parts, but -this is deeper; the lower parts, however, are quite different, being -ochraceous-orange, instead of pure white. - -The remaining five specimens (from San Salvador, Costa Rica, and -Nicaragua) are alike, and differ from northern birds in the deeper -dark mottling of the upper parts; the white specks very conspicuous, -and usually sagittate. The facial circle deep black where it crosses -the foreneck. The lower parts vary in color from nearly pure white to -deep orange-rufous; the dark markings of the lower surface are larger, -more angular, and more transverse than in true _pratincola_. The wing -measures 11.30–13.00; tarsus, 2.55–2.95. The northern form varies from -12.50–13.00 (wing) and 2.50–2.85 (tarsus). It is thus seen that while -these southern birds average smaller in general dimensions, they have -actually larger feet, the average length of the tarsus being 2.80 in -the Central American series, and only 2.60 in the northern series. This -exactly coincides with the case of _Sturnella_, the _S. magna_ var. -_mexicana_ of the same region being smaller bodied and shorter winged -than var. _magna_ of the United States, but with much larger feet, see -p. - -[15] _Strix flammea_, var. _perlata_. _Strix perlata_, LICHT. Verz. -Doubl. 59, 1823.—TSCHUDI, Av. Consp. Wiegm. Archiv. 267, 1844.—HARTT. -Syst. Ind. Azara. p. 3.—MAX. Beitr. III, 263 (excl. syn.).—STRICKL. Orn. -Syn. I, 1855, 180 (excl. syn.). _Strix flammea_, DARWIN, Zool. Beag. -34.—SCHOMB. Verz. Faun. Brit. Guian. p. 732.—SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 21. - -This is a still further differentiated or more appreciably modified -race. It differs in smaller size (wing, 11.70–12.50; tail, 4.80–5.20; -tarsus, 2.40–2.75) and more square tail, while the colors also present -constant differences. The tail is much lighter compared with the wings, -the bands narrower and more sharply defined, though the same in number. - -[16] _Strix flammea_, var. _furcata_. _Strix furcata_, TEMM. Pl. Col. -432, 1838.—D’ORB. Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 34. _Hab._ West Indies (Cuba -and Jamaica). - -This form is the most distinctly characterized of all the races of _S. -flammea_ which we have examined. It has the general plumage decidedly -lighter and less rufous, while the secondaries and tail are abruptly -lighter than the adjacent parts, and usually free from bands, though -there are sometimes traces of them. - -All the American races of _Strix flammea_ differ very decidedly from the -European form (var. _flammea_) in much larger size. The differences in -color are not so appreciable, and there is hardly any certain difference -in this respect. The extreme phases, however, appear to be darker in the -var. _flammea_ than in the var. _pratincola_. The supposed differences -in the character of the feathers fringing the operculum, insisted on by -MacGillivray (History of British Birds, III, 1840, p. 473), I am unable -to appreciate, for I cannot find that they differ in the least in the -two races. That excellent ornithologist states that in the American -“species” the feathers of the operculum are reduced to a simple tube, -having neither filaments nor shaft, while in the European bird they are -perfect feathers, with all their parts complete. Though this may have -been the case with the one or more specimens of _pratincola_ examined by -Mr. MacGillivray, I have yet to see an American specimen which has not -the feathers of the operculum just as perfectly developed as in European -examples. - -[17] _Strix flammea_, var. _delicatula_. _Strix delicatula_, GOULD, -P. Z. S. 1836, 140.—IB. B. Australia, I, pl. xxxi.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. -1855, 180. _Hab._ Australia. - -[18] _Strix flammea_, var. _javanica_. _Strix javanica_, GMEL. S. N. I, -295, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 64, and Gen. Hist. I, 357.—HORSF. L. -Trans. XIII, 139.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 5, pl. xv.—SYKES, P. Comm. -Zoöl. Soc. pl. ii, 81.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 180. _Phodilus -javanicus_, BLYTH, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. XIX, 513. _Strix flammea_, -PEARS. & BLYTH. _Hab._ Java and Southern India, and Eastern Africa. - -[19] _Otus vulgaris._ _Strix otus_, LINN. S. N. p. 132, 1766.—_Asio -otus_, LESS. STRICKL.—_Bubo otus_, SAVIGN. _Ulula otus_, MACGILL. _Otus -vulgaris_, FLEM. Brit. An. p. 56, 1828, et AUCT. _O. europæus_, STEPH. -1. _O. albicollis_, DAUD. _O. italicus_, DAUD. _O. communis_, LESS. _O. -aurita_, MONT. _O. asio_, LEACH. _O. sylvestris_, _O. arboreus_, and _O. -gracilis_, BREHM. - -[20] _Otus stygius._ _Nyctalops stygius_, WAGL. Isis, 1832, p. -1221.—GRAY, Gen. B. p. 6, ed. 2, p. 8.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 50. _Otus -stygius_, PUCH. Rev. Zoöl. 1849, 29.—GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 12.—KAUP, -Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, p. 113. _Asio styg._ _? Otus siguapa_, -D’ORB. Hist. Nat. Cuba Ois. p. 31, Tab. 2, 1840.—GRAY, Gen. fol. sp. -9.—BONAP. Consp. 50 (Cuba). _Otus communis_, var., LESS. Tr. Orn. p. -110. _Hab._ South America (Brazil, ? Cuba, St. Paulo, KAUP). - -[21] _Syrnium nebulosum_, var. _sartorii_, RIDGWAY (Mexican Barred Owl). -_Hab._ Mirador, Mexico. CHAR. _Adult_ (♀, 43,131, Mirador, near Vera -Cruz, Mexico, “pine region”; Dr. C. Sartorius). In general appearance -like _nebulosum_, but the brown very much darker, and less reddish,—that -of the markings below very nearly black; the pattern, however, precisely -the same, and there is about the same proportion between the light and -the dark bars as is seen in the average of _nebulosum_. The face is -plain dirty white without the brown bars or semicircles,—a constant and -conspicuous feature in _nebulosum_. There is the same number of spots on -the primaries, and of bands on the tail, as in _nebulosum_. The white -beneath is without any ochraceous tinge; the primary coverts are plain -dark brown. Wing-formula: 4–3=5; 1 intermediate between 8 and 9. Wing, -14.80; tail, 9.00; culmen, 1.05; tarsus, 2.20; middle toe, 1.60. This -race of the _S. nebulosum_ presents very appreciable differences from -the bird of the United States. As stated above, the brown is much darker -and less reddish, while the face is wholly destitute of the concentric -dusky rings seen in _nebulosum_ proper. To Dr. Charles Sartorius, who, -by the presentation to the Smithsonian Institution of numerous elegantly -prepared specimens, has added so much to our knowledge of the birds of -the vicinity of Mirador, I take great pleasure in dedicating this new -form. - -[22] _Syrnium nebulosum_, var. _fulvescens_. _Syrnium fulvescens_, -SALVIN, P. Z. S. 1868, 58. CHAR. General appearance of var. _nebulosum_, -but smaller and much more ochraceous. Ground-color of the plumage -ochraceous, inclining to a deep fulvous tint on the upper parts, but -paler below. Feathers of the upper surface tipped with dark umber-brown, -and sometimes with an additional bar about the middle of the feather. -The fulvous bars much exposed, so as to exceed the brown in amount. -Face grayish-white, tinged outwardly with ochraceous. Beneath with the -markings of _nebulosum_ on a deep and uniform ochraceous ground. Wing, -12.75; tail, 8.50; culmen, .95; tarsus, 2.45; middle toe, 1.20 (Coll. -Bost. Soc., No. 367, Guatemala; Van Patten). - -[23] _Nyctale tengmalmi_, var. _tengmalmi_. _Strix tengmalmi_, GMEL. -S. N. p. 291, 1789 (et AUCT. var.). _Nyctale t._, BONAP. et AUCT. -_Noctua t._, CUV. et AUCT. _Athene t._, BOIE. _Ulula t._, BONAP. et -AUCT. _Scotophilus t._, SWAINS. _Strix dasypus_, BECHST. (1791) et AUCT. -_Nyctale d._, GRAY. _Strix passerina_, A. MEYER, 1794.—PALLAS. _Nyctale -planiceps_, BREHM, 1831. _N. pinetorum_, BREHM, 1831. _N. abietum_, -BREHM, 1831. _N. funerea_, BONAP. 1842 (not of LINN., 1761, which is -_Surnia ulula_). “_N. kirtlandi_,” ELLIOT, Ibis, II, Jan., 1872, p. 48 -(not of HOY!). - -[24] _Nyctale harrisi_, CASSIN, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Philad. IV, p. 157, -Feb., 1849.—IB. Tr. A. N. S. II, 2d series, Nov., 1850, pl. v. - -[25] _Scops asio_, var. _enano_, LAWRENCE, MSS. This well-marked race -is founded upon two specimens,—one from Mexico, in the cabinet of Mr. -Lawrence, and another from Guatemala, in the collection of the Boston -Society of Natural History. They are exactly similar in colors; but, as -might be expected, the more southern specimen is the smaller of the two. -This form very closely resembles the _S. atricapilla_ (NATT.) STEPH. -(Temm. Pl. Col. 145), but may be readily distinguished by the haired -toes, they being perfectly naked in _atricapilla_. The latter species is -found as far northward as Mirador. - -[26] _Scops semitorques_, SCHLEGEL, Fauna Japonica, t. 8. For the -privilege of comparing specimens of this bird with _S. kennicotti_, I -am indebted to the courtesy of the officers of the New York Museum, who -kindly sent the fine specimens of that museum for examination. - -[27] _Bubo virginianus_, var. _magellanicus_. _Strix_ (δ) _bubo -magellanicus_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. 1789, p. 286.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, -210.—LESS. Voy. Coq. I, 617; Isis, 1833, 76. _Asio mag._ LESS. Man. Orn. -I. p. 116, 1828. _Bubo mag._ GRAY, List Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 46. -_Strix nacuruta_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. VII, 44, 1816; Enc. -Méth. III, 1281, 1823. _Strix crassirostris_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. Hist. -Nat. VII, 44 (1817); Enc. Méth. III, 1280. _Otus crass._ GRAY, Gen. B. -fol. sp. 6 (1844); List Birds Brit. Mus. p. 106. _Bubo crass._ BONAP. -Consp. Av. p. 48 (1850).—KAUP, Monog. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 116 (under -_B. virginianus_). _Asio crass._ STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 208, 1855. _Strix -macrorhyncha_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 62, 1820. _Otus ? macr._ STEPH. Zoöl. -XIII, pt. ii, p. 59. _Otus macr._ CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 341.—LESS. -Tr. Orn. p. 109. _Asio macr._ LESS. Man. Orn. I, 117. - -[28] _Bubo mexicanus_ (GMEL.) RIDGW. _Asio mexicanus_, BRISS. Orn. -I, 498, 1760.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 208, 1855 (excl. syn.). _Strix -mexicana_, GMEL. S. N. p. 288, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 54; Syn. -I, 123; Gen. Hist. I, 314, A.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 214.—SHAW, Zoöl. -VII, 228.—_Otus mexicanus_, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. ii, p. 57.—_Bubo -clamator_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. pl. xx, 1807. _Scops cl._ GRAY, List -Birds Brit. Mus. 1844, p. 45. _Strix clamata_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, -1279, 1823. _Strix longirostris_, SPIX, Av. Bras. pl. 9 _a_, 1824. -_Strix maculata_, MAX. Beitr. III, 281, 1830. HAB. Middle and South -America generally. A very distinct species, and a typical _Bubo_, -although usually referred to the genus _Otus_. - -[29] _Nyctea scandiaca_, var. _nivea_ (see p. 000). _Strix scandiaca_, -LINN. S. N. (12th ed.) I, 132 (1766). _Nyctea scandiaca_, YAWELL, Hist. -Brit. B. 1872, 187. _Strix nyctea_, LINN. S. N. I, 1766, 132. _Strix -nivea_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 1800. _Nyctea nivea_, GRAY, Gen. fol. sp. 1, -pl. xii, f. 2. - -[30] No. 559, collection of R. Ridgway (♂, Mt. Carmel, Wabash County, -Southern Illinois, October 14, 1869). 22½–54. Weight, 3½ lbs.; bill -black; iris gamboge-yellow; toes ashy; claws horn-color, black at ends. - -[31] _Surnia ulula_, var. _ulula_. _Strix ulula_, LINN. S. N. I, 1766, -133. _Surnia ulula_, BONAP. Cat. 1838, 22. - -[32] _Glaucidium passerinum_, var. _passerinum_. _Strix passerina_, -LINN. I, 133, 1766. _Glaucidium passerinum_, BOIE, Isis, 1826, -976.—SHARPE & DRESSER, Birds Europe, II, April, 1871. _Surnia -passerina_, KEYS. & BLAS. Wirb. Europ. 32, 1840. _Microptynx passerina_, -KAUP, Contr. Orn. 1852, 107. _Noctua passerina_, SCHLEG. Mus. Pays-Bas. -_Striges_, p. 41, 1862. _Strix pusilla_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 205, 1800. -_Strix pygmæa_, BECHST. Nat. Deutschl. IV, 978, t. xxiv, 1805. _Strix -acadica_, TEMM. Man. d’Orn. I, p. 96, 1820 (_nec_ GMEL.). - -[33] _Glaucidium infuscatum_, var. _infuscatum_. _Strix infuscata_, -TEMM. Ind. Général, 1821. _Athene i._, BONAP. Consp. 37, 1850 (excl. -syn.). _Glaucidium i._, KAUP, Cont. Orn. 1852, 103. ? _Strix eluta_, -ILLIG. in Mus. Berl. Cab. Azar. No. 49. _Strix passerinoides_, TEMM. -Pl. Col. 344. _Surnia p._, BONAP. Os. Cuv. Règ. An. I, 57. _Noctua p._, -LESS. Man. & Tr. Orn. - -[34] _Glaucidium infuscatum_, var. _gnoma_. _Glaucidium gnoma_, WAGL. -Isis, 1832, 275.—KAUP, Monog. _Strigidæ_, in Contr. to Orn. 1852, 103 -(under _G. infuscatum_).