mu^ FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY U^ JJ^ULyU-^^^LA^^C^ U^^l- /^/^ THE BIRD BOOK PASSKXGKi: or: wild pigkux Female Male Young THE CANADIAN BIRD BOOK ILLUSTRATING IN NATURAL COLORS MORE THAN SEVEN HUNDRED NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS; ALSO SEVERAL HUNDRED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIR NESTS AND EGGS BY CHESTER A. REED, B. S. TORONTO THE MUSSON BOOK COMPANY LIMITED COPYRIGHT, 1 9 14 IN U. S. A. UNDER TITLE OF "THE BIRD BOOK" BARN OWL Sr\es _ C \YVV\eY loes m\dd) TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD TABLE OF CONTENTS Diving Birds. Order I. Pygopodes 10 Grebes. Family Colymbidse 11 Loons. Family Gaviidse 17 Auks, Murres and Puffins. Family Alcidae 21 Long-winged Swimmers. Order IL Longipennes 35 Skuas and Jaegers. Family Stercoraridae 35 Gulls and Terns. Family Laridae 38 Skimmers. Family Rynchopidse 58 Tube-nosed Swimmers. Order IIL Tubinares 59 Albatrosses. Family Diomedeidae 59 Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels. Family Procellariidae 61 Totipalmate Swimmers. Order IV. Steganopodes 72 Tropic Birds. Family Phaethontidse 72 Gannets. Family Sulidae 74 Darters. Family Anhingidae 77 Cormorants. Family Phalacrocoracidae 78 Pelicans. Family Pelecanidae 83 Man-o'-War Birds. Family Fregatidae 86 Lamellirostral Swimmers. Order V. Anseres 87 Ducks, Geese and Swans. Family Anatidae 87 Lamellirostral Grallatores. Order VI. Odontoglossse 115 Flamingoes. Family Phoenicopterid^ 115 Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. Order VII. Herodiones 115 Spoonbills. Family Plataleidae 115 Ibises. Family Ibididae 117 Storks and Wood Ibises. Family Ciconiidae 118 Herons, Bitterns, etc. Family Ardeidae 119 Cranes, Rails, etc. Order VIII. Paludicolae 127 Cranes. Family Gruidae 127 Courlans. Family Aramidae 129 Rails, Gallinules and Coots. Family Rallidae 131 Shore Birds. Order IX. Limicolae 137 Phalaropes. Family Phalaropodidse 137 Avocets and Stilts. Family Recurvirostridae 139 Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. Family Scolopacidae 140 Plovers. Family Charadriidae 161 Surf Birds and Turnstones. Family Aphrizidae 169 Oyster-catchers. Family Hsematopodidte 170 Jacanas. Family Jacanidae 172 Gallinaceous Birds. Order X. Gallina? 175 Grouse, Partridges, etc. Family Odontophoridae 175 Turkeys. Family Meleagridae 178 Curassows and Guans. Family Cracidae 191 7 CONTENTS Pigeons. Order XI. Columbae 192 Pigeons. Family Columbidae 192 Birds of Prey. Order XII. Raptores 198 American Vultures. Family Cathartidee 198 Hawks, Eagles, etc. Family Buteonidas 201 Falcons, etc. Family Falconidse 218 Osprey. Family Pandionidae 225 Barn Owls. Family Aluconidae 227 Owls. Family Strigidae 227 Parrots, Paroquets. Order XIII. Psittaci 241 Parrots and Paroquets. Psittacidas 241 Cuckoos, etc. Order XIV. Coccyges 241 Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Family Cuculidse 241 Trogons. Family Trogonidse 246 Kingfishers. Family Alcedinidae 247 Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. Order XV. Pici 249 Woodpeckers. Family Picidas 249 Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc. Order XVI. Macrochires 262 Goatsuckers, etc. Family Caprimulgidae 263 Swifts. Family Micropodidae 268 Hummingbirds. Family Trochilidae 271 Perching Birds. Order XVII. Passeres 280 Cotingas. Family Cotingidas 280 Tyrant Flycatchers. Family Tyrannidae 280 Larks. Family Alaudidae 297 Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Family Corvidae 300 Starlings. Family Sturnidas 314 Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Family Icteridae 314 Finches, Sparrows, etc. Family Fringillidae 324 Tanagers. Family Tangaridae 369 Swallows. Family Hirundinidae 372 Waxwings. Family Bombycillidae 375 Shrikes. Family Laniidae 376 Vireos. Family Vireonidae 378 Honey Creepers. Family Coerebidce 385 Warblers. Family Mniotiltidae 385 Wagtails. Family Motacillidae 418 Dippers. Family Cinclidae 419 Wrens. Family Troglodytidae 423 Thrashers, etc. Family Mimidse 419 Creepers. Family Certhiidae 430 Nuthatches. Family Sittidae 431 Titmice. Family Paridae 431 Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers. Family Sylviidae 433 Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc. Family Turdidae 442 Index 450 8 BALTIMORE ORIOLE THE BIRD BOOK DIVING BIRDS. Order I. PYGOPODES GREBES. Family COLYMBID^ Grebes are birds having a ducklike body, but with pointed bills. Their feet, too, are unlike those of the Ducks, each toe having its separate web, and having a broad flat nail. Their wings are very -small for the size of the body, making it impossible for them to rise in flight from the land. They rise from the water by running a few yards along the surface until they have secured .sufficient iieadway to allow them to launch themselves into the air. After ■having risen from the water their flight is very swift and strong. On land they are very awkward and can only progress by a series of awkward hops; they generally lie flat on their breasts, but occasionally stand up, supporting them- selves upon their whole tarsus. Grebes, together with the Loons, are the most •expert aquatic birds that we have, diving like a flash and swimming for an in- credible distance under water. 10 DIVING BIRDS 1. Western Grebe. Aechmophorus occidentalis Range. — Western parts of North America, from southern Alaska southward; east to Minnesota and south in winter to the southern parts of the United States and Mexico. Breeds from the Da- kotas and northern California northward. These are the largest of the American Grebes; owing to their unusually long necks, they are frequently called "Swan Grebes." They are very timid birds and conceal themselves in the rushes on the least suspicion of danger. At times, to escape Western Grebe Holboell's Grebe Chalky bluish white, stained buff observation, they will entirely submerge their body, leaving only their head and part of the long neck visible above the water. This Grebe cannot be mistaken for any other because of the long slender neck and the long pointed bill, which has a slight upward turn. They nest abund- antly in the marshes of North Dakota and central Canada. Their nests are made of decayed rushes, and are built over the water, being fastened to the rushes so that the bottom of the nest rests in the water. The nesting season is at its height during the latter part of May. They lay from three to five eggs, the ground color of which is a pale blue; this color is, however, always concealed by a thin chalky deposit, and this latter is frequently stained to a dirty white. Size 2.40 x 1.55. 2. Holboell's Grebe. Colymbiis holboellii. Range. — Throughout North Amer- ica, breeding from northern United States northward and wintering from the middle to the southern portions of the United States. In regard to size this Grebe comes next to the Western, being 19 in, in length. This bird can be dis- tinguished by the white cheeks and throat and the reddish brown fore- neck. They breed abundantly in the far north placing their floating islands of decayed vegetation in the water in the midst of the marsh grass. They lay from three to six eggs of a dingy white color which have the stained surface common to Grebes eggs. Size 2.35 x 1.25. 11 White, stained buff HJIHBHS^' "Walter Raine NEST AND EGGS OF HOLBOELL'S GRED: Lake Winnipegosis, Manitoba DIVING BIRDS 3. HoRXED Grebe. Colymhus auritus. Range. — The whole of North America, breeding in the interior from North Dakota northwest; winters along the Gulf Coast. This species is one of the most beautiful of the Grebes, having in the breeding season buffy ear tufts, black cheeks and throat, and chestnut neck, breast and sides. They breed abundantly in the marshy flats of North Dakota and the interior of Canada. ¥ir^^ Buffy white, nest stained They build a typical Grebe's nest, a floating mass of decayed matter which stains the naturally white eggs to a dirty brown. The number of eggs varies from three to seven. Size 1.70 x 1.15. Data.— Devils Lake, N. Dakota, June 20, 1900. 6 eggs much stained. Nest floating in 4 ft. of water, a large mass of rotten rushes and weeds. Collector. James Smalley. 4. Eared Grebe. Colymhus nigricollis. calif ornicus. Range. — North America west of the Mississip- pi, breeding from Texas to Manitoba and winter- ing along the Pacific Coast of the United States and from Texas southward. Eared Grebes differ from the preceding in hav- ing the entire neck blackish. They nest very abundantly throughout the west, in favorable lo- calities, from Texas to Minnesota and Dakota. ------- Eared Grebe Their nests are constructed in the same man- ner as the preceding varieties and are located in similar localities. As do all the Grebes when leaving the nest, they cover the eggs with the damp rushes from around the base of the nest. This is prob- ^..^sTTi^TTr", -,„ ably for the purpose of assisting incuba- --^' ■ ■ tion during their absence, by the action of the sun's rays on the wet mass. As they fare nearly always thus covered upon the approach of anyone, this may be done also as a protection from discovery. They lay from three to eight bluish white eggs with the usual chalky and discolored appear- ance. The breeding season is at its height early in June, or earlier, in the southern .....j^^llgjyjj;;^ portion of its range. Sijse 1.75 x 1.20. Data. —Artesian. S. Dakota. June 21, 1899. Nest Bluisli wiiite, stained ^^ rushes, floating in three feet of water. Large colony in a small lake. Collector, F. A. Patton. Horned Grebe -^■2fe Az:^^: Walter Rainc XEST AND EGGS OF HORNED GREBE Saltcoats Marshes, Assinibola, June 6, 1901 14 DIVING BIRDS 5. Mexican Grebe. Coli/mbus domin icns hrachyptcrus. Range. — Southern Texas and Lower Cali- fornia soutliward to South America, breed- ing throughout its range. The Least Grebe is by far the smallest of the Grebes in this country, being but 10 in. in length; it can not be mistaken for any other, the Eared Grebe being the only spe- cies of this family found in the same locali- ties during the summer. These little Grebes nest very abundantly along the Rio Grande m m^ <£3=" &¥ iT \ Aluxicun Grcljc Pied-billed Grebe Deep buff or ricli lirovvn Valley in Texas, the nesting season lasting from the latter part of May until well into December. Their nests are floating piles of grass and weeds upon which they lay from three to five chalky white eggs, which are always discolored, sometimes to a deep chocolate hue. These eggs average a great deal dark- er in color than do any of the other Grebes. In a series of fifty sets fully half were a rich brown tint. Sine 1.40 x .95. 6. Pied-billed Grebe. Podilymhus podiceps. Range. — Prom the British provinces southward to Argentine Republic, breeding locally throughout the northern portions of its range. The Dabchick, as this bird is called, is the most evenly distributed bird of this family. It is nowhere especially abundant, nor is it, except in a very few localities, regarded as rare. Consequently it is the best known bird of the species. They do not congregate in such large numbers as the other Grebes during the nesting season, but one or more pairs may be found in almost any favorable locality. These birds render their floating nest a little more substantial than those of the preceding varieties by the ad- dition of mud which they bring up from the bottom of the pond; this addition also tends to soil the eggs more, consequently the eggs of this bird are, as a general rule, browner than the other Grebes with the ex- ception of the Least. The bird may always be known by the shape of its bill which is t^ > «* 1-1 ii -J. ■ ^ J T ■ J., Deep buft higher than it is broad, and in the summer is white with a black band across the middle. The throat is also black at this season. They lay from five to nine eggs commencing about the middle of May. Size 1.70 x 1.18. 15 PIED-BILLED GREBE 16 LOONS. Family GAVIIDAE Loons may be likened to gigantic Grebes from which they differ external- ly, chiefly in the full webbed foot instead of the individually webbed toes of the Grebe, and in the sharper, more pointed and spear-like bill. These birds are similar in their habits to the Grebes .except that their homes are gen- erally more substantially built and are placed upon a solid foundation, gen- erally upon an island in some Inland lake. Both Loons and Grebes are literally "Water witches," being practically, and in the case of Grebes, actually, born in the water and living in it ever afterwards. Loons are strong fliers, but like the Grebes, because of their small wings they must get their first impetus from the water in order to rise; in case there is any wind blowing they also make use of this by starting their flight against it. They are very peculiar birds and the expression "crazy as a loon" is not a fanciful one. being formed from their early morning and evening antics when two or more of them will race over the top of the water, up and down the lake, all the while uttering their demoniacal laugh- ter. They vie with the Grebes in diving and disappear at the flash of a gun. EGG OF LOOX Dark greenish brown ^ THE BIRD BOOK J!i\,\fc^„„. m r-J^ I. ..nil Black- throated Loon 7. Loon. Gavia immer. Range. — North America north of the Mex- ican boundary, breeding from the northern parts of the United States northward. Unlike the Grebes, Loons do not build in colonies, generally not more than one, or at the most two pairs nesting on the same lake or pond; neither do they seek the marshy sloughs in which Grebes dw^ell, pre- ferring the more open, clear bodies of water. The common Loon may be known. in summer by the entirely black head and neck with the complete ribbon of black and white stripes encircling the lower neck and. the narrower one which crosses the throat. The back is spotted with white. In some sections Loons build no nest, simply scoop- ing a hollow out in the sand, while in other places they construct quite a large nest of sticks, moss and grasses. It is usually plac- ed but a few feet from the waters edge, sO' that at the least suspicion the bird can slide off its eggs into the water, where it can cope with any enemy. The nests are nearly al- ways concealed under the overhanging bushes that line the shore; the one shown in the full page illustration, however, was located upon the top of an old muskrat house. The two eggs which they lay are a very dark greenish brown in color, with black spots. Size 3.50x2.25. Data. — Lake Sunapee, N. H., June 28, 1895. Nest placed under the bushes at the waters edge. Made of rushes, weeds and grasses; a large struc- ture nearly three feet in diameter. Col- lector, H. A. Collins. 8. Yellow-billed Loon. Gavia adamsi. Range. — Northwestern North America, along the Arctic and northern Alas- kan coasts. The Yellow-billed Loon with the exception of its whitish or yellowish bill in place of the black, is practically otherwise indistinguishaljle from the common Loon. It averages somewhat larger in size. This is one of the most northerly breeding birds and it is only within a very few years that anything has been learned about the breeding habits. Their nesting habits and eggs are precisely like the preceding except that the lattr average a little larger. Size 3.60 x 2.25. 9. Black-throated Loon. Gavia arciica. Range. — From northern United States northward, breeding along the Arctic Coast. This species can be easily separated from the Loon by the gray crown and white streaks down the back of the neck. Its siae, too, is about five inches shorter. The nesting habits are the same as the Loons and the eggs have rather more of an olive tint besides having the majority of spots at the- larger end. Size 3.10x 2.00. 18 DIVING BIRDS 10. Pacific Loon. Gavin pacifica. Range. — Western North America along the coast chiefly, breeding from Alaska south to British Columbia. In winter, south along the coast to Mexico. This species differs from the Black-throated only in the tint of the head reflections. The habits are the same as those of the other members of the family. They lay two eggs of a greenisli brown or greenish gray hue with black spots. Size 3.10 X 1.90. Data. — Yukon River, Alaska, June 28, 1902. Nest of rubbish on an island; found by a miner. 11. Red-throateu Loon. Gavia stellato. Range. — Northern parts of North America. breeding from southern Canada northward in the interior on bbth coasts. South to the middle por- tions of the United States in winter. This is the smallest of the Loon family, being twenty-five inches in length. In plumage it is wholly unlike any of the other members at all seasons of the year. In summer the back, head and neck are gray, the latter being striped with white. A large chestnut patch adorns the front of the lower part of the neck. In winter the back is spotted with white, whereas all the others are unspotted at this period. The nesting habits are identical with the other species; the ground color of the two eggs is also the same. Size, 2.00 x 1.75. Pucirie Li_.uii fted-throated Loon PACIFIC LOON Greenish brown or gray ]!) J. A. Munn NEST AND EGGS OF LOON This nest is built on top of a Muskrat house 20 DIVING BIRDS NEST AND EGGS OF PIED-BILLED GREBE PUFFINS, AUKS and MURRES. Family ALCID^ Puffins, Auks and Murres are all sea birds and are only found inland when blown there by some severe storm of winter. At this season numbers of them are apt to lose their bearings and may sometimes be found with their feet frozen in some of our inland ponds. Puffins are heavily built birds in appear- ance, but are very active both on the wing and in the water. Their wings are much larger comparatively than those of the other members of this family, so they are enabled to perform evolutions in the air, which are withheld from the others. They stand upright on the sole of the foot and are able to walk quite easily on land. Puffins have very heavy and deep but thin 1)ills. which are entirely unlike those of any other bird and often give then the name of Parrot Auks. Puffins, Auks and Murres are otherAvise recognized by the pres- ence of but three toes which are webbed. 21 THE BIRD BOOK 12. Tri'TEi) Pri-Fix. T.nnda cirrhata. Range. — Pacific Coast from Alaska southward to southern California, })reeding locally through- out their range. Tufted Puffins are the largest of the Puffins. In the breeding plumage, they are a sooty brown- ish or black color; tlie cheeks are white, and a long tuft of straw colored feathers extends back from each eye; the bill is bright red and green- ish yellow. They breed commonly on the Faral- lones, where two or three broods are raised by a bird in a single season, but much more abund- antly on the islands In tlie north. Their single eggs are laid in burrows in the ground or else in Tufted Puffin Puffin White t\>*- natural crevices formed by the rocks. The eggs are pure white or pale buff and are without gloss. They very often have barely perceptible shell markings of dull purplish color. The eggs are laid about the middle of June. Size 2.80 X 1.90. Data. — Farallone Is., May 27, 1887. Single egg laid in crevice of rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. W^\ 13. Puffin. Fraterciila arctica arctica. Range.^ — North Atlantic Coast, breeding from the Bay of Fundy nortliward. Winters from breeding range along the New England Coast. The common Puffin has the cheeks, chin and underparts white; upper parts and a band across the throat, blackish. Bill deep and thin, and colored with red, orange and yellow. They breed in large numbers on Bird Rock in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The nest is either among the natural crevices of the 22 DIVING BIRDS rocks, or in burrows excavat- ed in the ground by the birds. These burrows vary in length from two and a half to four \ or five feet. Except upon the \ positive knowledge of the ab- I sence of the bird, it is a hazardous thing to put the hand in one of these burrows for the bird can, and will nip the fingers, sometimes to the bone. They lay but a single egg, usually dull white and unmarked, but in some cases obscurely marked with red- dish brown. Size 2.50 x 1.75. Data. — So. Labrador, June 23, 1884. Single egg laid at end of burrow in the ground. Collector, J. H. Jameson. 13a. Large-billed Puffin. Fratercula arctica naumanni. A more northerly subspecies of the last, inhabiting the Arctic region on the Atlantic side. The bird is somewhat larger but otherwise indistinguishable from the common species. The eggs are exactly the same or average a trifle larger. Size 2.55 x 1.80. Data. — Iceland, July 6, 1900. Single egg in hole under a rock. Collector, Chas. Jefferys. 14. HoRXEi) Puffin. Fratercula corniculata. Range. — Pacific Coast from Alaska to British Columbia. The Horned Puffin difters from the common in that the blackish band across the throat extends upwards in a point to the bill. Their nesting habits are precisely the same as those of the preceding species. A single pure white egg is laid; the shell is slightly rougher than those of the others. Size 2.65 x 1.80. Data. — Round Is., Alaska, June 24, 1884. Single egg laid at end of burrow in ground; no nest. Collector, G. L. Kennedy. 15. Rhinoceros Auklet. Cerorhiiica monocerata. Range.^Pacific Coast, breeding from British Columbia northward and win- tering southward to Lower California. The Rhinoceros Auklet or Horned Auk has a much smaller bill than the Puffins: in the summer this is adorned at the base by a horn from which it takes its name. There are also slender plumes from above and below the eyes. Unlike the Puffins, these birds sit upon their whole tarsus. They nest on islands of the North Pacific Coast from Vancouver northward. A single egg is laid in crevices among the rocks or in burrows in the ground. It is similar both in size and shape to that of the Puffins, but is often quite heavily blotched with brown. Size 2.70 x 1.80. Data.— Unak Is., Alaska. June ^0, 1900. Egg laid in a fissure of the rocks; no nest. Collector, F. Weston. 23 THE BIRD BOOK Horned PufBn Rhinoceros Auklet Cassin Auklet 16. Cassix Auklet. Pti^choramphus aleuticus. Range. — Pacific Coast from Alaska to Lower California, breeding nearly throughout its range. A plain appearing bird about 9 in. in length, with blackish upperparts relieved only by a white spot over the eye; breast and throat gray and belly white. This Auklet is fairly abundant on the Farallones. breeding on the lower portions of the island. The late Mr. C. Barlow says that it is found in deserted rabbit burrows and in all White probability often excavates its own burrows. It also nests among the cliffs placing its eggs among the rocks in any crevice or tunnel which may offer a dark retreat during the day for they are noctur- nal in their habits. The single egg which they lay is dull white in color, the inside of the shell being a pale green, which color can only be seen by holding the egg to the light. They are gen- erally slightly nest stained. Size 1.80 x 1.30. Data.— Coronado Islands, Cal., March 23, 1897. Single egg laid on the bare ground at end of a burrow three and one-half feet long. Collector, E. A. Shives. "% \.^ ■t- .ll^- RHINOCEROS AUKLET Color white, sometimes heavily blotched, as above, and ag-ain unspotted 24 DIVING BIRDS 17- Paroquet Auklet. — Phaleris j)sittaculci. Range. — The Alaskan Coast, casually farther south in winter. This bird is about the same size as the preced- ing?, and the plumage is similar, except that it has no white spot over the eye, and the breast is white. It also has a slender plume extending from back of the eye. Tl-.e bill is very peculiar, being quite deep and rounded and having an up- ward tendency. It is orange red in color. They White breed very commonly on the islands of Bering Strait. Their eggs are laid in the crevices of the cliff, often several feet in and by a crooked path so that it is impossible to reach them. The sin- gle chalky white egg is laid in May. Size 2.30 x 1.4.5. Data. — Rocky Islet in the Aleutians, June 22, 1890, Single egg laid on bare rock in a deep crevice. Collector, Capt. S. Wilson. Paroquet AuklcL Crested Auklet 18. Crested Auklet. Aethia crisfcitella. Range. — Alaska Coast, Similar in form and plumage to the latter, except that the whole under parts are gray and it has a crest of recurved feathers. The nesting season begins in May, the birds nesting upon the same islands and in the same kinds of sites as the last species. The single egg is chalky white. Size 2.10 x 1.50. Data. — Unak Is., Alaska, July 1, 1900. Egg laid in a crevice among the rocks. Collector, F. Weston. 19- Whiskered Auklet. Aethia pygmaea. Range.^ — The Alaska Coast. Much smaller than the preceding; but 7.5 in. in length. Breast gray, belly white: a small tuft of recurved feathers on the forehead and slender white plumes from base of bill over the eye and from under the eye, backwards. The bill in summer is a bright vermillion color. On some of the islands of the Aleutian chain they breed quite abundantly. The nests are placed back in the crevices of the rocks, where the single white eggs are laid. Size 2.00 x 1.25. iT 25 THE BIRD BOOK V i. ^^ 20. Least Auklet. Aethia pusilla. Range. — North Pacific on tlie islands and coast of Alaska. This is the smallest of the Auklets; length 6.5 in. This species has no crest, but has the slender white plumes extending back from the eye. The entire under parts are white sparse- ly spotted with dusky. This species is by far the most abundant of the water birds of the extreme Northwest, and thousands of them, accompanied by the two preceding species, nest on the rocky cliffs of the islands of Bering Sea. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the other Auk- lets, they placing their single white egg on the bare rocks, in crevices on the cliffs. Size 1.55 x 1.10. Data.— Pribilof Is., Alaska, June 8, 1897. Single egg laid in crevice. Thousands breeding on the island. •N ^21. Ancient Murrelet. antiquus. Si/nthlihoramphus X,easl Auklci Ancient Murrelet Marbled Murrelet The Murrelets have no crests or plumes and the bills are more slen- ■der than the Auklets and are not highly colored. The ancient Mur- relet or Black-throated Murrelet, as it is also called, has a gray back, white under parts and a "black head and throat, with a broad white stripe back of the eye and another formed by the white on the breast extending up on the side of the neck. They breed abund- antly on the islands in Bering Sea, laying one or two eggs at the end of burrows in the banks or on the Range. — Pacific Coast, breeding from the bord- er of the United States, northward, and wintering south to southern California. '^N.... •^; Buff 1-^ ground, and in some localities in crevices on the cliffs. The eggs are a buffy white color and are faintly marked with light brown, some of these being in the shape of spots and others lengthened. Siae 2.40 x 1.40. Data. — Sanak Is- lands, July 1, 1894. Two eggs on the ground under a tuft of grass and in a slight excavation lined with fine grass. 26 DIVING BIRDS 23. Marbled Murrelet. Brachyramphus marnioratii.- Range. — North Pacific Coast, -', ■ ^-' breeding from Vancouver Is- ^, ", land. South in winter to soutli- • . ern California. In the breeding plumage, ; this bird is brownish black ' ■ • above, barred with rusty and , '. ■ • below is marbled with brownish gray and white. Its nesting habits and eggs are very similar to those of the Ancient Murre- let, they placing their single eggs in holes in the ground or crevices among the cliffs. Size 2.20 X 1.40. Data. — Chichagof Is.. Alaska, June IS, 1898. Single egg in crevice on face of cliff. Large colony breeding in company with Ancient Murrelets. 2i. KiTTLiTZ Murrelet. Brachyram'phus hrevirosiris. Range. — North Pacific Coast in the Aleutian Islands and north to Unalaska, breeding on isolated islands throughout its range. This spe- cies is very similar to the Mar- bled Murrelet, the chief differ- ence being in the bill which is shorted. They have been found breeding on the same islands with the preceding species. Their single white egg is laid in crevices in the cliffs. Size 2.40 X 1.30. Data. — Sanak Is., Alaska, June 25, 1890. Nest in a hollow under a bunch of rank matted grass. Many ancient Burrelets breeding on the same Islands. Collector, Capt. Tilson. White 25. Xantus Murrelet. Brachyi-amphus hypoleuctis. Range. — Resident along the coast of southern and Lower California. This bird is blackish above and entire- ly white below, inculding the sides of the head below the eye. The whole of ••' - the under surface of the wing is also white. They breed on the coast islands from Santa Barbara southward. The sin- gle egg is laid at the end of a burrow or in crevices among the rocks. It is a pale buffy white in color and thickly, but finely dotted over the wliole surface with purplish brown, and with some larger spots at the larger end. Size 2.05 v 1.40. Data. — Galapagos Islands, March 2, 1901. No nest. Single egg laid in a crevice in the rocks. Collector, Rollo H. Beck. Pale Blue THE BIRD BOOK 26. Ckaveri's Murkelet. Brachyra mpli us craveri. Range. — Both coasts of Lower California, breed- ing cliiefly on the Gulf side. Craveri Murrelet is very similar to the last except that the under sur- faces of the wings are dusky. Breeds on the is- lands near Cape St. Lucas, burrowing in the ground as do most of the others of this species. They lay a single egg, the ground color of which is buff; tliey are quite heavily blotched with brownish. Size 2M x 1.40. 27. Black Guille.mot. Cepphus gryllc. Range. — Coasts and islands of the North At- lantic, breeding from Maine northward to south- ern Greenland. Guillemots are larger birds than the Murrelets (length 1:3 inches) and their plum- age is entirely different. This species in summer tluisli whitt CPtK. Xantus Murrelet Mandt's Guillemot is entirely black except the wing coverts which are white. The bases of the greater coverts, however, are black, this generally breaking the white mirror as it is called. The under sur- faces of the wings are white. Legs red. These birds breed abundantly on the rocky islands and high cliffs along the coast. Soon after the first of June the eggs are laid in the crev- ices of the rocks and sometimes upon the bare ledges. Two or three eggs make the set. The ground color is a pale bluish or greenish white and the markings are various shades of brown and black. Size 2.40 x 1.60. Data.— Grand Manan, June 15, 1896. Two eggs laid in a cavity back of large boulder. No nest. Collec- tor, D. H. Eaton. Black Guillemot 28 DIVING BIRDS Murre 28. Mandt's Guillemot. Cepphus mandti. Range. — North Atlantic coast, more north- erly than the preceding, breeding from Labra- dor to northern Greenland. The bird differs from the Black Guillemot only in having the bases of the coverts white also. The nesting habits and eggs are identi- cal. They nest in colonies of thousands and place the eggs upon the bare rock with no at- tempt at nest building. Generally the eggs are in the crevices so as to be difficult to get at. Size 2. .30 x 1.55. Data. — Depot Island, Hud- son Bay, June 6, 1894. Two eggs laid on bare rocky ground. Collector .Fohn Comer. 29. Pigeon Guillejiot. Cepphus columha. Range. — The Pacific Coast of North Amer- ica, breeding from southern California north- ward. This bird is very similar to the Black Guillemot except that the under surfaces of the wings are dark. They breed abundantly on some of the islands of Bering Sea and a few of them nest on the Farallones. They lay their two eggs on the bare rock in dark crevices. The color is grayish or pale greenish blue and the markings are brown and black with paler shell markings of _..«^ . lilac. Size, 2.40x1.60. Data.— S. ., ■ -*f^ ' •" • " - ■ >^ Farallone Islands, Cal. Two eggs laid on gravel at the end of a bur- roAv, about two feet from the en- trance and 285 feet above the sea level. Collector, Claude Fyfe. .SO. ^NltRRE. Vria troile froille. Range. — North Atlantic coasts and islands, breeding from Bird Rock northward. Murres are sim- ilar in form to the Guillemots, but are larger, being about 16 inches in length. Entire head and neck sooty brown; rest of upper parts grayish black except the tips of the secondaries which are white. Under parts white. These birds nest by thousands on Bird Rock and on the cliffs of Labrador. They build no nests but simply lay their single egg on the narrow ledges of cliffs, where the only guarantee against its rolling off is its peculiar shape which causes it, when moved, to revolve about its smaller end instead of rolling off the ledge. The eggs are laid as closely as possible on the ledges where the incubating birds sit upright, in long rows like an army on guard. As long as each bird suc- ceeds in finding an egg to cover, on its return home, it is doubtful if they either know or care whether it is their own or not. The ground color of the eggs vary from white to a deep greenish blue and the markings of blackish brown vary in endless patterns, some eggs being almost wholly unspotted. Size 3.40 x 2. Data.— South Labrador, June 19, 1884. Single egg laid on the bare cliff. Large colonv breeding. Collector, M. A. Gra.'jar. 29 Pale bluish gray THE BIRD BOOK 30a. California Mthre. Uria troilJe calif arnica. Range. — Pacific Coast, breeding from the Farallones north to Alaska. This Pacific form of the common Murre is the most abundant breeding bird on the Farallones. Their eggs are used in enormous numbers for commercial purposes and these islands being located, as they are, within easy distance from San Francisco, thousands of dozens of the eggs are sold yearly, chiefly to bakeries. Although continually robbed, their numbers have not as yet diminished to any great extent. They lay but a single egg on the bare ledge. Individual eggs are indistinguishable from the last species but in a large series the ground color averages brighter. They show the same great dif- ference in color and markings. The first set is laid in May, but owing to their being so often molested, fresh eggs can be found during August. Data. — Farallones, July 4, 1895. Single egg laid on bare cliff. Collector, Thos. E. Slevin. SI. Brunnich Murre. Lria lomvia lomvia. Range.^North Atlantic Coast, breeding range the same as the common Murre. i-BM U Varies from white to greenish blue This species differs from the common Murre in having a shorter and thicker bill, the base of the cutting edge of which is less feathered. They breed on the same islands in company with the common Murre and their eggs are indis- tinguishable. Data.— Coast of South Labrador. Single egg laid on ledge of cliff. About three Inindred birds in the colony. 3t» DIVING BIRDS 31a. Pali.as MrifKE. i'lia lomvia arra. Range. — The Pacific coasts and islands. This is the Pacific form of Brunnich Murre. Its breeding range is more northerly than that of the California variety. Countless thousands of them breed on the islands off the coast of Alaska, their breeding habits and eggs being the same as the more southern form. 32. Razok-billed Auk. Alca tarda. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding from Bird Rock northward and Avintering south to the Middle States on the coast. Grayish white The Razor-billed Auk is in form similar to the Murres, but the bill is very different, being deep and thin, and with the upper mandible rounded at the tip. Entire upper parts black shading to brownish on the throat. Under parts and tips of secondaries, white; line from eye to bill and another across the middle of the bill, white. They nest in large numbers on Bird Rock in com- pany with the Murres and in still greater numbers off the coast of Labrador. Their eggs are not placed in as exposed positions as the Murres, being gen- erally behind boulders or in crevices. This is necessary because, not being of the pear-shaped form of the Murres, they would be very apt to be dislodged if commonly placed on the narrow ledges. The eggs vary endlessly in mark- ing but do not show the differences in ground color that the Murres do. The color is white, grayish or buffy. But one egg is generally laid, although two are sometimes found. Si55e .3.00 x 2.00. Data.— Bay of Fundy. June 17, 1891. "s^-^ Single egg laid on bare rock in a crevice under loose rocks. Collector, A. C. Bent. 31 THE BIRD BOOK '.'>y>. Great Ai'k. Plant us iiiipenuls. Range. — Formerly the whole of the North At- lantic coasts. Now extinct. These great auks formerly dwelt in large num- bers on the islands of the North Atlantic, but owing to their lack of the powers of flight and the destructiveness of mankind, the living bird has disappeared from the face of the earth. Although they were about thirty inches in length, their wings were even smaller than those of the Razor-billed Auk, a bird only eighteen inches in length. Although breeding off the coast of New- foundland, they appeared winters as far south as Virginia, performing their migration by swim- ming alone. The last bird appears to have been taken in 1844, and Funk Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, marks the place of their disap- pearance from our shores. There are about sev- enty known specimens of the bird preserved, and about the same number of eggs. The immediate cause of the extinction of these birds was their destruction for food by fishermen and immigrants, and later for the use of their feathers commercial- ly. The single egg that they laid was about 5.00 x 3 inches, the ground color was buffy white, and the shpots brownish and black- ish. The markings varied in endless pattern as do those of the smaller Auk. There are but two real eggs (plaster casts in imitation of the Auks eggs are to be found in many collections) in collections in this country, one in the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia, and the other in the National Museum, at Washington. Through the kindness of Mr. Witmer Stone, of the Academy of Natural Science, we are enabled to sohw a full-sized reproduction from a photograph of the egg in their collection. V V 32 / EGG OF Till'; (il;KAT AUK Photographed from the specimen in the Academy of Natural Science, Phihidclpliia : not more tlian ten or twelve of these eggs are in this country, the one figured is one of the best marked specimens. 33 J J THE JJIKI) BOOK J u J J ^ ^ ^ .Sk DovKKiK. Allv all,-. Range. — Coasts and islands of the North At- lantic and East Arctic oceans, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering as far south as the Middle States. The little Dovekie or Sea Dove is the smallest member of the family, being only 8 inches in length, and is the only member of the sub-family allinge. The form is very robust and the bill is short and stout. In summer the plum- age is black above; the throat and upper breast Dovekie Pale greenish blue are sooty brown, and the under parts are white, as are also the tips of -the secondaries and edges )f the scapulars. They nest in large numbers on the Rocky cliffs of islands in the East Arctic. Their single pale greenish blue egg is placed in a crevice of the rocks. Size 1.80 x 1.25. Data. — Greenland, June 8, 1893. Single egg laid in a crevice of a sea clilf. MURRE- -White, buff, or 34 deep g'l'eenish lilui LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Order II. LONGIPENNES SKUA AND JAEGERS. Family STERCORARIIDAE Skuas and Jaegers are birds having a Gull or Tern-like form and with a hook- ed bill, the base of which is covered with a scaly shield. They have webbed feet and are able to swim and dive, but they commonly get their living by preying upon the Gulls and Terns, overtaking them by their superior speed and by their strength and ferocity forcing them to relinquish their food. The Jaegers especially are one of tlie swiftest and most graceful birds that fly. 35 TIIK BIRD BOOK :>:'). Skta. Megalc.siris skua. Range. — Coasts and islands of the North At- hintic, chiefly on the European side; rare on the Atlantic coast of North America. Skuas are large (22 inches in length) and very powerfully built birds, having the general form of a Gull. Their whole plumage is a dingy brown- ish black color, palest below. Breeds in Iceland and possibly on some of the islands in Hudson Strait. The nest is a hollow on the ground in Skua Pomarine Jseger Olive brown the marsh grass and is lined with grass. The """-j two eggs which they lay have an olive greenish ground, spotted with dark brown. Size 2.75 x 1.90. .'.'(). Pomarine Jaeger. Sicrcorarius pomarinas. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, more commonly in the Old World. In the breeding plumage, this Jaeger has the crown and face blac'kish; back and sides of head, throat and under parts pure white, ^ except the pointed stiffened feath- {'^ ers of the neck which are yellow. .' -^ \- Back, wings and tail blackish, the latter with the two middle feath- ers lengthened about four inches beyond the rest of the tail, and broad to the tips, whicli are twist- ed so tliat the feathers are verti- cal. They breed throughout the Arctic regions, but not as common- ly in America as the following species. Tlie nest is on the ground in the marsh grass and is made of grass and moss. They lay two and rarely three eggs of an olive brown or greenish color. These are spotted with ])rown and black. Size 2.20 x 1.70. 36 Deep olive brow^n LONG-WI NCiKl) SWIM M EKS .'^7- Parasitic Jaecjer. Stcrcorariii.s para.sHicttx Range. — Northern Hemisphere, wintering south to South America. The Parasitic Jaeger is very similar to the Pomarine except that the central tail feathers are pointed and are straight instead of twisted. It is an ahundant bird in Alaska, breeding from the Aleutian Chain northward. They locate their nests in the highest parts of marshy places, the nest itself being only a de- pression in the ground lined with grass and moss. The two eggs have an olive greenish or brownish ground and are marked with various shades of brown and black. Size 2.15 x 1.65. M i,. N Brownish 38. I.oxg-tailed Jaeger. lonsicaudii.s. St e rear arms Range. — Arctic America; south in winter to South America . Parastk- J^ger The long-tailed Jffiger is, according to length, L,ongr-tailed Jteger the largest of the Jaegers, being 21 in. long; this is, however, due to the long sharp pointed central pair of tail feathers, which extend about eight inches beyond the others, and from the most noticeable distinguishing point from the former species. The plumages that have been described are the light phases; all the Jtegers have a dark phase in which the plumage is a near- ly uniform sooty brown, lightest be- low. The Long-tailed Jaegers are the most numerous in Alaska and are even more graceful in flight than are the Gulls and Terns, floating, skim- ming, sailing, plunging, and darting about with incredible swiftness and ease. Like the others of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls, and are also very destructive to young birds and eggs. Their eggs are either laid on the bare ground or in a slight depression, scantily lined with grasses. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of the preceding species except that they average a trifle smaller. Size 2.10 x 1.50. 6t Olive liiown THE BIRD BOOK GULLS and TERNS. Family LARID^ Gulls are webbed tooted birds Jiaving a sliglit hook to the end of the upper mandible. Their plumage is generally a silvery gray above and white below. They nest In large colonies, some on the islands of fresh water inland, but mostly on the sea coast. They procure their food from the surface of the water, it consisting mostly of dead fish and refuse matter, and Crustacea which they gather from the waters edge. When tired they rest upon the surface of the water, where they ride the largest waves in perfect safety. Terns are birds of similar plumage to the Gulls, but their forms are less ro- bust and the bills are generally longer and sharply pointed. Their food con- sists chiefly of small fish which they secure by hovering above the water, and then plunging upon them. They are less often seen on the surface of the water than are the Gulls. ^ f ^y^-iL^-s \\ If/ OHARACTEKISTIC NEST OK A L,UON 38 \V;i.ll»;r Jiaiii LONG-WINGE 1 ) SWIM M E RS SO. IvoHv (ii'LL. Pagophila alha. Range. — Arctic regions; soutli in winter to the nortliern border of tlie United States. The little Snow Gull, as it is often called, is eighteen inches in length. In the breeding sea- son the plumage is entirely white; the bill is tip- ped with yellow and there is a red ring around the eye. These Gulls nest in large colonies in the Arctic Regions, placing their nests on the high rocky cliffs. The nest is made of grass, moss and rubbish, and the three eggs are laid during June. The eggs are olive color and the markings are dark brown. iO. KiTTiWAKK. Rissci t riddct i/ld iri/dact i/la. Range. — North Atlantic and Arctic regions, breeding from the Gulf of the St. Lawrence north- ward and wintering south to the Great Lakes and Long Island. The Kittiwake is sixteen inches in length, has a pearly gray mantle, black tips to the primaries, and remainder of plumage white. Its hind toe is very small being apparently wanting in the eastern form, while in the Pacitic it is more de- veloped. These are very noisy Gulls, their notes resembling a repetition of their name. They are very common in the far north, placing nests on the ledges of high rocky cliffs, often in company with Murres and Auks. They gather together a pile of sticks, grass and moss, making the inter- ior cup-shaped so as to hold their two or three eggs. Large numbers of them breed on Bird Rock, they occupying certain ledges while the Gannets and Murres, which also breed there, also have distinct ledges on which to make their homes. The breeding season is at its height during June. The eggs are buffy or brownish gray and are spotted with different shades of brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — So. Labrador, June 15. 1884. Three eggs. Nest made of sea- weed and moss, placed on ledge of cliff. Many Murres nesting on other ledges. Kittiwjiki White 39 THK IJIHI) IU)()Iv V" I'Oa. I'acii'k KiTTiWAKi;. lii.s.sti tridac- t//l(i poiruaris. Range.— Coast of tlie North Pacific, wintering soutli to California. The Pacific Kittiwake breeds in immense rook- eries on some of the islands in Bering Sea. They are well distri])uted over Copper Island where they nest in June and July, choosing the high ledges which overhang the sea. The nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same as those of the common Kittiwake. 11. iii .s.sd ,';/'c"/- K i: D- LE (iCiK I) K I TTnV A K i: . rostris. Range. — Northwestern coasts, breeding in high latitudes. This Kittiwake is similar to the preceding, with the exception that the legs are bright red, the mantle is darker, and the bill is shorter. This species was found by Dr. Leonard Stejneger to be a very abundant nesting bird on islands in Ber- ■'%>, Ked-legged Kittiwake Glaucous Gull Brownish buff ing Sea, selecting steep and inaccessible rocks and ledges on which to build its nest. Their nesting habits are precisely the same as the Pacific Kittiwake, but they most often nest in separate colonies, but can be distinguished readily when nesting together by the darker mantles when on the nest and the red legs when flying. Grass, moss and mud are used in the nest. Tlie ground color of the eggs is buffv or brownish, and the spots are dark brown and lilac. Size 2.15x1.50. h2. Glaucous Gull. Lams hijpcrhoreus. Range. — Arctic regions, south in winter to Long Island, the Great Lakes, and San Francisco Bay. This Gull shares with the Great Black-backed Gull the honor of being the largest of the Gulls, being 28 inches in length. Mantle light gray; it is distinguished by its size and the primaries, which are white to the tips. A powerful 2ird that preys upon the smaller Gulls and also devours the young and eggs of smaller birds. They nest on the ground on the islands and shores of Hudson Bay, Green- land, etc. The nest is made of seaweed, grass and moss and is generally quite bulky. The two or three eggs are laid in June. They are of various shades of color from a light drab to a brownish, and are spotted with brownish and black. Size about 3 x 2.20. 40 LONG-WINGED SWIM M K US 12.1. Point Baukow (jill. Lp'-us ha rrovianus. ^' Range. — Northwest coast from Bering Sea to Point Barrow. This species is almost ^^— .^^ * .-^ - identical with the Glau- "^ ' .. ' cus Gull, averaging per- * ^ haps a trifle smaller. Its standing as a dis- tincit species is still (luestioned and has not yet been decided satis- factorily. Early in June their nests are built on remote islands in Ber- ing Sea. These nests are the same as the last species, large piles of vegetation, hollowed on top for the reception of the eggs. The eggs have the same varia- tions in color and mark- ings as the Glaucus Gull. Size 3 x 2.10. Data. — Her sell el Is., Alaska, July 1, 1900. Nest made of seaweed and grass; placed on the ground. Three eggs. Collector, Rev. I. O. Stringer. ^f% '.*< ■f White M.- ^i #., ■^*'-'^F ^ A 13. Iceland Gull. Lonis Jciicopfcnis. Range. — Arctic regions, south in winter to the Middle States. This Gull in appearance is precisely like the two preceding ones but is con- siderably smaller; 24 inches in length. A very common bird in the north, breeding in colonies of thousands on many of the islands. It is regarded as one of the most common ---— r of the larger Gulls in Ber- ^ ing Sea and also nests ^' commonly in Hudson Bay and Greenland, as well as ,.- .'- , . in the Eastern Hemis- J*-^'* \. .'' ^\ phere. They nest indiffer- ently on high rocky cliffs or on low sandy islands. Ex- cept when the eggs are laid «. ..••:, > in a sandy depression in * . "-'V.\ _ , * the soil, quite bulky nests are made of seaweed and moss. The eggs are laid about the first of June; they number two to three and have a ground color of brownish or greenish brown and are blotched with umber. Size 2.80 x 1.83. Data. — Mackenzie Bay, Arctic America. June 18, 1899. and grass on an island in the bay. 41 (iret^nisli Ijrow ii Nest made of seaweed ^. THE BIRD BOOK 11'. (JL.\rc()rs-\viN(iEU Gill. Larus glauccscois. Range. — North Pacific coast, breeding from British Columbia northwards and wintering from the same country to southern California. This Gull is very like the preceding except that the primaries are the same color as the mantle, and are tipped with white. Length about 27 inches. Not so northerly distributed a bird as the previous ones, and consequently better I. Z'. '■?^ • % «M » 9^Zm #4 7^:4 -»?« ••^ ■X-..^ '""^x Icel.Miitl «'.\ill Glaucou.s-winjied Gull \ % Pale greenish brown known. They breed in large numbers both on the high rocky cliffs of the islands along the coast and on the low sandy islands of the Aleu- tian Chain. On Copper Island they breed on the inaccessible cliffs overhanging the water. As in the case of the Iceland Gull, when the nests are on the cliffs, a large nest of seaweed is made, whereas if they are on the ground, especially in sandy places no attempt is made at nest-building. The eggs have a greenish brown ground color and dark brown spots. SL-ne 2.75 x 2.05. Data. — West Coast of Vancouver Island. June 20, 1896. Three eggs; nest made of seaweed. Located on a low ledge. Collector, Dr. Newcombe. 15. Kumlien'S Gull. Larus Kumlieui. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding in Cumberland Sound and wintering as far south as Long Island. This bird differs from the Glaucous-v/inged only in the pattern of the gray markings of the primaries and in having a little lighter mantle. It is quite common in its breeding haunts where it places its nest high up on the ledges of the cliffs. The eggs are not different apparently from glaucescens. 46. Nelson's Gull. Larus nclsoni. Range. — Coast of Alaska. Plumage exactly like that of Kumlien Gull and questiqnably a new species. The nests and eggs are not to be distinguished from the preceding. 42 i.oxG-wi nc;ed s^^' r m .m k hs i?. (treat-black-hacked Gull. Lanis 1)1 a rill us. Raiise. — North Atlantic on l)otli the American and European sides; breeds from Nova Scotia northward and winters soutli to the Great Lakes and tlie Middle States. The largest of the Gulls (thirty inches long) and unlike any other. The mantle is dark slaty black, and the primaries are black with white tips. The bill is very large and powerful and -1U Great IJlack-backed Gull Kunilien's Gull Grayish buff quite strongly hooked. They are quite abundant birds in their range, and are very quarrelsome, both among themselves and other species. They do not breed in as large colonies as do the other Gulls, half a dozen pairs appropriating a small island to the exclusion of all other birds. They are very rapacious birds and live to a great ex- tent, especially during the breeding season, upon the eggs and young of other birds such as Ducks, Murres and smaller Gulls. They place their nests upon the higher portions of sandy islands. They are made of grasses and seaweed. The three eggs are laid early in June; they are grayish or brownish, spotted with brown and lilac. Size 3x2.15. Data.- -South Labrador, June 21, 1884. Three eggs. Nest on a small island off the coast; of grasses and moss. 48. Slaty-b.\cked Gtll. — Larus schistisagtts. Range. — North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. This Gull, which is similar to the Great Black-backed, but is smaller and has a lighter mantle, does not breed in any considerable numbers on the Ameri- can side of the Pacific. It nests in June on some of the islands in Bering Sea and probably more commonly farther onrth. They often nest in company with other species, placing their small mounds of seaweed on the ground on the higher parts of the islands. The full set contains three eggs of grayish or brownish color, spotted with dark brown or black. Size 2.90 x 2. Data. — Har- rowby Bay, N. W. T. Canada, June 11, 1901. Nest of grass, roots and mud and lined with dry grass; on point making into the bay. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 43 ^r THE HUM) HOOK -v^ ^%^' CR \\' ;ti-rn liiill If). \\'estkkn Gull. Lants occidciildli.s. Range. — Pacific Coast, breeding Irom southern California to British Columbia. This bird, whicli is the most southerly distrib- uted of the larger Gulls is twenty-four inches in length. Mantle slate colored; primaries black, botli these and the secondaries being broadly tipped with white. These Gulls nest abundantly on the Farallones, the majority of them showing a preference for the lower portions of the island, although they nest on the ledges also. Besides man, these Gulls are the greatest enemies that the Murres have to content against. They are always on the watch and if a Murre leaves its nest, one of the Gulls is nearly always ready to pounce upon the egg and carry it away bodily in liis bill. The Gulls too suffer when the eggers come, for their eggs are gathered up with the Murres for the markets. They make their nests of weeds and grass, and during May and June lay three eggs showing the usual variations of color common to the Gulls eggs. Size 2.75 x 1.90. [,)().] Siberian Gull. Lams affinis. This bird does not nest in North America, and has a place on our list, by its accidental occur- rence in Greenland. It is an Old World species and its nesting habits and eggs are like those of the Herring Gull. 51. Herring Gull. Lariis argeniatus. Range. — Whole of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding from Maine and British Columbia north- ward and wintering south to the Gulf. This Gull, which formerly was No. 51a, a sub- species of the European variety, is now regarded as identical with it, and is no longer a sub-species. '^.• •5"*' Herring- Gull It is twenty-four inches in length, has a light gray mantle and black primaries which are tipped with white. The Herring . ^ _.-- --. Gulls nest in colonies " in favorable localities "^ throughout their range, -f^^ chiefly on the coasts Jr and islands. A few pairs also nest on islands in some of the inland bodies of fresh water. Except in places where I they are continually molested, when they » will build in trees, they place their nests on the ^ ground either making ,1^ no nest on the bare > sand, or building a bulky nest of seaweed in the grass on higher parts of the island. Buff They lay three eggs of a grayish color marked with brown. In rare cases unspotted bluish white eggs are found. Size 2.8 x 1.7. 44 LONG-WINGED SWI MME RS r)2. Vega Gull Lams vegae. Range. — Coast of Alaska, south in winter to California. Similar to the Herring Gull, but with the man- tle darker, but not so dark as in the Western Gull. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Herring Gull, except that in a ser- ies, the eggs of the Vega will average a little darker in ground color. It nests during May on the coasts and islands of Bering Sea, placing its eggs in a hollow on the ground. Size 2.75 x 1.(5.5. lilb> i ^' (Irayisli lirnwn .■).">. California Gull. Larus californi- cus. ^^ ( 'ulirornia (_4ull Range. — Western North America, breeding in the interior. Uih^-ih in .i A smaller Gull than the Herring with the prim- aries grayish instead of black; length twenty-five inches. This Gull is found in winter on the coast from British Columbia southward to Lower California, l)ut nests in the interiar from Utah northward. They nest very abundantly around the Great Salt Lake, placing their nests generally upon the bare ground. Sometimes there is a scant lining of grasses or weeds and again the nests will be situated in the midst of a tussock of grass. Three or four eggs generally constitute a set, but occasionally five are laid. The usual nesting time is dur- ing May. They show the same great variations in color and markings com- mon to most of the Gulls. Size 2.60 x l.SO. .li. Ring-billed Gi^ll. Lams delaivareuis. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from tlie United States north- ward and wintering south to the Gulf States. A small Gull, eighteen inches in length, with a light gray mantle, black primaries with white tips, and always to be distinguished in the breeding sea- son by the black band around the middle of the greenish yellow bill. They nest in enormous colonies on islands in the interior of the country and in smaller colonies on the coasts. Thousands of them breed on the lakes of the Dakotas and northward. The majority of them nest on the ground, although on the coast they are often found on the cliffs. They commonly lay three eggs placing them in a slight hollow in the ground, generally on the grassy portions of the islands. The color varies from grayish to brownish, marked with brown and lilac. The lieight of the nesting season is in .June. Size of eggs, 2.S0 X 1.75. 45 THE BIRD BOOK 55. SilORT-JiiLLEi) (iuLL. Ldni.s bracliif- rhynchus. Range. — Breeds from the interior of British Columbia northward to Alaska; south in winter to Lower California. The Short-billed or American Mew Guil is seven- teen inches in length, has a short, stout bill and is otherwise similar to the preceding species. Nests on islands in the lakes and along the river banks of Alaska. The nest is made of grass, weeds and moss and is placed on the ground. -^ l';il( n-fenish-lirown Early in June the birds lay their set of three eggs, the ground color of which is greenish ijrown mark- ed with dark brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data — Mackenzie River, N. W. T., June 18, 1900. Three eggs. Nest made of seaweed and grass and placed on the ground on an island in the rjver. {5Q.~\ Mew Gull. Larus canus. This is the European variety of the above spe- cies, breeding commonly both in the British Isles and northern Europe. This species is given a place in our avifauna because of its accidental appearance in Labrador. Sliort-liillffl Oull Het-i-man's Oull 57. Herrman's Gull. — Larus heermaiiiii. Range. — Pacific Coast of North America from British Columbia south to Panama, breeding chiefly south of the United States border. A very handsome species, often called the White-headed Gull, and wholly unlike any other; length seventeen inches. Adults, in summer, have the ntire head, neck and throat white, this shading quite abruptly into the slaty upper and upder parts; the primaries and tail are l)lack, the latter and the secondaries being tipped with white. The legs and bill are vermilion. They are found off the coast of California, but are not believed to breed there. They are known to breed on some of the islands off the Mexican coast nesting on the ground the same as the other species. The three eggs are greenish drab in color and are marked with different shades of brown and lilac. Size 2.45x1.50. 46 58. Laughing Gull. Larus atricillu. LONG-WINGED SWIMiVIRRS Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from the Gulf to Nova Scotia, chiefly on tlic coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, with a (lark slate colored head, gray mantle, black J Pale gTayish bi'own l.i : ii '■ ! primaries, and white neck, underparts and tail. Bill and feet red. This l)ird has its name from its peculiar laughing cry when alarmed or angry; it is also called the Black-headed Gull. They nest l)y thousands on the islands off the Gulf Coast and along the South _ . -^ Atlantic States. The nest is placed yi>r' on the ground and is made of sea- weed. Three, four and sometimes tive eggs are laid, of a grayish to greenish brown color, marked with brown and lilac. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — Timbalin Is., La., June 3, 1886. Three eggs. Nest of drift grass thrown in a pile about 8 inches high, slightly hollowed on top, in low marsh back of beach. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. i:>TX'r< T-.rTTiM, ..r-i t ,- •' RING- BILLED GLLL — Gray 47 \,tf{ /'iffl THE BIRD BOOK 59. Franklin's Gill \r t P P J Aims franldini. Range. — Interior North America, breeding from middle United States northward. I^ike the last but smaller and with the primar- ies light. Underparts rosy in breeding season. Nests very abundantly in the marslies of Minne- sota and northward. Nest made of grasses and f"Pr>v mklin's Gull Bonaparte's Gull Grayish brown placed in the marsh grass barely above the sur- face of the water. Eggs same color as the last but the markings more inclined to zigzag lines. Size 2.10 X 1.40. Data.— Heron Lake, Minn., May 26, 1885. Nest of wet sedge stalks and rubbish placed in a bunch of standing sedge in shallow water; at least five thousand birds in rookery. Collector, J. W. Preston. ()(). Bonaparte's Gull. Lams pMl add phut. Range. — Breeds in the northern parts of North America; winters from Maine and British Columbia to the southern border of the United States. Smaller than the last; 14 inches long. Plumage similar, but bill slender and black. They nest in great numbers on the marshes of Manitoba and to the northward. The nests, of sticks and grass, are placed on the higher parts of the marsh and the usual complement of three eggs is laid during the latter part of June. The eggs are grayish to green- ish brown, marked with dark brown and lilac. Size 1.90 x 1.30. Pule grayisli brown 48 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS [60.1] Little Gim.. Larux minufus. This Gull is the smallest of the family; it is a European bird, and has accidentally strayed to our shores but a few times. Its plumage is sim- ilar to that of the Bonaparte Gull but the bill is red. It breeds in the marshes around the Baltic Sea, placing its nest of dead vegetation on the highest parts of the marsh. They lay three eggs of a greenish gray color marked with dark ])rown and lilac. Size 1.75 x 1.25. 61. Ross Gull. Rhodostethia rosea. Range. — The Arctic regions, south in winter to Alaska, Greenland, northern Europe and Asia. This beautiful bird is the most rare of all the Gulls, being very difficult to obtain because of its extreme northerly distribution. It is in form and plumage like Bonaparte Gull, with the excep- tions that the head is white, there being a nar- row black collar around the neck, the tail is wedge shaped, and the whole under parts from the chin to the tail are rosy in the breeding plum- age. The nests and eggs remain still undiscover- ed, although Nansen, in August 1896, found a supposed breeding ground in Franz Josef Land, because of the numbers of the birds, but found no nests. 62. Sabine's Gull. Xema sahinii. Range. — Arctic regions, breeding from Alaska and Greenland and northward, and wintering south to New England. Gull i VV Greenish hi-own Saliine Gull A handsome bird, having the slaty hood bordered behind with a black ring, the primar- ies black, white tipped, and the tail slightly forked. They breed abundantly on the marshes of northern Alaska and Greenland, nesting the same as others of the species. The two or there eggs are laid in .lune. They are greenish brown in color and are marked with dark brown. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Hudson Bay, August 1, 1894. Eggs laid on the ground in the moss; no nest except the hollow in the moss. 49 THE BIRD BOOK 63. GuLL-BiLLEU Tern. GelochelidoH nUotica. Range.— Found in North America along the Gulf Coast and on the Atlantic Coast north to Virginia and casually farther. This is one of the largest of the Terns, is 14 inches long, has a short, thick, black ^ - ^fc ^ --^ bill and a short slightly forked tail; the crown is black, mantle pearly gray, white below. This species is very widely dis- tributed, being found in Europe, Austra- lia, Asia and Africa. They are known locally as "Marsh Terns" where they breed in immense numbers on some of the marshes about the Gulf, particularly in Texas. They also breed on many of the islands along the Coast, rarely mak- ing any nest, but laying the eggs in a hollow in the sand. They nest most abundantly in the latter part of May, generally laying three eggs. They are of a yellowish, grayish or greenish buff color and are spotted with brown and lilac. Size 1.80 x 1.30. Data. — North- ampton Co., Va., May 28, 1882. Three eggs laid on a mass of seaweed on marsh above tide water. Pale greenish buff ()i. Caspian Tern. Sterna caspia. Range. — Like the preceding species, this bird is nearly cosmopolitan in its range, in North America breeding from the Gulf Coast and Texas northward to the Arctic Regions. This beautiful bird is the largest of the Tern family, being about 22 inches in length, with the tail forked about 1.5 inches. The bill is large, heavy and bright red; the crest, with which this and the next three species are adorned, is black. The mantle is pale -— _-^- pearl and the under parts '^ "* - ^^ white. These Terns some- ^ •■ i times nest in large colonies and then again only a few pairs will be found on an island. In Texas, the breed- ing season commences in May, it being later in the more northern breeding grounds. They may be re- garded as largely eastern birds, as while they are com- mon in the interior of the country, they are rarely found on the Pacific Coast. Two or three eggs constitute a com- plete set; these are laid on Grayish buff the sand in a slight hollow scooped out by the birds. They vary from gray to greenish buff, marked with brown and lilac. Size 2.60 x 1.75. Data. — Hat Is- land, Lake Michigan, July 1, 1896. No nest. Two eggs in a hollow in the gravel. Fully a thousand terns nesting on about one acre. Collector, Charles L. Cass. 50 LONG- WINGED SWIMMERS 65. Royal Tekn. Sterna )iuuv'n)i(t. Range. — Temperate North and South America, breeding in the United States locally from Texas and the Gulf States northward to the northern boundary of the United States. The Royal Terns nest in great numbers on the coasts and islands on the South Atlantic and Gulf States and in the marshes of southern Texas. x^^!lr -•■• v;* C.riiyish huff Like the former species they lay two or three eggs in a hollow on the bare sand. The eggs are the same size but differ in being more pointed and having a lighter ground and with the mark- ings more bold and distinct. Size 2.60 x 1.70. 66. Elegant Tern. Sterna elegans. Range. — Pacific Coast of South and Central .__si_£; America; north to California in summer. ' ^ ■ '' - A similar bird to the Royal Tern, but easilyOuil lied Tern Caspian Tern Royal Tern ^ *#. X 'V \- V, 'V--* m %• Cream color distinguished by its smaller size, slender bill, and more graceful form. In the breeding plumage the under parts of these Terns are tinged with rosy, which probably first gave the birds their name. They breed on the coasts and islands of Mexico and Central America, placing their eggs on the sand. They are be- lieved to lay but a single egg, like that of the Royal Tern, but smaller. Size 2.40 x 1.40. Data. — Honduras, Central America, June 5, 1899. Single egg laid on the sandy beach. 51 THE BIRD BOOK 67. Cabot Tern. Sfcrtui .savdvicensis acuftavida. Range. — A tropical species breeding regularly north to the Bahamas and Florida; casually farther north. A beautiful bird distinguished from the three preceding ones by its smaller size (sixteen inches) and by the bill which is black '#*#*■ ^\ 4Bf^. ^^J**^^^ Elegant Tern Cabot's Tern Cream color with a yellow tip. They nest in colonies on the shores of islands in the West Indies and Baha- mas, but not to a great extent on the United States Coast. Their two or three eggs have a creamy ground color, and are boldly marked with brown and black. Size 2.10x1.40. "^Q [68.] Trudeau's Tern. • Sterna trudeaui. Range. — South America; accidentally along the coast of the United States. A rare and unique species with a form similar to the following, but with the coloration entirely different. About fifteen inches in length; tail long and deeply forked; bill yellow with a band of black about the middle. Whole head pure white, shading into the pearly color of the upper and under parts. A narrow band of black through the eye and over the ear coverts. A very rare species that is supposed to breed in southern South America. Given a place among North American birds on the strength of a specimen seen by Audubon off Long Island. 52 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 69- Forster's Tern. Sterna forsteri. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from Manitoba, Mass., and California, south to the Gulf Coast and Texas. Length about fifteen inches; tail long and deep- ly forked; crown black, back and wings pearl and under parts white. Bill orange red. This spe- cies and the three following are the most grace- ful of birds in appearance and flight. Their move- % P'orsters Tern Common Tern Brownish buff ments can only be likened to those of the Swal- lows, from which they get the name of "Sea Swal- lows." Their food consists of fish, which they get by diving, and marine insects. They breed by thousands in the marshes from Manitoba to Texas and along the South Atlantic coast. The eggs are laid in a hollow on the dry grassy portions of the islands or marshes. They generally lay three eggs and rarely four. They are buffy or brown- ish spotted with dark brown and lilac. Size 1.80 X 1.30. Data. — Cobb's Island, Va.. June 8, 1887. Eggs in a hollow on grassy bank. Collector, F. H. Judson. 70. Common Tern. Sterna hirnndo. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding both on the coast and in the in- terior from the Gulf States northward. This bird differs from the preceding chiefly in having a bright red bill tipped with black, and the under parts washed with pearl. These are the most com- mon Terns on the New England coast, nest- ing abundantly from Virginia to Newfound- land. These beautiful Terns, together with others of the family, were formerly killed by tliousands for millinery purposes, but the practice is now being rapidly stopped. In May and June they lay their three, or some- times four eggs on the ground as do the other Terns. They are similar to the pre- ceding species but average shorter. Data. — ■ Duck Is., Maine, June 30, 1896. Three eggs in marsh grass about fifty feet from beach. No nest. Collector, C. A. Reed. Buff 53 .•jf >n ■ -^^ ■"•■■••» THE inRI) BOOK 1. Arctic Tern. \ r^-? k f ^- Sterna paradisaea. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breedhig from New England northward to the Arctic Regions and wintering south to California and the South Atlantic States. A similar bird to the last, differ- ing in having the bill wholly red and the feet be- ing smaller and weak for the size of the bird. A more northern bird than the last, breeding abund- antly in Alaska, both on the coast and in the in- terior. In the southern limits of its breeding range, it nests in company with the Common Tern, its nests and eggs being indistinguishable from the latter. When their nesting grounds are approached, all the birds arise like a great white clour, uttering their harsh, discordant "tearrr, tearrr," while now and then an individual, bolder than the rest, will swoop close by with an angry "crack." On the whole they are timid birds, keep- ing well out of reach. The nesting season is early in June. Eggs like the preceding. Data. — Little Duck Is., Me., June 29, 1896. Three eggs in a slight hollow on the beach, three feet above high water mark. 72. Roseate Tern. Sterna dougalU. Range. — Temperate North America on the east coast, breeding from New England to the Gulf. These are the most beautiful birds, having a delicate pink blush on the under parts during <^9 Arctic Tern Roseate Tern Aleutian Tern Grayish or Brownish the breeding season; the tail is very long and deeply forked, the outer feath- ers being over five inches longer than the middle ones; the bill is red with a black tip. They nest in large colonies on the islands from Southern New Eng- land southward, placing the nests in the short grass, generally without any lining. They lay two or three eggs which are indistinguishable from the two preceding species. 7-'^. Aleutian Tern. Sterna aleutica. Range. — Found in summer in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. South in winter to Japan. This handsome Tern is of the form and size of the Common -Tern, but has a darker mantle, and the forehead is white, leaving a black line from the bill to the eye. They nest on islands off the coast of Alaska, sometimes together with the Arctic Tern. The eggs are laid upon the bare ground or moss, and are similar to the Arctic Terns, but average nar- rower. They are two or three in number and are laid in June and July. Size 1.70 X 1.15. Data. — Stuart Is., Alaska. Three eggs in a slight hollow in the moss. 54 I>ONG-WINGED SWIMiMK RS 71-. Least Tehn. Sterna aniillamm. Range. — From northern South America to southern New England, Dakota and California, breeding locally throughout its range. These little Sea Swallows are the smallest of the Terns, being but 9 inches in length. They have a yellow bill with a black tip, a black crown and nape, and white forehead. Although small, these little Terns lose none of the grace and beau- ty of action of their larger relatives. They nest Light buf in colonies on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, placing their eggs upon the bare sand, where they are sometimes very difficult to see among the shells and pebbles. They are of a grayish or buffy color spotted with umber and lilac. They number two, three and rarely four, and are laid in May and June. Size 1.25 x .95. Data.^ — DeSota Beach, Fla., May 20, 1884. Three eggs laid on the sandy beach. Collector, Chas. Graham. Least Tern Sooty Tern 75. Sooty Tern. Sterna fuscata. ^^ (T**, Range. — -Tropical America, north to the South -- ""5*?^ -- Atlantic States. This species measures 17 inches in length; it has a brownish black mantle, wings and tail, except the outer feathers of the latter which are white; the forehead and under parts are white, the crown and a line from the eye to the bill, black. This tropical species is very numerous at its breeding grounds on the small islands of the Florida Keys and the West Indies. They lay but a single egg, generally plac- ing it on the bare ground, or occasionally building a frail nest of grasses. The egg has a pinkish white or creamy ground and is beautifully sprinkled with spots of reddish brown and lilac. They are laid during May. Size 2.05 x 1.45. Data. — CUutheria Key, Bahamas, May 28, 1891. Single egg laid on bare ground near water. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. Creamy white 55 TllK HIIU) JiOOK [7().] Bridled Tern. Sterna anaetheta. Range. — Found in tropical regions of both lieni- isplieres; casual or accidental in Florida. This Tern is similar to the last except that the nape is white and the white of the forehead extends in a line over the eye. The Bridled Tern is com- mon on some of the islands of the West Indies and the Bahamas, nesting in company with the Black TtTii Noddy Black Skiiiiiuer Creamy white Sooty Terns and Noddies. The single egg is laid on the seashore or among the rocks. It is creamy- white beautifully marked with brown and lilac. Size 1.85 X 1.25. Data.— Bahamas, May 9, 1892. Single egg laid in a cavity among the rocks. Col- lector, D. P. Ingraham. 77- Black Tern. Ilydrorhdidon nigra surinamensis. Range. — Temperate America, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward to Alaska; south in winter beyond the United States Border. The identity of these Terns cannot be riiistaken They are but ten inches in length; the whole head, neck and under parts are black; the back, wings and tail are slaty and the under tail coverts are white. Their dainty figure with their long slender wings gives them a grace and airi- ness, if possible, superior to other species of the family. They are very active and besides feeding upon all manner of marine Crustacea, they capture many insects in the air. They nest in large colonies in marshes, both along the coast and in the interior, making a nest of decayed reeds and grasses, or often laying their eggs upon rafts of decayed vegetation which are floating on he water. The nesting season com- mences in May, they laying three eggs of a brown- ish or greenish color, very heavily blotched with blackish brown. Size 1.35 x .95. Data. — Winne- bago City, Minn., May 31, 1901. Three eggs. Nest made of a mass of weeds and rushes floating on water in a swamp. Collector, R. H. Bullis. Deep greenish brown 56 LONG-WINGED SWIMM KRS \\'inTE-\viNGEU Hi.AcK Tern. II i/drocheliilon leucoptero. Range. — Eastern Hemisphere, its addition to Amer- ican birds being made because of tlie accidental appearance of one bird in Wisconsin in 1873. They lest very abundantly among the hikes and marslies V Greenish l)iiff t 4 of southern Europe, placing their eggs the same as the American spe- '^ . ' cies, upon masses of decayed reeds v' ' and stalks. They lay three eggs which have a somewhat brighter appearance than the common Black Terns because of a somewhat light- er ground color. 79. Noddy. Anous stolid us. Range. — Tropical America, north to the Gulf and South Atlantic States, A peculiar but handsome bird (about fifteen inches long), with a silvery white head and the rest of the plumage brownish, and the tail rounded. They breed in abundance on some of the Flor- ida Keys, the West Indies and the Bahamas. Their nests are made of sticks and grass, and are placed either in trees or on the ground. They lay but a single egg with a buffy or cream colored ground spotted with chestnut and lilac. Size 2.00 x 1.30. Atwood's Key, Bahamas, June 1, 1891. Nest made of sticks and grasses, three feet up a mangrove. Col- lector, D. P. Ingraham. Buff i^'^^^:. Noddi' 57 THE BIRD BOOK SKIMMERS. Family RYNCHOPID^ Skimmers are Tern-like birds liaving a very strangely developed bill. The lower mandible is much longer than the upper and very thin, the upper edge being as sharp as the lower. The lower mandible is rounded at the end while the upper is more pointed. Young Skimmers are said to have both mandibles of the same length, the abnormal development not appearing until after flight. Skimmers are very graceful birds, and, as implied by their name, they skim over the surface of the water, rising and falling with the waves, and are said to pick up their food by dropping the lower mandible below the surface, its thin edge cutting the water like a knife. There are four species of Skimmers, only one of which is found in North America. w:r V 80. Black Skimmer. Rynchops nigra. Range. — The South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, breeding from New Jersey southward. The Black Skimmer is about eighteen inches in length, and be- sides the remarkable bill is a bird of striking plumage; the forehead, ends of the secondaries, tail feathers and under parts are white; the rest of the plum- age is black and the basal half of the bill is crimson. Skimmers nest in large communities, the same as do the Terns, laying their eggs in hollows in the sand. They are partially nocturnal in their habits and their hoarse barking cries may be heard after the shadows of night have y- ^ ^^1^ enveloped the earth. Fishermen call them / ' • • * y '^ w. by the names of "Cut-water" and "Sea Dog." / ^^ •■** •% ^\ fl ^.-^ ■ ^ *. »«■ '^^^® nesting season commences in May and continues through June and July. They lay from three to five eggs, having a creamy or yellowish buff ground, blotched with black, chestnut and lilac. Size 1.75 x 1.30. Data.— Cobb's Is., Va., June 8, 1S94. Three eggs laid in a hollow on the beach. No nest. \ X ■^fc-, a ^r » A ^^^ Buffy yellow 58 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. Order III. TUBINARES. ALBATROSSES. Family DIOMEDEIDAE Albatrosses are the largest of the sea birds and have an enormous expanse of wing, the Wandering Albatross, the largest of the family, sometimes attain- ing an expanse of fourteen feet. Their nostrils consist of two slightly project- ing tubes, one on each side near the base of the bill. They are unsurpassed in powers of flight, but are only fair swimmers and rarely, if ever, dive, getting their food, which consists of dead animal matter, from the surface of the water. 81. Black-footed Albatross. Diomedea nigripes. Range. — North Pacific from California north- ward. This Albatross is thirty-two inches in length; it is of a uniform sooty brown color shad- ing into whitish at the base of the bill, which is rounded. Like the other members of the family, this species is noted for its extended flights, fol- lowing vessels day after day without any apparent period of rest, for the purpose of feeding on the refuse that is thrown overboard. They breed during our winter on some of the small isolated islands in the extreme southern portions of the globe. They lay a single white egg on the bare ground. 82. Short-tailed Albatross. Dio^nedea albatriis. Range. — North Pacific Ocean in summer, from Lower California to Alaska. With the exception of the Wandering Albatross, which is now regard- ed as doubtful as occurring off our coasts, the Short-tailed Albatross is one of the largest of the group, measuring thirty-six inches in length, and has an extent of seven feet or more. With the exception of the black primaries, shoulders and tail, the entire plumage is white, tinged with straw color on the back of the head. They breed on the guano islands in the North Pacific off the coasts of Alaska and Japan. They lay a single white egg on the bare ground or rocks. As with the other members of the family, the eggs are extremely variable in size, but average about 4.2.5 x 2.50. yy>- cs. Black-fdoted Albatross Slioit-taiU'd Albatross 59 TIIK BIRD BOOK Sii.l. Laysan Albatross. Dudabilis. Diomedca im- an All Velln\v-n osed Albatross Sooty Albatross Range. — Laysan Island of the Hawaiian Group, appearing casually off the coast of California. This species breeds in large numbers on the is- land from which it takes its name. The birds are white with the exception of the back, wings and tail, which are black. The birds, having been lit- tle molested in their remote island, are exceeding- ly tame, and it is possible to go among the sitting birds without disturbing them. Mr. Walter K. Fisher has contributed an admirable report on this species in the 1913 Bulletin of the Fish Com- mission, the report being illustrated with numer- ous illustrations of the birds from photos by the author. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare ground. [83.] Yellow-nosed Albatross. Thalassogeron culminatus. This is a species which inhabits the South Pa- cific and Indian Oceans, and is said to rarely oc- cur on the California coast. They breed during our winter on some of the small islands and dur- ing our summer are ocean wanderers. An egg in the collection of Col. John E. Thayer was taken on Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean; Sept. 1st, ISSS, The nest was a mound of mud and grass about two feet in height. The single white egg measured 3.75 x 2.25. It was collected by George Comer. Si. Sooty Albatross Phoehetria-palpehrata. Range. — Southern seas, north in our summer along the Pacific coast of the United States. This species is entirely sooty brown except the white eyelids. It is similar to the Black-footed Albatross from which species it can be distinguished in all plumages by the narrow base of the bill, while the bill of the former species is broad and rounded. They breed commonly on isolated islands in many quarters of the southern hemisphere. Sometimes this species constructs a mound of mud on which to deposit its single white egg, and also often lays it on the bare ground or rock. A specimen in Mr. Thayer's collection, taken by Geo. Comer on So. Georgia Is. in the South Atlantic ocean, was laid in a hollow among loose stones on the ledge of an overhanging cliff. Size 4.10 x 2.75. 60 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS EGG OF SOOTY ALBATROSS — White FULMARS, SHEARWATERS and PETRELS Family PROCELLARIDAE Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels are Gull-like birds with two nostril tubes located side by side, in a single tube, on the top of the bill at it's base. The Fulmars are mostly northern birds while the majority of the Shear- waters nest in the extreme south during our winter, and appear off our coasts during the summer. Their food consists of fish or offal which they get from the surface of the water; large flocks of them hover about fishermen, watch- ing their chance to get any food which falls, or is thrown, overboard. 61 THE BIRD JiOOK fST).] Giant Fulmar. Mncronecies gig ant fa Range. — This Petrel is a native of the south- ern seas and is only casually met with off the Pacific coast. It is the largest of the family, being about three feet in length, and is normally a uniform sooty color, although it has light phases of I)lumage. They nest in December on many of the islands south of Africa and South America, laying their single white egg on the bare rocks. 86. Fulmar. Fidmarus glacialis glacialis. Range. — North Atlantic coasts from New England northward, breeding from Hudson jH'uimar — Bay and southern Greenland northward. This bird which is 19 inches in length, in the light phase has a plumage very similar to that of the larger Gulls. They nest by thousands on rocky islands of the north, often in company with Murres and Gulls. Owing to the filthy habits of the Fulmars, these breeding grounds always have a nauseat- ing odor, which is also imparted to, and retained by the egg shell. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare rocks, in crevices of the cliffs, often hundreds of feet above the water. Size 2.90 x 2. Data. — St. Kilda, off Scotland. June 5, 1897. Single egg laid on rock on side of sea cliff. Collector, Angus Gillies. Z'- 62 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 8()1). Pacific Fulmak. Fulmarus glaci- alis glwpischa. This sub-species of the preceding, has a darker mantle than the common Fulmar; it is found on the northern Pacific coasts where it breeds on the high rocky cliffs, the same as it's eastern relative. They nest in large colonies, every crevice in the rocks having its tenant. Their flight is graceful like that of the Gulls, whiil they closely resemble. They lay but a single white egg, the average dimensions of which are slightly smaller than those of the common Ful- mar. Data. — Copper Is., Alaska. May 14, 1880. Egg laid in a crevice among the cliffs. 86". 1. Rodger's Fulmak. Fnlmarus 7-o(Igcrs. Range. — North Pacific, breeding in large nunv hers on some of the islands in Bering Sea; soutli to California in winter. Very similar to the two preceding species except that the back is mixed with whitish, it is not believed to have a dark phase. Their breeding habits and eggs do not differ from the common Fulmar. The eggs are laid on the rocky cliffs during June. bilicd i''ulmar 87- Slender-billed Fulmar. Priocella glacialoides. Range. — Southern seas, appearing on the Pacific coast of the United States in the summer. This species has a paler mantle than the others of the family, and the primaries are black. The make-up and plumage of the whole bird is more like that of the Gulls than any of the others. They probably breed in the far south during our winter, although we have no definite data relative to their nesting habits. 5^,4. ■i'X„ ',^&|l/^f " I '^f^^r-" V '^^ 63 THE BIRD BOOK 88. Cory's Shearwater. Puffimis borealis. This species probably breeds in the far south. It has been found only off the coast of Massa- chusetts and Long Island. This is the largest of our Shearwaters, and can be distinguished from the next species by its wholly white underparts, its light mantle and yellowish bill. We have no data relative to its nesting habits. 8y. Greater Shearwater. Puffimis gravis. Range. — The whole of the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of them spend the latter part of the summer off the New England coast, where they are known to the fishermen as Haglets. Their upper parts are brownish gray, darker on the wings; bill and feet dark; under parts white, with the middle of the belly and the under tail cov- ers dusky. Length about 20 inches. Little is known concerning their nesting quarters, al- though they are said to breed in Greenland. From the fact of their early appearance off the New England coast it is probable that the great- er part of them nest in the far south. [90.] Manx Shearwater. Puffinus puffimis. This species inhabits the North Atlantic ocean chiefly on the European side, being abundant in the Mediterranean and in the British Isles. These birds deposit their single pure white eggs in Poiy Shearwater (ii-eater Shearwater crevices among the cliffs, on the graound or in burrows dug by themselves. Size of egg 2.35 X 1.60. Data. — Isle of Hay, North Scotland. June 1, 1S93. Single egg laid at the end of a three foot burrow. of Audubon's Shearwater — -White 64 Aud TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 91. Pink-footed Shearwater. Puffinus creatopus Range. — Pacific Ocean, north on American side to California in summer. This species, whose breeding habits are little known, is similar in size and color to the Greater Shearwater, differing chiefly in the yellowish bill and pinkish colored feet. 92. Audubon's Shearwater. Puffinus Iherminieri. Range. — Middle Atlantic, ranging north in late summer to Long Island. This bird, having a length of but twelve inches, is the smallest of the Shearwaters found along our coasts. Large colonies of them breed on some of the small islands and keys of the West Indies and Bahamas, and not so commonly in the Ber- mudas. Their eggs, which are pure white, are de- posited at the end of burrows dug by the birds. Size of egg 2. x 1.35. Their nesting season com- mences about the latter part of March and con- tinues through April and May. After the young are able to fly, like other members of the family, the birds become ocean wanderers and stray north to southern New England. Data. — Bahamas, April 13, 1891. Single egg laid at the end of a burrow about two feet in length. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. [92.1.] Allied Shearwater. Puffiiivx assiinilis. a^. This is an Australian and New Zealand species that has accidentallv straved to the shores of ^^l^}^'i'"^}'''\ '^!%'t^2^''i^L ^. _, . • • Black-vented Shearwater Nova bCOtia. Townsend's Shearwater .08. Black-vented Shearwater. PnffimiN opisiJionH'las. Range. — Middle Pacific coast of the Americas, nortli in late summer along the coast of California. This species breeds commonly on the islands off the coast of Lower California, especially on the Gulf side. Their single egg is white, size 2. x 1.30, and is located at the end of a burrow. Data. — Natividad Is., Lower California, April 10, 1897. Single egg laid on the sand at the end of a burrow six feet in length. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 93.1. Townsend's Shearwater. Puffinus auricularis. This bird ranges from Cape St. Lucas, south along the Pacific coast of Mex- ico, breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off the Mexican coast. 65 THE BIRD BOOK 94. Sooty Shearwater. nosus. Puffins fuligi- Range. — A common species off the Atlantic coast in summer; breeds along our northern coasts, and it is also supposed that many of them nest in southern seas and reach our coasts early in the summer. These Shear- waters are entirely sooty gray, being some- what lighter below. They are called "black haglets" by the fishermen, whose vessels they follow in the hope of procuring bits of refuse. They commonly nest in burrows in the ground, but are also said to build in fissures among the ledges. Their single white egg measures 2.55 X 1.75. Data.— Island in Ungava Bay, northern Labrador, June 14, 1896. Egg laid in a fissure of a sea cliff. Collector, A. N. Mc- Ford. fj^y rm. Daik-bodied Shearwater Slender-billed Shearwater Sooty Shearwater 95. Dauk-I3odied Shearwater. Puffinus griseus. This is a southern species which, after hav- ing nested on islands in the far south during our winter, comes north and appears off the Pacific coast of the United States during the summer. It is a similar bird to the Sooty Shear- water, but is considerably darker and the under coverts are whitish. Their nesting habits are the same as those of other members of the fam- ily. Size of egg, 2.40 x 1.65. Data. — Stewart's Island, New Zealand, February 15, 1896. Single egg at the end of a long burrow. 96. Slender-billed Shearwater. Puffinus tenuirostris. Range. — Northern Pacific Ocean in the sum- mer, extending from Japan and Alaska south- ward. Supposed to breed in the southern hemis- phere, as well as probably on some of the Aleu- tians in Alaska. 96.1. Wedge-tailed Shearwater. Puffinus cuneatus. Range. — North Pacific, breeding on the Revil- lagigedo Islands off the coast of Mexico, and probably on some of the small islands in the Gulf of California. [97-] Black-tailed Shearwater. Priofinus cinems This is a Shearwater which inhabits the south- ern hemisphere, but which has accidentally wan- dered to the Pacific coast of the United States. It is dark above and whitish below, with black under tail coverts. It breeds in the far south. 66 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS [98.] Black-capped Petrel. Mstrelata hasi- tata. This is not a common species; it is an inhabit- ant of tropical seas and has only been casually found on our coasts or inland. It is a handsome species with white forehead, underparts and nape with a small isolated black cap on the crown; the rest of the upper parts are blackish. It is a native of the West Indies. [99-] Scaled Petrel. Mstrelata scalaris. This is another rare species which is an in- habitant of southern seas. A single specimen taken in New York State gives it a claim as a doubtful North American species. It is a hand- some bird, the feathers of the grayish upperparts being edged with white, thus giving it the appear- ance of being barred. Its egg have only been known to science within the past few years. Data. — Preservation Inlet, New Zealand, June 7, 1900. Single white egg. Size 2.40 x 1.75. Collec- tor, P. Seymour. Parent bird taken with the egg. 100. Fisher's Petrel. Mstralata fsheri. This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken off Kadiak Is., Alaska, by Mr. Fisher. rapp.Ml I'ftrcl Scaled Petrel Fisher's Petrel [101.] Bulwer's Petrel. Bulweria bulweri. An eastern Atlantic species which is only an accidental visitant to our shores. They breed on the Madeira Islands where the eggs are laid in crevices among the rocks or in burrows in the ground. Size 1.75 x 1.55, white. Z'. [102.] Pintado Petrel. Daption capensis. This is the Cape Pigeon of the southern hemisphere. It has only accidentally occurred on our coast. G7 THE BIRD BOOK 5t Petrel Stormy Petrel Forked-tailed Petrel 108. Least Petuel. Halocyjitena m/crusuina. Range. — Pacific coast of America from Lower California to Panama. Tlie Least Petrel is the smallest of this family, in length measuring only 5.75 inches. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty. They have heen found breeding on San Benito Island, Lower California, and they prob- ably do on others farther south. The single jgg that this bird lays is M'hite with a wreath of fine black specks around one and sometimes both ends. Data. — San Benito Is., Lower California, June 12, 1897. No nest, the egg being simply laid on the bare rock in a crevice. Size 1.00 X .75. Collector, A. W. Anthony. iOi. Storm Petrel. ThaUissidroina pela- gic a. North Atlantic Ocean chiefly on the European side, wintering south to New Brunswick. Small- est of the white rumped, black petrels; 5.75 inches in length. This species is the orig- inally called "Mother Cary's Chicken" by the sailors. They nest abund- antly on many of the is- lands off the coasts of Europe and the British Isles, laying their single "White egg either in burrows or crevices among the cliffs. Data. — Coast of County Kerry, Ireland, June 1, 1895. Single egg laid at the end of burrow in a sea cliff. SiiJe 1.05x.S0; white with a wreath of very fine dots about the larger end. Collector, G. H. McDonald. 10,'). Forked-tailed Petrel. Occanodroviu furcata. Range. — North Pacific from California to Alaska, breeding in the Aleutians. These birds have a plumage of bluish gray, the wings being darker and the underparts lightest. The nests are made in burrows or crevices in the banks. Data.— Uniak Is., Alaska, June 10, 1900. No nest. Single egg laid at the end of a burrow. Several pairs nesting near. Egg white with a fine wreath of purplish black specks about the large end. Size 1.25 x .95. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 105.2. K.eding's Pethel. Oceanodroma livdingi. This bird is similar to Leach Petrel, but is smaller and the tail is less deeply forked. Its range is from California to Panama breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off Mexico. 