—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 163, 1855 (under _G. -infuscatum_). _Athene gnoma_, GRAY, Gen. Birds, fol. sp. 35, 1844. -_Hab._ Whole of Middle America, from Panama northward to the Rio Grande -and Mazatlan. Probably yet to be found in Texas or New Mexico. - -[35] Gray, in his “Hand List,” gives in addition _S. fusca_, VIEILL., a -West Indian (“Antilles”) species, which proves to be not congeneric with -_S. cunicularia_, and also _S. domingensis_ (GM.) MÜLL., which I cannot -identify as one of the races of _S. cunicularia_. - -[36] _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _grallaria?_ _? Strix grallaria_, -SPIX, Av. Braz. I, 21, 1824.—? TEM. Pl. Col. 146. I am by no means -satisfied that this form is the true _grallaria_, but it seems to come -nearer to it than any other described. Three specimens (two from Peru, -in the National Museum, and one, without label, in the Museum of the -Boston Society of Natural History) have been examined, and agree in the -characters diagnosed above. - -[37] _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _cunicularia_. _Strix cunicularia_, -MOLINA, St. Chil. 1782, 343. GMEL. S. N. 292, sp. 28,—and of other -authors referring to the South American bird. - -[38] _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _guadeloupensis_, RIDGWAY. This bird -is merely a very dark local form of the common species, though it -differs very appreciably in the sharper definition, greater extent, and -more intense tint of the brown markings of its plumage. - -I have been unable to find any description of this form, and believe -it to be unnamed. It is certainly not the _S. dominicensis_, GMEL. -(S. N. 296, _S. domingensis_, MÜLL. GRAY’S Hand List, 43, No. 438), not -_S. fusca_, VIEILL. (GRAY’S Hand List, No. 439). The type is in the -collection of the Boston Society of Natural History, and belongs to the -Lafresnaye collection (No. 787). - -[39] We give, above, three well-marked illustrations of asymmetry: two -relating to the auditory apparatus of the two sides of the head, and one -of opposite sides of the skull. - -[40] As in the case of the _Strigidæ_, my determinations of the North -American species of _Falconidæ_ were furnished, according to request, to -Dr. Coues, for use in his “Key to North American Birds.” (R. R.) - -[41] By this is meant that they are all of equal length and thickness, -and not progressively smaller from the posterior one to the outer, as -in all _Falconidæ_ with the sole exception of _Pandion_, though there -is a very near approach to this feature in one or two of the species of -_Haliætus_. - -[42] As in all the _Strigidæ_. - -[43] Embracing besides the _Falcones_ all the Polyborine genera, besides -_Herpetotheres_ and _Micrastur_. - -[44] As in the Polyborine forms of the _Falconinæ_. - -[45] Extremes of sixty specimens. - -[46] Sometimes there are more or less distinct linear streaks on the -head and neck, or on the pectoral region. - -[47] Sometimes the irregular markings above have a transverse tendency. - -[48] _Falco gyrfalco_, var. _gyrfalco_ (LINN.). _Falco gyrfalco_, LINN. -S. N. 1766, p. 130.—GMEL. S. N. 275.—SCHLEG. Rev. Crit. II, Tr. de Fauc. -pl. iii; F. van Nederl. Vog. pls. iii and iv.—NAUM. Vog. pl. cccxci. -_Hierofalco gyrfalco_, SCHLEG. BONAP. Rev. Zool. 1854, 535.—NEWTON, -Oötheca Wolleyana, I, 87, pl. c. _F. gyrfalco norvegicus_, WOLLEY. -_Falco gyrfalco norwegicus_, SCHLEG. Mus. Pays-Bas, 1862, 12. _Falco -candicans_, var. γ, BLAS. - -Wing, 13.00–14.50; tail, 9.30; culmen, .98; tarsus, 2.50; middle toe, -1.92. - -[49] _Falco lanarius_, var. _lanarius_ (SCHLEGEL). _Falco lanarius_, -SCHLEG. Krit. Ueb. II, et 11.—IB. Tr. Fauc. 6; Mus. Pays-Bas, _Falcones_ -14; Abh. Zool. 16; Rev. 1844, 2; Naum. 1855, 252; Ibis, 1859, 86.—BREE, -B. Eur. I, 1859, 37 (plate of adult!).—TRISTRAM, Ibis, 284.—GRAY, Hand -List, I, 1869, 19, No. 171. PELZ. Ueb. der Geier und Falk. II, 1863, -20. _Falco lanarius_ α, SCHLEG. Tr. Fauc. 23. _Gennaia lanarius_, -SCHLEG.—BONAP. Rev. 1854, 535. _Falco feldeggii_, SCHLEG. Abh. Zool. -3–6. - -[50] _Falco lanarius_, var. _mexicanus_ (LICHT.). _Falco mexicanus_, -“LICHT. Mus. Berol.”—SCHLEG. Abh. Zool. 1841, 15.—SCHLEG. _Falcones_, -Mus. Pays-Bas, 1862, 18.—PELZ. Neb. der Geier und Falk. II, 1863, 19. -“_Falco sublanarius_, NATTERER.”—PELZ. Ueb. der Geier und Falk. II, -1863, 19. - -[51] _Falco lanarius_, var. _jugger_ (GRAY). _Falco jugger_, GRAY, -Hardw. Ill. Ind. Zool. II, pl. xxvi, 1832.—BONAP. Consp. 24.—GOULD, B. -Asia, pl. i.—JERDON, B. India, 30.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. 1855, 79, No. -129.—SCHLEG. Abh. pl. xv; Mus. Pays-Bas. I, 17. _Falco lugger_, JERD. -Aladr. Journ. X, p. 80; Ill. Ind. Orn. pl. xliv.—BLYTH, Journ. Ass. Soc. -Bengal, XI, 104. _Falco thermophilus_, HODGS. Zool. Misc. 1844, 81. -_Falco lanarius?_ BLYTH, J. As. Soc. Beng. XIX, 318. - -[52] Extremes of more than one hundred specimens measured! - -[53] _Falco communis_, var. _orientalis_ (GMELIN). _Falco orientalis_, -GMEL. S. N. 1789, 264.—LATH. Ind. Orn. 22.—IB. Gen. Hist. I, 162.—DAUD. -Tr. Orn. II, 76.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 83. Two specimens examined, -from Japan (Nat. Mus., 1; Philad. Acad., 1). - -[54] _Falco communis_, var. _communis_ (GMELIN). _Falco communis_, -GMEL. S. N. 1789, 270.—SCHLEG. Krit. übers, p. 14.—IB. Mus. Pays-Bas, -1862, _Falcones_, 1.—PELZ. Ueb. der Geier und Falk. 1863, 23. _Falco -peregrinus_, GMEL. S. N. 1789, 272.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 81, et -AUCT. Seventeen specimens of this race have been examined. They are -distributed as follows: Nat. Mus., 5; Bost. Soc., 6; Philad. Acad., 4; -Cambridge Mus., 2. Total, 17. - -[55] _Falco communis_, var. _melanogenys_ (GOULD). _Falco communis_, -LATH. New S. Wales Dr. II, No. 4. _Falco peregrinus_, VIG. LINN. Trans. -XV, p. 183.—IB. Isis, 1830, 260.—BONAP. Consp. 23, No. 2. _Falco -melanogenys_, GOULD, P. Z. S. pt. 5, 1837, 139.—IB. Synop. B. Austr. pt. -3, pl. xl, fig. 2; Birds of Austr. I, pl. 8; Intr. B. Austr. 19.—GRAY, -Gen. B. fol. sp. 6.—IB. List. B. Brit. Mus. 51.—BONAP. Rev. Zoöl. 1850, -484.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. in Jardine’s Contr. Orn. 1850, 56.—STURT, Exp. -Austr. App. 14.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 84.—GRAY, Hand List, I, -1869, 19, No. 167. _Falco macropus_, SWAINS. An. Menag. 1838, 341. -Eight specimens examined, including the types of GOULD’S figures and -descriptions in the Birds of Australia. - -[56] _Falco aurantius_, GMEL. (Rufous-bellied Falcon). _Falco -aurantius_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 283, 1789.—LATH. Ind. Orn. p. 48, 1790, -Gen. Hist. I, 289.—DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 130.—SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 194.—STEPH. -Zoöl. XIII, ii, 40.—CUV. Reg. An. (ed. 2), I, 322.—LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 91. -BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 25.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 89, 1855. _Hypotriorchis -aurantius_, KAUP, Ueb. Falk. Mus. Senck. p. 257, 1845. _Bidens -aurantius_, SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 17, 1824. _Falco deiroleucus_, TEMM. -Pl. Col. 348, 1836.—LESS. Man. Orn. I, 79.—GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. -1844, p. 25; Gen. B. fol. sp. 12.—BONAP. Rev. Zool. 1850, 486. _Falco -rufigularis_ (not of DAUDIN!) GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. p. 54, 1844. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, Costa Rica; Coll. G. N. Lawrence). Above -bluish-plumbeous, the feathers darker centrally; anteriorly the black -increases in extent, first leaving the plumbeous only as a border to the -feathers, and then dropping it altogether, the head and nape being plain -black; posteriorly the plumbeous predominates, and shows a tendency to -form transverse bars. On the head and neck the black occupies the whole -upper and lateral portions, reaching down to the throat, involving the -whole of the cheeks and maxillæ, which it covers in an angular patch. -Primaries and tail deep black; the former immaculate on their outer -surface; the latter crossed by six (the last terminal) incomplete very -narrow bands of pure white, formed by transverse bars, which touch -neither the shaft nor edges of the feathers; upper tail-coverts crossed -by about two bars of pure white. Immaculate area of the throat and -jugulum deep rufous posteriorly and laterally, pure white anteriorly -and centrally; from the jugulum to the tibiæ, and including the -entire lining of the wing, continuous black, with transverse bars of -white; tibiæ plain rufous; crissum mixed rufous and white,—the former -predominating,—and thickly marked with large transverse spots of black; -inner webs of primaries with transverse ovate spots of white, touching -neither shaft nor edge of the feather; these number seven on the longest -quill (second). Wing-formula, 2–1, 3–4. Wing, 9.90; tail, 5.50; tarsus, -1.55; middle toe, 1.75. - -_Juv._ (♂, 51,293, Costa Rica, La Palma, August 25, 1867; José C. -Zeledon). Whole upper surface black, deepest on the tail; it occupies -the whole head (except the chin, throat, and sides of the neck), the -black cheek-patch having considerable prominence; feathers everywhere -(except on the head and neck) indistinctly bordered with light brownish, -this becoming more distinct posteriorly; upper tail-coverts tipped and -barred beneath the surface with pure white; secondaries, primaries, -and primary coverts narrowly but sharply tipped with pure white; tail -crossed with five very sharp bars of pure white, the last terminal, -the first two concealed by the coverts; these transverse spots touch -the shaft, but not the edge of the feather; on the lateral feather -they are confined to the inner web. Chin, throat, neck, and breast, -abdomen, crissum, and lower tail-coverts, deep orange (not chestnut) -rufous; in fact, this forms the ground-color of the whole lower parts; -but the sides, flanks, and abdomen have such large transverse spots of -black (these exceeding the orange in amount), giving the prevailing -color; the orange of the jugulum is sharply defined, with a semicircular -outline, against the black of the belly, and has distinct lanceolate -shaft-streaks of black; the lower part of the abdomen, and the tibiæ, -have cordate or broadly sagittate black spots, rather exceeding the -orange; the lower tail-coverts have broad transverse spots of black. -(The orange is deepest on the jugulum and crissum, being palest where -most thickly spotted; it is immaculate only on chin, throat, and neck; -the markings are longitudinal only on the jugulum.) Lining of the wing -like the belly, that is, the black predominating; under surface of -primaries with transverse elliptical spots of pale cream-color, seven -in number on the longest. Wing-formula, 2, 1–3. Wing, 9.90; tail, 5.40; -culmen, .72; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, 1.75; outer toe, 1.20; inner, -1.00; posterior, .80. - -_List of Specimens examined._—National Museum, 1; G. N. Lawrence, 1; -Boston Society, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 3. Total, 7. - -_Measurements._—♀. Wing, 10.90–11.30; tail, 6.00–6.25; culmen, .90; -tarsus, 1.50–1.60; middle toe, 1.85–2.10. - -[57] _Falco rufigularis_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 131, 1800.—STRICKL. Orn. -Syn. I, 88, 1855. _Hypotriorchis rufigularis_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. -5, 1844; List B. Brit. Mus. p. 54, 1848; Hand List, I, 21, 1869.—BONAP. -Consp. Av. (sub _F. aurantius_.).—GRAY, Hand List, I, 21, 1869. _Falco -aurantius_, β, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 48, 1790. _Falco aurantius_, γ, LATH. -Ind. Orn. I, 48, 1790. _Falco aurantius_, TEMM. Pl. Col. sub. pl. -cccxlviii, 1836.—LICHT. Verz. Doubl. p. 61, 1823.—CASS. B. N. Am. 1858, -10.