106. Leach's Pethki. lioa. Oceanodroma Icucor- Range. — North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding from Maine and from the Parallones, northward* to Greenland and the Aleu- tians. These are the most common of the Petrels found on our coast; they are eight inches in length, of a sooty brown color, and have a white rump. The forked tail will at once distinguish them from any of the Atlantic Petrels. They nest in burrows in the ground, laying a pure white egg, sometimes with a very faint dusty wreath about the larger end. Size 1.20 x .95. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, one remaining at sea during the day and returning at night while his mate takes her turn roving the briny deep in search of food. The young are fed by regurgitation upon an oily fluid which has a very of- ^' fensive odor. This odor is always noticeable about an island inhabited by Ktieding's Petrel Leach's Petrel Guadalupe Petrel Petrels and is always re- White tained by the eggs or skins of these birds. They are very rarely seen flying in the vicinity of their nest- ing island during the day; the bird that is on the nest will remain until re- moved by hand. Data.— Pumpkin Is., Maine, June 22, 1893. Single egg; nest of a few grasses at the end of a burrow dug in the bank. Collector, J. Lefavour. 106.1 Guadalupe Petrel. Oceanodroma macrodactyla. This species, which is very similar to the preceding, except for a longer and more deeply forked tail, breeds on Guadalupe . Is. Their eggs are white very minutely wreathed with reddish brown; they are, however, nearly al- ways nest stained to an uneven brownish color. Data.— Guadalupe Is., Lower California, March 24 1897. Single egg laid on a few oak leaves and pinr needles at the end of a three foot burrow. Size ot egg 1.40x1.00. Collector, A, W. Anthony. 69 White, nest stained THE BIRD BOOK .05. Black Petrel Ashy Petrel 107. Black Petrel. Oceanodroma melania. Range. — South Pacific, from southern Califor- nia soutliward, breeding on tlie small islands on both coasts of Lower California. They are sim- ilar to the Leach's Petrel except that the rump is blackish. Data. — San Benito Is., Lower Califor- nia, July 23, 1896. White egg laid on bare ground at the end of three foot burrow. Size 1.40 x 1. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 108. Ashy Petrel. Oceanodroma homochroa. Range. — California coast, breeding on the Far- allones and Santa Barbara Islands. This species, while not common, nests in all manner of localities on the Farallones, conceal- ing their eggs under any rock or in any crevice that may attract their fancy. Their single white egg is only faintly if at all wreathed with fine dust-like specks of reddish brown. Size 1.15 x .86. Data. — Farallone Is., California, June 12, 1895. Egg laid on sand in crevice at the base of a stone wall; well concealed. Collector, Chester Barlow. 108.1. Socorro Petrel. Oceanodroma socorroensis. Breeds on Socorro, San Benito and Coronado Islands, placing its eggs at the end of burrow. Data. — San Benito Is., Lower California, July 12, 1897. Single egg at the end of a burrow 3 feet in length. Egg pure white very finely wreathed with pale reddish brown. Size 1.15 x .87. Collec- tor, A. W. Anthony. 70 lOp. Wilson's Petrel. Breeds in the southern hemisphere in February and Marcli and spends tlie summer off the Atlan- tic coast as far noi'tli as Newfoundland. This spe- cies can be distinguished from Leach Petrel by its square tail and from the Stormy Petrel by its large size and yellow webs to its feet. These birds are the greatest wanderers of the genus, being found at different seasons in nearly all quarters of the globe. Their single egg is white. Size 1.25 X. 90. [110.] White-bellied Petrel. Fregetta grallaria. A small species (length about 7.5 inches) in- habiting southern seas. Recorded once at Flor- ida. General plumage blackish. Upper tail cov- erts, bases of tail feathers, under wing coverts, and abdomen, white. [111.] White-faced Petrel. Pelagodroma marina. Range. — Southern seas, accidentally north to the coast of Massachusetts. This beautiful spe- cies is of about the same size as the Leach's Petrel. It has bluish gray upper parts; the whole under parts, as well as the forehead and sides of head, are white. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS Oceanites oceanicus. White Wilson's Petrel White-billed Petrel White-faced Petrel These birds have the same characteristics as do others of the species, pat- tering over the water with their feet as they skim over the crests and troughs of the waves. They are not uncommon in the waters about New Zealand where they breed. Their single eggs are about the same as Leach's Petrel, are brilliant white and are, very strongly, for a Petrel egg, wreathed about the large end with dots of reddish brown. Size 1.32 x .90. Data. — Chat- ham Is., New Zealand, January 7. 1901. Egg laid at end of a burrow. Collec- tor, J. Lobb. This egg is in Mr. Thayer's collection. 71 THE BIRD BOOK TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. Order IV. STEGANOPODES TROPIC BIRDS. Family PHAETHONTIDAE Tropic Birds are Tern-like birds, liaving all the toes connected by a web, and having the two central tail feathers very much lengthened. V- 112. Yellow-billed Tropic Bird. Ph(vthon americanus. Range. — Tropical regions, breeding in the Ba- hamas, West Indies and the Bermudas, ".asual in Florida and along the South Atlantic coast. The Tropic Birds are the most strikingly beautiful of all the sea birds; they are about 30 inches in length, of which their long slender tail takes about 20 inches. They fly with the ease and grace of a Tern, but with quicker wing beats. They feed on small fish, which they capture by Dull purplish darting down upon, and upon snails which they get from the beach and ledges. They build their nests in the crevices and along the ledges of the rocky cliffs. While gregarious to a certain ex- tent they are not nearly as much so as the Terns. The nest is made of a mass of seaweed and weeds; but one egg is laid, this being of a creamy or pale purplish ground color, dotted and sprinkled with chestnut, so thickly as to often obscure the ground color. Size 2.10 x 1.45. Data.— Coney Is., Bermudas, May 1, 1901. Nest made of moss and seaweed in ledge of cliff. Collector, A. H. Verrill. w-liillert 'I'ropic Fiird Red-billed Tropic Bird a crevice on TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 113. Red-billed Tkui'kj Biuv. Phcethon cethereus. Range. — Tropical seas, chiefly in the Pacific Ocean ; nortli to southern California. They breed on several islands in the Gulf of California. This species differs from the preceding in having a red bill, and the back being barred vvrith black. Their plumage has a peculiar satiny appearance and is quite dazzling when vievired in the sunlight. They are strong fliers and are met with, hundreds of miles from land. They often rest upon the water, elevating their long tails to keep them from getting wet. They nest, as do the preceding species, on rocky islands and are said to also build their nests in trees or upon the ground. The single egg that they lay has a creamy ground and is mi- nutely dotted with chestnut. Pale purplish gi2g 2.40 X 1.55. Data. — Daphone Is., Galapagos Is., South Pacific, March 6. 1901. Egg laid in hole of a sea cliff. The eggs are easily told from those of the yellow-billed by their much larger size. Collector, R. H. Beck. [1 I.S.I] Red-tailed Tropic Bird. J'Jia'fJion i Nhricantiiis. Range.^Tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, accidental off the coast of Lower California. This is a singularly beautiful species resembling the latter except that the central tail feathers are bright red, with the extreme tips white. During August and September they breed in large colonies on small islands in the South Seas. On Mauritius Island they build their nests either in the trees or place them on the ground; the nest is made of seaweed, sticks and weeds; numbers of them nest on Laysan Is., of the Hawaiian group, concealing their nests on the ground under over- hanging brush. The single egg has a pale purplish ground speckled with brown, Fale purplish luml color 73 THE BIRD BOOK GANNETS. Family SULIDAE Gannets are large stoutly built birds, liaving the four toes joined by a web; they have a small naked pouch beneath the bill; the bill is a little longer than the head, and the tail is quite short. The plumage of the adults is generally white, that of the young grayish. 114. Blue-faced Booby. Sula syanops. Range. — Widely distributed in the tropical seas, north casually to Florida and breeding in the Ba- hamas. Like the rest of the Gannets, this one is stupid and will often remain on the nest until removed with the hand, merely hissing at the intruder. Often they lay their eggs on the bare ground, but sometimes the nest is lined with seaweed or grass. They lay either one or two eggs early in April. These eggs are of a dull white color and are heav- ily covered with a chalky deposit. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data.— Clarion Is., Mexico, May 24, 1897. Nest a mere hollow in the sand near the beach. Col- lector, A. W. Anthony. 114.1. Blue-footed Booby. Sula nehouxi. Range. — Pacific coasts and islands from the Gulf of California southward to Chili. These birds nest in numbers on the island of San Pedro Martir in the Gulf of California. They lay but a single egg, placing it upon the bare rock. Their breeding season extends from the latter part of March into May. The egg is a dull white, generally nest stained and is covered with the usual chalky deposit. Size 2.35 x 1.60. Data. — Clarion Island, Mexico, May 21, 1897. Two eggs in a hollow in the sand near the beach. Collector, A. W. Anthony. Blue-faced Booby Blue-footed Booby 74 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 115. Booby. Siila leucosastra. Range.— Tropical coasts and islands of the At- lantic; north casually to Georgia. The common Booby is an abundant bird on some of the islands of tlie Bahamas and Bermu- das; it is commonly called the Brown Booby be- cause the upper parts are of a brownish gray. These birds, as do the other Gannets, have great powers of flight and without apparent effort dart Chalky bluish white, nest stained about with the speed of an arrow. They are quite awkward upon their feet and are not very proficient swimmers. They rarely rest upon the water except when tired. Hundreds and some- times thousands of them breed in company, lay- ing their eggs upon the bare rocks. Sometimes a few sticks or grasses will be placed about the bird to prevent the eggs from rolling away. They generally lay two eggs, chalky white and nest stained. Size 2.40 x 1.60. Data. — Key West, Ba- hamas, April 14, 1891. No nest; two eggs laid on the bare rocks. s- V- Boul>v Red-footed Booby 115.1. Brewster's BooBY. Sula brewsteri. Range. — Pacific coast from Lower California southward. This Gannet re- places the common Booby on the Pacific coast. It nests abundantly on many islands in the Gulf of California, and in company with the blue-footed variety, on San Pedro Martir Island. They generally lay two eggs, placing them upon the bare rocks and surrounding them with a ring of sticks and seaweed to keep them in place. The eggs are chalky white and cannot be distinguished from those of the other Boobies. Data.^ — San Benedicto Is., Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg laid on the sand amid a few blades of grass. 11 6. Red-footed Booby. Sula piscator. This is another species that is only occasionally taken on the Florida coast. The habits of the birds and their nesting habits are the same as those of the others of the family. Two chalky white eggs are laid. Data. — San Benedicto Is., Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg. Nest a few twigs of rank grass. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 75 Till: BIKI) BOOK Ganet Anhinga 117. Gannet. Sula Ixi.ssaiKi. Range. — Nortli Atlantic-, breeding, in America, only on Bird Rocks in the St. Lawrence. These are the largest of the family, being 35 inches in length. They feed on fish which they catch by diving upon, from the air. When flying their neck is carried fully extended. They rest on the water when tired, the numerous air cells beneath tlie skin, causing them to sit high up in the water and enabling them to weather the severest storm in perfect safety. The only known breeding place in America is Bird Rocks, where they nest by thousands, placing their nests in rows on the narrow ledges; the nests are made of piles of seaweed, mud and stones. They lay l)ut one egg of dingy white color and covered with a chalky deposit. On St. Kilda Island, off the coast of Scotland, they breed by millions. They are very tame and will frequently allow them- selves to be touched with the hand. It is said that thousands of the young are killed by fisher- men every year and marketed in Edinburg and other places. Data.— St. Kilda Island, Scotland, June 18, 1896. Single egg laid on a large mass of seaweed on a sea cliff. Collector, H. McDonald. ■sCV Chalky bluish white 76 TOTIPALMATE SW[MMKRS DARTERS. Family ANHINGIDAE 118. ^^.VTEU Turkey. /Inhiiiga unliinga. Range. — Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States and up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. Anhingas or Snake Birds are curiously formed creatures with a Heron-like head and neck, and the body of a Cormorant. They live in colonies in inacces- sible swamps. Owing to their thin and light bodies, they are remarkable swimmers, and pursue and catch fish under water with ease. When alarm- ed they have a habit of sinking their body below water, leaving only their liead and neck visible, thereby having the appearance of a water snake. They also fly well and dive from their i;erch into the water with the greatest celerity. They nest in colonies in the swamps, placing their nests of sticks, leaves and moss in the bushes over the water. They breed in April, laying from three to five bluish eggs, covered with a chalky deposit. Size 2.25 x 1.35. Data. — Gainesville, Florida, May 18, 1894. Nest in the top of a button-wood tree, made of leaves and branches, overhanging the water. Collector, George Graham. Chalky bhii.sh while I'KLICAX POND Washington Zoological Park 77 THE BIRD BOOK CORMORANTS. Family PHALACROCORACID^ Cormorants have a more bulky body than do the Anhingas; their tail is shorter and the bill strongly hooked at the tip. Cormorants are found in nearly all quarters of the globe. ¥hey are very gregarious and most species are maritime. They feed upon fish Vi^hich they catch by pursuing under water. Most of the Cormorants have green eyes. TS> TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 119- Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carho. Range. — The Atlantic coast breeding from Maine to Greenland. The common Cormorant or Shag is one of the largest of the race, having a length of 36 inches. In breeding plumage, the black head and neck are so thickly covered with the slender white plumes as to almost wholly obscure the black. There is also a large white patch on the flanks. They nest in colonies on the rocky shores of New- Chalky greenish or bluish whitae foundland and Labrador, placing their nests of sticks and seaweed in rows along the high ledges, where they sit, as one writer aptly expresses it, like so many black bottles. A few pairs also nest on some of the isolated rocky islets off the Maine coast. During the latter part of May and dur- ing June they lay generally four or five greenish white, chalky looking eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.40. Data. — Black Horse Rock, Maine coast, June 6, 1893. Four eggs in a nest of seaweed and a few sticks; on a high ledge of rock. Collector, C. A. Reed. 120. Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus. Range.- — The Atlantic coast and also in the interior, breeding from Nova Scotia and North Dakota northward. This is a slightly smaller bird than citrho, and in the nesting season the white plumes of the latter are replaced by tufts of black and white feathers from above each eye. On the coast they nest the same as carho and in company with them on rocky islands. In the interior they place their nests on the ground or occasionally in low trees on islands in the lakes. They breed in large colonies, making the nests of sticks and weeds and lay three or four eggs like those of the common Cormorant but averaging shorter. Size 2.30 x 1.40. Data.- — Stump Lake, North Dakota, May 31, 1897. Nest of dead weeds on an island. Six eggs. Collector, T. F. Eastgate. 79 jr. p . Waltui Kainu NESTS OF DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS 80 TOTl PALMATE SWIMMERS 120a. Florida Cormorant. Plialacrocorax auritus floridanus. This sub-species is a common breeding bird in the swamps and islands of the Gulf coast and north to South Carolina and southern Illinois. The nests are placed in the mangroves in some of the most impenetrable swamps and are composed of twigs and lined with leaves or moss. Tliey lay three or four chalky bluish white eggs. Size 2.30 x 1.40. Data. — Bird Is., Lake Kissimee, Florida, April 5, 1898. Three eggs. Nest made of weeds and grass, in a willow bush. 1 20b. White-crested (Cormorant. Plialacrocorax auritus cincinatus. Range. — Northwestern coast of North America, breeding in Alaska, and south to the northern boundary of the United States, breeding both in the interior and on the coast, in the former case generally on the ground or in low trees on swampy islands and in the latter, on the rocky cliffs of the coasts and islands. The nests are built in the same fashion as the other Cormorants, and tlie three to five eggs are similar. Size 2.45 x 1.40. 120c. Farallon Cormorant. J^halacrocorax auritus albociliatus. Range. — This sub-species breeds on the coasts and islands of California and soutliward. In company with other species of Cormorants, these birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and rocks. They breed most abundantly during May. When nesting on the inland islands, they place their nests in low^ bushes. Their nests and eggs are similar to those of the other Cormorants. Size 2.40 x 1.50. Data. — Farallones, Cali- fornia. Nest of weeds and seaweed on the rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 121. Mexican Cormorant. Plialacrocorax visua mexicanus. Range. — Breeds abundantly from Greenish white southern Texas, south through Mexico; north rarely to Kansas; has recently been found breeding in limited num- ber on some of the Bahamas. In the interior they nest in trees, chiefly those overhanging or growing in the water. On the coasts they nest on the rocky ledges, as do the other Cormor- ants. They nest in colonies building their abode of twigs and weeds, and during May laying three or four eggs, greenish white in color and chalky, as are all the Cormorants. Size 2.25 x 1.35. 81 =i^ -/> '^^? f'm m^ THE BIRD BOOK 122. Brandt's Cormorant. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. Range. — Pacific coast breeding along the whole coast of the United States. This species is found more abundantly on the Faral- lones than is the Farallone Cormorant. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, these cling closely to their nests, for fear of being robbed by the Gulls, that are ever on the watch to steal either eggs or young. Their nesting habits and eggs are identical with those of the other species. Size 2.50x1.50. Data. — Bird Island, California, May 24, 1S85. A very bulky nest of seaweed on the rocks. Collector, A. M. Ingersoll. 12.S. Pelagic Cormorant. Phalacrocorax pcl- agicus pelagicus. Ilange. — Coast of Alaska. These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cor- morants, having brilliant violet green metallic reflec- tions and, in the breeding plumage, crests on the fore- head and nape, as well as large white flank patches. They breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placing their nests of sticks and sea mosses on the rocky ledges, often hundreds of feet above the sea level. Three I .^, I , , or four eggs are laid during May and June. The young birds' when liatched are naked and black, and are re- pulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The eggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30 x 1.40. 123a. Violet-green Cormorant. Phalacro- corax pelagicus robiistiis. This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to tlie Aleu- tian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as those of the Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the rocky islands. The eggs are the same size as those of the preceding. 123b. Baird's Cormorant. Phalacrocorax pel- agicus rcsplendens. This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Wash- ington south to Mexico. They nest on the Farallones, but in smaller numbers than the other varieties found there. Both the birds and their eggs are smaller than the preceding. Size of eggs 2.20 x 1.40. 12-1'. Red-faced Cormorant. Phalacrocorax urilc. Range. — Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to Japan in the winter. This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having the forehead bare. They do not differ in their breeding habits from others of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame and have them catch fisli for them, placing a ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the fish. Their nesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remains of fish that are strewn around the nests. They breed in June laying three or four eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.50. 82 TOTI PALMATE SWIMMERS PELICANS. Family PELECANID^E Pelicans are large, short legged, web footed (all four toes joined by a web) birds, the most noticeable feature of which is the long bill with its enormous pouch suspended from lower mandible. This pouch, while normally contracted, is capable of being distended to hold several quarts. It is used as a scoop in which to catch small fish. Their skin is filled with numerous air cells, making them very light and buoyant. 125. American White Pelican. Pelecauus erythrorhynchos. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding in the interior, from Utah and the Dakotas northward. These large birds, reaching a length of five feet, are entirely white except for the black primaries. They get their food by approach- ing a school of small fish and, suddenly dipping their head beneath the sur- face, sometimes scoop up a large number of fish at a time; after allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, they proceed to swallow their catch. They nest in large communities on islands in some of the inland lakes. Great Salt Lake, Utah, and Shoal Lake, Manitoba, furnish breeding ground for many thousands of Pelicans. They build their simple nests on the ground, making them of sticks and weeds. They generally lay two eggs, but often three or four. Size 3.45 x 2. .30. Data. — -Egg Island, Great Salt Lake, June 19, 1884. Two eggs. Nest a slight hollow in the ground, surrounded by a few sticks. Collector, F. F. Leonard. Chalky white 83 .\.uii;i;iOAX wiiitl: I'ELican 84 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 1'2(). Brown PioLifAX. Pclccanns occidentalis. Range. — Found on the South AtUmtic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Brown Pelicans are about 50 inches in length; they have a blackish and grayish body and a white head and neck with a brown stripe down the back of the latter. The pouch is a dark green- ish brown. This species is maritime and is not found inland. They breed in large colonies on many of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico and on Chalky wliite Pelican Island on the east coast of Florida, in ,; - '^ }^^ which latter place they are now protected from further depredations at the hand of eggers and — - — gunners. Their fishing tactics differ from those ,, ., i,!, in of the White Pelican. They dive down upon the White I'Liican school of fish from the air and rarely miss mak- ing a good catch. Their nests are quite bulky structures made of sticks and weeds and grasses. These are generally located on the ground but occasionally in low mangroves, these latter nests being more bulky than the ground ones. They lay from two to five chalky white eggs during May and June. Size 3. x 1.90. Data. — Tampa Bay, Fla., May 29, 1894. Three eggs. Nest in the top of i: stout mangrove; made of sticks, branches and leaves. Collector, Geo. Graham. 127. California Brown Pelican. Pelecanus calif ornicns. Range. — Pacific coast from British Columbia south to the Galapagos Islands. This bird is similar to the preceding, but larger and the pouch is reddish. They breed abundantly on the Coronado Islands and southward. Their habits, nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Brown Pelican. Size of the three or four chalky white eggs is 3.10 x 1.95. Data. — Coronado Islands, Calif., March 28. 1897. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with green leaves, located on the ground. Collector, H. McConville. ;^y 85 THE BIRD BOOK MAN-0 -WAR BIRDS. Family FREGATID^ 141 <^ or^ 128. Man-o'-war Bird. Fregata aquila. Range. — Tropical seas, north regularly in America to the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, casually farther. Man-o'-war Birds or "Frigates," as tliey are often called, are remarkable birds in many re- spects. In comparison with their weight they have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet, their wings being extremely long and pointed. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of wliicli the tail com- prises about IS in., 10 inclies of this being forked. They have a large bright orange gular sac, a long. White hooked bill, and small slightly webbed feet. Their powers of flight combine the strength of the Albatrosses and the grace of the Terns. They are very poor swimmers and do not dive, so are forced to procure their food by preying upon the Gulls and Cormorants, forcing them to drop their fish, which the pirates catch before it reaches the water. They also feed upon flying fisli, catching them in the air, whither they have been driven by their enemies in their natural element. They nest in large colonies on some of the Bahama Islands and on some of the small Florida Keys. Their nests are small frail platforms of sticks and twigs and the single egg is laid in March and April. It is white and has a smootli surface. SvAe 2.80 x 1.90. Data. — Key Verde, Bahamas, March 6, 1889. Single egg. Nest a frail affair of sticks on a cactus. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. Man-O'-War Bird 86 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Order V. ANSERES DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Family ANATIDAE The birds comprising this family are of greatly varying sizes, but all have webbed feet, and generally the bill is broader than high, and is serrated on the edges or provided with gutters to act as a strainer in assisting the birds to gather their food. 129- Merganser. Mergtis americanus. Range. — North America, breeding from the northern border of the United States northward. The three species of Mergansers are almost exclusively fish eating birds. Therefore their flesli is unpalatable and they are known as "Fish Ducks." They are also sometimes called "Saw- Ciiiwnish buff bills" because of the teeth-like serration on both the upper and the under mandibles. Unlike the other species of ducks, their bills are long, slend- er and rounded instead of being broad and flat; it is also hooked at the tip. Like the Cormorants, they often pursue and catch fish under the water, their teeth-like bills enabling them to firmly hold their prey. The American Mergansers, Goosanders, or Shel- drakes, as they are often called, are found botii on the coast and in the interior. Except In cer- tain mountainous regions, they breed chiefly north of the United States. The male bird has no crest and the head is a beautiful green, while the female has a reddish brown crest and head, shading to white on the chin. They build their nest in hollow trees near the water. It is made of grasses, leaves and moss and is lined with feath- ers from the breast of the female. During May, they lay from six to ten eggs of a creamy or buff color. Size 2.70 x 1.75. Data. — Gun Is., Lake Winnipeg. June 16, 1903. Eleven eggs in a nest of white down, located between two large boulders. Collector, Walter Raine. ^^ Amcricun Mcrs'jiiiser rted-breasted Merganser 87 THE BIRD BOOK ■-■**•'•'««*. Hooded Merganser Mallard I .SO. Red-kukastkd Mergansek. Mcriiiis .vcr- rator Range. — North America, breeding from north- ern United States northward. This species is more abundant than the pre- ceding. It is sliglitly smaller, being 22 inches in length, and the male is crested. Found abundant- ly in the United States in winter. Breeds com- monly in the interior of British America and in Labrador and Newfoundland. They make their nests on the ground, near the water, concealing them under rocks or tufts of grass. The nest is made of grasses, leaves and moss and lined with feathers. Tliey lay, generally, about ten eggs of a buft'y or greenish buff color. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data. — Lake Manitoba. N. W. Canada. Two eggs in a hollow lined with down, under a patch of rose bushes near shore. Collector, Jos. Hamaugh. L'Jl. Hooded ]Merganser. Lophodytes cucidlatus. Range. — North America, breeding locally througli- out its range, in the interior. These are beautiful Grayish white little Ducks distinguished from all others by the semi-circular, compressed crest which is black with an enclosed white area. They make their nests in hollow trees, in wooded districts near the water, lining the cavity with grasses and down. They lay ten or twelve grayish white eggs. Size 2.15 x 1.70. 132. Mallard. Anas jdati/rhynchos. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from northern United States northward, and wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. Contrasting with the preceding Fish Ducks, the Mallards are regarded as one of the most esteemed table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water. They nest in many localities in the United States but more abundantly north of our borders. They nest in fields in close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their nests of grasses and feathers in the tall grass. In May and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a buffy or olive color. Size 2.25 x 1.25. Data. — San Diego, Cali- fornia, May 19, 1897. Nest made of grass, lined with down, placed on the edge pf a field near a pond. ^-^M^W Lake Winnipegosis, June 16, 1902 Walter Raine NEST AND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER This species usually nest in holes in trees, but on tliis island tliey -vyere nesting in holes under boulders. 8? THE BIRD BOOK 133. Black Duck. Anas rubripes. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from the middle portions nortli to the Hudson Bay ter- ritory and Labrador. Throughout their breeding region, one or more pairs of tliese ducks nest in nearly every favorable locality. Tlieir nests are placed on the ground in marslies, swamps or fields bordering a pond or lal<:e, the nest being concealed in the long grass Black Duck Florida Duck Pale greenish buff or reeds. They breed in equal abundance, either in the interior or along the sea coast; in the lat- ter case their nests are often placed beside of, or under an overhanging rock. It is made of weeds, grass and moss and is lined with feathers and down. They lay from six to twelve eggs during May and June; these are buff or greenish buff in color. Size 2.30 x 1.70. Data.— Duck Is., Maine, June 3, 1893. Nest of grasses, concealed in a large tuft on water's edge. IS'i. Florida Duck. Anas fulvigula fulvigiila. Range. — Florida and the Gulf of the Mississippi. This is a similar, lighter colored, locally distributed race of the foregoing. The most noticeable difference in plumage between this and the Black Duck is the absence of markings on the chin. The habits are the same, and the eggs, which are deposited in April, are similar to those of the Black Duck, but smaller. Size 2.15 x 1.60. 90 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 13 la. MoTTi.Eu Drc K. losa. AiKts fiilvignla niacu- Range. — Gulf coast of Texas and up the Miss- issippi Valley to Kansas. The habits of this l)ird differ in no way from the preceding ones. The six to ten eggs are greenish buff in color. Size 2.15 x 1.55. \S'y. Gadwall. Cliauh'lasinus strcpentx. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, chiefly in the United States and north to Manitoba, chiefly in the interior. Creamy buff South in winter to the Gulf. The males of these birds may be identified by the white speculum and the chestnut wing coverts. Gadwalls nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering fields ; they make lit- tle or no nest but line the cavity with down from their breasts. They lay from seven to twelve ('..nlwnii eggs of a creamy buff color. Size 2.10 x 1.60. Widgeon Data. — Benson Co., North Dakota, June 19, 1898. Bight eggs. Nest on the ground among rank grass on a low island in Devils Lake. Made of weeds lined with down. Collector, B. S. Rolfe. 136. Widgeon. Mareca penelope Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, only in the Aleutian Islands; rare or accidental in other parts of the country. The European Widgeon is sim- ilar in build and plumage to the fol- lowing species, except that the whole liead, with the exception of the white crown, i§ chestnut. They build their nests in the rushes, mak- ing them of reeds and grass and lining them with feathers. They lay from six to ten light buff color- ed eggs. Size 2.20 x 1.50. Pale buff 91 THE BIRD BOOK 1.37. Baldpatk. Morccd americana. Range. — North America, breeding in the in- terior from Texas north to Hudson Bay. The Baldpate (so-called because of the white .;rown) or American Widgeon is a handsomely marked bird and is regarded as a great table delicacy. The male birds cannot be mistaken for any other species because of the white crown, Creamy white wing coverts and underparts and the broad green stripe, back of the eye. They breed locally in many parts of the country, building their nests of grass and weeds, neatly lined with feathers, on the ground in marshes. They lay from six to twelve creamy eggs. Size 2.15 x 1.50. Data. — Lac Aux Morts, North Dakota. Eight eggs. Nest of grass and down on ground in a grassy meadow. Collector, E. S. Bryant. [1,S8.] European Teal. Ncttion crevca. An old world species that is casually found on both coasts of America. ; ., / l.'^y. Green-winged Teal. Xettion carolinense. Range. — Whole of North America, ^."■'■■''^ breeding chiefly north of the United y^ States. / A small, handsome species, the male of which can readily be identified by the /. reddish brown head and neck, with the \ large green patch behind each ear; length '"■ fourteen inches. Green-winged Teals are our smallest representative of the Duck family. They are eagerly sought by sportsmen, both because of their beauty and the excellence of their flesh. They are among the most common of Ducks in the interior, where they nest generally in tufts of grass along ponds, lakes or Nest of grass and weeds, lined with down from the bird. Eggs buffy, ten in number. Size 1.S5 x 1.25. 92 Buff brooks, four to LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 140. Blue-winged Teal. Querquedula discors Range. — North America, breeding from nortli- ern United States northward; rare on the Pacific coast. Another small species, known by the blue wing coverts and the white crescent in front of eye. They nest in the same localities with the preced- ing species, placing their nest of grass and weeds on the ground in meadows near water. Eggs buffy white. Six to twelve in number. Size 1.90 x 1.30. 111. Cinnamon Teal. Querqiirdiild cyiniop- tera Range. — Western United States, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains. Casually east to Texas, Illinois and British Columbia. The Cinnamon Teal is another small Duck, marked by the uniform rich chestnut plumage and light blue wing coverts. The speculum is green. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Teals, the nests being placed on the ground in marshes or fields near water. Their nests are closely woven of grass and weeds and lined with down and feathers from the breast of the bird. The eggs are pale buff and number from six to fourteen. Size 1.85 x 1.35. [141.1.] Ruddy Sheldrake. ( 'ascrrca ferrugineci. This is an Old World species that has acci- dentally occurred in Greenland. C'innaiiKiii Tciil /"- 93 THE BIRD BOOK ^^^ li2. Shoveller. Spatula clypeata. Range.- — Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Texas nortliward. This strikingly marked Duck is twenty inches in length, has a green head and speculum, blue wing coverts and chestnut belly. The bill is long and broad at the tip. It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places, of grass, weeds and Dull olive gray Lead gray feathers. Six to ten eggs constitute a complete set. They are greenish or leaden gray color. Sir;e 2.10 x 1.50. Data. — Graham's Island, North Dakota, May 28, 1899. Nest of dead weed stems and grass, lined with down. Ten eggs. Collector, 1']. S. Bryant. lis. Pintail. Dafila acuta. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America from northern United States north- ward, wintering south to Panama. This species, which is also known as the Sprig-tail, is very common in the United States in the spring and fall migrations. It is about thirty inches long, its length depend- ing upon the development of the tail feathers, the central ones of which are long and pointed. They breed casual- ly in many sections of the United States, but in abundance from Mani- toba to the Arctic Ocean. They nest near the water, laying from six to twelve eggs of dull olive color. Size 2.20 X 1.50. Data. — Graham's Island, Devil's Lake, N. Dakota, June 15, 1900. Ten eggs. Nest on the ground, of weeds, lined with down. Colony breed- ing. Collector, E. S. Bryant. 94 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 144. Wood Duck. Aiv sponsa. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from Labrador and British Columbia south to Florida. Bridal Uuck is a name often given to this, the most beautiful of all Ducks. They are beautifully marked, have a large crest, and are iridescent with all colors of the rainbow. They frequent wooded country near ponds and Rich buff lakes, feeding on water insects and mollusks in the coves. They build their nests in hollow trefes and stumps, often at quite a distance from the water. When the young are a few days old, they slide, scramble, or flutter down the tree trunk to the ground below, and are led to the water. The nest is made of twigs, weeds and grass, and warm- ly lined with down. The eggs are a buff color and number eight to fifteen. Size 2. x 1.5. [145.] RuFous-CRESTED DucK. Nctta rufina. Wood Minis RodlUNKl A European species; a single specimen taken on Long Island in 1872. 146". Redhead. Marila americana. Range. — North America at large, breeding from northern United States northv/ard, chiefly in the in- terior. A bird commonly seen in the markets where it is often sold as the following species because of their similarity. The nests are placed on the ground in marshes or sloughs, and are made of grasses, lined with feathers. Eggs from six to fourteen in number, of a huffy white color. Size 2.40 x 1.70. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 147. Canvas-back. Marila valisineria. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding chiefly in the interior from the United States to the Arctic Ocean. A noted table bird, especially in the south where it feeds on wild celery. Can be distinguish- ed from the Redhead by its darker head, lighter back, and gradually sloping bill. They nest abund- antly in Manitoba, tlieir habits being the same as the preceding. They lay from six to ten eggs of a darker shade than tlie Redheads. Size 2.40 x 1.70. Data. — Haunted Lake, N. Alberta, June 12, 1897. Ten eggs. Nest of reeds in a heavy reed bed out in the lake. Collector, Walter Raine. lis. Scaup Duck. Marila marila. Range. — North America, breeding from North Dakota northward, chiefly in the interior; south in winter to Central America. :^^ Canvas-back Aiiiei'ican Scaup Duck Pale greenish gray This and the following species are widely known as "Blue-bills" owing to the slaty blue color of that member. Their plumage is black and white, somewhat similar in pattern to that of the Red- head, but darker, and the whole head is black. They nest in marshes about many of the ponds and lakes in the interior of British America. The nest is made of marsh grasses and lined with feathers. The six to ten eggs are pale grayish or greenish gray. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Data. — Saltcoats Marshes, N. W. Canada, June 15, 1901. Ten eggs. Nest in the grass; a depression lined with down and dried grasses. Collector, Walter Raine. 97 THE BIRD BOOK .3*«- 149. Lessek Scaup Duck. Marila affinis. Range. — North America, breeding from North Dakota and British Columbia northward; win ters south to Central America. This Duck is distinguished from the preceding, chiefly by its size wliich is about two inches leso, or 17 inches in length. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Greater Scaup and the eggs are similar but smaller. Size 2.25 x 1.55. Data. — Northern Assiniboia, June 10, 1901. Ten eggs on grass and down at the edge of a lagoon. Collector, Walter Raine. 150. Ring-necked Duck. Marila collaris. Range. — North America, breeding in the inter- ior, from North Dakota and Washington north- ward. Winters from Maryland on the east and British Columbia on the west to Central America. Lesser Scaup Duck Ring-necked Duck Lead gray Similar to the Lesser Scaup in size and plum- age, except that it has a narrow chestnut collar around the neck, the back is black instead of barred with white, and the speculum is gray instead of white. The habits and nesting habits of the Ring-neck do not differ from those of the other Scaups. They lay from six to twelve eggs. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — Cape Bathurst, N. Y. T., June 18, 1901. Ten eggs in a slight hollow in the moss, lined Avith down. Collector, Captain Bodfish. ^ 98 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Clansula clariQ-ula 151. Golden-eye. americana. Range. — North America, breeding both on the coast and in the interior, from the northern bord- er of the United States nortliward to the Arctic Ocean. These are handsome Ducks known as "Whis- tlers" from the noise of their wings when flying, ind "Greatheads" because of the puffy crest. The Grayish green head is greenish with a large round white spot in front of, and a little below the eye. The rest of the plumage is black and white. This species nests in hollow trees near the water, lining the cavity with grass, moss and leaves, and lining the nest with down from their breasts. In May and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a grayish green color. Size 2.o0 x 1.70. 152. Barrow's Goluen-eye. Clajigiila is/aiid/ca ■ Range. — Northern North America, breeding north of the United States except from the moun- tainous portions of Colorado northward. This Golden-eye differs from the preceding chiefly in the shape of the white spot before the eye, which in this species is in the form of a crescent. The size is the same, about 20 inches in length. The reflections on the head are purplish rather than greenish as in the preceding. The nesting habits are the same, they building in hollow trees near water. The six to ten eggs are not different from the preceding. Size 2.30 x 1.65. Data. — Alfusa, Iceland, June 30, 1900. Seven eggs. Nest of grass and down in a box attached to a tree by an islander. American Golden-eye Barrow Golden-eye 99 THE BIRD BOOK l;i]illc-li,.i.i l.)lll-.S(|LIM W 153. BuFFi.E-iiEAu. Charitonetta alhcola. Range. — North America, breeding from United States northward. Winters south to Mexico. Gunners know this handsome little duck by the names of "Butter-ball," and "Dipper," a name also given to Grebes. It is also quite similar, but smaller (15 in. long), to the American Golden-eye Itut has a large white patch on the back of the Buff Dull buff head, from eye to eye. It is an active bird and, like the two preceding, is capable of diving to a great depth to get its food. Its nesting habits lire like the preceding. Eggs eight to fourteen. Size 2 X 1.40. Data. — Alberta, Canada, June 6, IS99. Seven eggs. Nest in hole in tree stump, lined with down. Collector, Dr. George. ! .") t. Old-squaw. Harelda hyevialis. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; south in winter to New Jersey and Illinois. The Long-tailed Duck, as it is called, is especially noticeable because the breeding plumage of the male differs markedly from that in the winter. In ^x summer their general plumage is black- ish brown, with a white patch around the \ eye, and white belly. In winter they are ' largely white. The central tail feath- • ers are much lengthened. They breed abundantly in Greenland, Alaska and the Hudson Baj' Territory, placing their nests of grasses and weeds on the ground near the water. It is generally conceal- ed in the long grass. The eggs numoer from six to twelve. Size 2. x 1.50. Data. — N. Iceland, June 10, 1900. Nest on ground, lined with down. Collector, S. H. Wallis. 100 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 155. Hari.kquin Duck. Ilisirionicus Jiisirioniciis. Range. — Northern Hemisphere in America, hreeding from Newfoundland and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, northward. South in win- ter to California and New England. A beautiful and most gorgeous bird, not in col- ors, but in the oddity of the markings, the colors only including black, white, gray and chestnut. Either sex can be recognized by the small short Greenish buff bill. They breed mostly in single pairs along swiftly running streams, placing their nest, which is woven of weeds and grasses, in the ground near the water. It is also claimed that they some- times nest in hollow trees. They lay from five to eight eggs, yellowish or greenish buff in color. Size 2.30 x 1.60. Data.— Peel River, Alaska, June 1?>, 1898. Seven eggs in a hollow in river bank, lined with down. Collector, C. E. Whittaker. Harlequin 'Duck Labrador Duck 156. Labrador Duck. dorms. Ca ))) p t o rh y nch us lahra - This bird, whose range was from Labrador to New Jersey in the winter, has probably been extinct since 1875, when the last authentic capture was made. It is a strange fact that a bird of this character should have been completely exterminated, even though they were often sold in the markets. Only forty-one specimens are known to be preserved at present and nothing is known in regard to their nesting habits or eggs. 101 THE BIRD BOOK 157. Steller's Duck. Polysticta stelleri. Range. — Arctic regions in America, chiefly on the Aleutian Islands and northwest coast of Alaska. A very beautiful species eighteen inches long; head white, washed with greenish on the fore- head and nape; chin, throat, neck, back, tail and crissum, black; underparts chestnut; wing cov- erts white, the long scapulars black and white. It breeds on the rocky coasts and islands of Bering Sea. The six to nine eggs are pale olive green in color. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — Admir- alty Bay, Alaska, June 22, 1898. Nest on a hum- mock of the tundra, near a small pool, lined with grass and down. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 158. Spectacled Eider. Arctoneita fischeri. Range.— Coast of Alaska from the Aleutians to Point Barrow. Steller's Duck Spectacled Eider Pale olive green Like the rest of the true Eiders, this species is black beneath and mostly white above. The head is largely washed with sea green, leaving a large patch of white, narrowly bordered by black around each eye, thus resembling a pair of spectacles. The nests are made of grass and seaweed and lined with down; they are placed on the ground in clumps of grass or beneath overhanging stones. The five to nine eggs are an olive drab or greenish color. Size 2.70 X 1.85. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, June 15, 1898. Six eggs. Nest of moss and down in a hollow in dry tundra. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 159. Northern Eider. Somateria moUissima borealis. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding from Labrador to Greenland and wintering south to New England. A large Duck similar to the next species, but with the base of the bill differing, as noted in the description of the following species, and with a more northerly distribution. The nesting habits are the same as those of the other Eiders. Six to ten eggs generally of a greenish drab color. Size 3. x 2. 