—ELLIOT, Birds N. Am. pl. xi. _Falco albigularis_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, -131, 1800. _Falco hæmorrhoidalis_, HAHN, Vög. XV, Lief. pl. i, 1818. -_Falco cucullatus_, SWAINS. An. Menag. p. 340, 1838. _Falco thoracicus_, -DONOVAN, Nat. Rep. pl. xlv, 1822. - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (♂, 52,820, Mazatlan, Western Mexico; Col. A. J. -Grayson). Above dark slate, with a bluish-plumbeous cast, and uniform -over whole surface (wings included) from nape to tail. Anteriorly the -tint is almost black, this covering continuously the whole upper and -lateral portion of the head, reaching down to the throat, and forming -a broad angular projection over the cheeks, which are purer black. All -the feathers above darker centrally, but the obscure spots so formed -mostly concealed; shafts of the feathers inconspicuously black; upper -tail-coverts each with two broad transverse spots of black. Secondaries, -primary coverts, and primaries uniform dull black; the former, and -inner feathers of the latter, very narrowly ashy-whitish on terminal -border,—the coverts with a bluish shade terminally. Tail black (dull -light brown at apical margin), crossed with about six obsolete narrow -bands of plumbeous, these changing to narrower white bars on the inner -webs. Chin, base of maxillæ, throat, sides of the neck, and jugulum, -ochraceous-white, the ochraceous tinge deepest posteriorly; breast -(broadly across) and sides black, with numerous narrow transverse bars -of reddish-white, becoming more ashy posteriorly; abdomen, anal region, -tibiæ, femorals, and lower tail-coverts uniform deep, almost castaneous, -rufous. Lining of the wing dull black, with circular ochraceous-white -spots, but former predominating; whole under surface of primaries and -secondaries a similar blackish-dusky, the former with narrow transverse -elliptical spots of white, of which there are eight (the first and last -merely indicated) on the longest quill. Wing-formula, 2–1–3. Wing, 7.70; -tail, 3.95; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, 1.20. Tail slightly emarginated; -second and third feathers longest (counting from exterior). - -♀ (5,218, Mazatlan; Colonel Grayson). Almost precisely similar to the -male; less contrast between blackish-plumbeous of the nape, and more -bluish of the back; bands on tail five in number; bars on black beneath -more reddish. Wing-formula same. Wing, 8.80; tail, 4.40; tarsus, 1.30; -middle toe, 1.30. - -_Juv._ (Bryant Coll. 1,531, Orizaba, Mex.). Above continuous dull black, -without bluish cast or concealed spots; tail-bands narrower, purer -white; black beneath duller, transverse bars more obsolete, broader, -and pale rusty; chestnut-rufous of posterior lower portions lighter -and less uniform; lower tail-coverts with broad transverse spots of -plumbeous-black. Wing-formula as in adult. Wing, 8.75; tail, 4.40. - -Two young males from Tehuantepec, Mexico (Nos. 613 and 613, May -16, 1871; F. Sumichrast), differ from that described above in some -remarkable respects: the upper parts are in one black, but without the -rusty margins to the feathers; in the other, almost exactly as in the -adult plumage described. The lower parts, however, are most different; -the throat and jugular are uniform deep soft ochraceous, with a few -longitudinal streaks of black near the black abdominal patch; the bars -in this last are deep rufous, and the terminal band of the tail is also -deep rufous. The weak bill, and soft, blended character of the plumage, -indicate unmistakably the very young age of these specimens, which are -also marked “very young” by M. Sumichrast. - -In colors, as well as in size and form, this very handsome little -Falcon closely resembles the _F. severus_, Horsf., of Manilla and the -neighboring East Indian Islands; the main difference is that in that -species the lower surface is wholly deep rufous, instead of partly -black. - -_List of Specimens examined._—National Museum, 11; Boston Society, 6; -Philadelphia Academy, 7; New York Museum, 3; G. N. Lawrence, 3; R. -Ridgway, 2. Total, 32. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 7.20–8.80; tail, 4.20–5.10; culmen, .45–.55; -tarsus, 1.25–1.50; middle toe, 1.15–1.30. Specimens, 13. ♀. Wing, -8.50–9.00; tail, 5.00–5.50; culmen, .58; tarsus, 1.48–1.55; middle toe, -1.30–1.40. Specimens, 8. - -HAB. Tropical America, northward through Central America and Mexico -almost to southern border of United States. - -Localities: Veragua, SCL. & SALV. 1869, 252. - -[58] _Falco_ (_Æsalon_) _lithofalco_, var. _lithofalco_ (GMELIN). -_Accipiter lithofalco_, BRISS. Orn. I, 1760, 349. _Falco lithofalco_, -GMEL. S. N. 1789, 278. _Æsalon lithofalco_, KAUP. Ueb. Falk. Mus. Senck. -258. _Falco regulus_, GMEL. S. N. 1798, 285. _Accipiter æsalon_, BRISS. -Orn. I, 1760, 382. _Falco æsalon_, GMELIN, S. N. 1789, 284.—YARRELL, -Hist. Brit. B., ed. 1871, 74. _Hypotriorchis æsalon_, GRAY, Gen. 1844, -Sp. 10. _Falco intermixtus_, DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 1800, 141. _Falco -emerillus_, SAVIGNY, Descr. Egypt, Pt. I, 1809, 100. _Falco sibiricus_, -SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 1812, 207. _Falco cæsius_, MEYER, Tasch. deutsch. Vög. -I, 1810. _Falco subæsalon_, BREHM, Vög. Deutsch. I, 1831, 67. - -HAB. Europe and Western Asia; Iceland. - -_List of Specimens examined._—National Museum, 8; Boston Society, 4; -Cambridge Museum, 3; New York Museum, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 3. Total, -20. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 7.60–8.00; tail, 5.10–5.30; culmen, .45–.50; -tarsus, 1.35–1.45; middle toe, 1.15: specimens, 10. ♀. Wing, 8.60–9.00; -tail, 6.00–6.30; culmen, .52–.55; tarsus, 1.45–1.47; middle toe, -1.20–1.25: specimens, 10. - -[59] Proceedings Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, Dec., 1870, -pp. 147–149. - -[60] See London Ibis. - -[61] A synopsis of the geographical races of _T. sparverius_ comes after -the remarks on that species, page 1486. - -[62] _Falco_ (_Tinnunculus_) _leucophrys_. _Tinnunculus sparveroides_ -(not of Vigors!), LAWRENCE, Ann. Lyc. N. Y. 1860, p. 1 (in part; light -individuals). _Falco sparverius_ (not of Linn.!), D’ORB. R. Sagra, -Hist. Nat. Cuba, p. 25 (probably). VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, 339; III, 435. -Tinnunculus leucophrys, RIDGWAY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1870, 147. -_Hab._ Cuba and Hayti. - -_Adult_ ♂ (34,244, Remedios, Cuba, December 14, 1863; N. H. Bishop). -Head above pure, fine bluish-ash, becoming (broadly) white on forehead; -the feathers with delicate shaft-lines of black. Nape, back, scapulars, -rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail rich purplish-rufous (almost exactly -as in _sparverius_); no bars on dorsal region, except a very few across -ends of larger posterior scapulars. Terminal band of tail _light -rufous_, .30 in width; subterminal zone of black, very regular, .55 in -width; lateral feather, with outer web and end of inner, reddish-white, -the black subterminal band crossing the inner web only; inner web -anterior to this, continuous rufous; shafts of tail-feathers rufous. -Wings fine bluish-ash, like the crown; middle and lower coverts with -a very few elliptical, _longitudinal_ specks or touches of black on -the shafts; secondaries passing terminally into white, their exposed -basal half pure black; primaries pure black, exposed edges of inner -webs paler. Whole under surface of wings _immaculate_ pure white, -with a faint delicate reddish tinge; inner webs of primaries serrated -along the shaft with dusky. Forehead and superciliary stripe (broadly -and sharply defined against the bluish of the crown), whole side of -the head (including lores and ear-coverts), and entire lower parts, -continuous, _immaculate_, pure white, with a delicate orange tinge, -except anteriorly. The “mustache” is but just indicated by some blackish -touches, and in some individuals it is wanting entirely, while in all -it is very restricted in width; the other black markings of the head -are, however, as in _sparverius_. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4, 1. Wing, 7.00; -tail, 5.00; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .90; culmen, .46. A specimen in -Mr. Lawrence’s collection, which with others he has kindly lent me for -examination, is in beautifully high plumage. It differs from the type -in having the white of the lower parts tinged, or rather _stained_, -with a beautiful, delicate _rufous_, or almost a _salmon-orange_. The -terminal band of the tail also inclines decidedly to this color, while -the white of the under surface of the wing (particularly towards ends of -secondaries and primaries) is tinged with a more pinkish shade of the -same. Another of Mr. Lawrence’s specimens differs in the clearer white -beneath (that is, with less reddish tinge,—the pureness and continuity -does not vary), which extends entirely around the neck, giving a -sharper definition to the black pattern. The “mustache,” however, is -almost entirely absent; the black transverse spots on larger posterior -scapulars are rather more conspicuous, and the terminal band of the tail -is more purely white. - -♀ (31,984, Cuba, J. Ackhurst). Generally similar to _sparverius_, but -rufous brighter, the bars narrower and less numerous; the nape or upper -part of back, and rump, being almost immaculate. Tail with ten black -bars, these scarcely touching the shaft; the last is about .36 wide, the -others about .16; tip of tail scarcely paler than base; lateral feather -with outer web edged broadly with paler or ochraceous white, rufous next -the shaft, immaculate; inner web with only three or four very narrow -bars on terminal half. Head as in the male, but vertex considerably -tinged with rufous. Whole lower parts, including frontal and lateral -regions of the head, continuous pure white; breast with a very faint -yellowish tinge; side of the breast and sides with a few scattered -minute elliptical longitudinal flakes of rusty,—more black on the shaft. -Whole under surface of the wing white, as in the male. Wing-formula, 2, -3–4, 1. Wing, 7.00; tail, 4.70; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, .90; culmen, -.51. A Cuban female belonging to Mr. Lawrence is exactly similar. One in -the S. I. Collection, from Hayti (42,420, Port au Prince, June 5, 1860; -A. C. Younglove), differs only in less purely black bars, and in utter -absence of the mustache. A male from the same locality (43,418) is like -it in the last respect. - -_Juv._ ♀ (34,235, Remedios, Cuba, December, 1864; N. H. Bishop). Similar -to the adult described, but jugulum tinged with soft pinkish-rufous, and -the black bars on upper parts—especially on wings—with a plumbeous cast. - -In regard to this form, we must either consider that it is a distinct -species, or assume that it is a light phase of a Cuban species, of which -_T. sparveroides_ may be the dark or rufescent form; knowing, as we do, -that the differences between _leucophrys_ and _sparveroides_ depend on -neither sex, age, nor season, then the only way to account for the two -phases is to consider that the Cuban bird (if we deny it the rank of a -species) presents a very peculiar example of dimorphism. I have never -yet seen a specimen which was not decidedly one or the other. An adult -male from Cuba is immaculate white beneath, the breast very strongly -tinged with deep rufous, the mustache wholly absent. Two females have -narrow brown streaks on the breast, the mustache nearly obsolete; the -dusky bars on primaries and tail much narrower. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 7; Bost. Soc., 3; Philad. -Acad., 2; G. N. Lawrence, 4. Total, 16. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 6.80–7.30; tail, 4.90–5.20; culmen, .45; -tarsus, 1.45; middle toe, .90; specimens, 4. ♀, Wing, 7.10–7.60; tail, -4.90–5.60; culmen, .50–.52; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, .91; specimens, 6. - -[63] _Falco_ (_Tinnunculus_) _sparveroides_. _Falco sparveroides_, -VIGORS, Zoöl. Journ. III, 436, 1827; Isis, 1830, p. 1166.—D’ORB. (R. de -la Sagra), Hist. Cuba, 1840, p. 30, pl. i. _Tinnunculus sparveroides_, -GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 12, 1844.—FRASER, Zoöl. Typ. pl. xxx.—BONAP. -Consp. Av. p. 27.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 100, 1855.—LAWR. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. -1860, p. 1 (in part dark specimens).—RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. -1870, 149. _Tinnunculus dominicensis_ (not of GMEL.?), GRAY, Hand List, -I, 24, 1869.—GUNDLACH, Repert. Cuba, I, 225, 1865. _? Hypotriorchis -ferrugineus_, SAUSS. Rev. et Mag. Zoöl. 1859, p. 117, pl. iii. - -_Hab._ Cuba (only?). - -_Adult_ ♂ (31,985, Cuba; J. Ackhurst). Above, continuously dark -plumbeous, from bill to the tail, the shafts of the feathers black -(these streaks most noticeable on the head above), the larger scapulars -and interscapulars darker centrally, forming indistinct or obscure -spots; this plumbeous covers the whole neck laterally, and the middle -area of the ear-coverts. An obsolete “mustache” running from the lores -downward across the cheeks, a spot across ends of the ear-coverts -connected with that on the neck, and obsolete though continuous collar -round the nape, inclining to black. Primaries wholly black, basal third -of secondaries the same. (No spots on wings.) Tail deep chestnut, shafts -of feathers black; terminal band dull slate; subterminal black zone -about .60 of an inch in width, but instead of running sharply across, as -in all the varieties of _sparverius_ and in _leucophrys_, the black runs -along the edge of each feather, bordering it nearly to the base; the -lateral feather has both webs continuous deep chestnut, the tip slate, -the subterminal spot and shaft black. Chin and throat dull ashy-white; -rest of lower parts continuous deep chestnut-rufous, this palest on the -anal region, and tinged with slate across the jugulum as well as on the -flanks, where there are a very few darker spots. (The chestnut beneath -is unspotted.) Inner webs of primaries mottled along the edge with paler -slate, this running in points toward the shafts, giving an idea of bars. -Wing-formula, 2, 3–4, 1. Wing, 7.00; tail, 4.45; tarsus, 1.31; middle -toe, .90; culmen, .50. - -♂ (29,579, Cuba, April 25; Charles Wright). Head above, dark plumbeous; -feathers with darker shaft-lines; black stripes of head more sharply -defined than in the male. Above, continuously deep rufous (brighter -and more ferruginous than in the different styles of _sparverius_), -continuously barred, as in var. _sparverius_, but blacker, the bars -on upper part of back with tendency to longitudinal direction. Tail -with twelve narrow, sharply defined bars of black; but the ground-color -continuous rufous to the tip, the lateral feather as deeply rufous as -the middle. Inner webs of primaries deep rusty-rufous, with twelve very -narrow transverse bars of dusky crossing to the edge. The middle area -of the ear-coverts, with the chin and throat, is dull white; the rest -of the lower parts (including side of the neck) and whole lining of the -wing are deep rusty-rufous, paler on the crissum, nearly white on the -anal region; these regions have no spots, except on the flanks, where -are a few narrow transverse bars. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4, 1. Wing, 7.00; -tail, 4.45; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .90; culmen, .51. - -_Juv._ ♂ (39,108, Remedios, Cuba, December 11, 1863; N. H. Bishop). -General appearance of the adult; but back, scapulars, rump, and upper -tail-coverts chestnut-rufous, uniform with the tail; these parts are, -however, strongly clouded with more bluish slate, and the blackish spots -are more distinct. The black zone of the tail runs more sharply across, -and is narrower than in the adult. The middle area of the ear-coverts is -nearly as light as the throat. The rufous beneath is less castaneous, as -well as less continuous, becoming nearly white on abdomen and tibia; the -slaty tinge on the jugulum is wanting. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4, –1. Wing, -6.85; tail, 4.90; tarsus, 1.20; middle toe, .90; culmen, .50. - -♀ (23,546, Monte Verde, Cuba, July 16, 1861; Charles Wright). Differing -from the adult in the same respects as does that of _sparverius_, the -chief differences consisting in the deeper chestnut of the tail, and -broader and blacker bars above. Rufous beneath, with numerous sagittate -spots of black; lower tail-coverts with subterminal bars, and lining -of the wing with sparse streaks of the same. Plumage generally with a -blended appearance. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4=1. Wing, 7.40; tail, 4.85; -tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .90. Another specimen (No. 23,545, Monte -Verde, July 17, 1861; C. Wright) is much the same, but has distinct -spots of black on the abdomen, and tear-shaped marking of the same on -the scapulars. The young female of this species bears a remarkably -close resemblance to the young of _T. punctatus_, Cuv., of Madagascar, -agreeing almost entirely with it in colors, with the exception of those -on the tail, the bars on which are black and ash, instead of black and -rufous. Whether it be considered a distinct species or not, the _T. -sparveroides_ certainly grades into the _T. sparverius_, in the very -near relation of an aberrant condition of the adult phase of the latter, -noticed in specimens from Florida and adjoining portions of the South -American and Gulf coast, and the young normal or usual plumage of the -former. As is well known, the young ♂ _sparveroides_ has a reddish -and also more or less barred or spotted back, as in the male of all -the races of _sparverius_ at all ages; the intermediate or transition -dress of the young male showing cloudings of plumbeous in the rufous, -indicative of the coming uniform plumbeous of perfect maturity. Now, -knowing that a wholly plumbeous dorsal region in the adult, and wholly -or mostly rufous dorsal region in the young male, are characteristic -features of _T. sparveroides_, we are somewhat surprised to find in -adult males of _T. sparverius_ var. _isabellinus_ from Florida, a -greater or less mixture of plumbeous feathers in various parts of the -dorsal region, particularly in the rump and upper tail-coverts. Many -specimens from this locality show another approach to the young male -of _sparveroides_ in the deep, unspotted rufous of the lower parts, -sometimes the throat only being white. A young male of _sparveroides_ -from Cuba, and an adult male of _sparverius_ said to be from Cuba, -are at a cursory glance not distinguishable; a close comparison, -however, will disclose the fact, that in the former, the badly defined -head-markings, nearly obsolete black markings on the wings (including -basal space of the secondaries, which is conspicuously and sharply -defined in the other specimen), and the blurred character of the bars -over inner webs of primaries, remain as characters distinguishing the -former. The lateral tail-feather, too, has its outer web deep rufous, -while it is white, black-spotted, in the specimen of _sparverius_. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 14; Bost. Soc., 3; Philad., 1; -G. N. Lawrence, 4; R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 23. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 6.90–7.10; tail, 4.80–5.10; culmen, .50; -tarsus, 1.45–1.48; middle toe, .90. Specimens, 4. ♀. Wing, 7.00–7.50; -tail, 5.00–5.15; culmen, .50; tarsus, 1.35–1.40; middle toe, .88–.90. -Specimens, 3. - -[64] _Falco sparverius_, var. _australis_. _Falco gracilis_ (not of -LESSON!), SWAINS. An. Menag. p. 281, 1838. _Falco sparverius_ (not of -LINNÆUS!), TSCHUDI, Faun. Per. An. p. 110. _Tinnunculus sparverius_ -(not of VIEILLOT!), DARW. Zoöl. Beag. pt. iii, 29. _Bidens sparverius_, -SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 16. _Bidens dominicensis_ (not _F. dominicensis_ of -GMELIN!), SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 16. _Tinnunculus dominicensis_, STRICKL. -Orn. Syn. I, 100, 1855 (in part). _T. sparverius_, var. _australis_, -RIDGWAY, P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 149. - -_Hab._ Most of continental South America, except the North Atlantic -and the Caribbean coasts, where replaced by the var. _isabellinus_. -In Chile and Western Brazil, mixed with, but not replaced by, var. ? -_cinnamominus_. - -_Adult_ ♂ (20,937, Parana; Coll. of the U. S. Paraguay Exp.). Similar -to var. _sparverius_. Head above with the rufous entirely wanting; -rufous of the plumage more vinaceous; black bars of the scapulars almost -transversely cordate, and nearer the end of the feather; black zone of -the tail only .60 of an inch wide. Beneath continuously white, with -elliptical spots or streaks of pure black on sides, becoming somewhat -circular on the flanks. Wing, 7.70; tail, 5.30; tarsus, 1.40; middle -toe, .92; culmen, .48. In all respects, except the points described, -resembling the true _sparverius_ of North America, of which it is -nothing more than a geographical race, and a not very strongly marked -one, though the differences indicated are very constant. - -♀ (50,942, Brazil; Sr. Don Fred. Albuquerque). Very similar to -_sparverius_; the rufous, equally pale, is, however, more vinaceous; -the tail decidedly less rufescent. The black bars are about the same, -but on the tail there are thirteen, and the subterminal one is scarcely -broader than the rest; the lateral tail-feather has the bars only on -inner web, and here almost wanting. Head above as in the male, being -without the rufous tinge on the vertex. Beneath yellowish-white, about -like _sparverius_; the whole breast and side with numerous longitudinal -dashes of deep brown, similar in form to _sparverius_, but of much -deeper tint. Inner web of longest primary with twelve transverse bars of -white, these scarcely exceeding the dusky ones. Wing-formula, 2, 3–4–1. -Wing, 7.80; tail, 5.20; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, .95; culmen, .55. - -_Juv._ ♂ (16,570, Bogota; W. Evans). Differing from the adult in deeper -rufous and broader black bars; those on the tail twelve in number, -more than doubling in width those of the adult; markings beneath more -blended, darker brown. Differs from young of var. _sparverius_ in -much lighter rufous above; less purely black bars; entire absence of -rufous on crown, and narrower shaft-streaks here; less ochraceous-white -beneath, and less blended markings. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 16; Bost. Soc., 3; Philad. -Acad., 16; N. Y. Mus., 4; Mus. Comp. Zoöl., 2; R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 42. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 6.80–7.90; tail, 4.75–5.90; culmen, .48–.50; -tarsus, 1.40–1.50; middle toe, .90–1.00. Specimens, 17. ♀. Wing, -7.20–8.15; tail, 5.10–5.80; culmen, .48–.52; tarsus, 1.20–1.52; middle -toe, .90. Specimens, 25. - -[65] _Falco sparverius_, var. _dominicensis_. _Accipiter_ (_Æsalon_) -_dominicensis_, BRISSON, Orn. I, 389, pl. xxxii. f. 2, 1760. _Falco -dominicensis_, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. p. 285, 1789. _Tinnunculus -dominicensis_, STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 100, 1855 (in part only). -_Tinnunculus sparverius_, var. _dominicensis_, RIDGWAY, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. -Philad. Dec. 1870, 149. - -_Hab._ Lesser Antilles north to Porto Rico and St. Thomas. - -_Adult_ ♂ (52,428, St. Bartholemi; Professor Sundevall). Resembling -var. _isabellinus_ in general appearance, but darker, and more heavily -barred above; beneath much more spotted. Head above with blackish -shaft-streaks and vertex with a patch of rufous; this, however, somewhat -restricted. Rufous above, with numerous broad bars of black, these -running continuously across and extending anteriorly to the neck; rump -even, with a few very small, transversely sagittate specks of the same. -Tail crossed by nine perfectly regular and sharply defined narrow bands -of pure black, anterior to the subterminal zone, which is about .80 of -an inch wide; outer feather white, tinged medially with rufous, barred -with black to the base. Black spotting in dark cinereous of the wing -very exaggerated in comparison with var. _sparverius_. Markings beneath -very numerous, the sides being thickly marked with large cordate or -nearly circular spots of black, these growing larger toward the flanks. -The rufous of the breast is about as in var. _isabellinus_. Wing, 6.80; -tail, 5.10; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, .94; culmen, .53. Wing-formula, -3–2–4, 5, 6–1. - -♀ (52,429, St. Bartholemi; Professor Sundevall). Black bands above -exceeding in breadth the rufous ones; each feather of the head above -with a sharp medial streak of black. Tail with twelve bands of black; -outer feather approaching white. Markings beneath pure black, as in the -male; their course longitudinal anteriorly, on the sides more circular, -transverse on the flanks. Wing, 6.70; tail, 5.00; tarsus, 1.30; middle -toe, 1.00; culmen, .53. Wing-formula, 3, 2–4–1, 5. - -The male selected for the type is an extreme example; no others have -the character of the variety presented in a degree as exaggerated as -this specimen. Nos. 362 (♂) and 170 (♀) of the Bryant Collection from -Porto Rico, and No. 36,554 (♂, St. Thomas; Robert Swift), may be taken -as more perfect, or rather as average representatives of the variety. -These two males are almost exactly similar. They have the back as -strongly barred as in the type, and the black spots on the rump are -as noticeable; but the tail, instead of being crossed by regular, -perfectly continuous, sharply defined bands, has these broader and -more broken, being indicated only by spots along the edge; they also -decrease in width toward the base. The Porto Rico specimen has very -much ashy-white between the two last black bars, this being found on -the four lateral feathers; between the next two, on three feathers, -etc. The other specimen, however, is destitute of this ashy-white, -although the outer web of the lateral feather is pure white,—spotted, -however, with black. In the Porto Rico specimen the breast is as deeply -ochraceous as in the _isabellinus_ style; but the spots are larger -and more numerous even than in any examples of _sparverius_. A female -from here differs from the type only in a few unimportant points, the -principal difference being in the markings beneath. In this there is a -general ochraceous wash on the lower parts, the markings linear only -on the breast, becoming tear-shaped and circular on the sides, and -transverse on the flanks; the red patch on the crown is quite extensive. -In the whole series the third quill is longest, and the bill is, in -all, considerably longer than in any specimen of _sparverius_ excepting -those from Florida. Another female from St. Thomas (36,551; Robert -Swift) is almost exactly like the one from Porto Rico; the rufous of -the crown covers nearly the whole top of the head, and is quite bright. -In a series of skins belonging to Mr. Newton, deposited in the S. I. -Collection, we find a pair of this variety from the island of St. Croix, -W. I. They are perfectly typical examples. The male (“May 2, 1857, -B. B.”) has the large black spots of the side transversely cordate; the -bands on the tail are broken into spots on edges of the feathers; the -female (“s. p. 227, B. 6”) is in nearly all respects like the specimen -described. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 7; Bost. Soc., 3; A. Newton, 2. -Total, 10. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 6.20–6.80; tail, 4.50–5.50; culmen, .45–.55; -tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, .95. Specimens, 5. ♀. Wing, 6.80–7.10; tail, -5.50–5.75; culmen, .55; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe, 1.05. Specimens, 5. - -[66] _Falco sparverius_, var. _cinnamominus_. _Falco cinnamominus_, -SWAINSON, An. Menag. p. 281, 1838. _Pœcilornis cinnamominus_, -KAUP, Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, p. 53 (under _P. sparverius_). -_Tinnunculus cinnamomeus_, GRAY, Gen. B. fol. sp. 11, 1844; List B. -Brit. Mus. p. 62.—BONAP. Consp. Av. p. 27.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 100, -1855. _Tinnunculus_ (_sparverius_ var.?) _cinnamominus_, RIDGWAY, -P. A. N. S. Phil. Dec. 1870, 149. - -_Hab._ Chile and Western Brazil. - -_Adult_ ♂ (48,821, Valdivia, Chile, January, 1864; Nat. Mus. of -Chile, Dr. Philippi, Dir.). Somewhat like var. _australis_; in fact, -resembling this in general appearance. Head above, however, very dark -dull plumbeous, with very distinct shaft-streaks of black. Back and -scapulars sparsely barred with black, the bars broadest posteriorly. -Tail much brighter rufous than the back; continuous rufous to the -extreme tip; a very narrow subterminal band of black, .30 of an inch -wide, crossing about .55 of an inch from the tip, making the terminal -deep rufous, nearly twice as wide as the black; toward the outer -feathers the black is thrown into a spot on each web, scarcely touching -the shaft; on the lateral feather the black is lacking entirely, the -inner web being continuous rufous, the outer paler, inclining to -ochraceous-white. Primaries conspicuously white terminally; inner -webs white, with transverse bars of dusky; there being on the longest -(second) ten spaces of white, these more than twice the width of the -dusky bars; lining of the wing creamy-white, with minute streaks of -black sparsely distributed. Forehead more hoary than the crown; lores -white. Ear-coverts, neck, and entire lower parts, continuous dull white; -breast with a few minute black streaks; flanks with more expanded -tear-shaped dashes of the same. The “mustache” is very conspicuous, as -are also the oral, cervical, and nuchal markings. Wing-formula, 2=3–1, -4. Wing, 7.40; tail, 5.15; tarsus, 1.40; middle toe, .95; culmen, .50. -No. 50,944 (Brazil; Sr. Don Fred. Albuquerque) is exactly similar. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 2. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 7.40–7.70; tail, 5.50; culmen, .50; tarsus, -1.40–1.42; middle toe, .95. Specimens, 2. - -[67] _Polyborus tharus._ _Falco tharus_, MOLINA, Sp. Chil. p. 264, -343; 1782. _Polyborus tharus_, STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 19, 1855. _Falco -cheriway_, JACQ. Beyträg. p. 17, pl. iv, 1784. _Polyborus cheriway_, -RICH. SCHOMB. Vers. Faun. Brit. Guiana, p. 741, 1840. _Falco plancus_, -GMEL. Syst. Nat. p. 257, 1789. _Falco brasiliensis_, GMEL. Syst. Nat. -p. 262, 1789 (et AUCT.). _Polyborus brasiliensis_, VIG. Zoöl. Journ. I, -320, 1824. _Caracara vulgaris_, LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 34; 1831. _Polyborus -vulgaris_, SPIX. Av. Bras. I, pl. i, a. - -_Adult male_ (21,850, South America; T. R. Peale). Forehead, crown, -occiput, and wings brownish-black; middle wing-coverts fainter, with -obscure whitish bars; primaries white in the middle (just beyond -the coverts), this portion having obsolete washes of grayish, in -form of faintly indicated transverse bars; basal three-fourths of -the tail white, with numerous narrow, washed bars of grayish, these -becoming more faint toward the base; tail with a terminal zone of -black, about two inches broad. Cheeks, chin, and throat soiled white, -unvaried; body in general (including neck, breast, sides, abdomen, -back, and scapulars) transversely barred with black and white, the -white prevailing anteriorly; beneath, the black bars grow gradually -wider posteriorly, giving the tibiæ and femorals a uniformly blackish -appearance; on the back and scapulars also the black bars exceed -the white in width, but they are very sharply defined, regular, and -continuous; rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, white, with numerous -faint bars of grayish. Under side of the wing black; outer six primaries -white in the middle portion, beyond the coverts, this patch extending -obliquely across; secondaries rather broadly barred on basal two-thirds -with black and white, leaving the terminal third unvaried. Third quill -longest; fourth scarcely shorter; second intermediate between fifth and -sixth; first a little longer than seventh. Wing, 16.00; tail, 6.50; -tarsus, 3.50; middle toe, 1.75. - -_Young_ (13,923, South America; T. R. Peale). Forehead, crown, occiput, -nape, back, wings, and lower parts dark sepia-brown; feathers of the -breast, sides, and abdomen marked centrally with a broad longitudinal -stripe of soiled fulvous-white; those of nape and back more obsoletely -striped, and variegated irregularly at ends with the same; wing-coverts -passing terminally into pale brownish; secondaries obscurely barred with -the same. Cheeks, chin, and throat unvariegated soiled white; tibial -feathers with shaft-stripes of pale fulvous. Rump, tail-coverts, and -tail as in adult. Several specimens from Buenos Ayres (Conchitas; Wm. -H. Hudson), and one from Paraguay (59,236; T. J. Page, U. S. N.), have -the black of the lower part of the abdomen and flanks quite continuous. -There is never, however, in South American specimens, an approach to the -peculiar characters of _auduboni_, as defined. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 7; Bost. Soc., 4; Philad. -Acad., 3; N. Y. Mus., 3. Total, 17. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 16.00–17.20; tail, 10.00–11.00; culmen, -1.20–1.30; tarsus, 3.70–3.90; middle toe, 1.75–2.15. Specimens, 2. ♀. -Wing, 17.70; tail, 10.00; culmen, 1.41; tarsus, 4.20; middle toe, 2.30. -Specimens, 1. Sex? Wing, 15.50; tail, 10.00; culmen, 1.30; tarsus, 3.65; -middle toe, 1.90. Smallest of 4. - -[68] _Pandion haliætus_, var. _haliætus_ (LINN.). _Aquila haliætus_, -BRISS. Orn. I, 440, pl. xxxiv. _Falco haliætus_, LINN. S. N. I, 1766, -129. _Pandion haliætus_, LESS. Man. Orn. I, 86. _Falco arundinaceus_, -GMEL. 1733. _Pandion fluvialis_, SAVIGN. Descr. Egyp. I, 96, 1809. -_Pandion alticeps_ and _planiceps_, BREHM, Vög. Deutschl. 33, 1831. -_Pandion indicus_, HODGS. Cat. Gray’s Misc. 81. - -_Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 3; Bost. Soc., 2; Philad. Acad., 3; -other sources, 10. Total, 18. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 18.00–18.50; tail, 8.50–8.70; culmen, -1.20–1.30; tarsus, 1.95–2.00; middle toe, 1.50–1.80. Specimens, 4. -♀. Wing, 19.50–20.50; tail, 9.00–9.50; culmen, 1.35–1.45; tarsus, -2.00–2.10; middle toe, 1.85–1.90. Specimens, 4. - -Five specimens from the Palæarctic Region (including one from Japan and -one from Morocco) compare with three from India as follows:— - -Palæarctic specimens: Wing, 18.70–20.40; tail, 9.00–10.00; culmen, -1.28–1.35; tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.75–1.80. - -Indian specimens: Wing, 17.00–19.75; tail, 7.00–8.75; culmen, 1.28–1.35; -tarsus, 2.00; middle toe, 1.75. - -The Indian specimens are slightly darker than the northern ones. In -the northern series, the smallest is one from Morocco. This has the -breast as white as any Australian example, and has the head and neck -above as light as in many of them. The Japanese specimen is exactly -like European ones in color, but is intermediate between them and the -Indian ones in size, measuring, wing, 17.50; tail, 8.80; culmen, 1.30; -tarsus, 2.15; middle toe, 1.60. The smallest in the series is one from -Celebes, in the Museum of Comparative Zoölogy at Cambridge (No. 12,196). -This one measures, wing, 15.20; tail, 7.50; culmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.00; -and middle toe, 1.60. In colors it approaches very closely to var. -_leucocephalus_. - -[69] _Pandion haliætus_, var. _leucocephalus_ (GOULD). _Pandion -fluviatilis_, var. 1, LESS. Tr. Orn. 1831, 46. _Pandion leucocephalus_, -GOULD, Synop. B. Austr. I, 1832, 22, pl. vi. _Pandion gouldi_, KAUP, -Isis, 1847. - -_Specimens examined._—Philad. Acad., 8 (Gould’s types); Boston Soc., 1. -Total, 9. - -[70] McGillivray describes this plumage as that of the young, and states -that the sexes are colored alike; but my observations upon freshly -killed specimens, as well as skins, induce me to believe that the sexes -are differently colored in their adult plumage, as described above, -and the young are not different from the adults. I may be mistaken in -adopting this view, but a male killed by myself, in the white-bordered -plumage, had scarlet irides and other unmistakable characteristics of -perfect maturity. - -[71] _Elanus leucurus_, var. _axillaris_ (LATHAM). _Falco axillaris_, -LATH.—N. S. WALES, Draw. I. No. 49, 1801. _Circus axillaris_, VIEILL. -N. D. IV, 453. _Elanus axillaris_, GRAY, Ann. N. H. XI, 189.—IB. Hand -List, I, 28, No. 261. _Elanus notatus_, GOULD, B. Aust. I, pl. xxiii. - -_Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 3; Boston Soc., 1. - -[72] _Elanus leucurus_, var. _scriptus_ (GOULD). _Elanus scriptus_, -GOULD, P. Z. S. pl. x, 1842, 80.—BONAP. Consp. 22.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. in -Jardine’s Coutr. Orn. 1850, 60.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 28, No. 262. - -_Specimens examined._—Mus. Comp. Zoöl., Cambridge, 1. - -[73] _Elanus cæruleus_, var. _cæruleus_ (DESFONTAINES). _Falco -cæruleus_, DESFONT. Mém. Ac. Sc. 1787, 503, pl. xv. _Elanus cæruleus_, -STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 1855, 137. _Falco melanopterus_, DAUD. Tr. -Orn. II, 1800, 152. _Elanus melanopterus_, LEACH, Zoöl. Misc. pl. -cxxii.—GOULD, B. Eur. pl. xxxi.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 28, No. 258. _Falco -clamosus_, SHAW, Zoöl. VII, 200. _Elanus cæsius_, SAVIG. Descr. Egyp. -pt. i, p. 98. _Elanoides cæsius_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, 1206. - -_Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 2 (Southern Europe). - -[74] _Elanus cæruleus_, var. _minor_ (BONAP.). _Falco vociferus_, LATH. -Ind. Orn. 1790, 16. _? Falco sonninensis_, LATH. Ind. Orn. Supp. 1801, -12. _Elanus minor_, BONAP. Consp. 1850, p. 22.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 28, -No. 259. - -_Specimens examined._—Am. Mus., N. Y., 4 (2 India, 2 Africa); Boston -Soc., 4 (3 Juv.); Mus. Comp. Zoöl., Cambridge, 2. Total, 10. - -[75] _Ictinia plumbea_ (GMEL.). _Falco plumbeus_, GMEL. S. N. 1789, -283. _Ictinia plumbea_, VIEILL. 1816, 24.—GRAY, Hand List, I. _Nertus -plumbeus_, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 314. _Pœcilopteryx plumbeus_, KAUP, Ueb. -Falk. Mus. Senck. 1845, 258. _Milvus cenchris_, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept. -1807, pl. x. _Buteo cenchris_, CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 337. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 4; Philadelphia Academy, 4; New -York Museum, 4; Boston Society, 4; Museum Comp. Zoöl., 1; Cab. G. N. -Lawrence, 2; Coll. R. Ridgway, 1. Total, 20. - -[76] _Rostrhamus sociabilis_, var. _sociabilis_ (VIEILL.). -_Herpetotheres sociabilis_, VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. Hist. Nat. XVIII, 318, -1818; Enc. Méth. III, 1248. _Rostrhamus sociabilis_, D’ORB. Voy. Am. -Merid. II. 73, 1835; Synop. Av. Mag. Zoöl. 1850. GRAY, List B. Brit. -Mus. p. 47; Gen. and Subgen. Brit. Mus. p. 6.—KAUP, Monog. Falc. Cont. -Orn. 1850, 78.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 136, 1855. _Falco rostrhamus_, MAX. -Beiträg. III. 182, 1830. _Cymindis leucopygus_, SPIX, Av. Bras. I, 7, -pl. ii, 1824. _Rostrhamus niger_, LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 56, 1831. - -HAB. South and Middle America, from Buenos Ayres to Eastern Mexico -(Mirador). - -Localities: Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 220); Ecuador (SCLATER, 1860, 289); -Panama (LAWRENCE, VII, 1861, 316); La Plata (BURMEISTER, II, 1861, 435); -Brazil (PELZ. Orn. Bras. I, 6); Buenos Ayres (SCL. & SALV. 1869, 160). - -The numerous South American specimens which have come under my notice -all differ in the respects pointed out in the synopsis from West Indian -and Floridan examples. The following descriptions of a pair of the -southern race will show the average characters of var. _sociabilis_. - -_Adult male_ (Baranquilla, Ecuador, CROWTHER; Coll. G. N. Lawrence). -Differing from the Florida male in being much darker; general color -plumbeous-black, instead of glaucous-plumbeous; head, wings, and tail -deep black. Wing-formula, 3=4, 5–2, 6–7, 1. Wing, 12.90; tail, 7.80; -culmen, 1.05; tarsus, 1.65; middle toe, 1.45; hind toe, .80; its claw, -1.10. - -_Adult female_, with traces of immature plumage (53,081, Conchitas, -Buenos Ayres, September, 1867; William H. Hudson). Whole plumage -(except tail-coverts) brownish-black, deepest black on head and tail; -more brownish on wing-coverts and slightly glaucous on the neck. All -the feathers, except those of the head, neck, and back, bordered -inconspicuously with paler; these edgings more distinct and rufescent -on the lesser wing-coverts; tibiæ tinged with rusty. Wing-formula, 3=4, -5–2–6–7, 1. Wing, 14.00; tail, 7.60; culmen, 1.00; tarsus, 1.70; middle -toe, 1.60; hind toe, .95; its claw, 1.20. - -A specimen from Mexico, supposed to be from Mirador (No. 44,444), is -dark in color, like South American examples; the bill is unusually -large, the chord of the culmen measuring 1.25; wing, 14.25; tail, 8.30; -tarsus, 1.70; middle toe, 1.65. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 7; New -York Museum, 2; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 2; Museum, Cambridge, 1; Boston -Society, 3. Total, 17. - -[77] _Rostrhamus hamatus_ (VIEILL.). _Falco hamatus_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 61, -231, 1899.—ILLIG. Mus. Berol. _Buteo hamatus_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, -1223. _Rostrhamus tæniurus_, CAB. J. für. Orn. 1854, p. lxxx. No. 16,634 -(Amazon River; Lieutenant Herndon). Entirely uniform plumbeous, with -a glaucous cast, becoming darker on the head, and black on primaries -and tail; tail perfectly even, with an obscurely indicated, narrow, -interrupted band of dark plumbeous across its middle portion. A specimen -in the collection of the Boston Society has the bands on the tail more -conspicuous, and agrees with the _R. tæniurus_ of Cabanis. I have seen -no young specimens of this species, but, judging from Temminck’s figure, -cited above, they are very similar to the same stage of _R. sociabilis_. - -[78] The females and immature males are hard to distinguish, and from -the unsatisfactory character of the material at my command I have not -succeeded in finding reliable characters by which these plumages of -the three races may be distinguished. Consequently I give only the -characters of the adult males, in defining the distinctions between -them. - -[79] _Circus cyaneus_, var. _cyaneus_ (LINN.). _Falco cyaneus_, LINN. -S. N. 1766, 126. _Circus cyaneus_, LESS. Man. Orn. I, 105.—GOULD, B. -Europe, pl. xxxiii.—BONAP. List, 22.—DEGL. Orn. Eur. I, 74.—STRICKL. -Orn. Syn. I, 147.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 37, No. 364. _Falco pygargus_, -LINN. S. N. 1766, 126. _Circus pygargus_, STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pl. ii, 41. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 3; Philadelphia Academy, 4; New -York Museum, 1; Boston Society, 5. Total, 13. - -[80] _Circus cyaneus_, var. _cinereus_ (VIEILL.). _Circus cinereus_, -VIEILL. Nouv. Dict. H. N. IV, 1816, 454.—DARWIN, Zoöl. Beag. pt. iii, -30.—D’ORB. Synop. Av. Mag. Zool. 1837.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 156.—GRAY, -Hand List, I, 37, No. 368. _Circus campestris_, VIEILL. Enc. Méth. III, -1823, 1213. _Circus frenatus_, LICHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, p. 62. _Circus -histrionicus_, QUOY, Zoöl. Journ. III, 1826, 271. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 7; Philadelphia Academy, 5; -Boston Society, 3; Museum Cambridge, 1; Cab. G. N. Lawrence, 1. Total, -17. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 12.40–13.25; tail, 8.50–9.00; culmen, .62–.63; -tarsus, 2.42–2.60; middle toe, 1.20–1.25. Specimens, 11. ♀. Wing, -13.75–14.50; tail, 9.30–10.50; culmen, .75–.80; tarsus, 2.80–3.00; -middle toe, 1.40–1.50. Specimens, 5. - -[81] Not admissible as having been bestowed by a non-binomial author, -and of prior date to the commencement of binomial nomenclature. - -[82] In the collection of the National Museum are two specimens of -_cooperi_, var. _gundlachi_, in the young plumage. They differ from -the young of var. cooperi merely in darker colors, the brown markings -being larger and more numerous, as well as deeper in tint. That their -character may be better understood, I furnish the following more -detailed descriptions:— - -_Young male_ (41,129, Cuba, Dr. Gundlach). Above dark, blackish -vandyke-brown, the feathers bordered inconspicuously with dark rusty; -tail dull slate, narrowly tipped with ashy-white, and crossed with four -broad bands of dusky, almost equal to the slate; beneath white, much -tinged on breast and tibiæ with reddish-ochraceous; thickly striped -with umber-brown, except on crissum; the streaks on throat narrow -and cuneate, those on breast broad, and on sides changing into broad -transverse spots or bars; tibiæ thickly spotted transversely with more -reddish, nearly rufous, brown; larger lower tail-coverts with narrow -shaft-streaks of black. Occiput showing much concealed white; the ends -of the feathers deep black. Wing, 8.60; tail, 7.50; culmen, .68; tarsus, -2.50; middle toe, 1.70. - -_Young female_ (41,128, Cuba, Dr. Gundlach). Similar, but more thickly -striped beneath, the dark markings about equalling the white in extent; -whole sides with large transverse spots of umber, cuneate along shaft. -Wing, 10.50; tail, 9.50. - -The synonomy of this race is as follows: _Accipiter gundlachi_, -LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lyc. VII, May, 1860, 252.—GUND. Rep’t, 1865, -224.—SCL. & SALV. Ex. Orn. I, 170.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 33, No. 319. -The _N. fuscus_, var. _fringilloides_ (VIGORS), of Cuba, I have not -seen. Its synonomy stands as follows: _Accipiter fringilloides_, VIG. -Zoöl. Journ. III, 1826, 534.—LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. VII, 1860, 255 (with -descriptions and synonomy).—GUNDL. Rep’t, 1865, 224.—GRAY, Hand List, I, -32, No. 311. - -[83] _Astur palumbarius_, var. _palumbarius_ (LINN.). _Falco -palumbarius_, LINN. S. N. 1766, 130. _Astur_ p., CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 1), -I, 320; et AUCT. _Hab._ Europe and Asia. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 2; Philadelphia Academy, 10; -Boston Society, 5; Museum Comp. Zoöl., Cambridge, 1; New York Museum, 1. -Total, 19. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 12.25–13.70; tail, 9.40–10.00; culmen, .80; -tarsus, 3.00; middle toe, 1.80. ♀. Wing, 13.80–14.50; tail, 10.10–10.90; -culmen, .90–.95; tarsus, 2.80–3.15; middle toe, 2.05–2.20. - -[84] _Asturina nitida_, var. _nitida_ (LATH.). _Falco nitidus_, -LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 40.—DAUD.—TEMM.—SPIX. _Astur n._, D’ORB. Voy. -Ois. p. 95.—BURM. Syst. Neb. II, 68.—LEOTAUD, Ois. Trin. p. -46.—GRAY.—VIG.—STEPHENS.—LESS.—D’ORB. _Asturina n._, BONAP. Consp. p. -30.—CABAN. in SCHOMB. Guian. III, 737.—PELZ. Orn. Bras. p. 3.—SCL. -& SALV. P. Z. S. 1864, 369; 1867, 589; 1868, 173; 1860, 288; 1869, -130.—KAUP.—LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. VII, 316. _Dædalion n._, LESS. Tr. -Orn. p. 65. _Asturina cinerea_, VIEILL. Anal. 24, 68; Nouv. Dict. III, -41; Enc. Méth. III, 1260; Gal. Ois. pl. xx.—VIG. Zoöl. J. I, 324, -327.—STEPH. Zoöl. XIII, pt. ii. _Cymindis c._, LESS. Man. Orn. I, 91. -_Astur striolatus_, CUV. Règ. An. (ed. 2), I, 332. - -_Specimens examined._—Philadelphia Academy, 8; New York Museum, 1; Cab. -G. N. Lawrence, 3; Boston Society, 4 (Brazil); Museum, Cambridge, 2 -(Panama). Total, 18. - -_Measurements._—Sex not indicated. Wing, 9.80–10.20; tail, 7.00–8.00; -culmen, .80–.90; tarsus, 2.55–2.78; middle toe, 1.60–1.65. - -[85] The type of _Craxirex_, GOULD (Voyage of Beagle, 1838, 22), is the -_Buteo galapagoensis_, GOULD, a species strictly congeneric with _Buteo -borealis_. - -[86] _Falco unicinctus_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 313, 1820. _Morphnus -unicinctus_, LESS. Man. Orn. I, 1828, 90. _Astur unicinctus_, CUV. Règ. -An. (ed. 2), I, 1829, 332.—STRICKL. Orn. Syn. I, 221.—KAUP, Monog. -Falc. 1850, p. 66. _Buteo unicinctus_, GRAY, List B. Brit. Mus. 18.—IB. -Hand List, I, 7, No. 55. _Nisus unicinctus_, LESS. Tr. Orn. p. 61. -_Hypomorphnus unicinctus_, TSCHUDI, Fauna Per. pp. 17, 85. _Spizageranus -unicinctus_, KAUP, Ueb. Senck. 1845, 260. _Urubitinga unicincta_, LAFR. -Rev. Zoöl. 1849, 99.—PELZ. Orn. Bras. I, 1868, 3, No. 10.—IB. IV, 1871, -394. _Polyborus tæniurus_, TSCHUDI, Av. Consp. Wiegm. Arch. 1844, -264.—IB. Fauna Per. pl. ii, _Juv._ It seems that the South American -birds of this species never attain the simple tricolored plumage assumed -by the adult of the North American form, Temminck’s figure (Pl. Col. -313) representing the nearest approach to it that I have seen, in a -large series of adult specimens. The following descriptions show the -average adult of var. _unicinctus_:— - -_Adult male_ (No. 13,908, Chile; Lieutenant Gilliss). Resembling the -immature of var. _harrisi_, as described on p. 1569 (No. 56,763). -Primaries edged terminally with whitish; inner webs of tail-feathers -mottled whitish for their basal half, not showing the regular transverse -bars seen in the immature of var. _harrisi_; under surface of primaries -almost wholly white, becoming ashy, barred with dusky, towards their -ends. Wing, 12.00; tail, 8.30; tarsus, 2.90; middle toe, 1.60. _Adult -female_ (No. 13,907, Chile; Lieutenant Gilliss). Similar to No. 13,908, -but the tibiæ more strongly barred. Wing, 12.50; tail, 8.30. - -_Specimens examined._—National Museum, 9; Philadelphia Academy, 9; -Boston Society, 4; New York Museum, 1. Total, 23. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 11.65–13.15; tail, 9.00–10.10; culmen, -.82–1.00; tarsus, 2.78–3.40; middle toe, 1.52–1.75. Specimens, 8. -♀. Wing, 12.50–14.60; tail, 9.20–10.50; culmen, .90–1.02; tarsus, -3.10–3.40; middle toe, 1.60–1.85. Specimens, 6. - -[87] “Nest in oak-tree, in edge of wood, by lake.” - -[88] “Nest twenty-five feet high, in oak-tree.” - -[89] “Nest at top of broken poplar-tree near lake.” - -[90] _Buteo borealis_, var. _costaricensis_, RIDGWAY. _Buteo borealis_ -(all citations from Central America). - -SP. CHAR. _Adult_ (No. 30,409, Costa Rica; Dr. A. von Frantzius). -Head, neck, and upper parts continuous, unvariegated brownish-black; -whole throat white, with a few cuneate spots of black; black of the -neck meeting narrowly across the jugulum; pectoral area immaculate -pure white; upper part of abdomen with an imperfect belt of distinct -narrow lanceolate strips of black; whole posterior lower parts fine -pinkish ochraceous, unvariegated; tibiæ deepest, inclining to delicate -ochraceous-rufous; upper tail-coverts immaculate rufous. Tail as in var. -_borealis_. Wing, 16.00; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 3.20; middle toe, 1.80. -Bill very high, abruptly curved. Wing-formula, 4, 5, 3, 6, 2; first, -shortest. - -This very curious variety is that which departs furthest from the -true _borealis_; not only the details, but in a measure the pattern, -of coloration, being greatly modified. The perfectly continuous pure -brownish-black of the whole head and neck, sharply contrasted with -the white throat-patch, are features which distinguish it from every -other variety of this group; while the deep rufous tibiæ, and almost -utter absence of transverse bars beneath, are also very distinctive -characters. - -The second of the two Costa Rican specimens before me (No. 33,507; J. -Carmiol) differs from the type in having the white of the pectoral area -clouded by an encroachment of the blackish of the neck; and across -the abdomen is a deep wash of the same. The tail-feathers exhibit -indications of spots along the shafts, as in var. _calurus_; while the -upper tail-coverts have a very few bars of blackish. - -_Young_ (37,338, Tres Marias Islands, January; Col. A. J. Grayson). -Similar to the adult in general appearance, but differing in the -following particulars: Tail deep umber, with about twelve or thirteen -narrow bands of black, and very narrowly tipped with whitish; -lateral lower parts thickly spotted with blackish, and tibiæ spotted -transversely with the same; lower tail-coverts with distant bars of -blackish. Upper tail-coverts blackish-brown barred with white, this not -touching the shaft. - -HAB. Central America and Southwestern Mexico; Costa Rica, Veragua, and -Tres Marias Islands (Mus. S. I.). - -Localities: (?) Guatemala (SCL. Ibis, I, 217, _B. borealis_); Costa Rica -(LAWR. IX, 133, “var. _montanus_”). - -_List of Specimens Examined._—National Museum, 4. - -Measurements much the same as in the other varieties. - -[91] _Archibuteo lagopus_ (BRUNN.), GRAY. _Falco lagopus_, BRUNN. Orn. -Bor. p. 4, sp. 15 (1764); PENN., GMEL., LATH., SIEMSS., DAUD., SHAW, -NAUM., MEYER. _Buteo lagopus_, STEPH. et AUCT. _Butaëtes lagopus_, -BONAP., GRAY, BAILLY, MORR., REICH. _Archibuteo lagopus_, GRAY, Gen. -B. (ed. 2), p. 3; 1841, et AUCT. (Not of American writers, nor when -used for the American bird!) _Hab._ North and Central Europe; Northern -Africa. - -A comparison of the American birds with series of sixteen European -specimens shows constant differences in the birds of the two -continents,—quite enough to establish a difference of race, although not -of specific value. The European bird is much the darker beneath, the -blackish-brown spots on jugulum and breast being blended, or suffused, -so as to give the predominating tint to this region. - -These differences, though constant and quite appreciable on comparison, -are very slight, while the proportions are about the same. A young -specimen of the European style differs from American in entire absence -of rufous tinge to white of head, neck, and lower parts, less complete -band across the abdomen, immaculate white ear-coverts, cheeks, and -throat; the tibiæ and tarsi are also much more thickly spotted than in -the American young; there is also more white on base of outer surface of -primaries. - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 6; Philad. Acad., 8; Bost. -Soc., 2. Total, 16. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 16.00; tail, 8.70; culmen, .80; tarsus, 2.30; -middle toe, 1.30. Specimens, 1. ♀. Wing, 18.20; tail, 9.75; culmen, .95; -tarsus, 2.60; middle toe, 1.50. Specimens, 1. - -[92] _Aquila chrysaëtus_, var. _chrysaëtus_ (LINN.). _Aquila valeria_, -ALBIN, B, II. pl. ii. _Aquila chrysaëtus_, BRISS. Orn. I, 431, et AUCT. -_Falco chrysaëtus_, LINN. S. N. 1760, 125. _Aquila melanaëtus_, BRISS. -Orn. I, 434. _Falco melanaëtus_, LINN. S. N. 124. _Aquila regia_, LESS. -Tr. Orn. _Falco fulvus_, LINN. S. N. 1760, 125 (_young_). - -_List of Specimens examined._—Nat. Mus., 4; Philad. Acad., 14; Bost. -Soc., 2; Mus. Cambridge, 1; Mus. J. C. Sharp, Jr., 1. Total, 22. - -_Measurements._—♂. Wing, 23.80–24.30; tail, 14.00–14.50; culmen, -1.68–1.70; tarsus, 3.40; middle toe, 2.40–2.45. Specimens, 2. ♀. Wing, -25.00–25.50; tail, 14.00–14.50; culmen, 1.80–1.85; tarsus, 3.80–4.10; -middle toe, 2.85–3.10. Specimens, 3. - -[93] _Haliaëtus pelagicus_ (PALL.). _Falco pelagicus_, PALLAS, Zoog. -Ros. As. I, 343, pl. ix. _Aquila p._, KITTL., BOIE. _Haliaëtus p._, -SIEB., GRAY, CASS. B. Cal. & Tex. I, pp. 31, 110, pi. vi (♀); IB. Birds -N. Am. 1858, 42. _Thalassoaëtus_, KAUP, JARD. _Falco leucopterus_, TEMM. -_Falco imperator_, KITTL. _Hab._ Northeastern Asia, Japan (SIEBOLD); -Kamschatka. - -[94] Established by Vigors, in 1825. - -[95] From the _Vulturinæ_ are excluded the genera _Gypætus_ and -_Neophron_, each of which probably constitutes a subfamily by itself. - -[96] _Sarcorhamphus_, DUMÉRIL, 1806. (Type, _Vultur gryphus_, LINN.) - -[97] _Cathartes_, ILLIGER, 1811. (Type, _Vultur papa_, LINN.) _Gypagus_, -VIEILL. 1816. (Same type.) _Gyparchus_, GLOG. 1842. (Same type.) -_Sarcorhamphus_, AUCT. (in part). - -[98] _Rhinogryphus burrovianus_ (CASSIN). _Cathartes burrovianus_, CASS. -P. A. N. S. II, 1845, 212.—IB. Birds Am. 1858, 1.—GRAY, Hand List, I, -1869, 3, No. 19.—COUES, Key, 1872, 222. _Cathartes urubitinga_, NATT. -VON PELZELN, Sitz-ber. Wien. Ak. 1861, 7.—GURNEY, Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, -46.—SCL. & SALV. P. Z. S. 1867, 589 (Amazon).—PELZ. Orn. Bras. I, 1868, -1 (Brazil).—ELLIOT, Illustr. Birds N. Am. II.—GRAY, Hand List, I, 1869, -3, No. 20. - -SP. CHAR. Very similar to _R. aura_, but neck feathered behind up to the -occiput, and the plumage uniformly black, the feathers of the back and -wings without brown borders. _Adult_ (34,984, Brazil; NATTERER). Bill -white; naked skin of the head and throat reddish. Wing-formula, 3, 2, -4=1. Wing, 18.50; tail, 9.00; culmen, .90; cere above, 1.20; tarsus, -2.10; middle toe, 2.25; outer, 1.35; inner, 1.10; posterior, .80. _Hab._ -Eastern Tropical America. Brazil (PELZELN & NATTERER); Amazon (SCL. & -SALV.); ?? Jamaica (SHARPE); ?? Vera Cruz, Mexico (CASSIN). - -[99] _Columba fasciata_, var. _albilinea_. _Columba albilinea_, “GRAY,” -BONAP. Consp. VI, 1857, 51. _Chlorœnas a._ =Cab.= J. 1869, 211. - -[100] _Columba araucana_, LESS. Voy. de la Coq. Ois. t. 40. _Columba -denisea_, TEMM. Pl. Col. 502. _C. meridionalis_, KING. - -[101] _Columba caribæa_, GMELIN, S. N. 1788, 773.—GOSSE, B. Jam. -291.—MARCH, P. A. N. S. Philad. 1863, 301. _Patagiœnas c._ SCL. P. Z. S. -1861, 80.—REICH. Handb. 65, tab. 230, _b_, f. 3362. - -[102] _Columba rufina_, (TEMM.) REICH. Handb. 62, tab. 222, f. 2583, -2584.—LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. 1861, VII, 333, No. 281 (Panama).—SCL. & -SALV. P. Z. S. 1866, 198 (Amazon).—IB. 1867, 590.—SCL. Ibis, I, 222 -(Guatemala).—SALV. P. Z. S. 1867, 159 (Veragua).—IB. 1870, 115 (Costa -Rica).—REINH. Vid. Med. Nat. For. 1870, 59 (Brazil). - -[103] _Columba corensis_, GMEL. S. N. I, 1878, 783.—SALLÉ, P. Z. S. -1857, 235 (Santo Domingo).—NEWTON, Ibis I, 252 (Santa Cruz).—CAB. J. -IV, 108 (Cuba).—TAYLOR, Ibis, 1864, 171 (St. Thomas). _Patagiænas c._ -REICHENB. Handb. tab. 222, f. 2581. - -[104] _Columba inornata_, VIGORS, Pr. Zoöl. Soc. 1847, 37.—DE LA SAGRA, -Voy. l’Ile de Cuba, Ois. t. 28.—CAB. J. IV, 106 (Cuba).—SCL. P. Z. S. -1861, 80.—REICHENB. Handb. 62, tab. 222, f. 2582.—GUNDL. Repert. Cub. I, -1866, 298.—MARCH, P. A. N. S. 1863, 301 (Jamaica). _C. rufina_, GOSSE, -B. Jam. (not _C. rufina_ of TEMMINCK!). - -[105] _Columba solitaria_, MCCALL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. III, July, -1847, 233. “Length, 13 inches 9 lines, etc. Alar extent, 23 inches. -Wing, from the flexure, 7 inches 5 lines. Tarsus, 1 inch; middle toe, -1 inch 2 lines; first toe, 9 lines, and longer than the third; nails -light flesh-color; feet and legs deep red. Iris dark orange. Bill -above, 1 inch 1 line, but feathered to within 5 lines of the tip; -reddish near the base, whitish near the tip. Head chocolate-blue. -Throat chocolate-white. Neck and breast bluish-chocolate with brilliant -reflections. Back, belly, flanks, under wing-coverts, and greater -exterior wing-coverts, light red color, the last faintly bordered with -white. Lesser wing-coverts chocolate-red, forming a bright shoulder-spot -of elliptical shape. Quill-feathers dusky, tinged with lead-color on -the outer vanes. Third primary longest. Upper and under tail-coverts -bluish lead-color. Tail, 5 inches, slightly rounded, of twelve feathers; -dusky.” - -[106] _Zenaida hypoleuca_, “GRAY,” BONAP. Consp. II, 1857, 83. - -[107] _Zenaidura yucatanensis_, LAWR. Ann. N. Y. IX, 1869. This bird -is so exactly intermediate between the _Z. carolinensis_ and _Zenaida -amabilis_, as to lead us to strongly suspect it is a hybrid between -the two. With the _Z. carolinensis_ it agrees only in possessing -fourteen tail-feathers; the coloration and size and shape of the bill -being exactly those of _Z. amabilis_, while the tail-feathers are -intermediate in length and shape between those of the two species. -The colors differ from those of _Z. amabilis_ only in being of a just -appreciably lighter shade, there being the same broad white tip to the -secondaries, brilliant steel-blue sub-auricular spot, and deep reddish -crissum, characterizing the _Z. amabilis_, as distinguished from _Z. -carolinensis_. - -[108] _Zenaidura graysoni_, LAWR. Ann. N. Y. Lyc. February, 1871, 17. -A very distinct species, remarkable for its large, very long, and much -depressed bill, and deep ferruginous, instead of pinkish-vinaceous, -lower parts. The specimens are unfortunately all young birds, though -they are fully grown. - -[109] _Scardafella squamosa._ _Columba squamosa_, TEMM. Pig. et Gal. -I, 59. A specimen of this species from Venezuela has the black bars -everywhere twice as broad as in Brazilian examples. - -[110] _Chamæpelia griseola_, SPIX, Av. Bras. t. 75, a, f. 2.—REINH. Vid. -Med. Nat. For. 1870, 56 (Brazil). - -[111] _Oreopeleia montana._ _Columba montana_, LINN. S. N. 1758. - -[112] Messrs. Sclater and Salvin distinguish the allied species as -follows:— - -_O. poliocephala_, Wagler. Brownish-olive; the head plumbeous, lighter -beneath; the feathers of the throat darker, and marked with gray; middle -of belly milky-white; the flanks and crissum tinged with rufous; tail -bronzed-green, the five lateral feathers broadly tipped with buff. -Length, 24.00; wing, 10.50; tail, 11.50; tarsus, 3.20. _Hab._ Table-land -of Mexico to west coast (Manzanillo, etc.). - -_O. vetula_, Wagler. Brownish-olive; the head plumbeous, lighter -beneath; the middle of the belly tinged with ochraceous or rusty; tail, -bronzed green; the five lateral feathers tipped with white or buff. -Length, 21.00; wing, 7.70; tail, 9.00; tarsus, 2.50. _Hab._ Texas to -Honduras, on east side of Mexico. - -A near ally to _O. vetula_ is the _O. leucogastra_, Gould (S. & S. p. -539) from Pacific coast of Central America. This differs in pure white -of under parts. The size also is considerably less. - -[113] _Meleagris ocellatus_, TEMM., CABOT, Pr. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. I, -73. - -[114] As with nearly all the animals which have been brought under -domestication by man, the true origin of the common barnyard Turkey -was for a long time a matter of uncertainty. As a well-known writer -(Martin) observes: “So involved in obscurity is the early history of the -Turkey, and so ignorant do the writers of the sixteenth and seventeenth -centuries appear to have been about it, that they have regarded it as -a bird known to the ancients by the name of _Meleagris_ (really the -Guinea-fowl or Pintado), a mistake which was not cleared up till the -middle of the eighteenth century. The appellation of “turkey,” which -this bird bears in England, arose from the supposition that it came -originally from the country of that name,—an idea entirely erroneous, -as it owes its origin to the New World. Mexico was first discovered -by Grigalva in 1518. Oviedo speaks of the Turkey as a kind of Peacock -abounding in New Spain, which had already in 1526 been transported in a -domestic state to the West India Islands and the _Spanish Main_, where -it was kept by the Christian colonists.” - -It is reported to have been introduced into England in 1541. In 1573 it -had become the Christmas fare of the farmer. - -Among the luxuries belonging to the high condition of civilization -exhibited by the Mexican nation at the time of the Spanish conquest was -the possession by Montezuma of one of the most extensive zoölogical -gardens on record, numbering nearly all the animals of that country, -with others brought at much expense from great distances, and it is -stated that Turkeys were supplied as food in large numbers daily to -the beasts of prey in the menagerie of the Mexican emperor. No idea -can be formed at the present day of the date when this bird was first -reclaimed in Mexico from its wild condition, although probably it had -been known in a domestic state for many centuries. There can, however, -be no question of the fact that it was habitually reared by the Mexicans -at the time of the conquest, and introduced from Mexico or New Spain -into Europe early in the sixteenth century, either directly or from the -West India Islands, into which it had been previously carried. - -It has, however, always been a matter of surprise that the Wild Turkey -of eastern North America did not assimilate more closely to the domestic -bird in color, habits, and by interbreeding, although until recently no -suspicion was entertained that they might belong to different species. -Such, however, now appears to be the fact, as I will endeavor to show. - -The proposition I present is, that there are two species, or at least -races, of Wild Turkey in North America,—one confined to the more eastern -and southern United States, the other to the southern Rocky Mountains -and adjacent part of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona; that the -latter extends along Eastern Mexico as far south at least as Orizaba, -and that it is from this Mexican species, and not from that of eastern -North America, that this domestic Turkey is derived. - -In the Proceedings of the Zoölogical Society of London for 1856 (page -61), Mr. Gould characterizes as new a Wild Turkey from the mines of -Real del Norte, in Mexico, under the name of _Meleagris mexicana_, and -is the first to suggest that it is derived from the domesticated bird, -and not from the common Wild Turkey of eastern North America, on which -he retains the name of _M. gallopavo_, of Linnæus. He stated that the -peculiarities of the new species consist chiefly in the creamy-white -tips of the tail-feathers and of the upper tail-coverts, with some -other points of minor importance. I suggest that the Wild Turkey of New -Mexico, as referred to by various writers, belongs to this new species, -and not to the _M. gallopavo_. - -In 1858, in the Report on the birds collected by the Pacific Railroad -Expedition (Vol. IX, p. 618, of the series of Pacific Railroad Reports), -I referred to this subject, and established the existence in North -America of two species of Wild Turkey,—one belonging to eastern, the -other to middle, North America. Much additional material has since -corroborated this view, and while the _M. gallopavo_ is found along the -Missouri River and eastward, and extends into Eastern Texas, the other -is now known to belong to the Llano Estacado and other parts of Western -Texas, to New Mexico, and to Arizona. - -The recent acquisition of a fine male Turkey by the Smithsonian -Institution from the vicinity of Mount Orizaba, in Mexico, and its -comparison with a skin from Santa