102 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 160. EiDEH. Somateria dresseri. Range. — Atlantic coast, breeding from Maine to Labrador and wintering soutli to Delaware. This species differs from the preceding only in the fleshy part of the base of the bill, which ex- tends back on each side of the forehead, it being broad and rounded in this species and narrow and Greenish drab pointed in the Northern or Greenland Eider. This species, but more especially the Northern Eider, are the ones chiefly used for the eider-down of commerce. The preceding species is often semi- domesticated in Greenland, the people protecting i:i(U-i them and encouraging them to nest in the neigh- Paciiic Kider borhood. They make their nests of seaweed and grass and warmly line it with down from their breast; this down is continually added to the nest during incubation until there is a considerable amount in each nest, averaging about an ounce in weight. The birds are among the strongest of the sea ducks and get their food in very deep water. Their flesh is not good eating. Their eggs number from five to ten and are greenish drab. Size 3. x 2. 161. Pacific Eider. Somateria v-nigra. Range. — North Pacific from the Aleutian Islands northward, and east to Great Slave Lake. This bird is, in plumage, like the Northern Eider, except that it has a black V-shaped mark on the throat. They nest sparingly on the Aleutian Islands, but in great numbers farther north on the coast about Point Barrow. Their habits, nests and eggs are precisely the same as those of the eastern forms. Their eggs number from five to ten and are of olive greenish color. Size 3. x 2. Data. — Cape Smythe, Alaska, June 8, 1900. Eight eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss, lined with grass and down. 103 /"- THE BIRD BOOK Kiny Eider 162. King Eider. Somateria spectabilis. Range.^Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from Labrador to Greenland and the Arctic Ocean; south in winter to the New Eng- land States and rarely farther on the eastern side, and to the Aleutians on the Pacific; also casually to the Great Lakes in the interior. A handsome and very different species from any of the foregoing, having the crown ashy blue, and the long scapulars black instead of white. It also has a broad V-shaped mark on the throat. Like all the other Eiders, the female is mottled brown and black, the different species being very difficult to separate. The nests are sunk in the ground and lined with down. Eggs number from six to ten. Size 2.80 x 1.80. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, July 5, 1898. Five eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss on tundra lined with moss and down. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. I6i Scoter. Oidemia americana. Range. — Northern North America, breeding from Labrador, the Hudson Bay region and the Aleutien Islands northward; winters south to Virginia, the Great Lakes and California. Scoters or "Coots" as they are generally called are sea ducks whose plumage is almost wholly black; they have fantastically colored and shaped bills. The American Scoter is entirely black without markings; base of bill yellow and orange. This species nest as do the Eiders, often conceal- ing the nest, of grass and feathers, under some overhanging rock. They lay from six to ten eggs of a dingy buff color. Size 2.50 xl.70. Data. — Mackenzie Bay, June 15, 1899. Ten eggs. Nest a hollow in the sand, lined with down. Buff 104 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS [iGi.] Velvkt Scoter. Oidemia fiisca. An Old World species that has accidentally oc- curred in Greenland. 160. WiiiTE-wixciEi) Scoter. Oidemia de^Jandi Range. — Abundant in North America, breeding from Labrador, North Dakota and British Colum- bia, northward. Wintering south to the Middle States, southern Illinois and southern California. The largest of the Scoters, length 22 inches, distinguished by a large white speculum on the wing, also a white comet extending from under the eye backwards. It also has a yellow eye. Like the other Scoters, this species often feeds in very deep water. They are strong, active div- ing birds, and are also strong on the wing, gen- erally flying close to the surface of the water. Their flesh is not regarded as good eating, al- though they are often sold for that purpose. They nest on the ground, generally in long grass or under low bushes making a coarse nest of grasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers. They lay from five to eight eggs of a pale buff color. Size 2.75 x 1.85. 166. Surf Scoter. Oidemia perspicillata. Range. — Northern North America, breeding north of the United States boundary, and winter- ing south to Virginia and southern California. Tlie male of this species is entirely black, ex- cept for the white patches on the forehead and nape, and the vari-colored bill of black, white, pink and yellow. They nest either along the coast or in the interior, building a nest lined with down, in the marsh grass bordering small ponds. They lay from five to eight buffy cream colored eggs. Size 2.40 x 1.70. The females of all the Scoters are a dingy brownish color, but show the characteristic marking of the species, although the white is generally dull or sometimes mottled. Data. — Mackenzie River, June 25, 1894. Six eggs in a nest of down on an island in the river. C?^v Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter 105 THE BIRD BOOK l67- Ruddy Duck. Erismatura jomaicensis. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding chietiy north ol" the United States border except locally on the Pacific coast. Winters along the Gulf and through Mexico and Central America. This peculiar species may always be recognized by the brownish or chestnut upper parts, blackish crown, white cheeks and silvery white underparts. The bill is very stout and broad at the end, and the tail feathers are stiff and pointed like those Ruddy Duck Masked Duck Grayish white of a Cormorant. They build their nests in low marshy places, either placing them on the ground near the water or in the rushes over it. Their nests are made of rushes and grasses, sometimes lined and sometimes not, with down from the parents breast. The eggs number from six to twelve and are grayish in color. Size 2.40 X 1.75. Data. — Northern Assiniboia, Canada, June 6, 1901. Eight eggs. Nest made of aquatic grasses, lined with down. Built in a tuft of rushes in a marsh. Collector, Walter Raine. [168.] Masked Duck. Nomonyx dominicus. This is a tropical species which is resident in Mexico, Central America and in the West Indies. It occurs in Mexico north to the lower Rio Grande Val- ley and has in three known instances strayed to northern United States. The general plumage is a rusty chestnut, mottled with blackish, it has a black face and throat, with white wing bars. 106 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Chen hyperhorcuN 169. Snow Goose. hyperhoreus. Range. — North America west of the Mississippi Valley, breeding in northern Alaska and the Mac- kenzie River district. This smaller species of the Snow Goose nests on islands in rivers along the arctic coast. The nest is a depression in the ground, lined with grasses and, occassionally down. They lay from four to eight eggs of a buffy or yellowish white color. Size 2.75 xl.75. l69'i. Greater Snow Goose. Chen hyperhoreus nivalis. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering chiefly on the Atlantic coast, south to Cuba. Grayish AYliite Lesser Snow Goose Blue Goose This bird is like the preceding; except in size; about thirty-six inches, instead of twenty-six inches in length as is the lesser variety. The entire plumage is white except for the black primaries. They construct their nests of grasses on the ground the same as the preceding va- riety. The eggs number from five to eight and are cream colored. Size 3 . 40 x 2.40. 169.1- Blue Goose. Chen ccerulescens. Range. — North America, principally in the interior, breeding from Hudson Bay northward and wintering along the Gulf coast. This species may always be recognized by the entirely white head and neck, the body being grayish or bluish gray. They nest on the ground as do the other geese laying from four to eight eggs of a brownish buff color. Size 2.50 xl.75. Data Cape Bathurst, Arctic coast, June 29, 1899. Four eggs laid in a depression lined with grass, on an Island. Collected with the parent birds by the Esquimaux, 107 THE BIRD BOOK \ 170. Ross's Snow Goose. Chen rossi. Range. — This beautiful species, which is simi- lar in plumage to tlie large Snow Goose, is but twenty-one inches in length. It breeds in the ex- treme north, and in winter is found in the west- ern part of the United States as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Their nesting habits and eggs probably do not differ from others in the family except in the matter of size. [171.] WniTE-FRONTEU Goose. Anser alhi- frons albifrons. This European species is exactly like the Amer- ican except that it is said to average a trifle smaller. It is occasionally found in Greenland. Ro.ss Snow Goose American White-fronted Goose 171a. American White-fronted Goose, Anser albifrons gambeli. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering south to the Gulf coast; not common on the Atlantic coast during migrations. These birds may be recognized by their mottled plumage, dark head and white forehead. This species is more abundant than any of the pre- ceding and nests in large colonies along the arc- tic coast and in Alaska. Their nests are made of dried grasses, feathers and dov^n and are placed on the ground in a slight denression. From four to nine eggs are laid; these have a dull buff ground. Size 3 00x2.0.5. Date— Island in delta of Mackenzie River, ,]une 10, ls99. Four eggs. Nest of grass and feathers on the ground on a small island. Collector, Rev. I. O. Stringer. [171.1.] Bean Goose. Anser fabnlis. This European species is casually found in Greenland. It is one of the most common of the Old World Species. 108 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 172. Canada Goose. canadensis. Branta canadensis Range. — The whole of North .Vmerica, breeding from northern United States norrliward, and win- tering in the southern parts of the United States. This species is the most widely known of Amer- ican Geese and is the most abundant. Its familiar "honk" has long been regarded as the signal of the coming of spring, and the familiar V-shaped formation in which the flocks migrate is always an object of interest to everyone. With the ex- ception of in North Dakota and Minnesota, they breed chiefly north of the United States. They construct quite a large nest of weeds and grass, and warmly line it with down and feathers. They lay from four to nine eggs of a buff or drab color. Size about 3.50 x 2.50. Data. — Ellingsars Lake, North Dakota, May 18, 1896. Five eggs. Nest on an island in the lake, constructed of weeds and trash, and lined with a few feathers. Collector, Edwin S. Bryant. 172a. HuTCHiNs Goose. Branta canadensis hutchinsi. This sub-species is like the preceding except that it is smaller, thirty inches in length. It is a western variety, breeding in Alaska and along the Arctic coast and wintering to southern Cali- fornia. Its breeding habits, nests and eggs are the same as the common goose except that the eggs are smaller. Sibe 3.00 x 2.05. 172b. White-cheeked Goose. Branta cana- densis occidentalis. This bird is about the same size as the Canada Goose and the plumage is very similar except that the black sometimes extends on the throat, ''" thereby isolating the white cheek patches, and there is a white collar below the back of the neck. It is a western species, breeding in Alaska and wintering along the Pacific coast of the United States. Its nesting habits and eggs are same as those of the Canada Goose except that the latter are a trifle smaller. Cackling Goose 172c. Cackling Goose. Branta canadensis minima. This bird is really a miniature of the Canada Goose, being but twenty-four inches in length. It breeds in Alaska and along the Arctic coast and migrates into the western parts of the United States. They are abundant birds in their breeding range, where they place their nests upon the shores of ponds, or on islands in inland rivers or lakes. The nests are made of weeds and grasses, lined with down. The eggs which are buff colored, number from four to nine and are laid during June and July. Size 2.30 x 1.95. 109 ^•^- iimaiiinT^iYPiii "^ffirn -'^''~ ^''^"'•--ii, CANADA GEESE LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 173. Brant. Branta bernicla glaucogastra. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering in the United States east of tlie Mississippi. Tlie Brant resembles a small Canada Goose, except that the black of the neck extends on the breast, and only the throat is white. They are one of the favorite game birds and thousands are shot every fall and spring. Their nests and eggs are the same as the next species. 174. Black Brant. Branta nigricans. Range. — Western North America, breeding in Alaska and wintering on the Pacific coast of the United States. Rare east of the Mississippi. Grayish # Brant Black Brant This species is like the last except that the black extends on the under parts. This species nests very abundantly in northern Alaska, laying their eggs in a depression in the ground, lined with down. Favorite locations are the many small islets in ponds and small lakes. They lay from four to eight grayish colored eggs. Size 2.80 x 1.75. Data. — Cape Bathurst, North West Territory, Junes 22, 1901. Seven eggs in a small hollow in the ground, lined with down. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodflsh. *^!^^^t * 111 THE BIRD BOOK [175.] Barnacle Goose. Branta leucopsis. This Old World species occurs frequently in Greenland and very rarely is found on the main- land of this continent. 17(). FiMPEHoii Goose. Pltilacte canagica. Range. — Alaska, south in winter casually to Cal- ifornia. This handsome species is twenty-six inches in length ; it may be known from the mottled or "scaly" appearance of the body, and the white head with a black chin and throat. While not un- common in restricted localities, this may be con- sidered as one of the most rare of North American Geese. Their nests are built upon the ground and do not differ from those of other geese. They lay from three to seven eggs of a dull buff color. Size 3.10 X 2.15. Data. — Stuart Island, Alaska, June 16, 1900. Six eggs laid In a slight hollow in the ground, lined with a few feathers and some down. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. J'Juiptiroi- <.lot >.N( V Egg of Canada Goose — Buffy drab 112 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 177. Black-bellied Tree-duck. Dendro- cygna autumnalis. Range.— Tropical America, north in tlie Rio Grande Valley to southern Texas. These peculiar long-legged Ducks are very abundant in southern Texas during the summer months. They build their nests in hollow trees, often quite a distance from the water. They lay their eggs upon the bottom of the cavity with only a scant lining, if any, of feathers and down. They are very prolific breeders, raising two broods in a season, each set of eggs containing from ten to twenty. These eggs are creamy or pure white, size 2.05x1.50. The first set is laid during the latter part of April or early in May, and fresh eggs may be found as late as July. They are especially abundant about Brownsville and Corpus Christi, Texas. Data. — Hidalgo, Mexico, May 29, 1900. Ten eggs in a hole in an old elm tree on side of lake in big woods near town. Eight feet from the ground. Collector, P. B. Armstrong. White Black-bellied Tree duck Fulvous Tree-due 178. Fulvous Tree-duck. Dendrocygna bicolor. Range. — This species is tropical like the last, but the summer range is ex- tended to cover, casually the whole southwestern border of the United States. This bird is long-legged like the last, but the plumage is entirely different, being of a general rusty color, including the entire under parts. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Black-bellied Duck, the white eggs being laid at the bottom of a cavity in a tree. They number from eight to (in one instance) thirty-two eggs in one nest. This species is nearly as abundant as the preceding in southern Texas. 113 THE BIRD BOOK W hist liiiii Swan [179-] Whooper Swan. Olor cygnus. This European variety frequently is found in Greenland and formerly, regularly bred there. It nests in secluded swampy places in northern Europe. 180. Whistling Swan. Olor columbianus. Range. — North America, breeding in the Arc- tic Circle, and wintering south to the Gulf of Mexico. These birds, which are nearly five feet in length, are snow white with the exception of the black bill and feet. The Whistling Swan is distinguished from the next species by the presence of a small yellow spot on either side 3f the bill near its base. Their nests are made of a large mass of rubbish, weeds, grass, moss, feathers and occasionally a few sticks. It is generally placed in a somewhat marshy place in the neighborhood of some isolated pond. The eggs are of a greenish or brownish buff color, and number from three to six. Size 4.00 X 2.75. Data. — Mackenzie River. Nest a mass of weeds, sods and grass, lined with feathers; on an island near the mouth of the river. Col- lector, I. O. Stringer. 181. Tkumfetek Swan. Olor Imccinator. Range. — Interior of North America from the Gulf of Mexico northward, breed- ing from northern United States northward. This is a magnificent bird, about five and one-half feet in length. Its plum- age is exactly like that of the preceding except that the bill is entirely black, and the nostral is located nearer the eye. Their nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Whistling Swan. While a few pairs may breed within the United States by far the greater number are found in the extreme north, from Hudson Bay to Alaska. The eggs may average a trifle larger than those of the preceding species. 114 LAMELLIROSTRAL GRALLATORES. Order VI. ODONT- OGLOSS.^ FLAMINGOES. Family PHOENICOPTERIDAE 182. Flamingo. Pha'nicopterus ruber. Range. — Tropical and sub-tropical America on the Atlantic coasts, breeding in the Bahamas and West Indies; north to Florida and casually to the South Atlantic States. These remarkable and grotesque appearing birds attain a length of about 48 inches. The plumage varies from white to a deep rosy red. It requires several years for them to attain the per- fect adult plumage, and unlike most birds, they are in the best of plumage during the winter, the colors becoming faded as the nesting season ap- proaches. The birds are especially noticable be- cause of the crooked, hollow, scoop-shaped bill, and the extremely long legs and neck. The feet are webbed, but more for the purpose of support- ing them upon the mud flats than for use in swim- ming. The nests are usually built on a sandy point of an island; they are mounds of earth, grass and rubbisli from one to two feet in height, the top being hollowed to receive the eggs. One or two eggs are a complete set. The shell is pale blue, but this is covered with a heavy white chalky deposit. The eggs are laid in June and July. Size 3.40x2.15. Ill- .'^ijoonljill IBISES, STORKS, HERONS, etc. Order VII. HERODIONES The members of this order are wading birds, consequently they all have long legs and necks. They have four toes, not webbed. SPOONBILLS. Family PLATALEIDAE 18.S. Roseate Spoonbill. Ajciia ajaja. Range. — Tropical America, north in summer to the Gulf States. They form- erly nested in remote swamps along the whole Gulf coast, but are now confined chiefly to the Everglades in Florida. 115 THE BIRD BOOK This bird, with its broad, flat bill, bare head, and rosy plumage with carmine epaulets and tail coverts, seem more like the fanciful creation of some artist than a real bird of flesh and blood. Its plumage and colors are strikingly clear and beautiful. Full plmnaged - - -^ ^ adult birds have very brilliant carmine shoulders and tail cov- erts, a saffron colored tail, and a lengthened tuft of bright rosy feathers on the foreneck. This species breed in small colonies ■ in marshy places, often in com- ' ' pany with herons and ibises. ,' » Their nests are rather frail plat- .^. ■ forms of sticks, located in bush- ''■^- / es or trees, from four to lifteen , ^ feet from the ground. The eggs are laid during the latter pairt of May and June. They are three or four in number and have a ground color of dull white, or pale greenish blue and are quite heavily blotched with several shades of brown. Size 2.50 x 1.70. Pale greenish blue Chalky bluish white Egg- of American Flamingo 116 WADING BIRDS IBISES. Family IBIDID^ Ibises are gracefully formed birds having a long curved bill and a bare face. 184. White Ibis. Gnara alba. Range. — This is a tropical and sub-tropical species which is found along the Gulf coast, and north to South Carolina, west to Lower California. These handsome birds are wholly white, with the exception of black primaries. The legs and the bare skin of the face is orange red. These birds are very abundant in most marshy localities White Tbis C2> Scarlet Ibis Grayish along the Gulf coast, especially in Florida, where they nest in rookeries of thousands of individuals. Owing to their not having plumes, they have not been persecuted as have the white herons. They build their nests of sticks and grasses, in the mangroves a few feet above the water. In other localities they build their nests entirely of dead rushes, attaching them to the standing ones a foot or more above the surface of the water. They are quite substantially made and deeply cupped, very dif- ferent from the nests of the Herons. Their eggs are from three to five in num- ber, vary from grayish ash to pale greenish or bluish in color, blotched with light brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. The nesting season is during May and June. Data. — Tampa Bay, Fla., June 4, 1895. Three eggs. Nest of sticks and a few weeds in small bushes on an island. Collector, Fred Doane. [185.] Scarlet Inis. Guam rubra. Range. — Occasionally, but not recently met with in the southern states. Their habitat is tropical America, they being especially abundant along the Orinoco River in northern South America. Full plumaged adults of this species are wholly bright scarlet, except for the primaries, which are black. Their nests are built in impenetrable thickets, I'ushes or mangroves, the nests being constructed like those of the White Ibis. The eggs, too, are very similar to those of the preceding species, but both the ground color and the markings average brighter. While still common in some localities, the species is gradually becoming less abundant, chiefly because of the demand for their feathers for use in fly-tying. 117 THE BIRD BOOK Glossy Ibis White-faced Glossy Ibis Wood Ibis 186. Glossy This. Plegadis autumnalis. Range. — This tropical and sub-tropical species, is chiefly found in the Old World. It is occasion- ally found in southeastern United States where it sometimes breeds. Its habits, nesting habits and eggs are just the same as the next species. 187. White-faced Glossy Tbis. Plegadis guarauna. Range. — A sub-tropical species found in the southwestern parts of the United States, rarely found east of the Mississippi. This species differs from the Glossy Ibis in having the feathers on the front of the head white, the rest of the plumage is a dull brownish chest- nut, with greenish reflections on the back. As these birds are not in demand commercially, their numbers have not decreased, and thousands of them breed in colonies in southern Texas. They build a substantial nest of reeds and rushes woven about the upright canes, close to the surface of the water. Their eggs are laid during May, and num- ber from three to four. They are easily distin- guished from those of the Herons, being of a deeper greenish blue color and averaging more elongate. Size 1.95 x 1.35. Data. — Corpus Christi, Texas, May 26, 1899. Four eggs. Nest of twigs and rushes on side of river. Collector, F. B. Armstrong. STORKS and WOOD IBISES Family CICONIIDAE 188. Wood Ibis. Mycteria americana. Range. — A sub-tropical species which is resident along the Gulf coast and which strays casually north to New England and Colorado. This peculiar member of the Stork family has the whole head and part of the neck bare and covered with numerous scales; the bill is large, long and heavy; the plumage is white, except for the black primaries and tail. It is a large bird about four feet in length. They are quite abundant in swamps along the 118 Gulf foast, where they place their nests, whicii are platforms of sticks, in trees and bushes over the water. They lay three eggs which are white, and have a rough surface. Size 2.75 x 1.75. [189.] Jabihu. Juhiru mycieria. This large bird, which is the only true Stork that claims a place in our avifauna, is a native of South and Central America, wandering north, casually to Texas. Their nests are large plat- forms of sticks in very high trees. BITTERNS and HERONS Family ARDEIDAE Herons and Bitterns are long-legged waders, having straight, pointed bills, and with the head feathered, except for the lores. 190. Bittern. Bautaurus lentiginosus. Range. — United States and southern British provinces, breeding in the northern half of the United States and wintering in the southern por- tion. WADING BIRDS .y^\ .J^^bc* Bittern J a biru Brownish drab This species, with its mottled rusty brownish plumage, is one of the best known of the Heron family. It is known locally by a great many names, nearly all of which have reference to the "booming" or "pumping" sound made during the mating season. They build their nests in swampy or marshy places, plac- ing them on the ground, frequently on a tussock, entirely surrounded by water. The nest proper is only a few grasses twisted about to form a lining to the hollow\ They lay from three to five eggs of brownish drab. Size 1.95 x 1.50. They do not breed in colonies, generally, but one or two pairs nesting in one marsh. Data. — Worcester, Mass., June 3, 1897. Four eggs laid in a grass lined hollow in middle of a hummock of earth and grass, in middle of marsh. Col- lector. James Jackson. 119 THE BIRD BOOK Pale bluish gray 191- Least Bittern. laohrychus exilis. Range. — Common throughout the United States, especially in the eastern part, and in the southern British provinces. This small variety of Bittern is very common in the southern portions of the United States, but less so and locally distributed in the northern portions of its range. They are very quiet and sly birds, and their presence is often unsuspected when they are really quite abundant. Wlien ap- proached, they will re- main perfectly quiet, with the body erect and the head and neck pointed skyward, in which posi- \ tion their yellowisli ) brown plumage strongly resembles the rushes among which they are found. Their nests are made of strips of rushes woven about upright stalks, generally over water. They lay from three to five eggs of a pale bluish white color. Size 1.20X.90. Data.— Avery's Island, La., May 1, 1896. Four eggs. Nest of strips of rushes woven together to form a platform and fastened to saw grass growing on the bank of a stream. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. ipi-l- Cory's Least Bittern. laohrychus neoxemis. This rare species, of which about twenty speci- mens are known is probably resident in Florida, wandering north in the summer, specimens hav- ing been taken in Ontario, Canada, and in several localities in eastern United States. It is very different from the Least Bittern, having a more uniform chestnut coloration, especially on the under parts. It is twelve inches in length. Mr. C. W. Crandall has a set of five eggs of this species, taken on the Caloosahatchee River, Fla., April 15, 1891, by S. B. Ladd. nest was made of grasses and rushes placed in the cane two feet above the water. Least Bittern Cory's Least Bittern 120 WADING BIRDS 192. Great White Heron. Ardea occidentalis. Range. — This species occurs in the United States regularly, only in the southern parts of Florida. It is a resident of the West Indies. This large white Heron is about the same size as the Great Blue Heron; it has none of the slender plumes found on the smaller White Her- ons. These birds are not uncommon in southern Florida, especially on the Keyes, where they build their nests in company with Great Blue Herons. Their nesting habits and eggs are very similar to those of the Blue Heron. Size of eggs 2.25 x 1.80. Data. — Outside of Torch Key, Florida, June 16, 1899. Nest a platform of sticks about five feet from the ground, in a mangrove tree. Three eggs. Collector, O. Tollin. ^"^ 194. Great Blue Heron. herodias. Ardea herodias Range. — Nearly the whole of North America, except the extreme north; resident south of the middle portions of the United States and migra- tory north of there. This handsome Heron is about four feet in length. Its general color is a bluish gray, reliev- ed by a black crest, primaries and patches on the sides, and a white crown. In the south they breed in large colonies, often in company with many other species. In the northern portions of their range they breed singly or in companies of under a hundred individuals. They generally place their rude platforms of sticks well up in trees, near ponds, swamps or rivers, but in the most northerly parts of their range, where trees are scarce, they often build on the ground. Unless they are disturbed, they return to the same breed- ing grounds, year after year. They lay from three to five eggs of a greenish blue color. Size 2.50 x 1.50. Data.— Duck Island, Maine, May 20, 1883. Three eggs. Nest of sticks and twigs, about fifteen feet from the ground. Collector, R. B. Gray. 194a. Northwest Coast Heron. Ardea herodias fannini. This darker sub-species of the breeding is found along the Pacific coast, north to Sitka, Alaska. Its nests and eggs do not differ from the former species. Oreat TV'h Great Blue Heron 121 THE BIRD BOOK ]9ib- Wahd's Heron. Ardea herndias tvardi. This sub-species is a resident in Florida. It is a lighter variety than the common. It nests to- gether with the Great Blue Heron and its habits are the same. :r!'r [195.] European Heron. Ardea cinerea. This species is only an accidental straggler in Greenland. It is very similar to our Blue Heron and is the one which was formerly used to fur- nish sport for the royalty when falconry was at its height. f^ '\ W. V .M^ (Of ^ ^w^ ii^^ lin^ mn Snowy Egret Egret 196. Egret. lierodias egretta. Range.^ — Resident in the southern portions of the United States, straggling northward casually to the northern parts. This is one of the beautiful Herons which have been sought by plume hunters till they are upon the verge of extermination. They are entirely white, with a long train of beautiful straight "aigrettes" flowing from the middle of the back. In remote localities, quite large colonies of them may still be found, but where they numbered thousands, years ago, they can be counted by dozens now. They breed in impenetrable swamps, very often in company with the following spe- cies, and also with Louisiana and Little Blue Herons, and White Ibises. Their nests are but frail platforms, generally in bushes over the water. Their usual complement of eggs numbers from three to five, four as the most common num- ber. They are generally laid during the latter part of May, but often on account of their being disturbed, nests with eggs may be found in July. The eggs are a light bluish green in color. Size Gainesville. Florida, April 14, 1894. Four eggs on a plat- Collec- 2.25 X 1.45. Data form of sticks and grass, in a buttonwood bush over six feet of water tor, George Graham 197. Snowy Egret. Egrefta randidisshnn candidissima. Range. — Common now only in restricted lo- calities in the Gulf States and Mexico. This species, which is smaller than the last, being but twenty-four inches in length, is also adorned with "aigrettes," but they are beauti- fully recurved at the tips. Owinjr to the merci- less slaughter to which they have been su1)- jected, their ranks have been woefully decimal ed, and it is to be hoped that the remaining ones may be safely protected. Their nesting habits are the same as the last, although, of course, the eggs are smaller. Size 1.80 x 1.25. 122 L,ig-ht greenish blue 198. Reddish Egret. Dichromanassa rufescens. WADING BIRDS Range. — In the United States, this species is confined chiefly to the Gulf States. It is somewhat larger than the last species, the head and neck are rufous, the l)ody is bluish gray, and the back is adorned with slender gray plumes. It also has a white phase. This Egret is very abundant along the whole Gulf coast, but especial- Pale bluish green ly so in Texas. Their nesting habits are identi- cal with those of the other small Herons and Egrets. The three or four eggs are rather of a more greenish blue than the preceding. Size 1.90 X 1.45. Data. — Gainesville, Florida, April 14, 1894. Three eggs. Nest of sticks and straw in a but- ton-wood tree, two feet above the water. Collec- tor, George Graham. 199. Louisiana Heron. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis. Range. — Subtropical America, north regularly to the Gulf States and casually farther. This Heron is of about the size of the Reddish Egret, but the neck is longer, more slender and dark, while the chin, throat and underparts are white. The plumes from the back are short, reaching barely to the end of the tail. They nest in large colonies in com- pany with Egrets and Little Blue Herons, placing their nests in the mangroves, only a few feet above the water. Their nests are the same as those of the other species, a slight platform of sticks, and the three to five eggs are practically not distinguishable from those of the Snowy or Little Blue Herons. Size 1.75 x 1.35. 123 rm Ueddish Egret Louisiana Heron Pale bluish green THE BIRD BOOK 200. Little Blue Heron. Florida cierulea. Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, north casually to New England and Manitoba; west to Kansas and Nebraska. A smaller species than the preceding, length 22 inches, plumage a uniform slaty blue chang- ing to purplish red on the head and neck. They also have a white phase, but always show traces Little Blue Heron Green Heron Pale bluish green of the slaty blue, especially on the primaries. ^'oung birds are always white. They breed in immense rookeries during April and May. Their nesting habits and eggs are very similar to the last species, although the eggs average a trifle smaller. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Avery's Island, Louisiana, April 21, 1896. 5 eggs. Nest a flat and frail platform of twigs in a Mimosa tree growing in floating turf, over deep water in a large swamp. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 201. Green Heron. Butorides virescens virescens. Range.^ — Temperate and sub-tropical America, breeding north to the British Provinces. This is the smallest of our Herons, and is well known all over the country. Sometimes they breed in numbers in rookeries, in company with the larger Herons, but in most sections of the country they will be found nesting, one or two pairs together, along the border of some swamp or stream. They have a greater diversity of building sites, than do any of the other Herons and frequently nest a long ways from water. Their nests may be found in alders, birches or even apple trees. It is the usual Heron type of platform, upon which the three to six eggs are laid. They are a pale greenish blue in color, and measure 1.45 x 1.10. Data.^ — Avery's Island, Louis- iana, April 10, 1894. 5 eggs on a platform of twigs placed in a willow tree growing on the edge of a pond. Collected by E. A. Mcllhenny. 124 Light bluish green WADING BIRDS 201a. Frazau's Green Heron. Butorides virescens frazari. A darker variety found in Lower California; nesting the same as the common species. 201b. Anthony's Green Heron. Butorides virescens antlionyi. A lighter, desert form found in the arid portions of the interior of southwest- ern United States and Mexico. ->!'■'• ^ -'r^^'^ '*^J- f - K u^ NEST AND EGGS OF GFIEEN HERON 125 ■ vVvsl THE BIRD BOOK 202. Black-crowned Night Heron. Nycticorax nycticorax naevius. Range. — North America from southern British Provinces, southward; winters along the Gulf coast and beyond. A well known bird, often called "quawk" from the sound of its note frequently heard in the even- ing. While, in some localities, only a few pairs of these birds are found nesting together, most of them gather together into large colonies dur- ing the breeding season. In New England they generally select a remote pine grove as their OS. Pale bluish green breeding grounds. If not disturbed they will re- turn to this same place each year. Their nests are built of sticks and lined with small twigs, and are placed well up towards the tops of the trees. Frequently several nests will be found in the same tree, and I have counted as many as fifty nests in view at the same time. In large swamps in the south they generally nest at a low eleva- tion, while in the marshes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, large colonies of them nest on the ground, making their nest of rushes. Like all Heronries, those of this species have a nauseating odor, from the remains of decayed fish, etc., which are strewn around the bases of the trees. Their eggs number from three to five and are of a pale bluish green color. Size 2.00 x 1.40. Data.^Uxbridge, Mass., May 30, 1898. 4 eggs. Nest of sticks, about thirty feet up in a pine tree. Many other nests. Collector, H. A. Smith. Black-crowned Night Heron Yellow-crowned Heron 1: 203. Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Nt/rfa)iassa violacea. Range. — Sub-tropical America, breeding along the Gulf coast and to Lower California; casually fartlier north, to Illinois and South Carolina. A handsome grayish colored species, with long lanceolate plumes on the back, and two or three fine white plumes from the back of the head, like those of the Black-crowned species. Its black head, with tawny white crown and ear coverts, renders it unmistakable. This species nests in colonies or by pairs, like the preceding, and very often in company with other Herons. They lay from three to six eggs, very similar in size, shape and color to those of the Black-crowned Heron. 126 WADING BIRDS CRANES, RAILS, Etc. Order VIII. PALUDICOL^ CRANES. Family GRUIDAE Cranes are large, long-legged, long-necked birds, somewhat resembling Herons. Their structure and mode of living partakes more of the nature of the Rails, however. They are found upon the prairies, where besides shell fish from the ponds, they feed largely upon grasshoppers, worms, etc. 204. Whooping Crane. Grus americana. Range. — Interior of North America, breeding from about the latitude of Iowa northward to the Arctic regions; winters in the Gulf states and southward. The Whooping Crane is the largest of the fam- ily in America, measuring 50 inches or more in length. The plumage of the adults is pure white, with black primaries. The bare parts of the head and face are carmine. It is a very locally dis- tributed species, in some sections being practi- cally unknown, while in a neighboring locality it may be rated as common. They are very shy birds and are not easily obtained. They nest either upon the solid earth or in marshy places over the water. In either case the nest is a very bulky mass of grass and weeds from two to three feet in diameter and raised perhaps a foot above the ground. They lay two eggs of a brownish buff color, irregularly blotched with brown, and with fainter marking of gray. Size 3.75 x 2.50. Data.- — ^Torkton, northern Assiniboia, northwest Canada. Nest a mass of marsh hay, three feet in diameter, on the prairie. The birds seen, but very wary. Collector, Cowbry Brown. t 205. Little Brown Crane. Grus canadensis. Range. — North America in the interior, breed- ing from Hudson Bay and southern Alaska north to the Arctic coast; south in winter to Mexico. This uniform gray colored Crane differs from the next species only in size, being about three feet in length, while the Sandhill averages three and one-half feet. The eggs cannot be distin- guished with any certainty. \ ij Wliooping- Crane Little Brown Crane \L 121 THE BIRD BOOK iJrow iiih;ii buff EGG OF WHOOPING CRANE <• ^W^ ^"^ Cuff EGG OF LITTLE BROWN CRANE 128 WADING BIRDS 206. Sandhill Crane. Gms mexicana. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from the Gulf States, locally north to the south- ern parts of the British Provinces. This is the most common and the most south- erly distributed member of the family. In some sections of Florida and Texas it is regarded as abundant. They nest in marshy places near se eluded ponds. The nests are masses of grass, weeds and roots, generally placed in marshes and entirely surrounded by water. The two eggs are similar to those of the Whooping Crane, but the ground color is lighter. The eggs of tlie two spe- cies cannot always, with certainty, be distinguish- ed. Size 3.75 x 2.40. Data. — Carman, Manitoba, May 31, 1903. 2 eggs. Nest on a knoll in a marsh, hidden by dead rushes and weeds; a fiat loose structure of broken rushes and reeds. Col- lector, Chris Forge. COURLANS. Family ARAMID^ 207. LiMPKiN. Aramus vociferus. Range. — This bird is a native of the West Indies and Central America, but occurs regularly north to the southern portions of Florida. This strange bird is the only member of its fam ily found in the United States. It may be liken. to a large Rail or a small Crane, being apparent ly, a connecting link between the two. It is about two feet in length, and the plumage is mottled brownish and white. It lives in the marshes, from whence, until late at night, emanate its strange cries, which are likened to those of a child in distress. They nest in the most impen- Sandhill Cram Limpkin. Buity white etrable parts of swamps, building their nests of rushes, grass and weeds, in tangled masses of vines a few feet above the ground or water. They lay from three to eight eggs having a ground color of buff or grayish white and blotch- ed with light brown. Their coloration is very similar to those of the Cranes. Size 2.30 x 1.70. They nest in April and May. 129 WADING BIRDS RAILS, GALLINULES and COOTS. Family RALLID^ Members of this family are almost exclusively frequenters of marshes, where they lead a shy, retiring life and are more often heard than seen. 208. King Rail. Rallus eles:ans. .^ Range. — Fresh water marshes of eastern United States from New England and the Dakotas, southward. Very abundant on the South Atlantic coast, in the inland marshes. This is one of the largest of the Rails, (17 inches in length) and may be known by the richness of its plumage, the breast and wing coverts being a rich cinnamon color. It is almost exclusively a fresh water species and is very rarely found around a salt water marsh. Its nest is built on the ground, in a tuft of grass and weeds woven about the upright stalks. They lay from five to twelve eggs having a cream colored ground, sparingly speckled with brown and lilac. Size 1.60 x 1,20. Data. — Clark County, Missouri, June 6, 1893. 10 eggs. Nest composed of reed stalks; a slightly concave mass 8 inches across, and only two inches above the water, in a clump of reeds. Collector, Ed. S. Currier. Cream color. 2()<). Belding's Rail. Rallus belclingi. Range. — Lower California and the islands in the Gulf. This is a locally confined species, very similar to the preceding but darker and with the flank bars narrower. Its nesting or eggs will not differ from those of the King Rail. 210. California Clapper Rail. Rallus ohsoletus. Range. — Salt marshes of the Pacific coast of the United States. This species is like a dull colored King Rail, with reference to the markings of the back, or a bright colored Clapper Rail, as it has a cinna- _^ mon colored breast. It is an abundant species ' in nearly all the salt marshes along the coast, They make their nests on the higher parts of the marsh, where it is comparatively dry, build- ing them of grass and strips of rushes. They lay from four to nine eggs of a light buff color, boldly spotted with brown, and with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Palo Alto, Cal., May 1, 1899. Nest of marsh grass under a small bush on bank of slough. Light buff. Collector, Ernest Adams. 131 / i^m THE BIRD BOOK King Rail. Clapper Rail. the coast of Louisiana, brigliter in plumage. 211. Clapper Rail. Rallus crepitans crepitans. Range. — Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast from southern New England southward. A grayish colored Rail, about the size of, and with the markings similar to those of the King Rail. It is as exclusively a salt water species as the King Rail is a fresh water one. With the possible exception of the Carolina or Sora Rail, this is the most abundant of all the Rails, hun- ^' BulT. dreds nesting in a single marsh on the South Atlantic coast. Their nests are built of rushes and weeds, and are placed on the ground either in the tall grass bordering the marshes or attached to the rushes in the midst of the marsh. The nesting season commences during April and con- tinues through May. They lay from six to four- teen eggs, of a buff color spotted irregularly with brown and gray. Size 1.70 x 1.20. 21 la. Louisiana Clapper Rail. Rallus crep- itans saturatus. The habitation of this subspecies is limited to It is very similar to the proceeding but is said to be 211b. Florida Clapper Rail. Rallus crepitans scotti. Range. — Western coast of Florida. This bird is also similar to crepitans but is much darker and brighter. 211c. Wayne's Clapper Rail. Rallus crepitans waynei. Range. — South Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida. This subspecies is a little darker than crepitans, being about midway be- tween that species and Rallus scotti. The nests and eggs of any of these sub- species cannot be distinguished from those of the common Clapper Rail. 211.2. Caribbean Clapper Rail. Ralhis longirostris carihaeus. Range. — West Indies and east coast of Mexico, north to southern Texas. This species is similar to the Clapper, but has a shorter and relatively stouter bill. 132 WADING BIRDS 212. Virginia Rail. Rallus virginiamis. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from the Middle States and California, northward to British Columbia and Labrador, and wintering along the Gulf coast; most abundant in the east. A small Rail, 9 inches long, very similar in - markings and colora- tion to the King Rail. It is found chiefly in , * •" ':. fresh water swamps, where it builds its nests in tufts of rushes. The eggs number from six to fourteen, and are creamy white, or white. Creamy ^vhite. speckled with reddish brown. Size 1.25 x .90 Data. —Fighting Island, Detroit River, Michigan, May 30, 1904. Nest made of marsh grass, in rushes, 6 inches above the water. Collector, E. Leroy King. [213.] Spotted Crake. Porzana porzana. This common European species is casually found in Greenland. It breeds in large numbers throughout temperate Europe, nesting as do the American Rails. 214. SoRA. Porzana Carolina. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from the southern parts of the British posses- sions, south to the Gulf coast. This abundant species of Rail may be readily known by its small size, about eight inches long, and the black face and throat of the adult. These are the "Rail-birds" or "Ortolans" which are an- nually slaughtered by thousands, for sport and marketing, during their fall mi- gration. It is only because of the large families . that they rear, that they are able to withstand this y ' . *- yearly decimanation of their ranks. They nest either in salt of fresh water marshes, making a rude structure of grass, weeds and strips of rushes, * _^ -« v • . on the ground, generally concealed in a tuft of ghass in a tangled swamp or marsh. During May, they lay from six to sixteen eggs of a bright, buffy gray color, spotted with reddish brown and lavender. Size 1.25 X. 90. Bright buff. Sora Virginia Rail. .:^^;^^r:j- THE BOOK Rich buff. 215. Yellow Rail. Coturnicops novehoracensis. Ranrge.— Locally distributed in temperate North America, from New England and Nova Scotia, to California and British Columbia; south to the Gulf States in winter. This is a very handsome species, with plumage of glossy brown, yellowish buff, black and white; length seven inches. They are very shy and se- cretive, and are probably more common than gener- ally supposed. Their nest- , ■ ^^ ,. ing habits are the same as those of the preceding. Their eggs are of a rich buff color, speckled in the form of a wreath about the large end, with red- dish brown. They are relatively narrower than those of other Rails. Size 1.10 X .80. Data. — Benson Co., North Dakota, June 4, 1901. Set of ten eggs collected by Rev. P. B. Peabody. This set is in the collection of Mr. John Lewis Childs. 216. Black Rail. Creciscus jamaicensis. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from northern IFnited States southward. Smallest of the rails; 5 inches in length. A dark slaty colored bird with -. . white specks, and a patch of f. ■ . ,- dark chestnut on the fore back. This diminutive spe- scies is very hard to find be- fA : -^-...iJaiBr cause of its retiring habits, but according to Mr. Brews- ter it may be located by the clicking sound of its song. Their nests are woven of strips of rushes or grasses, and are well "cupped" to receive the eggs. They are on the ground on the border of, or in, marshy places. Mr. Childs has a fine set of eight eggs, taken by Arthur T. Wyane, at Mt. Pleasant, S. C, June 10, 1903. The nest was located in an oat field. The eggs have a creamy white ground, and are specked all over with reddish brown. Size 1.03 X. 75. [216.1.] Farallon Rail. Creciscus coturniculus. Known only from a single specimen, which is slightly smaller than jamai- censis and without the white specks on the back. t^^^Sr jWllfcwt,., Yellow Rail. Black Rail imi 134 WADING BIRDS [21 7-] Corn Crake. Crex crex. This European Rail is casually found in Green- land and along the Atlantic coast of North Amer- ica. It is the most abundant of European Rails and is found breeding in marshes, meadows and along streams. 218. Purple Gallinule. lonornis martinicus Range.— South Atlantic and Gulf States; casu- ally north in eastern United States to Massachus- etts and Ohio. .# ' ■' W 'iiiiiiltf'' Pale bulf. A very handsome bird with purplish head, neck and under parts, and a greenish back. Like all the Gallinules and Coots, this species has a scaly crown plate. An abundant breeding species in the southern parts of its range. Its nests are made of rushes or grasses woven together and either attached to living rushes or placed in tufts of grass. They lay from six to ten eggs of a creamy or pale buff color sparingly blotched with chestnut. Size 1.60 x 1.15. Data. — Avery's Island, Louisiana, May 7, 1896. Ten eggs. Nest of dry rushes, woven to standing ones growing around an "alligator hole" in a marsh. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. Purple Gallinule. Corn Crake. 136 THE BIRD BOOK 219. Florida Gallinule. Gallinula galeata. Range — Temperate North America, from New England, Manitoba and California, soutliward. A grayish colored bird of similar size to the last (13 inches long), with flanks streaked with white, and with the bill and crown plate reddish. They nest in colonies in ^■-■r'_S-i/^r^ - marshes and - ^-^^ * swamps, build- ■'■ 1" , "T ing their nests like those oi . ■ ,^ t h e P u r p 1 < ' Gallinule. The i\ggs, too, are similar, but larger and slightly duller. Size 1.75x1.20. Data. — Monte- zuma marshes, Florida, June 6, 1894. Eleven eggs. Nest of dead fiaggs, floating in two feet of water. Collector, Robert Warwick. Pale buff. [220.] European Coot. Fulica atra. A European species very similar to the next, and only casually found in Greenland. Nesting the same as our species. "221. Coot. Fulica aviericana. Orayi-sli. Range. — Whole of temperate North America, from the southern parts of the British Provinces, southward; very common in suitable localities throughout its range. The Coot bears some resemblance to the Florida Gallinule, but is somewhat larger, its bill is white with a blackish band about the middle, and each toe has a scalloped web. They inhabit the same marshes and sloughs that are used by the Rails and Gal- linules as nesting places, and they have the same retiring habits, skulking through the grass to avoid observation, rather than fly- ing. Their nests are either floating piles of decayed vegetation, or are built of dead rushes in clumps of rushes on the banks. They generally build in large colonies. The eggs number from six to sixteen and have a grayish ground color, finely specked all over the surface with blackish. Siz^ 1.80x1.30. 136 SHORE BIRDS. Order IX. LIMICOL^ PHALAROPES. Family PHALAROPODIDAE Phalaropes are small Plover-like birds, but with lobate webbed feet, similar to those of the Grebes and Coots. 222. Red Phalarope. Phalaropus fuUcarius. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the far north, and migrating to the middle portions of the United States, chiefly on the coasts. The Red Phalarope during the breeding season has the underparts wholly reddish brown; they are very rarely seen in the United States in this dress, however for it is early changed for a suit of plain gray and white. This species has a much stouter bill than the two following; it is about nine inches in length. All the Phalaropes are good swim- mers, and this species, es- pecially, is often found in large flocks off the coast, floating on the surface of the water; they feed largely upon small marine insects. Nests in hollows on the ground, lined with a few grasses. The eggs are three or four in number, generally of a greenish buff color, spotted and blotched with brown and blackish. Data. — Myvates, Iceland, June 19, 1897, Collector, C. Jefferys. ^i^T' Greeni^^ll hull' 223. Northern Phalarope. Lohipes lahatus. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the northern parts of the British Provinces. This is the smallest of the Phalaropes,~being about eight inches long; in summer it has a chestnut band across the breast and on the side of the neck. Its habits and nesting habits vary but little from those of the Red Phalarope, al- though its distribution is a little more southerly, and it is not as exclusively maritime as the pre- ceding species. It is found on both coasts of the United States, but more common on the Pacific side, during the fall and spring, when going to or re- turning from its winter quarters in the tropics. Their eggs cannot, with certainty, be distinguished from the preceding species. 137 Red Phalarope. Northern Phalarope. Greenish buff. THE BIRD BOOK Male, female, yuuiij;. Wilson's Phalarope 224. Wilson's Phalarope. Steganopus tricolor. Range. — Interior of temperate North America, breeding from the latitude of Iowa, northward, and wintering south of the United States. This is the most handsome species of the fam- ily, being of a very graceful form, of a grayish and white color, with a broad stripe through the eye and down the neck, where it fades insensibly into a rich chestnut color. It is an ex- clusively Americap species and is rare ly found near the coast. It builds its nest generally in a tuft of grass, the nests also being of grass. The eggs are of a brownish or greenish buff color, spotted and blotched with black and brown. Size 1.30 x .90. Data.— Larimore, N. D., May 30, 1897. Nest a shallow depression, scratched in the sand, under a tuft of grass on an island. Collector, T. F. Eastgate. Brownish buff. 138 SHORE BIRDS AVOCETS and STILTS. Family RECURVIROSTRID^ 225. AvocET. Recurvirostra americana. Range. — Western North America, breeding north to Northwest Territory. The Avocet can be known from any other bird by its up-curved bill, light plumage, webbed feet and large size (length about 17 inches). These waders are quite numerous in suitable localities American Avocet Black-necked Stilt. throughout the west, constructing their nests in the grass, bordering marshy places. The nest is simply a lining of grass in a hollow in the ground. They lay three or four eggs of a dark greenish or brownish buff color, boldly marked with brown and black. Size 1.90 xl.30. Data. — Rush Lake, Assiniboia. Four eggs laid in a depression in the sand, lined with dry weeds. Many birds nesting in the colony. 226. Black-necked Stilt. IJimantopus mexicanus. Range. — Like the last, this species is rarely found east of the Mississippi, but is very abund- ant in the United States west of that river. A black and white wader, with ex- eremely long red legs; otherwise a grace- fully formed bird. It breeds in large colonies anywhere in its range, making its nests of weeds and sometimes a few twigs, on the ground beside of, or in the marshes. Their eggs number three or four and are brownish or greenish buff with numerous markings of brownish black, these markings being somewhat lengthened and mostly running length- wise of the shell. They nest during April in the southern parts of their range and through May and June in the northern. Size of eggs 1.80x1.25. Data. — Freshwater Lake, southern Califor- nia, June 5, 1891. Four eggs laid on a mud flat near the water's edge; uo nest. Collector, Evan Davis. 139 Greenish buff. THE BIRD BOOK SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, Family SCOLOPACID^ Members of this family are long-legged waders, of either large or small size, and found either about streams or ponds in the interor or along the coasts. They feed upon small shell fish, or insects which they get usually by probing in the^ soft nuul. r;^^ American Woodcock. Wilson's Snipe 227. European Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola. This European bird is similar to the American Woodcock, but is larger and is barred beneath. * Their habits are the same as those of our species. 228. Woodcock. Philohela minor. Range. — Eastern North America, north to the British Provinces, breeding throughout its range. This is one of the most eagerly sought game birds of the east. Their flight is very rapid and erratic, and accompanied by a peculiar whistling sound made by the rapid motion of the wings; it requires a skillful marksman to bring them down. They frequent boggy places es- pecially "runs" lined with alders, where they bore in the soft ground for worms and grubs. Their eggs are laid up- on the bare ground among the leaves and sticks; they are of about the color of dead leaves, as is also the bird, making it quite difficult to discover their nests. They lay three or four eggs of a buffy color, with yellowish brown spots. Size 1.50x1.15. i3uffy gray. [229.] European Snipe. Gallinago gallinago. A common species in Europe; of casual or accidental appearance in Green- land. The bird does not differ essentially from our Snipe and its habits are the same. 140 C. A. Reed. WOODCOCK ON HER NEST. 141 SHORE BIRDS 230. Wilson Snipe. Gallinago delicata. Range. — North America, breeding from northern United States northward; winters along the Gulf States and to California, and southward. Another favorite game bird, but one which re- quires skill to hunt successfully. Of about the same size as the Woodcock (11 inches long). This species, to a great extent frequents the same haunts used by Woodcock, but is especially fond of open marshy meadows, with winding brooks. Their nests are depressions in grassy banks, gen- erally unlined; the three or four eggs have an olive gray color and are strongly marked with blackish brown. Size 1.50 x 1.10. Data. — Lake Winnipegosis, Manitoba, June 10, 1903. Nest in a hollow on a tuft of marsh grass, the four eggs having their points together. Collector, Walter Raine. Olive gray. [2.S().1.] Greater Snipe. Gallinago media. A European species, only American as having accidentally occurred at Hud- son Bay; similar in appearance to the preceding species. NEST AND EGGS OF WOODCOCK. 143 THE BIRD BOOK 231. DowiTciiER. MdcrorJidniphus griseus. Range. — North America, most abundant in the eastern parts; breeds in the extreme north, and winters from the Gulf States to Northern South America. This species is commonly known as "Red-breasted Snipe" in late spring and sum- mer because of the rich, rusty red coloration of the underparts, and as "Gray- back in winter because of its color at that sea- son. They are very common along the Atlan- tic coast during the Spring migration; they can be easily identified by their very long bills, which are over two inches in length and nearly one quarter the length of the whole bird. They nest during June, placing their three or four eggs in a slight hol- low, which may or may not be lined with dried grass or leaves. The eggs have a greenish or brownish buff color and are boldly marked with dark brown. They do not differ greatly from those of the Snipe. Data. — Mackenzie River, June ''7. 1900. Four eggs in a hollow in the grass, lined with dead grass. Col' lector. Walter Ralne. Grenish buff t-yV^'io Dowitcher. LOON. 144 SHORE BIRDS 232. Long-billed Dowitcher. Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus. Range. — Whole of North America, but not com- mon on the Atlantic coast; breeds in the Arctic regions and migrates chiefly through the central and western parts of the United States to Mexico. This bird is practically the same as the last, but is a trifle larger and the bill averages about a half inch longer. They are very numerous in tjieir breeding -'"^ . haunts, and, during their migrations, fly in large compact flocks. They are not very timid, and consequently fall an easy prey to the gun- ners. Their nesting "^' ' ' habits and eggs are the same as the last *"''"'^" ''^'"- species, except that the eggs may average a trifle larger. Size 1.75 x 1.15. Data. — Norton Is., Alaska, June, 1900. Nest a small hollow in the dry ground. Pour egK^ Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodflsh. ^;:r Micropala in a Ji inut n - 233. Stilt Sandpiper. topus. Range. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains; breeds in the Arctic regions and win ters from the Gulf States southward. In the summer, these birds may be known by the reddish coloration of the underparts, wliitli are numerously oarred; they are smaller than the preceding, lengtli about eight inches. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the ma- jority of the ir.embers of the family. The three or four eggs are buffy or grayish, and are blotched and spotted with shades of brown. Size 1.40 x 1.00. Lons'-billed. 145 10 THE BIRD BOOK Knot. Purple Sandpiper. 234. Knot. Tringa canutus. Range. — Arctic regions in summer; south through the United States, chiefly on the At- lantic coast, to South America. Of about tlie same size as tlie Dowitchers, length 10.5 inches, but with a much shorter bill. In summer the entire under parts are a uniform red- dish chestnut color. They are known to breed in Arctic America, from Point Barrow and Hud- son Bay, northward, but no authentic eggs are known, at present, to exist in collections. One taken from a bird by Lieut. Greely, was a pea green color, specked with brown; size 1.10x1.00. As it was not fully developed, it was probably correct neither as to size nor color. '-'.'>5. Purple Sandpiper. Arquatella maritima maritima. Range. — Arctic regions, wintering south to the Middle States and the Great Lakes, but chiefly on the coast. A grayish and blackish colored species, about nine inches long. It nests in northern Labrador, about Hudson Bay and in Iceland. Its eggs are a grayish buff color handsomely splashed with rich shades of brown and obscure markings of darker gray. Data. — North- ern Iceland, June 7, 1897. Four eggs. Nest a hollow in the ground Grayish buff. among grass and weeds and lined with a few grasses. Collector, C. Jefferys. 235a. Aleutian Sandpiper. Arguatella maritima couesi. Range. — Supposed to be a resident on the coast and islands of Alaska, from the Aleutians northward. A very similar species to the preceding; scarcely distinguishable. These Sandpipers, which are found in Alaska at all seasons of the year, breed during May and June. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the preceding bird and the eggs are indistinguishable. Size 1.40 x 1.00. Data. — Unalaska, Bering Sea, June 3, 1898. Nest containing four eggs, a depression in the moss, lined with grasses and bits of moss. The eggs were laid with their small ends together. 3^ 146 SHORE BIRDS 237. Pribilof Sandpiper. Arquatella rnaritina ptilocnemis. Range. — Coast and islands of Bering Sea, south In winter to southern Alaska. This bird, which is ten inches in length, has the feathers of the upper parts edged with rusty, and the underparts light, with a distin- guishing patch of black on the breast. Similar in appearance to the Red-backed Sandpiper, but not so reddish above, and the latter has the black patch on the belly. They breed commonly on the Pribilof and other islands in Bering Sea, nesting the same as other Sandppers. Their four eggs are similar to those of the preceding, but average darker. Size 1.50 x 1.05. 238. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Pisobia aurita. Range. — An Asiatic species, quite abundant in Alaska in the summer; supposed to migrate south in Vy'inter, wholly on the Asiatic side of the Pacific. A similar bird, in appearance, to the following, but slightly smaller and with the breast more ruddy. Its nesting habits probably do not differ from those of the following Sandpiper. 239. Pectoral Sandpiper. Pisobia maculata. f- Range.^ — Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, and wintering south of the United States, most abundant in the eastern parts of the United States during migrations. This species is blackish brown above, with light brown edgings to the feathers, and white below, except the chest, which is brownish, streaked with black. A very peculiar species, having the power, during the mating season, of in- v^'?*?i\> - flating the throat to a great extent, making a balloon- J^fX''\ like appendage, nearly the size of the bird. They '*^'^ ' have more the habits of Snipe, than do most of the ^y- ^ _ 'lii^- .>'' Sandpipers, frequenting grassy meadows or marshes, 4' '"ft^"% *^,V' in preference to the seashore. Their nests are ' ' "' ' grass lined depressions, and the eggs are grayish or greenish buff, blotched with brown. Size 1.45 x 1.00. Data. — Cape Smythe, Alaska, June 1900. Four eggs in a hollow in the ground, lined with grass Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Pectoral Sandpiper. 147 THE BIRD BOOK White-rumped Sandpiper. Baird's Sandpiper Least Sandpiper. 240. White-rumped Sandpiper. Pisobia fuscicollis. Range. — North America, breeding from Labra- dor and southern Greenland, northward and win- tering from central to Southern South America; most common on the Atlantic coast. This species is 7.5 inches in length, and has white upper tail coverts; otherwise it is marked similarly to the preceding Sandpiper. Its nest- ing habits are the same as those of the majority of the family, and the three or four eggs that they lay cannot be distinguished from those of the fol- lowing species. Size 1.30 x .90. These are one of the most common of the beach birds along the Atlantic coast during migrations; they are very often known as Bonaparte Sandpipers. 241. Baird's Sandpiper. Pisobia bairdi. Range. — North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding along the Arctic coast and about Hud- son Bay, and wintering south of the United States. A very similar species to the preceding, but without the white rump. Their nests are hollows in the ground, generally concealed in a tuft of grass, and lined with grasses and a few leaves. They lay three or four eggs having a grayish colored ground, and marked with different shades of brown, and also with some faint markings of lilac. Si;;e 1.30 x .90. Data. — Peel River, Arctic America, June 18, 1898. Four eggs, taken with the bird by an Indian. Eggs in a slight hollow on the river bank. V-X_ 212. Least Sandpiper. Pisobia miuutilla. Range. — North America, breeding from the southern parts of the British Provinces northward; winters from southern United States southward. Com- mon in the interior and on both coasts. This is the smallest of our Sandpipers, being under six inches in length. Except for size, they are similar in appearance to Baird's Sandpiper, only the back is browner. A very abundant species during migrations, being found on the seashore or in marshes, nearly always in company with other species of the family. Their nests are the same as other Sandpipers, and the eggs are grayish, thickly specked with brown. Size 1.15 x .80. Data.— Peel River, Arctic America, June 20, 1899. Nest simply a depression in the river bank, lined with grass. Grayish. 148 SHORE BIRDS [242.1.] Long-toed Stint. Pisobia damacensis. An Asiatic species accidentally found on the Alaskan shores. It is a very similar bird to the Least Sandpiper, and about the same size. As implied by its name, it has unusually long toes. [243.] Dunlin. PeJuJna olpina alpina. A very common Sandpiper in the British Isles and in Europe, but only casually occurring as a straggler along the Atlantic coast. Very similar to the next species, but a trifle smaller. The nest and eggs do not differ from the following. 243a. Red-backed Sandpiper. Pelidna alpina sakhalina. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from southern Greenland, Labrador, Hudson Bay and the Yukon, northward, wintering from the Gulf States south- ward. This hand- some species is similar to the Pribi- lof Sandpiper, but is smaller (length 8 inches), the upper parts are more red- dish, the breast more heavily streak- ed, and it has a black patch on the belly instead of on the breast as in pUJoenemis. Their nesting habits are similar to others of the family; they lay three or four eggs with a brownish or greenish buff color, heavily blotched and spotted with shades of brown and chestnut. Size 1.40x1.00. Data. — Peel River, Arctic America, June 30, 1899. Nest a simple cavity in the ground, lined with a few grasses and three or four leaves. Collector, ,T. O. Stringer. bufl". i;<=il-t: k Curlew d Sandpiper. Sandpiper. 244. Curlew Sandpiper. Erolia ferruginea. Range. — A common Old World species, but regarded as rare in eastern North America and northern Alaska. A bird of slighter build, but similar coloration to the Knot; smaller (lengtli eight inches) and with a slightly decurved bill. Until within recent years, eggs of these birds were rarely seen in collections, and I believe they have not yet been taken in this country, although a few pairs nest along our Arctic coast. Their eggs are very similar to those of the Red-backed Sandpiper, but average somewhat larger. Size 1.50 x 1.05. Data. — Kola, northern Lapland, June 15, 1898. Four eggs laid in a grass-lined hollow in the ground. Collector, J. Ram berg. 149 THE BIRD BOOK <^^ Spoonbill Sandpiper. Semipalmated Sandpiper. [245.] Spoonuill Sandpiper. Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. A very rare Asiatic species, which has been taken in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. A very pecu- liar bird having the end of the bill broadened and flattened into a sort of spatula. Otherwise very similar to the Least Sandpiper, but with the breast and sides of neck ruddy in summer. About 75 specimens of this rare bird are known to exist. 246. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Ereiinetes pusillus. Range. — Whole of North America, but chiefly in the eastern and central parts, breeding about the ponds and streams of Labrador and Hudson Bay, and northward. These little Sandpipers are abundant during the migrations either in marshes or on beaches. They are most often found in company with other species, such as the Spotted and Least Sandpipers. Their appearance is very similar to that of the Least Sandpipers, but they are slightly larger and the feet are partially webbed. Their eggs have a greenish buff or gray- ish ground color and are spotted with brownish or blackish, sometimes, so heavily as to completely obscure the shell color. Size 1.20 X .80. Data.— Small island near Okak, Labrador, July 3, 1895. 2 eggs. Nest a hollow at the foot of a tuft of grass, lined with a few bits of grass and small leaves. Eggs unmistakable in this dark type. Grayisli. 150 SHORE BIRDS ,--%'%- k*?^"'- Grayish Ijuff. 247. Western Sandpiper. Ereunetes mauri. Range. — Western North America, breeding in tlie Arctic regions and migrating through the United States, chiefly west of the Mississippi to the Gulf States and southward. Scarcely to be distinguish- ed from the preceding spe- cies, but the upper parts are said to be brighter and the bill, to average a trifle long- er. The nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same as those of the Semipalmated variety. Data. — Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, June 28, 1898. Four eggs. Nest a neatly rounded hollow, sunk into a mossy hum- mock in marshy ground. Collector, Joseph Grin- nell. 248. Sanderling. Calidris leucophaea. Range. — Found in all parts of the northern hem- isphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering in North America, from California and South Carolina southward. A handsome and abundant species, found dur- ing migrations by thousands on beaches and about large bodies of water in the interior. They are one of the lightest colored of the Sandpipers, eitlier in winter or summer plumage. In summer the upper parts are a light rusty color and black, and the whole underparts are white. Owing to their extreme northerly distribution in summer, but few of their eggs have been taken. Their nesting habits are like those of the other Sandpip- ers. The three or four eggs are greenish buff in color, spotted and blotched with brown. Size 1.45 x .95. Data. — Peel River, Alaska, June 18, 1897. Three eggs in a depression on the ground. AVcstern Saiidpiptji'. Sanderling-. Marbled Godwit. 249. IMarislei) Godwit. lAmosa fedon. Range. — North America, breeding, chiefly in the interior, from northern United States northward. Godwits are large Plovers with long slightly upcurved bills. This species is 19 inches in length, is of a nearly uniform ruddy color and is handsomely marbled above, and barred below with black. Their eggs are laid upon thr ground in the vicinity of ponds or rivers; sometimes there is no lining and again a few straws or grasses may be twisted around the depression. Their eggs number three or four and have a ground color of grayish or greenish buff, sometimes quite dark, and are blotched with dark brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — Devil's Lake, N. D., June 10, 1895. Four eggs laid on the ground in the middle of an un-used road. Lined with a few grasses. Collector, W. F. Hill. V 15X THE BIRD BOOK -k*- 250. Pacific Godwit. Limosa lapponica baueri. Range. — Coasts and islands of the Pacific Ocean on the Asiatic side, north in summer to Alaska. This species is more uniform and brighter rud- dy beneath tlian the preceding, and the back is not marbled as strongly. Even in Alaska where it breeds, it is not a common species, and it only occurs elsewhere on the Pacific coast of America casually. The nesting habits are the same, but the eggs are somewhat darker than those of the preceding, but not as dark as those of the follow- ing species. Size 2.20 x 1.45. 251. HuDsoNiAN Godwit. Limosa liaemastica Range. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering south of the United States. Brownish. Facilic Godwit. Hudsonian Godwit. This species is apparently not as common or is more locally distributed during migrations than is the Marbled Godwit. They are more abundant in their breeding grounds and are occasionally seen in large flocks. They are smaller than the Marbled Godwit (length 18 inches) and are deep reddish brown below. They lay four eggs on the ground, in marshes or near ponds or streams, lining the hollow with weeds and dried leaves. The eggs have a dark brownish buff ground color and are blotched with brownish black. Size 2.20 x 1.40. Data. — Macken- zie River, Arctic America. Four eggs laid in a hollow in the ground. Collector, J. O. Stringer. [252.] Black-tailed Godwit. Limosa limosa. A European and Asiatic species only casually occurring in Greenland. Very similar in appearance to our Hudsonian Godwit, which is frequently called by the name of this species. The nesting habits and the eggs are precisely like those of the American bird. [253.] Green Shank. Glottis nehularia. A common bird in Europe and the British Isles, but only American as having been taken once in Florida. A very similar species to the following. 152 SHORE BIRDS 254. Greater Yellow-legs. Totanus melanoleucus . Range. — Whole of North America, nesting in the Britisli Provinces and rarely in the northern part of the Mississippi Valley. This and the next species are much sought by sportsmen during their migrations; they are commonly (tailed "Tell-tale," the present species being the "Greater Tell-tale." They are blackish above, speckled with white, and below are white and, in summer, marked with arrowhead spots of l)la(k. The legs, as implied by tlie name of the '4' Grayish white. bird, are yellow and long; length of bird, 14 inches. They nest most abundantly in localities remote from habitations, in the interior of Can- ada. The eggs are generally laid on the ground, near a marsh or on the bank of a stream, with little or no lining to the nest. They are grayish white, boldly splashed with several shades of brown, and with lilac. Size 1.65 x 1.25. Data. — Whale River, Labrador, June 10, 1902. Eggs laid on the ground in an open marsh. ■^ Greater Yellow-letjs. Yellow-legs. 255. Yellow-legs. Totanus flavipes. Range. — North America, breeding chiefly in the interior and eastern parts of Canada, and rarely in the upper Mississippi Valley. This species is very sim- ilar to the preceding, but is smaller; length 10.5 inches. It is also called the "Lesser Telltale," a name applied because of their wariness, and because, when they fly, they warn all other species within hearing, of danger. Their eggs are laid on the ground, and in similar localities to the preceding. They are three or four in number, grayish or buffy in color, and are quite heavily blotched and spotted with rich brown and grayish or lilac. Size 1.60 x 1.20. Data. — Whale River, Labrador, June 14, 1902. Four eggs laid on the ground in a large marsh, Puffy. 153 THE BIRD BOOK 256. Solitary Sandpiper. H elodromas solitarius solitarius. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States boundary, l)ut apt to be found nesting in any part of its range: winters south of the United States. A bird with a greenish gray bacl<, barred with white, and white below; length 8.5 inches. Clay-colored. S^ Tliis species is one of the oddities among tlie ^, III 1^ ^uMiiiiMi waders. They are most always met with, sing- ' " ' " ly or in pairs, and are very rarely seen, even in very small flocks. Their preference is for small ponds or streams in wet woods or open meadows, rather than marshes which are frequented by other species. They are occasionally seen during the nesting season, even in the soutliern parts of tlieir range, and they probably breed there although their eggs are very rarely found. The eggs are clay-colored, spotted with brownish black. Data. — Simco Island, Kingston, Ontario, June 10, 1898. 5 eggs in a shallow depression on the ground, lined with a few grasses. Z'- ^A NEST OF SPOTTED SANDPIPETI 154 SHORE BIRDS 256a. Western Solitary Sandpiper. Ilelo- drovias solitarius cinnamomeus. Range. — North America, west of the Plains; breeds in British Columbia and probably south of there, also. This bird is like the last, except that the spots on the back are buffy instead of white. Its nest and eggs will not differ in any respect from those of the eastern form. [257-] Green Sandpiper. Helodromas acro- phus. This species, which very closely resembles our Solitary Sandpiper, is common in the northern parts of the Old World. It has only accidentally strayed to our shores. 258. WiLLET. Catoptrophorus semipahnatus semipalmatus. Range. — Eastern United States, breeding north to the Middle States and occasionally straying to BufE. Western Sandpiper Willet. the Canadian border, especially in the Mississippi Valley. These large waders are among the most abundant of the marsh or beach birds. They breed in small companies in marshes, frequently in those which are covered with water at high tide, building a frail nest of grasses and weeds, where it will be barely out of reach of the highest water. The three or four eggs have a brownish, or sometimes greenish, buff ground color and are blotch- ed with umber, and have fainter markings of lilac. Size 2.00 x 1.50. Data. — Sandy Bank, South Carolina, May 3, 1901. Nest on the ground, secreted in the Ingh grass. Made of dead marsh grass, lined with finer grasses. 155 THE BIRD BOOK Wandering Tattler. Ruff. Upland Plover. 258a. Western Willet. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus. Range. — Western North America, breeding north to Manitoba and British Columbia. Casual- ly found on the South Atlantic coast during mi- grations. A larger and paler form of the preceding spe- cies; length 15.5 inches. The nesting habits are the same, and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the common Willet. Data. — Re- fugio, Texas, May 18, 1900. 4 eggs in a grass lined depression on the bay shore flat. Collec- tor, J. W. Preston. 259- Wandering Tattler. canus. Heteractitis in- Range. — Pacific coast of North America, breed- ing from British Columbia northward. This is a handsome species, uniform grayish above and white below, closely barred (in sum- mer) with blackish. During the breeding sea- son it is found on the rugged coasts and islands of Alaska, and casually south. It breeds in the marsh grass near the shores and along the banks of streams. ["iJ^O.J Ruff. Machetes pugnax. A common European species, occasionally found on the Atlantic coast of North America. It is a species remarkable for its pugnacity during the mating season; in size and appearance it is about like the Upland Plover, with the exception of the "rtiff" which adorns the neck and breast of the male bird. 261. Upland Plover. Bartramia longicauda. Range. — North America, chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains, middle United States, northward. A handsome bird, 12 inches in length, .■m"^"^ ^ generally known as the "Upland Plover," '^ from its habit of frequenting dry side hills, where it feeds upon grasshoppers and worms. It is a favorite bird with many sportsmen. It builds a nest of grasses, on the ground in a tuft of grass in the middle of fields. The three or four eggs have a buff ground and are blotched with yellowish brown. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Stump Lake, N. D., .June 10, 1897. Nest of grass, lined with wool, under a tuft of grass left by the mower. Collector, Alf. Eastgate. g^jj breeding from 156 Walter llaine. NEST AND EGGS OF UPLAND PLOVER. THE BIRD BOOK 262. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subrufcolUs. Range. — Interior of North America, breeding t'roin the Hudson Bay region to the Arctic coast. A huffy colored species, witli a peculiarly mar- bled back. Size 8.5 inches long. It is an upland species like the last. The nests are scantily lined depressions in the ground. The eggs have a grayish white ground and are boldly blotched with rich brown and • , chestnut with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1.45 X 1.05. Data.— Cape Smythe, Alaska, June, 1900. 4 eggs in a hol- low in dry spot on a marsh. Collector, H. H. Bodfish. Grayisli white. 263. Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia. Range. — Whole of North America from Hudson Bay southward, breeding throughout its range. A small wader about 7.5 inches in length, with brownish gray upper parts, and white underparts thickly spotted with blackish, especially on the breast and flanks. This is the most abundant of all the shore birds, and its "peet-weet" is a famil- iar sound to every country boy. It has a peculiar habit of continually moving its tail up and down, when at rest on a stone or when running along the shore; from these characteristic actions it has received the very common names of "Teeter- tail" and "Tip-up." They build their nests on the ground near ponds, brooks or marshes, generally concealing it in a tuft of grass or weeds on the shore or in the high grass at the edge of the meadows. The eggs number from three to five and are of a grayish buff color, spotted and blotched with blackish brown. The young, like those of all the shore birds, are hatched covered with down, and run about as soon as born. They are anxiously attended by the parents and at the least sign of danger, conceal themselves beneath ^ 3^ " a tuft of grass or behind a small stone, where they ,, ,, ■ '^ . ; remain perfectly motionless until called by the old birds. The adults frequently attempt to lead an en- emy away from the young by feigning a broken wing, or lameness. Size of eggs 1.35 x .90. Data. — Parker County, Ind., May 22, 1901. Nest about six yards from bank of creek, among weeds on a sand bar; a hollow in the sand lined with weeds. Collec- tor, Winfield S. Catlin. Buff. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Spotted Sandpiper. ''^>ii>j||^2:^ SHORE BIRDS 264. Long-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus. Range. — Breeds in the South Atlantic states and northward in the interior to Manitoba and British Columbia. This is the largest of the family of shore birds, having a length of about 24 inches. Its plumage is of a buffy color, much variegated above with black and brown; the bill is strongly curved down- ward and is from four to eight inches in length. Their nests are located on the ground in meadows Grcenisli buff. or on the prairies, and three or four eggs are laid, of a buff or greenisli buff color, covered with numerous spots of brownish black. Eggs of the common Curlew of Europe, have been very fre- quently used as belonging to this species, but the eggs of our species have a lighter and more greenish ground, and the spots are smaller and more numerous. Size, 2.50 x 1.80. C5^ Long'-billiil ('urlew. HiKisuiiiiui Curlew. 265. HuDsoNiAN Curlew. Numenius hudsonicus. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and win- tering south of the United States. This species is smaller (length 17 inches), darker, more grayish and has a shorter bill than the pre- ceding species. It also has wliite median and lateral stripes on the top of the head. The nesting hab- its are the same as those of the Long-billed species; the three or four eggs have a brownish bulf ground color and are blotched with blackish brown. Size 2.25 x 1.60. Data. — McKenzie River, Arctic America. Nest a pile of grass, moss and weeds on an island in the river. Brownish buf 159 THE BIRD BOOK Eskimo Curlew. 266. Eskimo Curlew. Numenius horealis. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering in South America; migrating tlirougli tlie eastern liall: of the United States, more abundantly in the interior tlian on tlie coast. A still smaller species than the last (length 14 inches) and very similar to it. A few years ago this was considered the most abundant of the curlews, but so persistently have they been hunted that they are now practically extermin- ated. They were the most unsuspicious of the shore birds, and would allow the near approach of the gunner, and the penalty may now be seen. Only a short while ago they were very often found, during migration, in company with other waders such as the Golden or Black- bellied Plovers. Their nests are simply hollows in the plains, lined with a few grasses, dried leaves, or moss. The three or four eggs are the same as the last for color but are smaller; size 2.00 X 1.45. [2()7.] Whimbrel. Numenius phaeopus. A European species casually appearing in Greenland Hudsonian Curlew, but with the rump white. This species is known as the Jack Curlew in England and • ; ."^i^-. . Scotland, where it is very abund- '^^ ant, and is a favorite game bird. It breeds in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, and in the extreme north of Scotland and on the Shetland Islands. The eggs are laid in hollows on the Aicund on higher parts of the ^^^^^^H^^ 1|^ marshes. The three or four egg^ ^^^^^^^M™.- ^* have an olive or greenish brown color and are blotched with dark brown. Size 2.30 x 1.60. Data. — Native, Iceland, May 29, 1900. Six eggs. Nest a depression in the ground, lined with dried grass. very similar to th' Olive brown. ^M [268.] Bristle-tiiighed Curlew. Numenius iohiliensis. Range.— Islands and coast on the Asiatic side of the Pacific; casually found in Alaska. A very peculiar species with many of the feathers on the flanks terminating in long bristles. 160 SHORE BIRDS PLOVERS. Family CHARADRIID^ Plovers are stouter built birds than those of the previous family, have larger head, shorter necks and but three toes, the bill also is much harder and shorter. [269.] Lapwing. Vnnellus vanellus. An abundant European species accidentally occurring on the Atlantic coast. It may read- ily be recognized by its long black crest, black chin and throat, and white under parts. It breeds throughout temperate Europe, laying its eggs in hollows on the ground. The eggs have a dark grayish buff ground and are spot- ted with black. Size 1.85 x 1.30. Gi-ayish. [269-1-] Dotterel. Eudromias morinellus. A European bird supposed to have been accidentally taken on the Atlantic coast. Jt. h '270. Black-bellied Plover. Squatai-ola squaiarola. Range.- — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering from the Gulf States to northern South America. This is a remarkably handsome spe- cies when in the summer dress. The up- per parts are largely white with black spots and bars on the back, wings and tail; the throat, sides of head, breast and fore under parts, black. In winter, brownish-black, somewhat mottled, above; below, dull white. Young similar to win- ter adults, but the back is spotted with yellowish-white. While these handsome plover migrate to some extent, and some- times in large flocks, through the inter- ior of the United States, they are chiefly and most abundantly found on the coast. This species has a very small hind toe. It is a very familiar bird to sportsmen and gunners, to whom it is generally known by the names of "Bull-head," or ■'Beetle-head Plover."" They are very numerous in the fall, during which sea- son the underparts are entirely white. The eggs are either laid upon the bare ground or upon a slight lining of grasses of dead leaves. They are three or four in number, brownish or greenish buff in color and boldly marked with black. Size 2.00 X 1.40. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, June, 1900. Nest a small hollow on side of hillock, lined with dry grass. 161 •*'!N»' lireni.sli bull. 11 SHORE BIRDS [272.] European Golden Plover. Charadrius apricarius. A European bird, similar to the next, casually found in Greenland. It is a very abundant bird throughout Europe, breeding in the northern parts. Its habits, nests and eggs are the same as those of the American bird. 272. Golden Plover. dominicus. Charadrius dominicus Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering south to Pata- gonia. Black-bellied Plover. Golden Plover. Greenish buff. This handsome bird is about the same size as the Black-bellied Plover (10.5 inches long). No hind toe. Back and tail mottled with black and yellow; below, more or less entirely black to the tail. Young and winter adults, more or less spot- ted with yellow and blackish-brown above, and grayish-white below, with indistinct streaks on the breast. Often confused with the last species in this plumage, but is smaller, bill smaller and more slender, and the axillars, or feathers nearest the body, under the wings, are gray while those of the Black-bellied Plover are black. This species is now regarded as rare on the North Atlantic coast during migrations, while in the interior it is more abundant than the last species. They do not seem to be as suspicious as the Black-bellies, and a flock will often allow a close approach, even when they see you. They nest abundantly along the coast and islands of the Arctic Ocean. The four eggs are very similar to those of the preceding, but smaller. Size 1.90 X 1.30. Data. — Peel River, Arctic America, June 1, 1898. Nest of grasses and leaves on the ground in the moss. 272a. Pacific Golden Plover. Charadrius dominicus fulvus. Range. — An Asiatic species, breeding in northern Asia and on the islands and coast of Asia. Very like the preceding, but more golden color on the back and wings. Nesting and eggs the same. 163 ,^ .-^ff f>~''^*''*"' ■^' % NEST AND EGGS OF KILLDEER. A. i;. Spaid. SHORE BIRDS 273. KiLLDEER. Oxyechus vociferus. Range. — Temperate North America from the southern parts of Canada southward. Next to the Spotted Sandpiper, this bird is the most common of the shore birds in the United States. It is rarely seen in New England, but is common south of there and in the interior of the country to Can- ada. They are very noisy birds, continually uttering their "kil-deer, kil-deer" from which they take Grayish buff. their name. They nest anywhere on the ground, generally near water, placing their nests in fields, cornfields or meadows. The eggs are drab or greenish buff and profusely spotted with black. Size 1.50 X 1.10. Data. — Refugio county, Texas, May 11, 1899. 4 eggs in a depression on the ground, lined with a few grasses. 274. Semipalmated. Mgialitis semipalmata. Range. — North America, breeding in the inter- ior of Canada and wintering south from the Gulf States. Kildeer. Semi-palmated Plover. Small web between the bases of the two outer toes. Single broad, black band across the breast; black line from base of bill to eye. They are very abundant on our seacoast in Fall, both in flocks composed entirely of their own kind, and also with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. They usually keep on the inner side of sandbars or muddy flats bordering marshes, rather than on the open ocean beach. It is also found in smaller flocks, about ponds and marshes in the interior of the country. They are usually unsuspicious and will allow a close approach, or if you are still, will run by within a very few feet. Nest on the ground; eggs huffy, sparsely specked with black, 1.30x.90; June. Buff 165 THE BIRD BOOK Buffy. The bird, too, is similar, 275. Ring Plover. Mgialitis hiaticula. Range. — A European bird that breeds aljund- antly in Greenland. It nests in great numbers on the banks of streams and in fields, laying ..'-■*. ^ .^ its eggs in hollows on ,X^'* * •" ", . •* •. the ground, generally // - -* ' •;'"•<•' without any lining. Mf Their three or four ' eggs are practically not distinguishable from those of the Semi- palmated Plover, but larger; siz'e, 1.40x1.00. but the toes are not palmated, and the black breast band is wider. [276.] Little Ringed Plover. Mgialitis dubia. An Old World species, accidentally occurring on the Pacific coast. Like the last species, but smaller. The eggs, too, are smaller; size 1.20 X.85. 277. Piping Plover. Mgialitis meloda. Range. — Eastern North America, chiefly along the Atlantic coast, breeding from the Carolinas north to Newfoundland. A handsome little bird, with a black crescent on each side of neck, a small black patch on top of the head, and without any black on the lores or ear coverts. It is the lightest colored of any of the eastern Plovers. Length, 7 inches. Young, similar, but the black replaced by grayish, as is the case with the last species. This species, apparently, never could be classed as abundant and of late years, it is becoming rather rare along our Atlantic coast; this is probably more due to the building of summer resorts and homes along their former breedin^c ^ _ - \^ grounds than to hunters. They are rather more shy than the last species, but will usually attempt to es- cape by running along the beach or by hiding, rather than by flight. Owing to their light colors it is very difl[icult to see them at any distance. They lay their eggs upon the sandy beaches in slight, and generally unlined, hollows. The eggs have a pale clay colored ground and are sparsely specked with small black dots. Size 1.25 X 1.00. Clav Color. Ring- Plover. Snowy Plover. 166 SHORE BIRDS ..^:^- 278. Snowy Plover. MgialUis nivosa. Range.— Breeds along the Pacific coast of the United States, and from Texas to Manitoba in the interior. Winters on the (California coast and south to Chili. Snowy Plovers are very much like the Piping, but are smaller (length 6.5 inches), have a longer and more slender bill, and have a small black patch on the side of head. It is the palest colored of the Plovers. Large numbers of them nest along the Pacific coast and in Texas; north of -Texas, in the interior, they are locally distributed. The eggs are pale clay color, marked with small scratchy dots of black. Size 1.20 x .90. Data. — Newport Beach, Cali- fornia, May 1, 1897. Nest a hollow in the sand, a short distanc-e above high water; lined with broken shell. Collector, Evan Davis. I'ilU: buff. [279-] Mongolian Plover, ^gialitis mongola. An inhabitant of the Old World, awarded a place in our avifauna because of its accidental occurrence at Alaska. SPOTTED SANDPIPER AND NEST. 167 THE BIRD BOOK Wilson's Plover Mountain Plover. i^^ Brownish gray. Olive gray. 280. Wilson's Plover. Octhodromus wilsonius. Range. — An abundant breeding species on the Gulf coast, coast of Lower California, and on the Atlantic coast north to Virginia, and casually farther. A common Plover, which may be distinguished from others of the genus by its comparatively large heavy black bill, and the single broad black band across the breast, and not ex- tending around the back of the neck. They nest on peb- bly "shingle" or in the marsh, back of the beaches. Their eggs are an olive gray color and are spotted and scratch- ed with blackish brown, with some fainter markings of gray. Size 1.40 x 1.05. Data. — Corpus Christi, Texas, May 10, 1899. 4 eggs laid on the ground among drifted grass on a salt marsh near town. Collector, Frank B. Arm- strong. 281. Mountain Plover. Podasocys montanus Range. — Plains and prairies of western North America, breeding from the central portions north to Manitoba, and wintering in California and southward. A very peculiar species, inhabiting even the driest portions of the western prairies. It is 9 inches in length, and has a plumage of a pale buffy tone. It seems to be less aquatic than any other American Plover and is rarely found in the vicinity of bodies of water. It nests on the ground tinywhere on the prairie, laying its eggs in a slight hollow. The eggs are brownish gray in color and are spotted and blotched with blackish brown. Data. — Morgan county, Colorado, May 7, 1902. Nest a slight hollow on the ground, near a large cactus bed and close to a water hole. No lining to nest. Collector, Glenn S. White. SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. Family APHRIZID^ 282. Surf Bird. Aphriza virgata. This species, which is found on the Pacific coast from Alaska to Cliili, seems to be tlie connecting link between the plovers and the Turnstones, having the habits of the latter combined with the bill of the former. Its nest and eggs are not known to have been yet dis- covered. Creamy. Turnstone. 283. Turnstone. Arenaria interpres. Range. — The distribution of this species, which is grayer above than the fol- lowing, is supposed to be confined, in America, to the extreme north from Greenland to Alaska. Its habits and eggs are precisely like the next. 283a. Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres morinella. Range. — Breeds in the Arctic regions, and migrates through all parts of the United States, south to the southern parts of South America. This species has the upperparts variegated with reddish brown, black and white; the underparts are pure white, except for a black patch on the throat, branching upward to the eye and back to the sides of the breast. It has a peculiar, slightly up-turned bill, which is used, as their name implies, for turning over pebbles and stones in their search for food. They nest commonly in northern Labrador, about Hudson Bay and in Alaska, laying their eggs in scantily lined hollows on the ground, near water. The eggs are very peculiar and beautiful, having a light grayish or cream color ground, peculiarly marbled with many shades of brown and lilac. Size 1.65 x 1.10. Data.— Mackenzie River, Arctic America, June 28, 1900. Four eggs in a grass lined depression in the sand. 169 THE BIRD BOOK 284. Bi-ACK Turnstone. Arenaria melanocephaln. Grayish. Range. — Pacific coast of North America, breed- ing from British Columbia northward, and winter- ing south to Lower California. This species, which has the form and habits of the preceding, is blackish above and on the breast; the rump and the base of the tail are white, being separated from each other by the black tail cov- erts. Their nesting habits are in no wise differ- ent from those of the common turnstone. The eggs are similar, but the markings are not so strikingly arranged. Size 1.60 x 1.10. Data.- • Kutlik, Alaska, June 21, 1898. Nest simply a de- pression in the sand on the sea beach. OYSTER-CATCHERS. Family H^MATOPODID^ [285.] European Oyster-catcher. Hcematopus frazari. This European species is very similar to the American one which follows, casually occurs in Greenland. It 3%^ 286. Oyster-catcher. Haematopus palUatus. Range. — Breeds on the coast of the Soutii Atlantic States and Lower California and '.vii;- ters south to Patagonia. Oyster-catchers are #« \ American Oyster-catclier. Buff, large, heavy-bodied birds, with stocky red legs and long, slout red bills. The present species has the whole upper parts and entire head and neck, blackish ; underparts and ends of secondaries, white ; length, 19 inches. They are abundant breeding birds on the sandy beaches of the South Atlantic States, and casually wander north to Nova Scotia. They lay their two or three eggs on the ground in slight hollows scooped out of the sand. The eggs are of a buffy or brownish buff color, and are irregularly spotted with blackish brown, with subdued markings of lavender. Size 2.20 x 1.50. Data.— Sandy Point, S. C., May 12, 1902. Three eggs on the sand just above high water mark; nest a mere depression on a small "sand dune" lined with pieces of shells. 170 SHORE BIRDS 286.1. Fkazar's Oyster-catcher. Hccmntopus hachmani. Range. — Lower California. This species is darker on the back than the preceding, and the breast is mottled with dusky. Bill very long, heavy, compressed, and thin and chisel-like at the tip. /. ^r Brownish buff. Bill and eyes red; legs flesh color; under parts white, and a white wing bar. These are large, awkward looking birds. It is not an uncommon wader in its somewhat restricted range. Its nesting habits are the same as those of the ' ' preceding one, but the markings are generally more sharply defined. The one figured is from a set in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 287. Black Oyster-catcher. Ilacmatopus hachmani. Range. — Pacific coast of North America from Lower California north to Alaska. This species is the same size as the Oyster-catcher, but the plumage is entirely black both above and be- low. They are found upon the rocky coasts and islands, more fre- quently than upon sandy beaches. Their eggs are laid upon bare rocks or pebbles with no attempt at lin- ing for the nest. The eggs are an olive buff in color, spotted and blotched with brownish black. Size 2.20 x 1.55. Breeding through- out the Aleutian Islands, British Columbia and south to Lower California i» # Olive buff. Three or four eggs are laid. 171 THE BIRD BOOK JACANAS. Family JACANID^ 288. Mexican Jacana. Jacana spinosa. Range. — Tropical America, north in summer to the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, and casually to Florida. MexiciLii Jacana. Yellowish olive. This interesting species has most of its structural characters similar to the Plovers, but has more the appearance and habits of the Rails. They are about eight inches long, the head and neck are black, the body chestnut, and the wings largely greenish yellow. They have long legs, long toes and extremely long toe nails, a scaly leaf on the fore- head, and a sharp spur on the shoulder of the wing. Owing to their long toes and nails, they are enabled to walk over floating weeds and rubbish that would sink beneath their weight, otherwise. They build their nests on these little floating islands in the marsh; they are also sometimes made of weeds and trash on floating lily pads. They lay from three to five eggs of a yellowish olive color, curiously scrawled with brown and black. Size 1.22 x .95. Data. — Tampico, Mexico, June 3, 1900. Three eggs. Nest of weeds and drift on lily leaf floating in fresh water pond near town. NEST AND EGGS OF BOB-WHITE C. A. Reed. « 1 o S GALLINACEOUS BIRDS GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. Order X. GALLING GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. Family TETRAONIDAE The members of this family are birds of roljust form, subdued (not brightly colored) plumage, comparatively short legs and necks; the tarsi and toes are feathered in the Ptarmigan, the tarsi, only, feathered in the Grouse, and the tarsi and toes bare in the Partridges and Bob-whites. They feed upon berries, buds, grain and insects. 289. Bob-white. Colinus virginianus virginianus. Range. — United States east of North Dakota and Texas and from the southern British Provinces to the Gulf coast. A celebrated "game bird" which has been hunt- ed so assiduously in New England that it is upon the verge of extermination, and the covers have to be continually replenished with birds trapped in the south and west. They frequent open fields, which have a luxuriani growth of weeds, or grain fields in the fall. Their nests are buili along the roadsides, or beside stonewalls or any place affording sat- isfactory shelter. The nest is made of dried grasses and is archei! over with grass oi so as to conceal the eggs, to twenty pure white eggs, are very frequently nest stained when Size 1.20 X .95. Often two or three broods White. overhanging leaves They lay from ten which found. liflp "^mI ^^^^ sr^^Of^'~Y^' ^^^u -1^ SSSvC^rPx^-* ' :-y«*«<*-^^' ,-W 'J^'^ - . ,^ wdis^ r ^^^ ^ik^^m^ i''loi-ida JJobwhite. Masked Bobwhite. are raised in a season, but frequently one or more broods are destroyed by rainy weather. 289a. Florida Bob-white. Colinus virginianus floridamis. Range. — This sub-species, which is found in the southern half of Florida, is very much darker than the northern Bob-white, and is numerously barred below with black. Its nesting habits and eggs are identical with those of the preceding. 289b. Texas Bob-white. Colinus virginianus te.ranus. Range. — Texas; casually north to Kansas. A grayer variety of the Bob-white. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Bob-white, except that the eggs may average a trifle smaller. Size 1.18 x .92. 291- Masked Bob-white. Colinus ridgwayi. Range. — Sonoran region of Mexico north to southern Arizona. The female of this species is like that of the Texan Bob-white. Their nesting habits and eggs are in all respects like those of the other Bob-whites. Size of eggs, 1.20 X. 95. 175 THE BIRD BOOK ^92. Mountain Quail. Oreortyx picta picta. Range. — Pacific coast of North America from California to Washington. This is the largest of the Partridges, being 11 inches in length. It is of a general grayish color, with chestnut throat patch, and chestnut flanks, barred with white. Two long plumes ex- tend downward from the back of the head. This species nests abundantly in the mountainous portions of northern California and throughout Oregon, and is gradually in- creasing in numbers in Washington. As a rule they nest only on the higher mountain ranges, leaves under the protection of an overhanging bush or tuft of grass. Their eggs number from six to fifteen, and are of a pale reddish buff color. Size 1.35x1.05. y Reddish buff. placing their nest of 292a. Plumed Quail. fera. Oreortyx picta plumi- Mmiiilain Partridge Scaled Partridge. Range. — Mountain ranges of California and Lower California, chiefly in the southern parts of the former. This species is like the latter except that it is grayer on the back of the head and neck. Its nesting habits and eggs are like the preceding. 292b. San Pedro Quail. Oreortyx picta confinis. Range. — San Pedro Mountains, Lower California This species, which is grayer above than the preceding two, breeds only in the highest peaks of its range. Otherwise its nesting habits and eggs are the same as the other Plumed Partridges. 293. Scaled Quail. Callipepla squamata squamata. Range. — Mexico and southwestern border of the United States. This blue gray species is 10 inches in length; the feathers on the neck and underparts have narrow dark borders, thus giving the plumage a scaly ap- pearance, from which the birds take their name. They have a small tuft of whitish or buffy feathers on the top of the head. It is especially abundant in the dry arid portions of its range, being found often many miles away from water. Their eggs are laid in a shallow hollow under some small bush or cactus, and number from eight to sixteen; they are creamy white, flnely specked with buff or pale brownish. Size 1.25 X .95. Creamy white. 176 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 293a. Chestnut-bellied Scaled Quail. Cal- lipepla squamata castanogastris. Range. — Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and and southward into Mexico. This sub-species is like the last with the addi- tion of a chestnut patch on the belly. Their breeding habits do not vary in any particular way from those of the Scaled Partridge. 294. California Quail. Lophortya: calif ar- nica calif ornica. Oregon, Range. — Coast region of California, Washington and British Columbia. This is one of the most beautiful of the Part- ridges, with its crest of feathers rising from th" crown and curving forwards so that the broaden- ed ends hang directly r^ "* .» ^ over the bill. It is about the size of the pre- ceding species, and is dis- tinguished from the fol- lowing one by its white forehead, chestnut patcli on the belly and the scaly appearance of the feathers in that region, by its dark crown and the gray flanks They lay from eight to twenty eggs with a creamy white or buffy ground color, handsomely blotched with shades of brown and yellowish brown. Size 1.20 x .93 (Jiij,:iiii\ white with white streaks. California Partridge Gambel's Partrid^ 294a. Valley Partridge. I.ophortyx californica vaUicola. Range. — Interior portions of California, Oregon and Washington. The nesting habits of this grayer sub-species do not differ in any manner from those of the above species. The eggs are indistinguishable. 295. Gambel Quail. Lophortyo: gambeli. Range. — Southwestern United States from Texas to California: north to Utah. This handsome species differs from the California in the Chestnut crown and flanks, and the black patch on the belly. They are very al)undant in Ari- zona, both on the mountains and in the valleys, and apparently without any regard to the nearness to, or remoteness from a water supply. T'.iey breed during May, laying their eggs on the ground under any suitable cover. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the California Partridge, except that they average a trifle larger. Size 1.25 x.95. Buff 177 12 THE BIRD BOOK Muarns I'artridge 29c. Mearns Quail. Cyrtonyx montezunuv mearnsi. Range. — Mexico, north to southern Arizona and New Mexico, and to western Texas. A remarkable species about 9 inclies long; often called "Fool Quail" because of its eccen- tric and clownish markings, streaks and spots of black, white, buff, gray and chestnut. It is met with in small flocks on the mountains and less frequently in the valleys. It frequents scrubby wooded places rather than open hill sides and is very easy to approach and kill; this confidence or stupidity together with it< clownish appearance are the reasons for its commonly used local name. Their nests are hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and concealed by overhanging tufts of grass. The eggs, which are pure white, are not distinguish- able, with certainty from those of the Bofv white, but average longer. Size 1.25 x .95. 297. Dusky Grouse. Dendragcqms ohscurus obsatms. Range.— Rocky Mountain region from central Montana south to New Mexico. With the exception of the Sage Grouse, this species is the largest of the fam- ily, being about 20 inches in length. The general tone of its plumage below is gray; above, blackish gray and the tail blackish with a broad terminal band of light gray. They frequent the wooded and especially the coniferous districts, where they build their nests under fallen trees or at the bases of standing ones. They lay from six to ten eggs of a buffy color, sparsely spotted and blotched with brownish. Size 2.00 x 1.40. 297a. Sooty Grouse. Deiulrogapus ohscurus fuliginosus. Range. — Mountain ranges along the ^.■ Pacific coast from California to Brit- . "^ , • ish Columbia. Like the last, this somewhat darker sub-species is met with in timbered regions, where its habits are about the same as those of the Ruffled Grouse, except, of course, that they are not nearly as shy as the Grouse in New England. Their eggs are laid in hol- lows beside stumps or under logs. The eggs are buff colored, spotted with reddish brown. Size 2.00 x 1.40. ^ * " i^H ll l.tlU 4*- 178 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 297b. Richardson's Gkouse. Dendragapus ohscurus richardsoni. Range.— Northern Rocky Mountains from cen- tral Montana to British Columbia. A dark variety with no terminal band of gray on the tail. Its habits, nesting and eggs are pre cisely like those of the preceding species. 298. HuDsoNiAN Spruce Partridge. Canachites canadensis canadensis. Range. — Northern United States and southern British Provinces; west to Minnesota. A dark species, smaller than the last (15 inches long), and easily recognized by its black throat and extensive black patch on the breast. The habits of this spe- cies and the two va- rieties into which it has been sub-divided are the same; as a species, they are very tame, will not fly unless actually obliged to, and fn- quently allow them selves to be knocked down with sticks. Their nests are hol- lows in the leaves on the ground, generally under the sheltering branches of a low spreading fir tree. The six to fifteen eggs are a bright buff color, blotched and spotted boldly with various shades of brown. Size 1.70 x 1.25. Bris-ht buff Sootj' Grouse Spruce Grou.se 298b. Alaska Spritce 1\\htkidge. Canachites canadensis osgoodi. Range. — Alaska. This variety is practically the same as the preceding, the birds not al- ways being distinguishable; the nest and eggs are the same as the Can- ada Grouse. 298c. Canada Spruce Partridge. Canachites canadensis canace. Range.— Labrador and the Hudson Bay region. Like the last, this variety is hardly to be distinguished from the Hudsonian. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same. 179 tHE BIRD BOOK 299- Franklin's Grouse. Canachites franklin franklini. Range. — Northwestern United States and Brit ish Columbia. This species is very similar to the Canada Grouse, the most apparent difference being the absence of the brownish gray tip to the tail, and the upper coverts are broadly tipped with white. This species, which is very abundant in the northwest, has the same stupid habits of the east- ern bird. During the mating seas- on, the males of both this and the preceding species have the same habit of "drum- ming" that the Ruffed Grouse has. Their nests are placed on the ground under bushes or fir trees and from eight to fifteen eggs are laid. These are brown- ish buff in color, spotted and blotched with rich brown. They are very similar to the eggs of the Canada Grouse. Data. — Moberly Peak, Cascade Mts., British Columbia, June 9, 1902. 7 eggs in a slight hollow on the ground. Collector, G. F. Dippie. Brownish buff 300. Ruffed Grouse. bellus. Bonasa umhellus um- Ruffed Grouse Range. — Eastern United States from Minnesota to New England; south to Virginia. The Ruffed Grouse Is "King of the Game Birds" in the east, where it has been hunted so freely, that it has become very wary and requires a skill- ful marksman to bring it down. Because of the cutting off of all heavy timber, and the vigor witli which they are pursued by hunters, they are be- coming very scarce in New England, and within a few years they will probably be practically ex- tinct in that section. Their favorite resorts are heavily timbered woods or low growth birches. Their nests are hollows in the leaves under fallen trees, beside some stump or concealed among the small shoots at the base of a large tree. The bird sits very close, but when she does fly, goes with the familiar rumble and roar which always disconcerts the novice, the wind created by her sudden flight generally causing the leaves to settle in the nest and conceal the eggs. They lay from eight to fifteen eggs, of a brownish buff color, sometimes with a few laint markings of brown, but generally unspotted. Size 1.5.5 x 1.15. The young of all the Partridges and Grouse are born covered with down and follow their parents soon after leaving the shell. The adults are very skillful in leading enemies away from their young, feigning lameness, broken wings, etc. The nesting habits and eggs of the three sub-species are precisely the same in every respect as those of this bird. 180 Brownish buff THE BIRD BOOK 300a. Canada Ruffed Grouse. Bonnsa umbellus togata. Range. — Northern United States and southern British I'rovinces from Maine and Nova Scotia west to Washing- ton and British Columl)ia. ;iUOb. Gray Ruffed Grouse. Bonnsa umbellus um- belloides. Range. — Roclty Mountain region from Colorado to Alaska. A grayer species than the common. ;t»Oc. Oregon Ruffed Grouse. Bonnsa umbellus snbini. Range. — Pacific coast from California to British Co- Uimbia. 209 300a A dark species with the prevailing color a reddish tone. J. B. Pardoe NEST AND EGGS OF RUFFED GROUSE. 182 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 301. Willow Ptarmigan. Lagopus lagopus lagopus. Range. — Arctic regions, in America south nearly to the United States border, and casually to Maine. Ptarmigan are Grouse-like birds, feathered to the toe nails; they have many changes of plum- age, in winter being nearly pure white, and in summer largely reddish brown or grayish, bar- red with black, [n the breeding plumage they have red comb- like wattles over the eye. In other seasons, their plumage varies in all degrees be- tween winter and summer. They nest on the ground in hollows among the leaves, lined with a few grasses, and sometimes feathers. They lay from six to sixteen eggs which have a ground color of buff or brownish buff, heavily speckled, blotched and marbled with blackish brown. Size 1.7.5 x 1.25. .sola. Allen's Ptarmigan. IjOgopiis lagopus alleni. Range. — Newfoundland. A very similar bird to the preceding: eggs indistinguishable. r Brownish buff r Rock Ptarmigan .SO'2. Rock Ptarmigan. TAignpus r?iprstn.; to fifteen eggs of a drab color, very minutely specked all over with brown. Size 1.70 x 1.25. 308a. Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. Pedioecetes phasianellus col- iimhianits. Range.— Northwestern United States and British Columbia to central Alaska. Both the nesting habits and eggs of this variety are the same as the last, with which species, the birds gradually intergrade as their ranges approach. 308b. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. Pedioecetes phasianellus carnpes- tris. Range.— Plains of the United States from the Mississippi to the Rockies. This sub-species shades directly into the two preceding where their ranges meet, and only birds from the extreme parts of the range of each show any marked differences. The nesting habits and eggs of all three are not to be distin- guished. 187 ml THE BIRD BOOK 309. Sage Hen. Centrocercus urophasianus. Range. — Sage plains of the Rocky Mountain region from British Columbia to New Mexico, and from California to Dakota. This hand- Pale greenish drab some bird is the largest of the American Sage Hen Grouse, being about 30 inches long (the hen bird is about six inches shorter). It may easi- ly be recognized by its large size, its peculiar graduated tail with extremely sharp pointed feathers, and the black belly and throat. Their nests are hollows scratched out in the sand, under the sage bushes, generally with no lining. The nesting season is during April and May, they laying from six to twelve eggs of a greenish drab color, spotted with brown. Size 2.15 x 1.50. PHEASANTS. Family PHASIANID^ * * * Ring-necked Pheasant. Phasianus torquatus. Several species of Pheasants have been introduced into the United States, among them being the Ring-necked, English, and Green Pheasants. The Ring-necked species seems to be the only one that has obtained a really strong foothold, it being now very abundant in Oregon and Washington, and adjacent states, and also found in abundance on many game preserves in the east. The males of any of the species may at once be distinguished from any of our birds by the long tail. Their nests are hollows in the leaves under tufts of grass or bushes. They lay from eight to fourteen eggs of a buff or greenish buff color, unmarked; size 1.50x1.30. Greenish buff 188 THE BIRD BOOK TURKEYS. Family MELEAGRID^ 810. Wild TuuKEY. Meleagris gallopavo silvestris. Range. — Eastern United States from southern Middle States south to central Florida and west to the Missippi Valley and eastern Texas. These magnificent hirds, which once ranged over the whole of eastern United States, are being yearly confined to a smaller range, chiefly because of the destruction of their natural covers, and from per- Buff secution by hunters. They are generally very wary birds and either escape by running through J ML » 4 ifcV*^'*'''^^'"^!B!'^^?^" ^^^^ underbrush or by flying as soon as a human «^C!*'^ ^k'wJwC?** being appears in sight. Their nests are made under tangled growths of underbrush or briers. Their eggs, which are laid during April and May, "'""*' " range from eight to sixteen in number. They are Sag-e Hen t, ^ of a buff color sprinkled and spotted with brown- Wild Turkey j^j^ gj^^ 2.55 x 1.80. Data.— Hammond, La., April 17, 1897. Fifteen eggs. Nest hollow scraped in the ground under a bush on the edge of a pine woods; lined with grasses and leaves. Collector, E. A. Mc- llhenny. 310a. Merriam's Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo merriami. Range. — Southwestern United States from Colorado south through western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to Mexico. This variety is abundant throughout its range, its nesting habits and eggs being practically indistiguishable from those of the eastern form. 190 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 310b. Florida Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo osceola Range. — Southern Florida. A small variety of the Wild Tur- key, about 42 inches long. They breed in the tangled thickets in the higher portions of the southern half of Florida, laying from ten to sixteen eggs of a brighter and deeper buff color than the northern variety, and smaller; size 2.30 x 1.75. Their nests are generally lin- ed with grasses and occasionally with feathers. The female sits very close when incaibating and will not fly until almost trod upon, trusting to her variegated mark- ings to conceal her from observa- tion. Greenish livUT 310c. Rio Grande Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo intermedia. Range.^Lowlands of the southern parts of Texas and northern Mexico. A sub-species which differs slightly in plumage and not at all in nesting habits or eggs from the common Wild Turkey. CURASSOWS AND GUANS. Family CRACID^ 311. Chachalaca. Ortalis vetula mccalli. Range. — Eastern portions of Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. ! A very peculiar grayish colored bird with a Chachalaca Buffy white greenish gloss to the back, and a long, broad tail, quite long legs, and with the face and sides of the throat devoid of feathers. They are very abundant birds in some localities, and very noisy during the breeding season, their notes resembling a harsh trumpeting repetition of their name. They are ground inhabiting birds, but nest in low bushes. Their nests are made of sticks, twigs, leaves, or moss and are generally frail, flat structures only a few feet above the ground. During April, they lay from three to five buffy white eggs, the shell of which is very rough and hard. Size 2.25 x 1.55. 191 THE BIRD BOOK PIGEONS AND DOVES. Order XL COLUMB^ Family COLUMBIDAE Pigeons and doves are distributed tliroagliout nearly every temperate and tropical country on the globe, nearly five hundred species being known, of which twelve occur within our limits. Their plumage is generally soft and subdued colors, the head small, the wings strong and the flight rapid. 312. Band-tailed Pigeon. Colurnba fasciata fasciata. Range. — The Rocky Mountains and westward to the Pacific, from British Columbia south to Mexico. This large species may be generally recognized by the white crescent on the nape; it is about 15 inches in length. They nest abundantly on the . mountain ranges, sometimes in large flocks, and again, only a few pairs together. Their nests are ^ j rude platforms of sticks and twigs either in bushes or in large trees in heavily wooded districts. The two eggs which are laid during May or June are pure white in color, and like those of all the pigeons, equally rounded at each end. Size 1.55 X 1.10. White 312a. Viosca's Pigeon. Columha fasciata viosca;. Range. — Southern Lower California. This is a paler variety of the preceding species and is not noticeably different in its habits, nesting or eggs. 313. Red-billed Pigeon. Colurnba favirostris. Range. — Mexico and Central America, north to southern Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. This species, characterized by its red bill, purplish colored head, neck and breast and absence of iridescent markings, is abundant in the valley of the Lower Rio Grande, where they build their frail nests in thickets and low bushes, and during May and June lay their white eggs. Size of eggs, 1.55 x 1.05. 314. White-crowned Pigeon. Columha leucocephala. Range. — Resident of the West Indies; in summer, found on the Florida Keys. This species, which can be identified by its white crown, nests in trees or man- groves on certain of the Florida Keys, laying its two white eggs on its rude platform of sticks and twigs. Size of eggs 1.40 x 1.05. Nests in April and May. [314. 1.] Scaled Pigeon. Colurnba squamosa. A West Indian species, a single specimen of which was taken at Key West, Florida. A dark colored species, with purplish head, neck and breast; named from the scaly appearance of the iridescent feathers on the sides of the neck. 192 PIGEONS ;315. Passenger Pigeon. Ectopistes migratorius. Range. — Formerly, North America east of the Rockies; casually seen in the upper Missis sippi Valley, now extinct. A handsome species (see frontispiece) with ruddy underparts, grayish upperparts and a long graduated tail. This species *"' years ago found in flocks of thous- ands or millions, is now practical- ly exterminated, chiefly by being hunted and trap- ped. A few pairs probably now nest in the interior, from northern United States to Hudson Bay. Their nests are very rude, frail platforms of twigs, on which two white eggs are laid, they being longer and narrower, comparatively, than those of other species. Size of eggs, 1.50 Data. — Southwest shore of Lake Manitoba, June 1. 1891. Nest of twigs aspen tree. White Passeng't Pigeon xl.02. in an 316. Mourning Dove. Zenaidura macroura caroiinensis. Range.— North America from New England, Manitoba and British Columbia, southward. Now that the Pas- senger Pigeon has disappeared, this species becomes the only one found in the east, with the ex- ception of the little Ground Dove in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. While, White sometimes, small flocks of them nest in a com- munity, they generally nest in companies of two or three pairs. Their nests are generally at a low elevation, in trees, bushes and often upon the ground. Their nests are made en- tirely of twigs and rootlets, and eggs may be found from early in April until the latter part of September, as they often raise two or three broods a season. The two eggs are white. Size 1.15 X .80. Data.— Refugio Co., Texas, May 3, 1899. Two eggs laid on the ground in a slight cradle of twigs. Collector, James J. Mourning- Dove Carroll. 193 13 THE BIRD BOOK NKSr AND KGGS OK i\l(JUIlN]NG DOVE H. B. Stough Zeiiaidd :e)iaida. in summer, on the Florida Keys, l)Ut not in great num- 317. Zenaida Dovk. Range. — West Indies; bers. This species is similar in si2;e to the Mourning Dove, but it has a short and square tail, and the secondaries are tipped with white, and the underparts more ruddy. They generally nest upon the ground, but occasionally in small bushes, laying two white eggs a trifle larger than those of the preceding species. Size 1.20 X.90 The nests are made of grasses and twigs, on the ground under bushes. 194 PIGEONS .'518. White-i'konted Dovk. Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera. Range. — Mexico and Central America north to southern Texas. Slightly larger than the last, much paler be- low, with no black ear mark as in the two pre- ceding species, and with the forehead whitish. They build their nests of sticks, grasses and weeds, and place them in tangled vines and thickets a few feet from the ground. Their two eggs, which are laid in May and June, have a creamy white or buffy color. Size 1.15 X .85. They canot be called a common species within our borders. ^51 9. White-winged Dove. MelopeJia asiatica. Range. — Central Am- erica, Mexico and the southwestern border oi the United States. This species is 12 in- ches in length, has ;i black patch on the ear coverts, white tips to the greater and lesser coverts and some of the secondaries, and broad white tips to the outer tail feathers, which are black. This species is very abundant in some localities within our borders. Their nests are very frail plat- forms of twigs placed in trees or bushes or precariously suspended among tangled vines. Their two eggs are white or creamy white, and measure 1.15X.85 318. ^ Kj^^^flp Wm S^> 319. ^^ ^^BSSr ■* . "'X^^ %^ ? f-ftV>,.-(« BH W hi tc-winaed Dove Wlute 320. Ground Dove. Columhigallijui passcrina tcrrrstris. Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf States to eastern Texas. The Ground Doves are the smallest of the family, measuring but about 6.5 inches in length. Their nesting habits and eggs are exactly nke those of the next to be described. They are very abundant, especially along the South At- lantic coast. .'»'2()a. Mexican Ground Dove. Cluemepelia passeriuus pallescens. Range. — Border of the United States from Texas to southern California and southward. This paler sub-species builds a nest of twigs and weeds, placing the flat structure either in low bushes or on the ground. Their two white eggs are laid during April to July, they sometimes rearing two broods a season. Size of eggs. .85 X .65. 320b. Bermuda Ground Dove. Cluvmepelia pasxciiiui hermudiand. Range. — Bermuda. Smaller and paler than the last; otherwise the same in nesting habits and eggs. 195 THE BIRD BOOK 321. Inca Dove. Scardafella inca. Range. — Mexican border of the United States soutli to Central America and Lower California. This handsome species is about the size of the last, but its tail is longer and graduated, consequently its length is greater, it being about 8 inches long. It is not an uncommon species along our Mexican border, but is not nearly as abundant as is the Ground Dove. It is . often called "Scaled Dove" White because af the blackish edges of nearly all its feathers. They build fairly compact nests of twigs, rootlets and weeds, these being placed in bushes at a low elevation. They are two in number and pure white. Size. 85 x .65. [322.] Key West Quail Dove. Geotrygon chrysia. Range. — West Indies, rarely found at Key West, although supposed to have been common there in Audubon's time. This species is of about the size of the Mourning Dove, has rusty colored upper parts, and is whitish below, the white below the eye being separated from that of the throat by a stripe of dusky from the base of the bill. They nest in trees, laying two bufty white eggs. Size 1.15 X. 90. -fJl-^'R^Ti , [322.1.] Ruddy Qhail Dove. Geotrygon montana. Range. — Central America, north to eastern Mexico and the West Indies; once taken at Key West. This species is similar to the last but has no white streak under the eye, and the underparts are buffy. Eggs, creamy white. Size 1.15X.90. [323.] Blue-headed Quail Dove. Starnoenas cyanocephala. Range. — Cuba, accidentally straying to Key West, but not in recent years. It is a beautiful species, with a bright blue crown, black throat and stripe through the eye, separated by a white line under the eye. The rest of the plumage is of a brownish or rusty color. Eggs buffy white. Size 1.30 x 1.05. 196 CALiFOJJNIA VUl/nHtK VULTURES, HAWKS and OWLS. Order XIL RAPTORES AMERICAN VULTURES. Family CATHARTIDAE Vultures are peculiarly formed birds of prey, having a bare head and neck, a lengthened bill strongly hooked at the end for tearing flesh, and long, strong, broad wings upon which they float in the air for hours at a time without any visible flapping. They are scavangers and do great service to mankind by de- vouring dead animal matter, that, if allowed to remain, would soon taint the atmosphere. Their eyesight and sense of smell is very acute. They do not, except in very unusual cases, capture their prey, but feed upon that which has been killed or died of disease. t Ashy gray 324. Califorxia Vulture. Gifmnogyps californianus. Range. — Apparently now restricted to the coast ranges of Caliiornia, casually inland to Arizona, and formerly to British Columbia. This large bird, which weighs about 20 pounds, measures about 4 feet in length, and has an expanse of wings of about 10 feet. Its plumage is blackish with lengthened lanceolate feathers about the neck, and with the greater wing coverts broadly tipped with grayish white (in very old birds). The birds are very rare in their restricted range and are becoming scarcer each year, owing to their being shot and their nests robbed. Wliile tlie eggs are very rarely found and only secured at a great risk, they are not as unobtainable as many suppose, as may be seen from the fact that one private collection contains no less than six perfect specimens of the eggs and as many mounted birds. These birds lay but a single egg, placing it generally in caves or recesses in the face of cliffs, hundreds of feet from the ground, and often in inaccessable locations. The eggs are of an ashy gray color and measure about 4.45 x 1.55. 198 BIRDS OF PREY 32"). Turkey Vn/rfRK. CafJuiiics aura scptcntr'wnalis. Range. — America, t'roiii N(^\v .Jersey on the Atlantic coast, Manitoba and I^ritish ("ohiniliia. sovitli (o soutliern South Creamy white America, wintering in the southern half of the United :;■'(--;;-:, States. The plumage of this small Buzzard (length 30 inches) is blackish brown, the naked head being red. It is very common in the southern and central portions of its range, where it frequents the streets and door yards picking up any refus'.? that is edible. It is a very graceful bird while on the wing, and can readily be identified when at a distance from the fact that, when in flight, the tips of the wings curve upward. The two eggs which constitute a set are laid upon the ground between large rocks, in hollow stumps, under logs, or between the branching trunks of large trees, generally in large woods. They frequently nest in communities and again, only a single pair may be found in the woods. Its nesting season ranges from March until June in the diiferent localities. The eggs are creamy or bluish white, spotted and blotched with shades of brown, and with fainter markings of lavender. Size 2.70 x 1.85. 326. Black Vvlturk. Catharisfa iiruha. Range. — More southerly than the preceding; iiortli regularly to North Caro- lina and southern Illinois, and west to the Rocky Mountains. This species is about the same size, or slightly smaller than the Turkey Vulture; its plumage is entirely black as is also the naked head, and bill. In the South Atlantic and Gulf States, the present species is even more abundant than the preceding, and might even be said to be partially domesticated. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Turkey Buzzard but their eggs average longer and the ground color is pale greenish or bluish white rather than creamy. They are spotted and blotched the same. Size 3.00 x 2.00. 199 THE BIRD BOOK 1 Bluish white EGG OF BLACK VULTURE NEST AND EGGS OF TURKEY VULTURE N. W. Swayne 200 BIRDS OF PREY KITES, HAWKS AND EAGLES. Family BUTEONID^ The members of this family are chiefly diurnal; they get their living by preying upon smaller animals or birds. They have strong sharply hooked bills, powerful legs and feet armed with strong, curved and sharply pointed talons. 327. Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forpcatus. Range. — Southern United States; casually north to New York and Manitoba. Swallow-tailed Kite White This most beautiful Kite can never be mis- taken for any other; its whole head, neck and underparts are snowy white, while the back, wings and tail are glossy blue black, the wings being very long and the tail long and deeply forked. The ex- treme length of the bird is 24 inches. As a rule nests of this bird are placed high up in the tallest trees; they are made of sticks, weeds and moss. Two eggs, or rarely three, constitute a full set. They are white or bluish white, spotted with brown. The one figured is an unusually handsome marked speci- men in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. Average size of eggs, l.SO x 1.50. Data. — Yegna Creek bottoms, Texas, April 27, 1891. Tv/o eggs. Nest of sticks and green moss, the same moss also being used fo." linins; in an elm tree 80 feet up. 328. White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus. Range. — Southern United States, north to the Carolinas, Illinois and middle California. This species can be recognized by its light bluish gray mantle, black shoulders and white tail. It is a very active species, feeding upon insects and reptiles, and small birds and mam- mals. The nests of these species are placed in trees at quite an elevation from the ground, being made of sticks, weeds and leaves. The eggs are creamy white, profusely blotched and spotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 1.65 X 1.25. Data. — Los Angeles, Cal., April 0. 1896. Nest in fork of willows about 25 feet up. Made of willow twigs and weed stalks, lined with pieces of bark, 201 Creamy white ,./' \ ''^ THE BIRD BOOK 328. 329- Mississippi Kitk. let III Id III i.s.si.s.slppiriisis. Range. — Southeastern United States, north to South Carolina and Illinois. ^ Bluish white si/ Af Whit.'-lail. il Kite Mississippi Kite A small species ( length 14 inches) with the head, neck, and undeparts gray, and the back, wings and tail blackish, the tips of the secon- daries being grayish. They live almost ex- clusively upon insects, such as grasshoppers, and small reptiles. They build their nests of sticks and weeds well up in tall trees. The eggs are two or three in number and normally bluish white, un- marked, but occasionally with very faint spots of pale brown. Size 1.65 x 1.25. Data. — Giddings, Texas, May 31, 1887. Nest of sticks and weeds, with green pecan leaves in the lining; placed in the top of a live oak sapling, 20 feet from the ground. Collector, J. A. Singley. 'MM). Everglade Kite. R().strli(iiiiiis sociahilis. Range. — South America, north to southern Florida and Mexico. This peculiar species has a long, slender, curved bill, blackish plumage, with white rump and bases of outer tail feather. They feed largely upon snails, both land and water varieties. They nest at a low elevation in bushes or under brush, often over the water. The nests are of sticks, weeds and leaves. The three eggs are light greenish white, spotted and splashed I'al( nx't'iiisli wliitc with chestnut brown. Size, 1.70 x 1.30. Nest in a custard apple tree, 6 feet from the ground, built of twigs, lined with small vine stems and willow leaves. 202 Kverglade Kite NEST AtiT> EGGS OF MARSH HAWK THE BIRD BOOK ^^ 331. Marsh Hawk. Circus hudsonius. Range. — Whole of North abundant in all sections. America, very (Adult and young) Marsh Hawk Pale bluish white The adult of this species is very light colored, and young birds of the first two years have a reddish brown coloration; in both plumages the species is easily identified by the white patch on the rump. Tliey are, almost exclusively frequenters of fields and marshes, where they can most often be seen, towards dusk, swooping in broad curves near the ground, watching for field mice, which form the larger portion of their diet. Their nests are made in swampy ground, often in the middle of a large marsh, being placed on the ground in the centre of a hummock or clump of grass; it is generally well lined with grasses and often rushes. They lay from four to seven pale bluish white eggs, generally unmarked; size 1.80 x 1.40. 332. Sharp-shinnkd Hawk. Accipiter velo.r. Range. — Whole of North America, wintering in the United States and south- ward; breeds throughout its range, but most abundantly in northern United States and northward. This is one of the smallest of the hawks and in the adult plumage is a beautiful species, being bar- red below with light brown, and having a bluish slate back. It is a ,very spirited and daring bird and is one of the most destructive to small birds and young chickens. Its nest is a rude i "" C"--:~ ~"~' ^ " ■^.'j ^^ and sometimes very frail platform of twigs and ~~~ ■:1^ Bluish whitf leaves placed against the trunk of the tree at any height, but averaging, perhaps, fifteen feet. The eggs are bluish white, beautifully blotched and spotted with shades of brown. 204 Sharp-shinned Hawk BIRDS OF PREY 333. Cooper's Hawk. Accipiter cooperi. Range. — -Whole of temperate North America, breeding throughout its range. Bluish white Although larger (length 17 inches), the plum age of this species is almost exactly the same as that of the preceding. Like the last, this is also a destructive species. They construct their nests in the crotches of trees, generally at quite a height from the ground; the nest is made of sticks and twigs, and often lined with pieces of bark; occasionally an old Hawk's or Crow's nest is used by the birds. Their eggs are bluish white, unmarked or faintly spotted with pale brown. 33i. Goshawk. Astur atricapillus atricapillus. Range. — Northern North America, south in winter to the northern parts of the United States. This species is one of the largest, strongest and most audacious of American Hawks, frequently carrying off Grouse and poultry, the latter often in the presence of the owner. It is a handsome species in the adult plumage, with bluish gray upper parts, and light under parts, finely vermiculated with grayish and black shafts to the feathers. Length 23 inches. Their nests are placed well up in the tallest trees, usually in dense woods, the nests being of sticks lined with weeds and bark. The three or four eggs are bluish white, generally un- ^Kmfs^ ■ ' marked, but occasionally with faint spots of " "^ - brown. Size 2.30x1,70. American Goshawk Bluish white 205 Geo. I.,. Konlyce NKST AND KGGS OT*' COOPKIl'S JIAWK BIRDS OF PREY S34a. Western Goshawk. Astitr atrirapillns stridtulus. Range. — Western North America from Al aska to California, breeding cliiefly nortli of the United States except in some of the higher K Hluisli whitt Harris's Hawk ranges of the Pacific coast. This sub-species is darker, both above and below, than the American Goshawk. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same. The eggs are quite variable in size. 335. Harris's Hawk. tus Iiarrisi. Pa ra h u t eo unicinc- Range. — Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of the United States; very abundant in southern Texas. This is a peculiar blackish species, with white rump, and chestnut shoulders and thighs. It is commonly met with in company with Caracaras, Turkey Buz- zards and Black Vultures, feeding upon carrion. They also feed to an extent on small mammals and birds. Their nests are made of sticks, twigs and weeds, and placed in bushes or low trees. The three or four eggs ahe laid in April or May. They are dull white in color and generally unmarked, although often showing traces of pale brown spots. They are quite variable in size, averaging 2.10 X 1.65. Whitt 207 THE BIRD BOOK 337. Red-tailed Hawk. Buieo borealis borealis. This is one of the handsomest of the larger hawks, and is the best known in the east, Red-tailed Hawk Pale bluish white where it is commonly, but wrongly, designated as "hen hawk", a name, how- ever, which is indiscriminately applied to any bird that has talons and a hooked beak. The adult of this species is unmistakable because of its reddish brown tail; young birds are very frequently confounded with other species. Their food consists chiefly of small rodents, snakes and lizards, and only occasionally are poultry or birds taken. They nest in the tallest trees in large patches of woods, the nests being made of sticks, weeds, leaves and trash. The eggs number from two to four, and are white, sometimes heavily, and sometimes sparingly, blotched and spotted with various shades of brown. Size 2.35 x 1.80. 337a. Krider's Hawk. Buteo borealis krideri. Range. — Plains of the United States, north to Manitoba. This sub-species is described as lighter on the underparts, which are almost immaculate. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the pre- ceding. 337b. Western Red-tail. Buteo borealis calnrus. Range. — Western North America, chiefly west of the Rocky Moun- ^ ' ■ tains. This sub-species varies from the plumage of the eastern Red-tail, to a nearly uniform sooty above and below, with the dark red tail cross- ed by several bands; it is a gener- ally darker variety than the Red- tail. Its nesting habits are thi; same and the eggs show the great variations in markings that are common to the eastern bird. White 208 BIRDS OF PREY 337d. Harlan's Hawk. Butea hurealis harlani. Range. — Gull' States and soutliward, north to Kansas. This dark sub-species is generally nearly uni- form blackish, but sometimes is lighter or even white below. Its tail is rusty, mottled with blackisli and white. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs are not distinguishable from those of the other Red-tails. '33Q. Red-siioui>i)khei) Hawk. Buteo lineatus lineatus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains and from the southern parts of the British Provinces southward; abundant and breeding throughout its range. This species is smaller than the Red-tailed and is not as powerfully built; length 19 inches. ^ , " The adults are handsomely barred beneath "' "^ '"" ' ' '' ' '^^ ^ with reddish brown, giving the entire _-.:^^r'--' underparts a ruddy color. Like the ^ last species, they rarely feed upon poultry, confining their diet chiefly to mice, rats, frogs, reptiles, etc. These Hawks nest in the larger growths of timber, usually building their nests high above the ground. The nest is ' of sticks, and lined with leaves, weeds and pieces of bark. They lay three or four eggs with a white ground color, variously blotched and spotted, either sparingly or heavily, with dif- ferent shades of brown. Size 2.15 x 1.75. Data. — Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 25, 1898. Nest about 40 feet up in an oak tree; made of sticks and twigs and lined with bark. Four eggs. White Collector, J. C. Holmes. 