Fé, enables me to assert the positive -identity of our Western and the Mexican species, and one readily -separable from the better known wild bird of the eastern United States. -There is now little reason to doubt that the true origin of the barnyard -Turkey is to be sought for in the Mexican species, and not in the North -American,—an hypothesis which explains the fact of the difficulty in -establishing a cross between our wild and tame birds. - -The presumed differences between the two species may be briefly -indicated as consisting principally in the creamy or fulvous white of -the tips of the tail-feathers and of the feathers overlying the base of -the tail and of the hinder part of the back of the Mexican and typical -barnyard birds, as compared with the decided chestnut-brown of the same -parts in the eastern Wild Turkey. There are other differences, but they -are less evident, and those indicated will readily serve to distinguish -the two species. - -The true wild bird of eastern North America always has the tips of the -tail-feathers and upper tail-covert of a chestnut-brown color; the -Mexican species and its descendant of the barnyard never exhibit this -feature. - -Sometimes this domesticated bird is exactly like its wild original, -differing only in rather greater development of the fatty lobes of the -head and neck; and of this an example may be seen in the Museum of the -Smithsonian Institution. - -There is a variety of the domestic bird which is entirely black, -sometimes even including the larger quills, which in both species are -naturally banded with white, and in this there may be little or no -trace of any bands at the end of the tail and of its upper coverts; but -whatever may be the asseverations of the sportsman, the poultry-dealer, -or the farmer, as to the “wildness” of any particular bird, or what -the circumstances attendant upon its capture or death by trapping, -shooting, or otherwise, implicit confidence may be placed in the test -above indicated, namely: if the tips of tail and tail-covert are -chestnut-brown, the specimen belongs to the _M. gallopavo_ or “Wild -Turkey”; if the same part is either entirely black or any shade of -whitish or light fulvous, then it is a “barnyard” fowl. - -The following extract from a letter written by Dr. Sartorius, the -accomplished naturalist, to whom the Smithsonian Institution owes the -specimen of the wild Mexican bird referred to above, will be read with -interest. - -“MIRADOR, STATE OF VERA CRUZ, -January 20, 1867. - -“I am entirely of your opinion in regard to the origin of the domestic -Turkey, as our wild bird differs from the tame only in the less amount -of development of the fatty lobes of the head and neck. - -“_Meleagris mexicana_ is tolerably abundant in this neighborhood, -belonging more especially to the sparsely overgrown savannas between the -region of the oaks and the coast, the Tierra Caliente or ‘warm region’ -proper. It is a very shy bird, living in families like the wild Geese, -and keeping sentinels on the watch whenever the flock is feeding in the -vicinity of threatened danger. It derives its nourishment from plants -and insects on the ground, and scratches with its feet to aid in the -search for food. In running, the swiftest dog cannot overtake it. It is -not very fond of taking to flight, but its powers in this respect are -not behind those of any of the allied forms. Its breeding-season is in -March or April, when the hens separate from the males to reunite into -families again in September. Their general habits during this season -are much as with the domestic bird, although I cannot say whether they -inflate and swell themselves out in the same manner. I am, however, -inclined to doubt it, as the specimen I have handled did not have the -tips of the wing-feathers worn away as in the barn-yard breed. The -female lays from three to twelve brownish-red, spotted eggs in the high -grain, and hatches them out in thirty days, as is the case with the tame -Turkey. The flesh of the wild bird is dry, but very sweet, like the tame -fowl, and like the latter is dark on the back and legs, and white on the -breast and wings. - -“The white meat of the flesh on the breast of the Mexican and the tame -Turkey, as compared with the darker meat of the common North American -wild bird, is a fact of importance to be taken into consideration. - -“The exact distribution of the Mexican Wild Turkey southward and -westward is not ascertained, nor is it known that it occupies the -western portion of the Mexican country. In Yucatan and Northern -Guatemala it is replaced by a third species, the Ocellated Turkey -(_Meleagris ocellata_), rather less in size, but far more striking in -appearance, being marked in the tail with spots somewhat like the ‘eyes’ -of the tail of the Peacock. The three species thus belong to Mexico and -northern parts of Central America. - -“Very truly yours, - -“C. SARTORIUS.” - -[115] _Ortyx virginianus_, var. _cubanensis_. _Ortyx cubanensis_, -“GOULD.”—GRAY & MITCH. Gen. III, 514. _Ortyx_, sp. 2.—GOULD, Mon. Odont. - -[116] The Florida bird has been lately characterized as var. -_floridanus_ by Dr. Coues, in his Key to North American Birds. - -[117] _Cyrtonyx ocellatus_, GOULD, P. Z. S. IV, p. 78.—IB. MONOG. Odont. - -[118] This specimen is the type of _C. ochrocephalus_, AIKEN, Am. Nat. -VII, April, 1873, p. 236. - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes - - -Variant spelling and hyphenation are preserved as printed. Simple -typographical errors were corrected. - -In the printed book, ditto marks often indicated repeated text. In this -e-book, the repeated text is copied in full. - -In the Measurements tables, zeros were added around the decimal to align -data. - -Detailed changes: - - Table of Contents: - III. Glossary of Technical Terms 535[TN: was "533"] - - Page 7: - _Speotyto cunicularia_, var. _hypogæa_[TN: was "hypugæa"], before - mentioned. - - Page 23: - .60[TN: added decimal point]; tarsus, 1.75; middle toe, 1.20. - - Page 27: - and at Hamilton, Canada, on the western shore of Lake Ontario;[TN: was - a comma] - - Page 45: - furnishes the following proof of the identity of _N.[TN: added period] - “albifrons”_ and _N. acadica_ - - Page 46: - Louisiana, Mr. Wilson met with it in New Jersey, Mr. McCulloch[TN: was - "McCullock"] - - Page 48: - Wing, 5.50–6.00;[TN: added semicolon] tail, 2.75–3.10. In the red - plumage, - - Page 54: - contrasting[TN: was "contracting"] the lighter spots. - - Page 59: - basally. Wing-formula,[TN: was a period] 3=4; 5, 2–6; - - Page 63: - tail, 9.00[TN: added decimal point]; culmen, 1.20; tarsus, 2.20; - middle toe, 2.10. - - Page 71: - _Nyctea scandiaca.[TN: added period]_ - - Page 84: - It is[TN: omitted comma] probable that it is occasional in Southern - California - - Page 98: - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa.[TN: was "hypugæo"] Natural size. - - Page 99: - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa.[TN: was "hypgæa"] Natural size. - - Page 100: - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa.[TN: was "hypgæa"] Natural size. - - Page 101: - 437. Spheotyto hypogæa.[TN: was "hypugæa"] - - Page 113, measurements table: - _Sex._[TN: added "Sex" heading to match the other tables] - - Page 131: - culmen, .45–.58; tarsus, 1.20–1.55; middle toe, 1.15–1.40).[TN: added - closing parenthesis] - - Page 157, measurements table: - _Sex._[TN: added "Sex" heading to match other tables] - - Page 160: - coast region[TN: omitted extraneous parenthesis]; var. _isabellinus_, - Swains., - - Page 184: - =Pandion haliætus=, var. =carolinensis= (GMEL.[TN: added period]). - - Page 204: - _Immature female_ (Coll. Philadelphia[TN: was "Philadephia"] Academy, - Red Fork of the Arkansas, 1850; - - Page 220: - globular[TN: was "gobular"] egg to an elongated oval. - - Page 222: - _Erythrospiza_, KAUP, 1867. (Type, _A. trinotatus_ (TEMM.?))[TN: added - closing parenthesis] - - Page 231: - Var.[TN: added period] =mexicanus=, SWAINSON. - - Page 234: - several times, with great rapidity, by both male and female.”[TN: - added closing quotation mark] - - Page 259: - and 30,895, Mirador, Mexico; the latter the larger.) Wing, - 11.00–11.30; tail, 6.80–7.10;[TN: added semicolon] - - Page 260, measurements table: - _Sex._[TN: added "Sex" heading to match the other tables] - - Page 271: - you approach him, and with much seeming difficulty it makes[TN: was - "make"] out to move off - - Page 273: - the young of nearly all _Buteos_ from adults of the same species.[TN: - was "specis"] - - Page 295: - _Buteo[TN: was "Bateo"] cooperi_, CASS. P. A. N. S. Philad. VIII, - 1856, 253. - - Page 300: - _Young female_ (6,883, Los Angeles[TN: was "Angelos"], California; Dr. - Heermann). - - Page 300: - _Aquila chrysaëtus_ (not of LINN.!)[TN: added period], RICH. & SW. - F. B. A. II, 1831, 12. - - Page 314: - Zoög. Ros. As. 1811. _Aquila fulva_ (not of LINN.!)[TN: added period], - NUTT. Man. Orn. 1833, 62.—PEAB. - - Page 314: - =Haliaetus albicilla= (LINN.[TN: added period]). - - Page 324: - LINN. Tr. VIII, 277 (var.). _Aquila leucocephala_, MEYER, Taschenb[TN: - was "Tascheub"]. - - Page 339: - in Mexico, and it very rarely goes north of the Columbia.[TN: added - period] - - Page 351: - _Vultur aura_ (not of Linn.[TN: added period]!), DAUD. Tr. Orn. II, 19 - (quotes Pl. Enl. 187, 1800). - - Page 359: - .68; tarsus, .97; middle toe, 1.13; outer, .89; inner, .78[TN: added - decimal point]. - - Page 366: - [TN: added opening parenthesis](Cordova, 1856, 309); Honduras (TAYLOR, - Ibis, II, 226; - - Page 382: - expedient to merge _Zenaida_ and _Zenaidura_ into one, since, if - _yucatanensis_[TN: was "yucatensis"] - - Page 414: - lower throat very spinous.[TN: added period] - - Page 416: - _Canace canadensis_, REICH. Av. Syst. Nat. 1851, p. xxix. [TN: omitted - extraneous parenthesis]Type, BONAP. Comptes - - Page 429: - Game Birds, Nat. Lib. IV, 140, pl. xvii.—ELLIOT, P. A. N. S, 1864.[TN: - omitted comma]—IB. - - Page 441: - =17044= ♂[TN: possible typo for ♀] ⅓ ⅓ - - Page 502: - nicely woven together, and lined with a few feathers and exceedingly - fine grass.”[TN: added closing quotation mark] - - Page 513: - Length, 5.00; extent, 7.10; wing, 2.10; tail, 2.00; culmen, .42; - tarsus, .68.[TN: added decimal point] - - Page 525: - 63. Abdomen (includes 64, 65).[TN: added period] - - Page 531: - In the Trogons, however, the inner toe is reversed[TN: was "revered"]. - - Page 538: - including nape and scruff. (48.)[TN: was "(48)."] - - Page 551: - both ends. The transverse[TN: was "tranverse"] - - Page iv: - Maryland Yellow-throat,[TN: was a period] I. 297. - - Page v: - mexicanus, III.[TN: was a comma] 231. - - Page vi: - Bæolophus[TN: was "Bœolophus"], I. 86, 87. - - Page x: - cinnamominus[TN: was "cinnamoninus"], III. 168. - - Page x: - hæmorrhoidalis[TN: was "hœmorrhoidalis"], III. 130. - - Page xii: - pinus, I.[TN: was a comma] 191, 195. - - Page xii: - grœnlandicus[TN: was "grœlandicus"], III. 111. - - Page xiii: - carolinensis, I.[TN: was a comma] 418. - - Page xiv: - pertinax,[TN: was a period] II. 337. - - Page xix: - varius, II.[TN: was "III"] 537, 539; III. 521.[TN: was "523"] - - Page xix: - nacuruta[TN: was "nacurutu"], III. 61. - - Page xxi: - arctica, II.[TN: was "I"] 530. - - Page xxiii: - hæmorrhous,[TN: was "hœmorrhous"] - - Page xxiv: - III. 360,[TN: was "II."] - - Page xxiv: - III. 366,[TN: was "II."] - - Page xxiv: - III. 363,[TN: was "II."] - - Page xxiv: - III. 368,[TN: was "II."] - - Page xxv: - leucurus[TN: was "reucurus"] (_summer_), - - Page xxvi: - III. 398,[TN: was "II."] - - Page xxvi: - megarhyncha,[TN: was "megarrhyncha"] - - Footnotes[TN: heading added by transcriber] - - Footnote 8: - names used in these pages are essentially the same as those there - employed.[TN: Footnote label missing in scan] - - Footnote 10: - Vols.[TN: was a comma] IV and V, Dec., 1872, and Jan., 1873. - - Footnote 14: - larger feet, see p.[TN: page number missing in source] - - Footnote 57: - Tr. Orn. II, 131, 1800. _Falco hæmorrhoidalis_,[TN: was - "hœmorrhoidalis"] - - Footnote 63: - _Measurements._—♂. Wing, 6.90–7.10; tail, 4.80–5.10; culmen, .50; - tarsus, 1.45–1.48[TN: added decimal point] - - Footnote 65: - Bryant Collection[TN: omitted extraneous closing parenthesis] from - Porto Rico, and No. 36,554 - - Footnote 84: - tarsus, 2.55–2.78; middle toe, 1.60–1.65.[TN: added decimal point] - - Footnote 96: - _Sarcorhamphus_, DUMÉRIL[TN: was "Dumèril"], 1806. (Type, _Vultur - gryphus_, LINN.) - - Footnote 114: - the _Spanish Main_, where it was kept by the Christian colonists.”[TN: - added closing quote] - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A History of North American Birds; -Land Birds; Vol. 3 of 3, by Spencer Fullerton Baird and Thomas Mayo Brewer and Robert Ridgway - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS VOL. 3/3 *** - -***** This file should be named 54169-0.txt or 54169-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/1/6/54169/ - -Produced by Greg Bergquist, Jennifer Linklater, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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