339a. Florida Hed-.shouldebkd Hawk. Buteo Jbiecttus allciti. Range. — Florida and the Gulf coast; north to South Carolina. The nesting habits of this paler sub-species are precisely like those of the last species. 209 14 Geo. L. Foidyce NEST AND EGGS OF RED-SHOULDERED HAWK BIRDS OF PREY 339b. Red-bellied Hawk. Buteo lineatus elegans. Range. — Pacific coast from British Columbia south to Lower California, chiefly west of the Rockies. This variety is similar to, but darker than lineatus, and the underparts are a uniform reddish brown, without bar- ,<' .^v White ring. Their nests are like those of the Red-shouldered variety, and almost always placed high up in the largest trees. The eggs are very similar, but average lighter in markings. Size 2.15 X 1.70. Data. — Diego, Cal., April 13, 1897. Nest in a sycamore 20 feet from ground, made of sticks, leaves and feathers. 310. Zone-tailed Hawk. Buteo abbreviatus. Range. — Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of the United States. This species, which is 19 inches long, is wholly black with the exception of the tail, which is banded Their nests are built in heavy woods, and preferably in trees along the bank of a stream. The nest is of the usual Hawk construc- tion and the two to four eggs are white, faintly marked with pale chestnut. Data. — Marathon, Texas. Nest of sticks, lined with weeds and rabbit fur; on a horizontal branch of a cotton-wood tree, 30 feet up. White 211 THE BIRD BOOK '541. Sknnett's Wihtp>taii.e» Hawk. Buteo albicmidatus sennetti. Range. — Mexican border of the United States and soutliward. A large, handsome Hawk which may lie iden- tilied by its dark upper parts and white under- parts and tail, the flanks and tail being lightly barred with grayish; the shoulders are chest- nut. It is especially abundant in the southern parts of Texas, where it builds its nests of sticks and weeds, lined with grasses, leaves and moss. They nest in March and April, lay- ing two, or rarely three, eggs which are a dull white, and generally immaculate, but occasion- ally faintly or sparingly spotted with brown. Size of eggs 2.25 x l.SO. *i* St'iiiictfs Wliite-tailed llavv 342. Swainson's Hawk. Buteo swainsoni. Range. — Central and western North America, from the Mississippi Valley and Hudson Bay, to the Pacific coast, breeding throughout its range. In the greater part of its range, this is the most abundant of the Hawk family. Its plumage is extremely variable, showing all the intergradations from a uni- form sooty blackish to the typical adult plumage of a grayish above, and a white below, with a large breast patch of rich chestnut. Their nesting habits are as variable as their plumage. In some localities, they nest exclusively in trees, in others indifferently upon the ground or rocky ledges. The nest is the usual Hawk structure of sticks; the eggs are white, variously splashed and White spotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 2.20 X 1.70. Data.— Stark Co., N. D., May 21, 1897. Nest of sticks, lined with weeds in an ash tree. Collector, Roy Dodd. 212 Swainson's Haw In BIRDS OF PREY 313. Buo.vn-wiNGED Hawk. But CO platypterus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains, and from tlie British Provinces southward. ;ii-l( (1 Hawk Grayish white A medium sized species, about 16 inches hi vmoii •m Kc length, and with a short tail and broad rounded wings; adults have the underparts liandsomely barred w^ith brown. Their nests are usually built in large trees, but generally placed against the trunk in thv^ crotch of some of the lower branches. It is made of sticks and almost invari- ably lined with bark. The two to four eggs are of a grayish white color, mark- ed with chestnut, brown and stone gray; size 1.90x1.5.5. Data. — Worcester, Mass., May 16, 1895. Nest about 20 feet up in a large chestnut tree. The birds continually circled overhead, their weird cries sounding like the creaking of branches. Collector, A. J. White. ■'iH. SlIORT-TAILED HaWK. Butl'O brdck Ijll I'US. Range. — A tropical species, which occurs north to the Mexican border and regularly to southern Florida, where it breeds in the large cypress swamps. Its eggs are pale greenish white, sparingly spotted with brown, chiefly at the large end. Size 2.15x1.60. 3t5. Mexican Black Hawk. Uriihltinga avlliraciiia. Range. — Mexican border of the United States and southward. A coal black species about 22 inches in length, distinguished by the white tip, and broad white band across the tail ' ■ ' \ about midway. This is one of the least abundant of the Mexican species that cross the border. They are shy birds and build their nests in the tallest trees in remote woods. Their two or three eggs are grayish white, faintly spotted with pale brown; size 2.25x1.80. Data. — Los Angeles County, Cal., April 6, 1889. Nest of sticks, lined with bark and leaves; 45 feet up in a sycamore tree. Collector, R. B. Chapman. 213 Cxrayi.sh white ^^Ai %. THE BIRD BOOK "^ 346. Mexican Goshawk. Asturina plagiata Range. — Mexico, north to the border of the United States. A beautiful, medium sized Hawk (17 inclies long), slaty gray above, white below, numer- ■^^lite Rough-legged Hawk ously barred with grayish; tail black, crossed by several white bars. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely upon small rodents, and occasionally small birds. They nest in the top of tall trees, laying two or three greenish white, unmarked eggs; size 1.95x1.60. Data. — Santa Cruz River, Arizona, June 3, 1902. Nest in the fork of a mesquite tree about forty feet from the ground; made of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves. Three eggs. Col- lector, O. W. Howard. --1^ 347a. Rough-legged Hawk. Archibuteo lagopus sancH-johannis. Range. — Northern North America, breeding chiefly north of our borders and wintering south to the middle portions of the United States. The Rough-legs are large, heavily built birds of prey, specially characerized by the completely feathered legs. The present species is 22 inchse long, and in the normal plumage has a whitish head, neck, breast and tail, the former being streaked and the latter barred with blackish; the remainder of the upper and underparts are black ish brown. Their nests are usually placed in trees, and less often on the ground than those of the next species. These Rough-legs are very irregularly distributed, and are no- where as common as the next. While the greater number nest north of the United States, it is very probable that a great many nest on the higher ranges within our borders. The species is often taken in summer, even in Massa- chusetts. They lay three eggs of a bluish white color, boldly splashed with dark brown; size 2.25x1.75. Bluish white 214 348. Ferruginous Rough-leg. Archibuteo ferrugineus. BIRDS OF PREY F^>v 'KS**'?^ White Rough-legged Hawk Range.^ — North America, west of the Mississippi, breeding from the latitude of Colorado nortli to the Saskatchewan region. This species nests very abundantly along our northern states, particularly in Dakota. It is a larger bird than the preceding and can easily be told by its reddish coloration, particularly on the shoulders and tibia. While in some localities they nest only in trees, the greater number appear to build their nests on the ground or rocky ledges, making a large heap of sticks, weeds and grass. Their three or four eggs are white, beautifully spotted and blotched, in endless variety, with various shades of brown. Size 2.60 x 2.00. Data. — Stark Co., N. D., April 29, 1900. Nest built of coarse sticks on a clay butte. 349. Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysoetos. Range.— North America, west of the Missis- sippi; most abundant in the Rockies and along the Pacific coast ranges. This magnificent bird, which is even more powerful than the Bald Eagle, measures about 84 inches long, and spreads about 7 feet. Its plumage is a rich brownish black, very old birds being golden brown on llie nape. They can be distinguished in all plumages from the Bald Eagle by the completely feathered tarsus. They build their nests in the tops of the tallest trees in the wild, mountainous country of the west, and more rarely upon ledges of the cliffs. The nests are made of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves and weeds. Their eggs are the most handsome of the Raptores, being white in color, and blotched, splashed, spotted and specked with light brown and clouded with gray or lilac, of course varying endlessly in pattern and intensity. Size 2.90 x 2.50. Data. -Monterey Co.. Cal., May 3, 1888. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with pine needles, in a pine tree, 50 feet i^p. 215 Golden Eagrle I'.AI.I' i;.\r. LE BIRDS OF PREY [351.] Gray Sea Eagle. Haliceetus albicilla. A common species on the sea coasts of Europe; straggling to southern Green- land, where it nests upon the rocky cliffs. 352. Bald Eagle. IlaUa'ctus IciicoccpJialu.s leucocephalus. ^'hite Bald Eagle Range. — Whole of North America; most abundant on the Atlantic coast; breeds throughout its range. This large white-headed and white-tailed species is abundant in sufficiently wild localities along the Atlantic coast. It only attains the white head and tail when three years old, the first two years, being blackish. It is about 34 inches in length and expands about seven feet, never over eight feet, and only birds of the second year (when they are larger than the adults) ever approach this expanse. Their food consists of fish (which they sometimes capture themselves, but more often take from the Osprey), carrion, and Ducks, which they catch in flight. Their nests are massive structures of sticks, in the tops of tall trees. They very rarely lay more than two eggs, which are white. Size 2.75 x 2.10. Data. — Mt. Pleasant, S. C, nest in top of a pine, 105 feet from the ground; made of large sticks and lined with Spanish moss. 352a. XoKTiiERN Bald Eagle. — Haliceetus leucocephalus alascanus. Range. — Alaska. This sub-species averages slightly larger than the Bald Eagle, but never exceeds the largest dimensions of that species. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same, except that it more often builds its nests on rocky cliffs than does the Bald Eagle. The eggs are laid in February and March. 217 THE BIRD BOOK FALCONS AND CARACARAS Family FALCONDIDAE 853. White Gyrfalcon. Falco islandns. Range. — Arctic regions; south in winter cas- ually to northern United States, chiefly on the coast. Gyrfalcons are large, strong, active and fear- Gray Gyrfalcon White Gyrfalcon Buff less birds, about 23 inches in length. Their food consists chiefly of hares, Ducks and Waders which abound in the far north. The present species is snowy white, more or less barred with blackish brown on the back and wings and with a few marks on the breast. They nest upon the ledges of high cliffs, laying three or four eggs of a buffy color, blotched and finely specked with reddish brown, this color often concealing the ground color. Size of eggs, 2.30 x 1.80. In America, they nest in Greenland and the Arctic regions. 354. Gray Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus rusticolus. Range. — Arctic regions; south in winter to northern United States. This species is of the size of the last but the plumage is largely gray, bar- red with dusky. They nest more abundantly in southern Greenland than do the preceding species. The nesting habits and eggs do not differ. 354a. Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus gi/rfalco. Range. -Arctic regions; south cas- ually to Long Island. This sub-species is hardly to l)e dis- tinguished from the preceding; its nesting habits and eggs are identical, R^E£ Buff ^-\ the nests being of sticks, lined with weeds and feathers and placed upon the most inaccessible ledges of cliffs. 218 354b. Black Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus obsoletus. Range. — Labrador; south casually, in winter, to Long Island. A slightly darker variety. Eggs indistin- guishable. Data. — Ungava coast, Labrador, May 25, 1900. Nest a heap of seaweed and feathers on sea cliff, containing three eggs. 355. Prairie Falcon. Falcon mexicanus. Range.— United States west of the Missis sippi, and from Dakota and Washington south- ward to Mexicd. BIRDS OF PREY •»■•.■• '^/wv^aaiaj,. • ^- ~ -"^ - Prairie Falcon This species abounds in suitable lo- calities, generally placing its nests upon rocky ledges and cliffs, and some- times trees, generally upon the banks ULikiisii buff of some stream. The nests are masses of sticks, lined with weeds and grasses. The three or four eggs have a reddish buff ground color, and are thickly sprinkled and blotched with reddish buff brown and chestnut; size 2.05x1.60. 356a. Duck Hawk. Falco peregrinus aiiatum. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding locally, chiefly in mountainous re- gions, throughout its range. This beautiful species, characterized by its black moustache, is the most graceful, fearless, and swiftest of the Falcons, striking down birds of several times its own weight, such as some of the larger Ducks. It breeds quite abundantly on tlie Pacific coast and in certain localities in the Dakotas, laying its eggs on the rocky ledges. Their eggs are ' similar to those of the Prairie Falcon, but are Puck Hawl. Buff or reddish buff darker and brighter, in fact they are the dark- est, brightest marked, and most beautiful of Falcon eggs; size 2.05x1.55. 219 THE BIRD BOOK 356h. Peale's Falcon. Falco peregrimis pecilei. Range. — Pacific coast from northern United States nortli to Alaska. A darker form of the preceding, such as oc- curs in this section witli a great many other birds. The nesting liabits and the eggs are precisely like those of the Duck Hawk. 357- Pigeon Hawk. Falco coliiuihariii.s columharius. Brownish bu Range. — North America, breeding chiefly north Pig-eon Hawk ^^ ^he United States except in some of the higher ranges along our northern border. A small Fal- con, about 11 inches long, often confused with the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but much darker and a more stoutly built bird. It is a daring species, often attack- ing birds larger than itself; it also feeds on mice, grasshoppers, squirrels, etc. They generally build a nest of sticks in trees, deep in the woods; less often in natural cavities of dead trees; and sometimes on rocky ledges. Their four or five eggs have a brownish buff ground color, heavily blotched with brown and chestnut. Size 1.50 x 1.22 857a. Black Pigeon Hawk. Falco columharius .s ii chl e i/i. Range. — Pacific coast from northern United States north to Alaska. Very similar in appearance to the preceding, but much darker, both above and below. Its nesting habits and eggs will not differ in any / ••>• manner from those of the Pigeon Hawk. 'o57h. Richardson's Pi(;eon Hawk. Falco coltimharius richardsoni. Range. — Interior of North America from the Mississippi to the Rockies and from Mexico to the Saskatchewan. This species is similar to the Pigeon Hawk, but is paler both above and below, and the tail bars are more numerous and white. Their nesting habits are the same as those of tlic preceding species, they either building in hol- low trees, or making a rude nest of sticks and twigs in the tops of trees. The eggs have :i creamy ground and are sprinkled with dots and blotches of various sliades of brown. Size 1.60 X 1.2.3. The egg figured is one of a beau- tiful set of four in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 220 Jucli;,!,],- I'lyeon Hawk BIRDS OF PREY [358.1] Merlin. Falco a'salon. This common European species was once acci- dentally taken in southern Greenland. Their eggs are generally laid on the ground on cliffs or banks. 359. Aplomauo Falcon. Falco fiisco-ccenilescens. Range. — Tropical America north to Mexican boundary of the United States. This handsone and strikingly marked Falcon is found in limited numbers within the United States, but south is common and widely distributed. They nest at a low elevation, in bushes or small trees, making their rude nests of twigs, lined with a few grasses. They lay three, and sometimes four, eggs which have a creamy white ground color, finely dotted with cinnamon, and with heavy blotches of brown. Size 1.75 x 1.30. Buff [359-1 •] Kestrel. Falco tinnuuculus. Range. — Whole of Europe; accidental on the coast of Massachusetts. This species is very similar in size and colora- tion to the American Sparrow Hawk. They are much more abundant than the Sparrow Hawk is in this country and frequently nest about houses, in hollow trees, on rafters of barns, or on ledges and embankments. Their eggs are of a reddish buff color, speckled and blotched with reddish brown, they being much darker than those of the American Sparrow Hawk. Aplomadu Falcon Desert Sparrow Hawk lleddish buff 360a. Desert Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparvcriu.s pJuihi'iia. Range. — Western United States from British Columbia south to Mexico. This variety is slightly larger and paler than the eastern form. There are no differences in the identification of the two varieties. 221 THE BIRD BOOK 360. Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius. Range. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and north to Hudson Bay; winters from the middle portions of the United States, soutliward. This beautiful lit- tle Falcon is the smallest of the Am- erican Hawks, being only 10 inches in length. They are very abundant in the . east, nesting any- where in cavities in trees, either in ^j" f ^ woods or open fields. ^^pp- ^^^l^gj^a-" ."""^p^ ^jjy deposited upon the bottom of the cavity with no lining; they are creamy or yel- lowish buff in color, sprinkled, spotted or blotched in endless variety, with reddish brown. Size 1.35 X 1.10. These birds are very noisy, especially when the young are learning to fly, uttering a loud, tinkling, "killy, killy, killy." They have a very amiable disposition, and frequently nest har- moniously in the same tree with other birds, such as Flickers and Robins. 360b. St. Lucas Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius peninsularis. Range. — Lower California. This variety is smaller than the eastern, and even paler than the western form. Eggs identical with eastern specimens. [361.] Cuban Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparveroides. A darker colored West Indian form, whose habits and nesting do not vary from those of the common Sparrow Hawk; casually taken in Florida. Buffy Sparrow Hawk ^/ / . ■.• ^: Egg of Golden Eagle 222 tf SPARKOW HAWK THE BIRD BOOK Audubon's Caracai-a 362. AuuuBON Caracara. Pulyhorus clicriwaij. Range. — Southern border of the United States south to South America. Range. — Soutliern border of tlie United States soutli to South America. A striliingly marked blacltisli and whitish species, much barred on the fore baclt and tlie breast, witli the liead and throat largely white, except for a black and somewhat crested crown. They are numerous in southern Texas and also in the interior of southern Florida, where they are resident. They build bulky, but shabby nests of sticks, weeds and grass, piled into a promiscuous heap, generally locat- ed in bushes or low trees. Their two or three eggs have a ground color varying from buff to bright cinnamon, and are dotted and blotched with all shades of brown and umber. On the whole, these eggs show a greater diversity of markings and ground color than those of any other species. Size 2.50 x 1.80. Cinnamon 363. Guadalupe Caracara. J*olyhorii.s luto.sus. Range. — Gaudalupe Island and others off Lower California. This species is somewhat like the preceding, but the plumage is duller, and the coloration more uniform. Their nesting habits and eggs do not vary essen- tially from those of Audubon Caracara. Mr. John Lewis Childs has a set of two eggs taken June 8, 1896, on Santa Anita Island, by Coolidge and Miller. The nest was made of sticks and situated in a giant cactus. The eggs are slightly brighter and more clearly marked than any of clicriiniii that 1 have ever seen. 224 364>. OsPREY. BIRDS OF PREY OSPREY. Family Pandionidae Pandion halicetus carolinensis. Range. — Whole of temperate America from the Arctic circle south to the equator, most abun- dant along the sea coasts. Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white edging to the back feathers, than do the young. Feet very strong, and very hard and rough, per- fectly adapted to grasping slip- pery fish; outer toe can be used equally as well, either in front or behind, when perching or grasping their prey. Probably this great fisherman is as well known from one end of the country to the other as any of our wild birds. He is protected by law in a great many states and by custom in nearly all localities where they breed. It is one of the pleasantest sights along the coast to watch a number of these great birds as they soar at an elevation above the water, watching for fish to come near the surface, when, with folded wings, the bird speeds down- ward and plunges into the water, rarely missing his prey. In many localities they are very tame and nest in the vicinity of houses, sometimes even in the yard. Their nests are platforms of sticks, which, being used year after year and constantly added to, become of enormous proportions. They lay two or three eggs of a bright creamy color, handsomely blotched with bright chestnut brown. They show a great diversity of siiie as well as markings, but averagt- 2.40 X l.SO. Anieiican (Jspre.s' 225 15 OSPREY LEAVING NEST C. A. Reed BARN OWLS. BIRDS OF PREY Family Alucondidae 365. Barn Owl. Aluco pratincola. Range. — Chiefly in tlie southern parts of the United States ; north casually to Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington. White This is one of the lightest colored of the Owls; it has a long, peculiarly hooded face, from which it gets the name of "Monkey-faced Barn Owl Owl." Its plumage is yellowish buff, specked and barred lightly with blackish. It nests usually in hollow cavities of trees, but appears to have no objections to barns, holes in banks, or anywhere it can find a concealed crevice in which to deposit its four to six pure white eggs ; size 1.70 x 1.30. HORNED OWL. Family Strigidae S66. LoNG-EARED OwL. Asio wilsonianus. Range. — North America, breeding from the southern parts of British America, southward. This species is 15 inches in length; it can easily be separated from any other species by its long ear tufts, brownish face, and barred underparts. Their food consists almost entirely of small rodents, which they catch at night. Most of their nests are found Long-eared uwl "White in trees, thay generally using old Crow's Oi Hawk's nests. They also, in some localities, nest in hollow trees, or in crevices among rocks. They lay from four to seven pure white eggs; size 1.55x1.35. 227 LONG- EARED OWL, ON NEST L. S Horton BIRDS OF PREY 367. Short-eared Owl. Asio flammeus. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward, and wintering in the United States. Short-eared Ow White This species is of the size of the last, l)Ut is paler, has very short ear tufts, and is streaked beneath. Its habits are the same except that it frequently hunts, over the marshes and mead- ows, on dark days and towards dusk. Their four to seven pure white eggs are laid upon the ground m marshy places, sometimes upon a lining of sticks and weeds, and are generally under a bush, or close to an old log. Size of eggs 1.55 x 1.25. .S68. Barred Owl. Strix varia varia. Range. — Eastern North America, from the British Provinces, southward; west to the Rockies. This species is the most common of the large owls, and can be distinguished by its mottled and barred gray and white plumage, and lack of ear tufts; length 20 inches. It is the bird commonly meant by the term "hoot owl", ana being strictly White nocturnal, is rarely seen flying in the day time, unless disturbed from its roosting place in the deep woods. Its food consists chiefly of rats, mice and frogs, and sometimes, but not often, poultry. It nests in the heart of large woods, generally in hollows of large trees, and less often in deserted Crow's nests. They lay from two to four pure white eggs, averaging con- siderably smaller than those of the Great Horn- ed Owl; size 1.95 x 1.65. itiSa. F'"i,oRmA Barrkd Owl. iStrir varia alleni. I Range.— Florida and the Gulf States; north to South Carolina. 229 Barred Owl BARRED OWL, Chas. W. Long BIRDS OF PREY 368b. Texas Barred Owl. Strix varia albogilva. Range.- — Southern Texas. 4 A very similar but slightly paler variety than £- the Barred Owl, and with the toes bare, as in * alle)n. Eggs indistinguishable. 369. Spotted Owl. dentalis. Strix occidentalis occi- Range. — Western United States, from south- ern Oregon and Colorado, southAvard. Similar to the Barred Owl, but spotted, in- stead of barred, on the back of head and neck, and much more extensively barred on the under parts. The nesting habits do not appear to differ in any respect from those of the eastern Barred Owl, and their eggs, which are from two to four in number, can not be distinguished from those of the latter species; size 2.05 x 1.80. Great Gray Owl 369a- Northern Spotted Owl. Strix occidentalis caurinu. Range. — Northwestern United States and British Columbia. Similar to the preceding, but darker, both above and below; nesting the same, in hollow trees or in old Hawk's or Crow's nests. Eggs not distmguishable. 370. Great Gray Owl. Scotia pte.r nehuJnsa. Range. — Northern North America; wintering regularly south to the north- ern border of the United States and casually farther. This is the largest of American Owls, being about 26 inches in length ; it does not weigh nearly as much, how- ever, as the Great Horned or Snowy Owls, its plumage being very light and fluffy, and dark gray in color, mottled with white. The facial disc is very large, and the eyes are small and yellow, while those of the Barred Owl are large and blue black. They nest in heavily wooded districts, building their nests of sticks, chiefly in pine trees. The two to four white eggs are laid during May and June; size 2.15 x 1.70. White ._%^^^^:'^:^^fsS'^4, THE BIRD BOOK [370a.J Lapp Owl. Scotiaptex nehulosa lapponica. A paler form of the Great Gray Owl, inhabit ing the Arctic regions of the Old World; acci- dental on the coast of Alaska. Their nesting habits and eggs do not differ from those of the American bird. 371. Richardson's Owl. erefl richardsoni. Cryptoglaiut fun sn Uiohardson's Owl Saw-whet Owl White Range. — Northern North America, breeding north of the United States ; win- ters south to our border and casually farther. This is a dark grayish and white bird, 10 inches in length, and without ear tufts. Breeds commonly in the extensively wooded districts of British America, chiefly in the northern parts. Their three or four white eggs are usually at the bottom of a cavity in a tree, but occasionally the birds build a rude nest of sticks and twigs, lined with leaves and placed in trees at a moderate height from the ground. Size of eggs, 1.2.5 x 1.05. .372. Saw-whet Owl; Acadian Owl. Cryptoglaux acadica acadica. Range. — North America, breeding in the northern parts of the United States and in British America, and south in. the Rockies to Mexico; winters south to the middle portions of the United States. This small species (length 8 inches) is marked very similarly to the preceding, but the plumage is brown instead of gray. They normally nest in hollow trees. generally in deserted Woodpecker holes, in extensively wooded sections, and usually in mountainous country, especially in the United States. They have also been known to nest in bird boxes near farm houses and in old Crow's nests. During April or May, they lay from three to six white eggs. Size 1.20 x 1.00. They are quiet and chiefly nocturnal birds, not often seen, and may be found nesting in any of the northern states. 372a. Northwestern Saw-whet Owl. Crypioglaux acadica scoticea. Range. — A dark variety found on the coast of British Columbia. 232 BIRDS OF PREY f^'7S. SfREECH Owl. Ofv.s (isio asin. Range. — North America, east of the plains and from the southern British Provinces to Florida. This well known species, which is of- ten called "Little Horned Owl" be- cause of its ear tufts is found either in the type form of some of y j its varieties in all \ parts of the United States. They have two color phases, the plumage being either a yellowish brown or gray, and black and white; these color phases are not dependent upon sex or locality, as often ;■: young or both phases are found in the same riest; the gray phase is the most abundant. They nest anywhere in hollow trees, being found very frequently in decayed stubs of apple trees. They also often nest in barns or other old buildings which are not frequented too freely. Their food consists chiefly of mice and meadow moles, with occasionally small birds. During April or May they lay their white eggs, the full complement of which is from five to eight. Size 1.35 x 1.20. The nesting habits of all the sub-species, as far as we can learn, are exactly like those of the eastern Screech Owl; the eggs cannot be distinguished, and in most cases, even the birds cannot be dis- tinguished. ■^HiitP h Owl 373a. Florida Screech Owl. Otus asio floridanus. Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Slightly smaller and darker than n.^in. The eggs average slightly smaller. Size 1.30 X 1.15. 373b. Texas Screech Owl. Otus asio mccalli. Range. — Texas, and southward into Mexico. Very similar to floriflaiuis. 373c. California Screech Owl. Otus asio hendirei. Range. — Coast of California and Oregon. Size of, but darker than asio. 373d. Kennicott's Screech Owl. Otus asio kennicotti. Range.— Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska. This is the darkest of the Screech Owls and averages a trifie larger than the eastern form. 373e. Rocky Mottntain Screech Owl. Otus asio mo.vwelli(P. Range.— Foothills of the Rockies, from Colorado to Montana. This is the palest form of the Screech Owl. Of the same size as the last. , 233 THE BIRD BOOK 373f. Mexican Screech Owl. Otus asio cineraceus. Range. — Western Mexico and southwestern border of the United States. A gray form with little or no buff, and more numerously barred below. .S73g. Aiken's Screech Owl. Otus asio aikeni. Range. — El Paso County, Colorado. A gray form, with the dark markings coarser and more numerous than in any other. 373h. MacFarlane's Screech Owl. Otus asio macfarlanei. Range. — Northern border of the United Washington to Montana. States from 374— 375a 373.1. Spotted Screech Owl. Otus trichopsis. Range. — Mountains of southern Arizona, south into Mexico. A grayish species, similar to asio, but paler and more finely barred beneath, and with whitish spots on the feathers of the foreback. The nesting habits and eggs are probably the same as those of the Screech Owl. 373.2. Xantus's Screech Owl. Otus xantusi. Range. — Southern Lower California. A grayish species with the back and underparts finely vermiculated with red- dish brown, and with streaks of darker. It is not likely that the habits or eggs of this species will be found to differ from those of the Screech Owl. 374. Flammulated Screech Owl. Ottis flammeolus flammeolus. Range. — Mountain ranges of Mexico, north to Colorado and west to California. This species is smaller than usio, has shorter ear tufts, the plumage is much streaked and edged with rusty, and the toes are unfeathered to their base. They nest in hollow trees, generally using deserted Woodpecker holes. Their three or four eggs are white. Size 1.15 x .95. This species is uncommon in all parts of its range. 374a. Dwarf Screech Owl. Oi^(s flammeohis idahcensis. Range.^ — Local in Idaho, eastern Washington and California. This rare variety is smaller than the preceding and is considerably paler. Its eggs have not been described, but should be a trifle smaller than the last. m ?34 BIRDS OF PREY 375. Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus virginianus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains and north to Labrador. White Great Horned Owl This species and its varieties are the only large Owls having conspicuous ear tufts. They are about 22 inches in length, and have a mottled brown, black and white plumage, barred below. This is also one of the "Hoot Owls," but is not nearly as abundant as the Barred Owl. It is one of the strongest of the family, and captures rabbits, grouse and poultry, and is very often found to have been feeding upon, or to have been in the immediate vicinity of a skunk. They nest very early, January, February and March. Deserted Hawk's or Crow's nests are very frequently used by this bird, if they are located in dense woods. They also sometimes nest in hollow cavities in large trees. They lay from two to four pure white eggs. Size 2.25 x 1.85. 375a. Western Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus pallescens. Range. — Western North America, except the Pacific coast. A smaller and ligliter colored form of the preceding, having the same habits and the eggs being indistinguishable from those of the eastern bird. .S75b. Arctic Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus subarcticus. Range. — Interior of Arctic America from Hudson Bay to Alaska; south in winter to the northwestern tier of states. A very pale colored Horned Owl with little or no buff or brownish in the plumage, some specimens (very rare) being pure white with only a few black bars on the back. Their nesting habits are the same and the eggs do not vary appreciably from those of the eastern Horned Owl. 375c. Dusky Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus saturatus. Range. — Pacific coast from California to Alaska. This is the darkest of the Horned Owls, the extreme case being nearly black on the back and very dark below. Nesting the same as the Great Horned Owl. 375d. Pacific Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus pacificus. Range. — California, southward and east to Arizona. Smaller and darker than the eastern form but not as dark as the last. Eggs the same as those of the others. 236 &'t-- J S^'^ 375e. Dwarf Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus elachistus. Range. — Lower California. This is a similar but darker form of the Horned Owl and is very much smaller than virgin hi II us. The nesting habits will be the same, but the eggs may average smaller. BIRDS OF PREY "W^hite Snowy Owl 376. Snowy Owl. Nyctea nyctea. Range. — Arctic regions, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering to the northern border of the United States and casually farther. This very beautiful species varies in plumage from pure white, unmarked, to specimens heavily and broadly barred with blackish brown. It is, next to the Great Gray Owl, the largest species found in America, being 2 feet in length. Like the Great Horned Owls, they are very strong, fearless, and rapacious birds, feeding upon hares, squirrels and smaller mammals, as well as Grouse, Ptar- migan, etc. They nest upon the ground, on banks or mossy hummocks on the dry portions of marshes, laying from two to eight eggs, white in color and with a smoother shell than those of the Great Horned Owl. Size 2.25 x 1.75. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, June 16, 1898. Three eggs laid in a hollow in the moss. [377-] European Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula ulula. Range. — Northern portion of the Old World; accidental in Alaska. Similar to the American species, but lighter and more brownish. 'A:V! THE BIRD BOOK 377a. Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula caparoch. Range. — Northern North America, breeding from the central portions of British America northward; probably also breeds in the Rocky Mountains in the northern tier of states and casually farther. American Hawk Owl White This handsome mottled and barred, gray and black Owl might readily be mistaken for a Hawk, because of his Hawk-like appearance and long rounded tail. They are very active birds, especially in the day time, for they are more diurnal than nocturnal; their food is mostly of small rodents, and also small birds. They nest either in the tops of large fir trees, in hollows of stumps, or, in some cases, upon the ground. When in trees their nests are made of twigs, leaves and weeds, and sometimes lined with moss and feathers; they lay from three to eight white eggs, size 1.50 x 1.20. Data. — Labrador, May 3, 1899. Five eggs. Nest in the top of a dead tree, 15 feet from the ground. 378. BuRKOwiNG Owl. Speotyto cunicularia hypogcea. Range. — Western North America from the Mississippi Valley west to California; north to the southern parts of British America and south to Central America. These peculiar birds are wholly different in plumage, form and habits from any other American Owls. They can readily be recognized by their long, slender and scantily feathered legs. Their plumage is brownish, spotted with white above, and white, barred with brown below; length 10 inches. They nest, generally in large communities in burrows in the ground, usually deserted Prairie Dog holes. While generally but a single pair occupy one burrow, as many as twenty have been found nesting together. Sometimes the burrows are unlined, and again may have a carpet of grasses and feathers. Their white eggs generally number from six to ten; size 1.25 x 1.00. Data.^ — Sterling, Kans., May 7, 1899. Nest of bits of dry dung at the end of a deserted Prairie Dog burrow. Whitt i'^-ca*~y 238 BIRDS OF PREY 378a. Florida Burrowing Owl. Speotyto cunicularia floridana. Range. — Local in the interior of Florida. Like the last, but slightly smaller and paler, and with the tarsus less feathered. Their habits or eggs do not differ from the preceding. 379- Pygmy Owl. Gloucidium gnoma gnoma. Range. — Rocky Mountain re- gion and westward; from Brit- ish Columbia southward. These interesting little Owls, which are but seven inches in length, feed in the day time upon insects, mice and, occasionally, small birds. They frequent extensive- ly wooded districts, chiefly in the mountain ranges. They nest in tall trees, generally in desert- ed Woodpeckers' holes, laying three or four white eggs during May; size about 1.00 x .90. BuiTDWillS «iw 379a. California Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium gnoma calif or nicum. Range. — Pacific coast from British Columbia, south through California. This sub-species is darker and more brownish than the last. It is not an uncommon bird in California. They nest in the tallest trees along the ranges, often being found 75 or more feet from the ground. The eggs do not differ from those of the Pygmy Owl, ranging in size from 1.00 x .85 to 1.20 x .95. 379.1. Hoskin's Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium hoskinsi. Range. — Southern Lower California. This species is smaller and more gray than the preceding. It is not probable that its manners of nesting or eggs differ in any respect from those of the others of this genus. Mik The bird book ^80. Fkrruoinous Pyumy Owl. Glancidiwm plialcenoides . Range. — Mexico and Central America; north to the Mex- ican border of the United States. This species is of tlie same size as tlie last, but is much tinged with rufous on tlie upper parts, and tlie tail is of a briglit chestnut brown color, crossed by about eight bars of black. They nest in hollow cavities in trees, from ten to forty feet from the ground, laying three or four glossy white eggs; size 1.10 x .90. .'381. Elf Owl. Micropallas whitneyi. Range. — Mexico, north to the bordering states. This odd little bird is the smallest member of the family found in Amer- • - ^ ica, attaining a length of only six in- \ ches. In plumage it may be described iM as similar to a very small, earless '" Screech Owl, only with the pattern of the markings a great deal finer. They are said to be quite abundant in the table lands of central Mexico and in southern Arizona, where they build their nests in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, perhaps most frequently in the giant cactus. It is said to be more nocturnal than the Pygmy Owls and to feed almost exclusively upon insects. They lay from three to five eggs having a slight gloss. Size 1.02 x .90. Data. — Southern Arizona, May 22, 1902. Nest in a deserted Woodpecker hole. Two eggs. White 240 PAROQUETS AND PARROTS. Order XIII. PSITTACI. Family PSITTACIDAE 382. Carolina Paroquet. Conuropsis carolinensis. Range. — Now rare in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Indian Territory. As late as 1885, the Carolina Paroquets were abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, but owing to their wanton destruction by man, they have been exterminated in the greater portion of their range, and now are rarely seen in any locality, and then only in the most unhabitable swamps and thickets. A reliable account of their nesting habits is lacking, as are also spe- cimens of their eggs taken from wild birds. They are said to build rude nests of sticks upon horizontal bran- ches of cypress trees, and to nest in colo- nies; it is also claim- ed that they nest in hollow trees, laying from three to five pure white eggs. The one figured is one of three laid in confinement at Washington, D. C, by a pair of birds owned by Mr. Robert Ridgeway. July 12, 1892. This set is in the collection of Mr. John Lewis Childs. White 382.1. Thick-billed Parrot. Rhynchopsitia pachyrhyncha. Range. — Mexico, north casually to the Mexican border of the United States. This large Parrot (16 inches long) has a heavy black bill, and the plumage is entirely green except for the deep red forehead, strips over the eye, shoulder, and thighs, and the yellowish under wing coverts. Their eggs are white and are laid in natural cavities in large trees in forests. CUCKOOS, TROGANS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. Order XIV. CUCKOOS, ANTS, ETC. Family CUCULIDAE [383.] Ani. Crotophaga ani. Range. — Northeastern South America and the West Indies; casual in Florida, and along the Gulf coast; accidental in Pennsylvania. This species is similar to the next, but the bill is smoother and without grooves.. Its nesting habits are the same as those of the more common Ameri- can species. 241 16 ROADRUNNER CUCKOOS, ETC. 384. Groove-billed Ani. Crotophaga sulcirostris. Range. — Mexico and the border of the United States; common in southern Texas. This odd species has a Cuckoo-lil 1 ^■l'^B ■ gard to the eastern form will apply equally to all its varieties. Except during the win- ter months, this species is not as commonly seen about houses or orchards as the Downy Wodpecker. During the summer they retire to the larger woods to nest, laying their eggs in holes in the trunks or White limbs of trees at any height from the ground, and generally using the same hole year after year, and often twice or three times during one season, if the first sets are taken. They lay from three to six glossy white eggs; size .95 x .70. This species can be dis- tinguished from the Downy Woodpeckers by their larger size (9 inches long), and the white outer tail feathers, which are unspotted. 393a. Northern Hairy Woodpecker. Dryohates villosus leuconielas. Range. — North America, north of the United States. Slightly larger than the preceding. 393b. Southern Hairy Woodpecker. Dryohates villosus auduboni. Range. — Southern United States; north to South Carolina. Similar to the Hairy Woodpecker, but smaller. 393c. Harris's Woodpecker. Dryohates villosus harrisi. Range. — Pacific coast from California to British Columbia. Similar to the Hairy but with fewer or no white spots on the wing coverts, and grayish on the underparts. 393d. Cabanis Woodpecker. Dryohates villosus hyloseopus. Range. — Southern California, east to Arizona and south into Mexico. Like the preceding but whiter below. 393e Rocky Mountain Hairy Woodpecker. Dryo- hates villosus monticola. Range. — Rocky Mountains from British Columbia south to New Mexico. Similar to harrini but slightly larger and pure white be- low. 393f. Queen Charlotte Woodpecker. Dryohates villosus picoideus. Range. — Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. Like Harris Woodpecker, but with the flanks streaked and the middle of the back spotted with blackish, 393c 394a ?50 WOODPECKERS Spi. Southern Downy Woodpecker. Dri/obates pubescens pubescens. Range. — Gulf and South Atlantic States; north to South Carolina. This species, which is the smallest of the North American Woodpecker (length 6 inches), is similar in plumage to the Hairy Woodpecker, hut has the ends of the white, outer tail feath ers spotted with hlack. Like the last species, it is represented by sub-spe- cies in all parts of North America, the nesting habits of all the varieties being the same and the eggs not dis- tinguishable from one an- other. They nest in holes in trees, very often in orchards '''■'''^^^- flossy or trees in the neighborhood of houses. They are not nearly as shy as the Hairy Woodpeckers, and also associate with other birds very freely. The three to six eggs are laid upon the bottom of the cavity, with no lining. The height of the nesting season is during May or June. The white glossy eggs are .7.5 x .60. Southern Downy 39ia. Gairdner's Woodpecker. Driiobates. piihescens gairdneri. Range. — Pacific coast from northern California to British Columbia. This sub-species is like the last, but is without spots on the wing coverts and is a dingy white below, differing the same as Harris Woodpecker from the Hairy. 394b. Batchelder's Woodpecker. Dri/obates pubescens homorus. Range. — Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Like the last but whiter below. 394c. Downy Woodpecker. Dri/obates pubescens medianus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains and north of South Carolina. Similar to the southern variety but slightly larger and whiter. 394d. Nelson's Downy Woodpecker. Dryobates pubescens nelsoni. Range. — Alaska. Similar to the northern variety but still larger. 394e. Willow Woodpecker. Dri/obates pubescens turati. Range. — California except the northern parts and the ranges of the south. Similar to Gairdner Woodpecker, but smaller and whiter. 39."). Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Dri/obates borealis. Range. — Southeastern United States, from South Carolina and Arkansas, southward. This black and white species may be known from any other because of the uniform black crown and nape, the male having a small dot of red on either side of the crown, back of the eye. They are quite abundant in the Gulf States and Florida, where they nest during April and May, and in some localities in March. They build in hollow trees or stumps at an elevation from the ground, laying from three to six glossy white eggs; sine .95 x .70. 251 THE BIRD BOOK J95 Red-cockaded Woodpecker Texas Woodpecker 396. Texas Woodpecker. Tiryohaies scalaris hairdi. Range. — Southwestern United States from southern Colorado south to northern Mexico. This species is brownisli white below, has the back barred with black and white, and the male has the whole crown red, shading into mixed black and whitish on the forehead. Its habits and nesting are just the same as those of the Downy, but the three or four white eggs, that they lay in April, are larger; size .80 x .65. 396a. San Lucas Woodpecker. Dryo- hates scalaris lucasanus. Range. — Lower California, north to the Colo- rado Desert, California. Very similar to the last; less barring on the outer tail feathers. Eggs the same. 597. Nuttall's W^oodpecker. Dryohaies nidtalU. Range. — Pacific coast from Oregon south to Lower Cal- ifornia. Similar to the Texan Woodpecker but whiter below, with whitish nasal tufts, and the fore part of the crown black and white striped, the red being confined to the nape region. They nest in holes in trees, either in dead stumps or in growing trees, and at any height above ground. During April or May they deposit their white glossy eggs upon the bottom of the cavity. The eggs measure .85 x .65. ;}f)8. Arizona Woodpecker. Dryohaies arizoiia\ Range. — Mexican border of the United States, chiefly in Arizona and New Mexico. This species is entirely different from any others of our Woodpeckers, being uniform brownish above, and soiled whitish below, spotted with black. The male bird has a red crescent on the nape. They are said to be fairly abund- ant in some sections of southern Arizona. Their nesting habits do not vary from those of the other Woodpeckers found in the same regions, and they show no especial pre- ference for any particular kind of a tree in which to lay their eggs. The nesting season appears to be at its height in April. The pure white eggs average in size about .85X.60. 252 WOODPECKERS S99- White-headed Woodpecker. Xenopicus albolarvatus. Range. — Western United States from south- ern California to southern Britisli Columbia. This odd species is wholly a dull black color, except for the white head and neck, and basal half of the primaries. They are quite abundant in some localities, particularly in California on mountain ranges. They nest at any height, but the greater number have been found under twenty feet from the ground and in old pine stubs. They lay from four to six glossy white eggs, measuring .95 x .70. They are said to be more silent than others of the Woodpecker family, and rarely make the familiar tapping and never drum. It is claimed that they get at their food by scaling bark off the trees, instead of by boring. White Three- toed Woodpecker Arctic Three-toe-j Woodpecke 400. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides arcticus. As implied by their name, members of this genus have but three toes, two in front and one behind. The plumage of this species is entirely black above, and whitish below, with the flanks barred with blackish. The male has a yellow patch on the crown. They breed abundantly in coniferous forests in mountainous regions throughout their range, laying their eggs in cavities in decayed stumps and trees, apparently at any height, from five feet up. The eggs are laid in May or June. Size .95 x .70. White 401. Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides americanus americanus. Range. — Northern parts of the United States north to the Arctic regions. Range. — From northern United States northward. The chief difference between this species and the last is in the white on the back, either as a patch or in the form of broken bars. The nesting habits are just the same and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the preceding. Both forms are found breeding in the same localities in the Adirondacks and in nearly all other portions of their range. 253 THE BIRD BOOK 401a. Alaska Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides americanus fasciatus. Range. — ^Alaska, south to British Columbia and Washington. Like the last, but with more white on tlie back. Eggs like the (ircticiis. iUlb. Alpine Thuee-toed Woodpecker. Picoides americanus dorsalis. Range. — Rocky Mountains from British Co- lumbia south to New Mexico. Slightly larger than the preceding and with more white on the back, almost entirely losing the barred effect of the American Three-toed variety. They nest chiefly in dead pines, lay- ing four or five white eggs that cannot be dis- tinguished from those of many other species. Size .95X.70. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 402. Yellow-BELLIED Sapsucker. SpJri/ra- pic us varius varius. Range. — North America, east of the Plains; breeding from Massachusetts northward, and wintering from the Carolinas and Illinois southward. This species is one of the most handsomely marked of the family; they can easily be recognized by the red crown and throat (white on the female), each bordered by black, and the yellowish underparts. The mem- bers of this genus have been found to be the only ones thai are really injurious, and these only to a slight extent, to cul- tivated trees. This species and the two following are the on!y real "sapsuckers," a crime that is often attributed to the most useful of the family. Their nesting season is during May and June, they then resorting to the interior of the woods, where they deposit their four to seven glossy eggs on the bottom of holes in trees, generally at quite an elevation from the ground. Size of eggs .85 x .60. White 402a. Red-naped Sapsucker. Sphi/rapiciis varius nuchalis. Range. — Rocky Mountain region of the United States and southern Canada south to Mexico and west to California. This variety differs from the last, chiefly in addition of a band of scarlet on the nape in place of the white on the Yellow-bellied species. Coming as it does, midway between the ranges of the preceding species and the following, this variety, with its extension of red on the head and throat, may be regarded somewhat as a connecting link between the two species, but it is perfectly dis- tinct and does not intergrade with either. There appears to be no difference in the nesting habits of the two varieties, except that the present one, according to Bendire, shows a preference to nesting in live aspens. The eggs measure .90X.65. 254 WOODPECKERS 403. Red-breasted Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus ruber ruber. Range. — Pacific Coast from Lower Califor- nia to Oregon. Except for a whitish line from the eye to the bill, the entire head, neck and breast of this species is red, of varying shades in differ- ent individuals, from carmine to nearly a scar- let: the remainder of their plumage is very similar to that of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. This is an abundant species and in most parts of the range they are not timid. Like many of the Woodpeckers, they spend a great deal of their time in drumming on some dead limb. They nest commonly in aspens, preferably liv- ing ones, and are said to build a new nesting hole each year rather than use the old. The eggs are laid during May or June, being glossy white, five to seven in number, and measuring .90X.70. •f^WIS'!'^. T'^ Pileated Woodpecker 403a. Northern Red-breasted Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus ruber notkensis. Range. — Pacific coast from California to Alaska. 404. Williamson's Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. This is a deeper and brighter variety, and is more yellowish on the belly. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the southern form. Range. — Mountain ranges from the Rockies to the Pacific; north to British Columbia. This oddly marked species shows a surprising number of variations in plum- age; the normal adult male is largely black on the upper parts and breast, with only a narrow patch of red on the throat, and with the belly, bright yellow. The female is entirely different in plumage and for a long time was supposed to be a distinct species; she is brownish in place of the black in the male, has no red in the plumage, and is barred with black and white on the back and wings. They nest at high altitudes in mountain ranges, either in coniferous forests or in aspens. There is no peculiarity in their nesting habits; they lay from four to seven eggs, glossy white. Size .97 x .67. 405. Pileated AVoodpecker. Phloeotomus pileatus pileatus. Range. — Southern and South Atlantic States. This heavily built Woodpecker is nearly as large as the Ivory-bill, being 17 inches in length. They are not nearly as beautiful as the Ivory-bills, their plumage being a sooty black instead of glossy, and the white on the wing, being confined to a very small patch at the base of the primaries: the whole crown and crest are vermillion, as is also a moustaclie mark in the male. They breed in the most heavily timbered districts, and generally at a high elevation; excavating a cavity sometimes 25 inches in depth and eight inches in diameter. In most localities they are very shy and difficult to approach. During April or May they lay from three to six white eggs. Size 1.30 x 1.00. 255 ;''; r THE BIRD BOOK ! I Williamson Sapsucker Northern Pileated Woodpecker to destroy the nests and eggs of many species, and also to kill and devour the young, they being the only Woodpecker, so far as known, to have acquired this disreputable habit; they also feed upon, besides ants and larvae, many kinds of fruit and berries. Their nesting sea- son is during May and June, when they lay from four to eight white eggs, with less gloss than those of the Flicker. Size 1.00 x .75. 407. Ant-eating Woodpecker. Melanerpes formicivorus formicivurus. Range. — Mexican border of the United States, southward. This species may be identified by the black region around the base of the bill, the white forehead, red crown and nape, yellowish throat, and blackisli upper parts, extending in a band across the breast, this variety having the band streaked with white posteriorly. The habits of this variety are the same as the next which is most abundant in the United States. 256 405a. Northern Pileated Woodpecker. Phlceotomus pileatus abieticola. Range. — Local throughout North America, from the northern parts of the United States northward. This variety is only very slightly larger than the preceding, it otherwise being the same. It is still abundant in many localities, but its range is rapidly being reduced, on ac- count of cutting away the forests. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the southern variety. 406. Red-headed Woodpecker. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Range. — United States, east of the Rockies, except New England; north to northern Can- ada; winters in southern United States. This beautiful species has a bright red head, ~~\ neck and breast, glossy blue black back, wings and tail, and white under- parts, rump and second- aries. It is the most abund- ant of the family in the greater portion of its range, where it nests in any kind of trees or in telegraph poles at any height from the ground; they also sometimes nest in holes under the eaves of buildings. They are the most pugnacious of the Woodpeckers, and are often seen chasing one another or driv- ing away some other bird. They are also known White Red-headed Woodpecker WOODPECKERS 4i07a- California Woodpecker. Melanerpes forinicivorus bairdi. Range. — California and Oregon. This bird differs from the last in having few er white stripes in the black breast band. In suitable localities, this is the most abundant of Woodpeckers on the Pacific coast. They have none of the bad habits of the Red-heads, appear to be sociable among their kind, and are not afraid of mankind. It nests indifferently in ail kinds of trees at any height from the ground, laying from three to seven eggs. Size 1.00 x .75. This species has the habit of storing food for future use developed to a greater extent than any other of the family. They sometimes completely honeycomb the exterior surface of decayed trees, with holes designed to hold acorns. 407b. Narrow-fronted Woodpecker. i *■ Melanerpes formicivortis angustifruns i;,.,i i,, iii,,i \\ .i.m||m-. k.. Range. — Southern Lower California. This variety differs from the others in being slightly smaller and in having the white band on the forehead narrower. Its nesting habits are the same, bur the eggs average smaller. Size .95 x .75. 408. Lewis's Woodpecker. Asijii(lrs))iu,s leivisi. Range. — Western United States from the Rockies to the Pacific coast; from British Columbia south to Mexico. A very oddly colored species, 11 inches in length hav- ing a dark red face, streaked red and white under parts, a gray breast band, and glossy greenish blac!: upperparts. They are not uncommon in the greater part of their range, can not be called shy birds, and nest in all kinds of trees at heights varying from six to one hundred feet from the ground, the five to nine white eggs measuring 1.05 x .80, and being laid during May or June. w 409. Red-bp:llied Woodi'ioikkh. Cctilunis cdroJ'nnis. Range. — United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf States nortfi in nearly all parts of their range, frequenting the more heavily timbered regions, where they nest in any place that attracts their fancy; in some localities they also commonly nest in telegraph poles. They are quite tame, and during the winter months come about yards and houses, the same as. and often in company with Downy Woodpeckers. Their eggs, which are laid during May, are glossy white, average in size 1.00 x .75 and number from four to six. 257 17 THE BIRD BOOK White HO. Golden-fronted Woodpecker. Cent urns a u rifro ns . Range. — Mexico and southern Texas, resident. Tliis is also one of tlie "zebra" or "ladder- baclted" Woodpeckers, having tlie back and wings closely barred with black and white, the same as the preceding; the forehead, nasal tufts and nape are gol- den yellow, and the male has a patch of red on the crown. This is a very common resident species in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where it nests in trees or telegraph poles, sometimes so numer- ously in the latter situations as to become a nuisance. Their nesting habits are not in any manner peculiar, and the eggs cannot be dis- tinguished from those of the preceding. Size 1.00 X .75. Laid during April and May. Hi. (iiLA Woodpecker. Cent ur us uropygialis. Range. — Mexican border of the United States, ^^ a^y iT- '^ southern Arizona and New Mexico. IK' ^W^-'^ ^ ^^^^ *^^^ preceding but without any yellow ^^^^» '^'~- ^y'^ on the head, the male having a red patch in IBBiS the center of the crown. They are locally dis- tributed in New Mexico, but appear to be abund- ant in all parts of southern Arizona, where they nest principally in giant cacti, but also in many other trees such as cottonwoods, mesquite, sycamores, etc. Besides their decided preference for giant cacti, there is nothing unusual in their nesting halnts, and the eggs are not different from those of others of the genus. They lay from three to six eggs in April or May. Size 1.00 x .75. ^4 ^ H'-2. Flicker. Colaptes aiiratii.s (uiratiis. Range. — Southeastern United States. Flickers are well known, large Woodpeckers (13 inclies long), with a brownish tone to the plumage, bar- red on the back and spotted on the breast with black. The present species has a golden yellow lining to the wings and tail, and the shafts of the feathers are yellow; it has a red crescent on the nape, and the male has black moustache marks. This species and its sub-variety avv the most widely known Woodpeckers in eastern Nortli America, where they are known in different localities, by something like a hundred local names, of which 258 WOODPECKERS Pigeon Woodpecker and Yellow-hammer seem to be the most universal. They have the undu- lating flight common to all Woodpeckers and show the white rump patch conspicuously when flying. They are often found on the ground in pastures or on side hills, feeding upon ants; they are more terrestrial than any others of the family. They nest anywhere, where they can flnd or make a suitable cavity for the re- ception of their eggs ; in trees in woods or sol- itary trees in large pastures, in apple trees in orchards, in fence posts, in holes under the roofs of buildings, etc. They ordinarily lay from five to ten very glossy eggs, but it has been found that they will continue laying, if one egg is removed from the nest at a time. until in one case seventy-one eggs were secur- ed. Fresh eggs may be found at any time from May until August, as they frequently raise two broods a season. Size of eggs, 1.10 x .90 with considerable variations. 4l!2a. Northern P'licker. Colaptrs aiira- tus luteus. Range.- — Whole of North America, east of the Rockies, except the southeast- ern portion. Averaging larger than the preceding, but individual specimens of the north- ern variety are frequently found to be even smaller than the southern, and vice versa, making the distinction one of the study rather than Nature. 413. Red-shafted Flicker. Colaptes cafer collaris. Range. — United States west of the Rockies. This species is marked similarly to the pre- ceding, but the top of the head is brownish in- stead of gray, and the underparts of the wings and tail, and their quills are reddish. Neither sex has the red crescent on the back of the head, except in the case of hy- brids between the two species, but the male has red moustache marks. There are no differences ;;„::, in the nidification be- '' '' tween this species and the preceding, but the White eggs of this average a trifle larger (1.15x.90). ted-sluifted Flicker 1 13a. Northwestern Fucker. Colapics cafer saturatior. Range. — Pacific coast, breeding from Oregon to Alaska. This is a much darker variety of the Red-shafted Flicker, but its nesting habits or eggs do not differ in any way. 259 r ^ ■^W' m^:- NORTHERN FLICKEi: (i. K. MoLilthrope MEST AND KGGS OP" NORTHERN FLICKEf^ THE BIRD BOOK 414. (iiLOKD Fmcker. Colapies chri/soides. Range. — Arizona and southward through Mexico to southern Lower California. This pale species has the yellowish lining to the wings and tail as in the Flicker, but has a pale cinnamon brown crown, no crescent on back of head, and the male has red moustache marks. It is a common species in all localities where the giant cactus abounds, and shows a preference to nesting in these strange growths, to any other trees. Their habits are, in all respects, the same as those of the other Flickers and their eggs cannot be distinguished. Size 1.10 X .90. 414a. San Fernando Flicker. Colaptes cltrij.souics brinme.sccus. Range. — Northern Lower California. This is a slightly smaller and darker variety of the Gilded Flicker. 41;5. Guadalupe Flicker. Colaptes rufipileus. Range. — Guadalupe Island. Similar to the Red-shafted Flicker, but with the crown darker and the rump a solid pinkish white. They are common in a large cypress grove in the middle of the island, but rarely found on any other portions. The eggs have been des- cribed by Mr. Walter E. Bryant, who found them breeding on the island, to be indistinguishable from those of the others of the genus. GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, AND HUMMINGBIRDS. Order XVI. MACROCHIRES. GOATSUCKERS, Family CAPRIMULGIDAE. Goatsuckers are long winged birds, with small bills, but with an extraordin- arily large mouth, the opening of which extends beneath and beyond the eyes. They are chiefly dusk or night fliers, their food consisting of insects which they catch on the wing. Their plumage is mottled black, brownish and white, resembling the ground upon which they lay their eggs. 263 416. GOATSUCKERS AND SWIFTS Chuck- will's-widovv. Antrostomus corolinensis. Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf States, breeding north to Virginia and Indiana, and west to Arkansas and eastern Texas. These birds are abundant summer residents in the southern portions of their range, but as Grayish ^vhite they are silent and hiding in the woods during the day time, they are not as popularly known as are most birds. They rarely fly during the day time unless disturbed from their roosting , ^ ^ ^^ , ^ i,,. ,, place which is on the ground under underbrush or in hollow logs. Their noles, which are a rapid and repeatedly uttered whis- tling repetition of their name, are heard until late in the night. They nest dur- ing April, May or June, laying two eggs on the ground amid the leaves in woodr, or scrubby underbrush. The eggs are grayish to creamy white in color, hand- somely marked with shades of lilac, gray and brownish; size 1.40 x 1.00. 417. WniP-PooR-wiLL. Anirosiomus vori ferns vociferiis. Range. — North America east of the Plains; north to the southern parts of tlie British possessions; winters along the Gulf coast and southward. This species is well known, by sound, in nearly all parts of its range, but comparatively few ever observed the bird, and probably the greater number mistake the Nighthawk for this species. The two species can readily be dis- Unguished at a distance by tlie absence of any pronounced white marking in the wings, and by the white tips to the outer tail feathers in the present species, while the Night Hawk has a prominent white band across the tail, but the top is black, and the tail slight- ly forked. The Whip-poor-will, rarely leaves its place of concealment before dark, and is never seen flying about cities, as are the Night- hawks. In their pursuit of insects, they glide like a shadow over fields and woods, their soft plumage giving forth no sound as their wings cleave the air. Until late at night, their Avhistling cry "whip- poor-will," repeated at intervals, rings out in tricts. Their two eggs are deposited on the ground among dead leaves, generally in dense woods. They are grayish white or cream color marbled with pale brown and gray, with faint er markings of lilac. Size 1.50 x .85. 263 all Croaniy white wooded hilly dis- \Vl,ii.-i, -will THE BIRD BOOK H 7a. Stephen's Whip-poor will. A)itrosto)niis vncifrni.s macromystax. Range. — Arizona and New Mexico, soutli through tlie tableland of Mexico. This sub-species is slightly larger and has longer mouth bristles than the eastern bird. Tlieir nesting habits are the same and the eggs differ only in averaging lighter in color, with fainter markings, some specimens being almost immaculate. 118. PooR-wiM.. J'li(il<#«sp" • ing their two eggs upon a bed of leaves or upon a flat rock. white The breeding season is from the latter part of May through July. The eggs are pure white and glossy; size 1.00 x .75. Poor- will in length. MeiTill's I'ar;L(|ii(' 418a. Frosted Poor-will. Phalcenoptilus miff alii nifidiis. Range. — Texas and Arizona, north to western Kansas. This variety is like the last but paler, both above and below. Eggs indis- tinguishable from those of others of the genus. ilSb. DusKV Poor-will. Plialrpiinpfilus miff alii calif ornicns. Range. — A darker race found on the coast of California, having the same nest- ing habits as the others. The egg figured is of this species. Data. — Los Angeles, Cal., June 24, 1900. 2 eggs on the ground at the foot of an oak tree on the side of a hill. Collector, F. M. Palmer. 264 GOATSUCKERS AND SWIFTS 4 1 p. Merrill's Parauque. Nyctidromus alhicollis inerrilli. Range. — Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande in southern Texas. This species is the same length as the ('huck-will's-widow, but is not as stoutly built, and has a slightly longer tail. It van be dis- tinguished from any other of the family by its tail, the outer feather on each side being black (or brown- ish barred with black in the female), and the next two having white ends for nearly half their length. T'heir eggs are laid on the ground in open localities, and generally under the protection of an overhang- ing bush. They are two in number and differ greatly from those of any other American member of this family, being a buff or rich salmon buff in color, spot- Salmon buff ted and splashed with gray, lavender, and reddish brown; size 1.25 x .90. Data. — Brownsville. Texas, April 16, 1900. Kggs laid on the ground in a dense thicket. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. Geo. S. Fiske NEST AND EGGS OF WHIP-POOR-WILL 26§ THE BIRD BOOK Nighthawk 420. NiGHTHAWK. Chord- iiles virginianiis vir- gin i anus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains and from Labrador to the Gulf of Mex- ico; winters through Mexico to northern South America. Tlie Nighthawk or some of its sub-species is found in nearly all parts of North America, its habits being the same in all localities. It is (xrayish white of the same size as the Whip- poor-will, from which species it can readily be distinguish- ed by its lack of mouth bris- tles, forked tail with a white band near the end, and the white band across the primar- ies, the latter mark showing very plainly during flight. Be- sides in the country, they are Tery common in cities, where they will be seen any summer day towards dusk flying, skimming, sailing, and swooping over the tops of the buildings, upon the gravel roofs on which they often lay their eggs. They nest generally on rocky hillsides or in open woods, laying their two eggs upon the top of a flat rock. The eggs are a grayish white color, marbled, blotched and spotted with darker shades of gray. Size 1.20 x .85. Chordeiles vir- 420a. Western Nighthawk. ginianus henryi. Range. — United States west of the Plains. A similar bird to the preceding, but with plumage somewhat more rusty. It frequents the more open portions of the country in its range, its habits and nesting habits being the same as others of the former species; the eggs average a trifle lighter in color. Grayish while 420b. Florida Nkjiithawk. Chordeiles vrrgiuianiis rlKipnnmi. Range.- A smaller and paler form found in Florida and along the Gulf coast. No difference can be observed in the nesting habits of tliis as compared with the northern form and the eggs are indistinguishable. 266 J. E. Seebold NEST AND EGGS OP' NIGHTHAWK THE BIRO BOOK \.^ L - ' 420 — 421 of gray, brown and lilac. 420c. Sennett's NiGHTHAvvK, CordeMes virginianus senneiti. Range. — A very pale species with little or no tawny; found in the Great Plains from Texas north to the Saskatchewan; winters south of the United States. 421. TkXAS NiGIITHAWK. Chordeiles acutipevnis li'.rcnsis. Range. — Mexico and Central America, breed ing north to southern Utah and California. The pattern of the marking of this species is finer and more mot- tled with rusty than the Nighthawk. Its habits do not differ to any extent from those of the preceding spe- cies; they lay their two mottled gray eggs up- on the bare ground, often on the dry sand and in arid regions - _^_ . where they are -481 exposed, with '' ■ no protection, to the scorch- ing rays of the sun. The eggs vary endlessly in extent of markings, some being very pale and others very dark gray, mottled with various shades Size 1.10 X. 75. Grayish white SWIFTS. Family MICROPODID^ 422. JiLACK Swift. Cypscloidcs nigcr horcaUs. Range. — Mountain ranges from Central Amer- ica north to British Columbia, locally distribut- ed throughout its range. The plumage of this Swift is entirely sooty black, darkest above; the tail is slightly forked and is without spines; lepgth of bird, 7 inches. Although the general habits of this species are well known, little is known of their nesting; they are seen during the breeding season about the higher ranges throughout their United States habitat, and are supposed to nest in crevices on the face of cliffs at a high altitude. 268 422—424 GOATSUCKERS AND SWIFTS 423. Chimney Swift. Chcetura pelagica. Range. — North America east of the Plains, breeding from central Canada, south to the Gulf coast, and wintering south of our borders. This well known species is sooty brownisli black, 5.5 inches long, and has the tail feathers terminating in sharp spines. They are very abundant in all portions of their range, and may be seen on the wing at all hours of the day, but especially abundant in the early morn- ing and toward dusk. They formerly dwelt and bred only in hollow trees, and a great many still continue to do so, as large hollow stumps are known where hundreds nest every year. The majority of the eastern Chimney Swifts now nest in old chimneys that are unused, at least during the summer; some small chimneys contain but a single pair while other large ones may have from fifty to a hundred or more nests glued to the sides. The birds are on the wing during the greater part of the day, generally not frequenting the vicinity of their nesting site, but returning toward dusk, when they may Chimney Swift NEST AND EGGS OF CHIMNEY SWIFT 269 K. K. Furfest THE BIRD BOOK be seen to, one at a time, dive headforemost into tlie tops of chimneys. The nest is made of small twigs firmly glued to the sides of the chim- ney, or tree, and to each other, with the glutinous saliva of the bird, making a narrow semi-circle platform for the reception of White their three to five white eggs which are deposited in May or June; size .75 x .50. 424. Vaux's Swift. Clnrliira vauxi. Range. — Western United States, chiefly west of the Rockies; breeding north to British Columbia, and wintering south of the United States. Similar to the last but smaller (length 4.5 inches), and paler in color, fading to white on the throat. The habits of this spe- | cies are like those of the east- ern Chimney Swift, except that the majority of these species still continue to use hollow trees as nesting places. The eggs are just like those of the last bird. V2o. White-tiiroated Swift. White Mro)iautes mela)iuli'ucits. ^W( 280 PERCHING BIRDS 443. SnssoR-TAiLED Fi.vrATrHER. Mnscivora forficoia. Range. — Mexico, north through Texas to southern Kansas; accidental in other parts of the country. The Scissor-tail or "Texan Bird of Paradise" is the most heautiful niemher of this interest- ing family. Including its long tail, often 10 inches in length and forked for ahout 6 inches, this P^lycatcher reaches a length of ahout 15 inches. It is pale grayish above, fading into whitish below, and has scarlet linings to the wings, and a scarlet crown patch. They are one of the most abundant of the breeding birds in Texas, placing their iart!;e roughly built nests in all kinds of trees and at any elevation, but averaging between ten and fifteen feet above ground. The nests are built of rootlets, grasses, weeds and trash of all kinds, such as paper, rags, string, etc. The interior is generally lined with plant fibres, hair or wool. They lay from three to five, and rarely six eggs with a creamy white ground color, more or less spotted and blotched with reddish brown, lilac and gray, the markings generally being most numerous about the larger end. They average in size about .90 x .67. Data.— Corpus Christi, Texas, May 18, 1899. 6 eggs. Nest of moss, vines, etc., on small trees in open woods near town. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. Creamy white Scis.sor-tailert Flycatcher 444. Kingbird. Tyrannns tyrnnnits. JCingbird Range. -Temperate North America, breeding I'rom the Gulf of Mexico north to New Bruns- wick, Manitoba and British Columbia; rare off the Pacific coast. This common Tyrant Flycatcher is very abundant in the eastern parts of its range. They are one of the most pugnacious and cour- ageous of birds attacking and driving away any feathered creature to which they take a dis- like, regardless of size. Before and during the nesting season, their sharp, nerve-racking clat- ter is kept up all day long, and with redoul)led vigor when anyone approaches tlieir nesting site. They nest in any kind of a tree, in fields or open woods, and at any height from the ground, being found on fence rails within two feet of the ground or in the tops of pines 70 or 80 feet above the earth. Nearly every orchard will be found to contain one or 28i f^^'.: Cream coloi fki ^-\. -^i /*^^ c ^1 THE BIRD BOOK more pairs of tliesp great insPft dpstroyprs; if more than oiip pair. Miern will be continual warfare as often as one encroaches on tlie domains of the other. Their nests are made of strips of vegetable fibre, weeds, etc., and lined with horsehair or catkins. They are sometimes quite bulky and generally very substantially made. The three to five eggs are laid the latter part of May, and are of a creamy ground color splashed with reddish brown and lilac. Size .95 x .70. Data. — Worcester County, Massachusetts, June 3, 1895. 4 eggs. Nest 10 feet from the ground in an apple tree; made of fibres, string, rootlets and weeds, lined with horse hair. Collector, F. C. Clark. G. K. Moulthrope NEST; AND EGUS OF KINGBIRD 282 -/ PERCHING BIRDS 445. Gray Kingbird. Tyr annus (Jominicensis. Range. — West Indies; north in April to Flor- ida and the South Atlantic States to South Carolina and casually farther. This species is slightly larger than our King- bird, (9 inches long), grayish instead of dark drab above, white below, and without any white ti]) to tail. Like the common Kingbird, it __ has a concealed orange patch on the crown. Their habits and nesting habits are the same as those of our common bird, but the nest is not generally as well built, and nearly al- ways is made largely of twigs. The three or four eggs have a creamy or a creamy pink ground color, spotted and blotched with dark brown and lilac, most num- erously about the large end. Size 1.00 x .!?>. Tarpon Springs, Florida, May 28, 1802. Nest of twigs and weeds in a low bush. Collector, J. A. Southley. 446. Couch's Kingbird. Tyranmts melancholicus couchi. Range. — Mexico, north in summer to southern Texas. This species is very similar to the next but the throat and breast are white, and the underparts a brighter yel- low. Like the other members of this genus, these build their nests in any location in trees or bushes, making them of twigs, weeds and moss. Their three or four eggs havi' a creamy ground with a pinkish cast and are spotted with brown and lilac. Size .97 x .12. Buff Creamy Gray ivinjiljird Arkansas Kingbird H<7. Arkansas Kingbird. Tyr annus verticalis. Range. — Western United States and southern British Provinces from Kansas and Minnesota west to the Pacific. This species has grayish upper parts, shad- ing into darker on the wings and tail, and lighter on the throat and upper breast; the underparts are yellow, and there is a concealed patch of orange on the crown. They are very abundant throughout the west, where they have the same familiar habits of the eastern species, nesting in all sorts of locations such as would be used by the latter. Their nests are made of plant fibres, weeds, string, paper or any trash that may be handy, being sometimes quite bulky. Their eggs do not differ in any particular from those of the eastern bird, ex- cept that they may average a little smaller. Size .95X.65. 283 I THF. BIRD BOOK Derby Flycatcher 448. Cassin's Kingbird. Tyravnus vocifcrons. Range. — Western United States from the Rocky Moun- tain region to California, and from Wyoming southward. This species is like the last except that the throat and breast are darker. Their Buff habits, nesting habits and eggs are indistinguishable from those of the other Ty- rant Flycatchers, and they are fully as courageous in the defense of their homes against either man or bird, their notes resembling those of the common Kingbird of the east. 449. Derby Flycatcher. Pitaiii^us sulphurdht.s derhianns. Range. — Mexico and Central America, breeding north to southern Texas. This handsome bird is the largest of the Flycatcher family found in the United States, being 11 inches in length. It has a black crown enclosing a yellow crown patch; a broad black stripe from the ,. ' ' bill, through the eye and around the back of the head, is separated from the crown by a white fore- head and line over the eye; the throat is white shading into yellow on the underparts. They are abundant in the interior of Mexico, but can hardly be classed as common over our border, where they nest in limited numbers. Their nests are unlike those of any of our other Flycatchers being large masses of moss, weeds and grass, arched over on top and with the entrance on the side. The three or four eggs are creamy white, sprinkled chiefly about tlic large end with small reddish brown or umber spots; size 1.15 X .85. Oi-pamv Avhitc 284 451. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher. Myiody- nastes luteiventris. Range. — Mexico and Cen- tral America, breeding north to the Mexican border of Ari- zona. This peculiar Flycatcher, which is unlike any other American species, can only be regarded as a rare breed- ing bird in the Huachuca Mts. It is 8 inches in length, has a grayish back streaked with PERCHING BIRDS Crested Flycatclu-i- Creumy Imft' black, the tail largely rusty brown and the underparts sul- phur yellow, streaked on the breast and sides with dusky; a yellow crown patch is bord- ered on either side by a stripe of mottled dusky, and is sep- arated from the blackish patch through the eye, by white superciliary lines. Their habits are similar to those of the genus Myiarchus, and, like them, they nest in cavities in trees, and lay from three to five eggs of a creamy buff color thickly spotted and blotched with brown and purplish, the markings not assuming the scratchy appearance of the Crested Flycatchers, but looking more like those of a Cardinal; si-ze of egg 1.05 x .75. Data. — Huachuca Mts., Arizona, June 29, 1901. 4 eggs. Nest in the natural cavity of a live sycamore tree about fifty feet from the ground; composed of twigs. Collector, O. W. Howard. 45^2. Crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus crinifus. Range. — North America, east of the Plains, and from New Brunswick and Manitoba southward; winters from the Gulf States southward. This trim and graceful, but quarrelsome, species is gray- ish on the head, neck, and breast, shading to greenish on the back and quite abruptly into bright yellow on the underparts; the head is slightly crested and the inner webs of all the lateral tail feathers are reddish brown. They are abundant in most of their range but are generally shy so they are not as often seen as many other more rare birds. They nest in cavities of any kind of trees and at any elevation from the ground, the nest being made of ^,^^^- twigs, weeds and trash, and generally having incorporated into its make-up a piece of cast off snake skin. They lay from four to six eggs of a buffy color, blotched and lined with dark brown and lavender. Size .85 X .65. 285 - THE BIRD BOOK 453. Arizona Crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus magister magister. Range. — Southern Arizona and New Mexico, south througli Mexico. This bird is very similar to, but averages sliglitly larg- er than the Mexican Flycatcher. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the latter, the nest being most frequently found in giant cacti. 453a. Mexican Crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus magister nelsoni. Range. — Mexico, north to southern Texas. This species is similar to the last but is considerably paler. They are common in some localities, nesting in holes in trees or stumps, often those deserted by Woodpeckers. Their eggs are like those of the last but average paler. Data. — Corpus Christi, Texas, May 10, 1899. Nest in hole in telegraph pole; made of feathers and leaves. 4 eggs. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong, Pale buff 454. Ash-throated Flycatcher. Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens. Range. — North America, west of the Plains and south of Canada. Similar to the others of the genus but grayish brown above and with the underparts much paler, the throat and breast being nearly white. Like the others they nest in cavi- ties in trees, either natur- al or ones made by Wood- peckers. Their four to five eggs are lighter in color than those of rriii- itii.s but cannot be dis- tinguished from those of the Mexican Crested Fly- catcher. 4f^- -'"^"^ Buff 286 PERCHING BIRDS 454b. Lower California Flycatcher. Myiarchus cinerascens pertinax. Range. — Lower California. This sub-species is similar to Nutting Flycatcher but pal- er below and grayish above. 455a. Olivaceous Fly CATCHER. Myiarchus lawrencei olivascens. Range. — Western Mexico, north to southern Arizona. This is the smallest of the genus found in the United States, being but 7 inches in length. Except for size it is Buffy similar to criiiitus but with very little, if any, rusty brown on tail, except for a slight edging on the outer web. Their nesting sites are the same as those chosen by the other Crested Flycatcher, but their eggs appear to have but little of the scratchy appearance of the other members. They are pale buffy, speckled and spotted with brown and lilac; size .80 x .60. Data. — Toluca, Mexico, May 20, 1895. Nest of brown hair and feathers, in hole in tree in woods. Collector, Fred T. Francis. Phoebe ■i-.iC). Pn(p:BE. S(ii/u7-nis jjhahe. Range. — North America, east of the Rockies and north to Nova Scotia. These very common, grayish colored birds are very often known as "Bridge Birds" because of the frequency with which they construct their nests under bridges and arches; they also build in crevices in ledges or among the hanging roots near the tops of embankments, and on ^-~-^, the rafters or beams of old buildings. The nests are made of mud, moss and grass, lined with feathers. The four or five eggt; measure .75 x .55. Occasionally, eggs will be found that have a few minute spots of reddish brown. Freak situations in which to locate their nests are often chosen by these birds, such as white the brake beam of a freight car, in the crevices of old wells, hen houses, etc. The birds are one of the most useful that we have;, being very active and continually on the alert for insects and beetles that constitute their whole bill of fare. 2^1 li. E. Moulthrope PHOEBE ON NEST PERCHING BIRDS 457. Say's Ph(EBE. Sayornis sayus. Range. — Western United States, breeding from southern United States, north to the Arc- tic regions, and from Kansas and Wisconsin westward. Winters in Mexico. This bird is slightly larger than the last (7.5 inches long), and is rusty brown color on the belly and lower breast. Like the eastern Phoebes they are one of the earliest birds to re- turn in the spring and are abundant in the greater parts of their range. Like the latter, they often / raise two broods a season, i, one in April and another in July. Their nests are gener- ally placed on narrow shelves White and crevices of ledges, but they also nest as commonly about houses and farms as does the eastern bird. The nests are made of weeds, mosses, fibres and wool, and are quite flat. They lay four or five white eggs. Size .78 X .58. 458. Black Phocbe. Sai/onii.s niirricans. Range. — Mexico and north in summer into the bordering States. This species is of the size of the last but is blackish (darkest on the head and breast), with a white belly and under tail coverts, the latter streak- ed with dusky. Their habits ( and nesting habits are the same as those of the eastern Phoebe, they building their ^yj^ji^^ nests of mud, moss, weeds and feathers on ledges or about buildings, and generally close to or in the vicinity of water. They breed during April or May, laying four or five white eggs which cannot l)e distinguish- ed from those of the common Phoebe. Size .75 x .55. ■ij8a. VVestkrn Black Phocbe. Sayornis nigricans semiatra. Range. — Pacific Coast of Mexico and the United States, breeding north to Oregon. This variety differs from the last in having the under tail coverts pure white. Its nesting habits are precisely the same and the eggs indistinguishable. 289 19 THE BIRD BOOK ^iSQ. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Nuttallornis borealis. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from the Middle States and California north- ward, and in the Rockies, south to Mexico; winters south of the United States. These Flycatchers are nowhere abundant, and in some parts of the country, especially in the middle portion, they are very rare. They breed very locally and generally not ^'y ' more than one pair in any lo- ;',; cality. In New England, I have always found them nest- ing in company with Parula Warblers, in dead conifer- ous swamps in which the L" " • ' ^mJMk. branches are covered with long pendant moss. Kr \ ^i^^W^ Their nests are placed high up in the trees, W^ ^i^^, . ml . ■ ^^ generally above fifty feet from the ground, and on small horizontal limbs; they are made of small twigs and rootlets, lined with finer root- lets and moss, and are very flat and shallow; as they are generally made to match the sur- rounding, they are one of the most difficult nests to find. They lay three or four cream colored eggs which are spotted with reddish brown and lilac, chiefly about the large end. Size .85 x .65. Data. — Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, June 12, 1897. Nest of twigs and moss, about 60 feet above the ground, in a dead pine tree in center of a large wet swamp. Nest could not be seen from the ground, and was found by watching the birds. Creamy white Olive-sided Flycatclier PERCHING BIRDS 460. CouEs's Flycatcher. Myiochanes pertinax pallidiventris. Range. — Western Mexico, breeding north to central Arizona. This Flycatcher builds one of the most artistic nests created by feathered creatures. It bears some resemblance on the exterior to that of the next species, but it is much more firmly made, and the walls are usually higher, making a very deeply cupped interior. The outside of the nest is made of fibres, cobwebs, catkins, etc., firmly felted together and ornamented with green lichens to match the limb upon which it is saddled. The interior is heavily lined with dried, yellowish grasses, making a very strong con- trast to the exterior. They are fairly abundant birds in the ranges of southern Arizona, where they nest generally during Cream color June. They lay three eggs of a rich creamy color, spotted and blotched, chiefly about the larger end, with reddish brown and lilac gray. Size .95 x .61. Data. — Huachuca Mts., Arizona, July 8, 1897. 3 eggs. Nest in a yellow pine about 60 feet up and near the extremity of a long slender limb. Elevation 7000 feet. Collector, O. W. Howard. 461. Wood Pewee. Myiochanes virens. Range. — North America, east of the Plains '-— - - • - and north to Ihe southern parts of the British Provinces. Winters south of the United States. This is one of the best known and one of the most common frequenters of open woods, where all summer long its pleasing notes may be heard, resembling "Pee-a- wee" or sometimes only two syllables "pee-wee." They nest on horizontal limbs at elevations of six feet or over, making handsome nests of plant fibres and fine grasses, covered on the exterior with lichens; they are quite shallow and very much resembles a small knot on the limb of the tree. They lay three or four eggs of a ceram color spotted in a wreath about the large end, with reddish brown and lavender; size .80 X .55. Data. — Torringtou, Conn., June 16, 1890. Nest of fibres covered with licheiu . saddled on the branch 01 an oak tree neai- roadside. Collector, John Gath. -i^^Sjfe-^v Cream coloi' Chickadee Family 291 Guy H. Briggs NEST AND EGGS OF WOOD PEWEE PERCHTNG BIRDS 462. Western Wood Pewee. Myiorhaves rirhardsoni richardsom. Range. — Western United States from the Plains to the Pacific, and from Manitoba south- ward, wintering south of the United States. The nesting habits of this bird are the same as those of the eastern Pewee. but their nests are more strongly built and generally deeper, and without the outside ornamentation of lichens. They are saddled upon horizontal branches, like those of the preceding, as a rule, but are also said to have been found in upright crotches like those of the Lea.st Fly- catcher. Their three or four eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the eastern Wood Pewee. 462a, T,ARGE-HiLLEn Wood Pewee. Myio- chnnes rirhardsoni peninsul(P. Range. — This species which differs from the last only slightly, as is indicated by the name, inhabits the peninsula of Lower California; its nesting habits and eggs will not differ from those of the other Pewees. lli.'d Flycatcher Acadian Flycatcher 463. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Empidona.r flaviventris. Range. — North America, east of the Plains and north to Labrador; winters south of the United States. This species is slightly larger than the Least Flycatcher and is more yellowish above and below, the breast being quite bright. While common in some districts it is quite shy and frequents thickly wooded regions, where it is not very often seen. They nest near or on the ground among rocks or roots of fallen trees. chiefly in swampy places; the nests are made in bunches of moss, hollowed out and lined with very fine grasses. Their four eggs are creamy or huffy white, spotted and speckled about the larger end with reddish brown and gray; size .68 x .51. / ■ Prpainy whltn 464. Western Flycatcher. Empidonax difficilis difficilis. Range. — Western North America, from the Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific, and north to Alaska; winters chiefly south of the United States. This Flycatcher, which is similar to the last, nests in similar locations as well as in many others, such as crevices and fissures in rocks, holes in banks, cavities in trees, rafters in buildings, etc. The nests are variously made, but consist chiefly of fine grasses, weeds and fibres. The eggs are as a rule similar to Creamv white those of the last species and cannot be distinguished. 293 THE BIRD BOOK 464 — 466 464a. San Lucas Flycatcher. Empidonn.r difficilia rineritius. Range. — Lower California. This species is similar to, but duller in plum- age than the Western Flycatcher. Their nest- ing habits do not probably vary from those of the latter. 465. Acadian Flycatcher. Empidonax virescens. Range.— Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southern New England, and in the Mississippi Valley to Manitoba. This species is very pale below and greenish yellow on the back. They are among the latest of the migrants to reach our borders and arrive in the Middle States about the lat- ter part of May, when they are quite common. They build semi-pensile nests in the forks of bushes or over- hanging branches at heights of from four to twenty feet, the nests being made of rootlets, fibres, fine grasses, etc., and partially suspended from the branch; they are quite shallow and loosely constructed and often appear more like a bunch of debris deposited in the fork by the wind than like the creation of a bird. Their three or four eggs are buffy, spot- ted or specked with brown; size .75 x .55. Buffy 466. Traill's Flycatcher. Emprflona.r trailli trailli. Range. — Western North America, from the Mississippi Valley to the Pacific; winters south of the United States. This species is very similar to the next, but the back is said to be more brownish. They are common and nest abundantly in thickets and low scrubby woods, usually placing the nest at a low elevation, preferably in a clump of willows; the nests are made of fine strips of bark, plant fibres, and very fine root- lets being woven about and firmly fastened in upright Creamy white crotches. Their eggs, which are laid in June, are buffy white, specked and spotted, chiefly at the large end, with brownish ; sixe .70 x .54. 294 I.i>ast Flycatcher PERCHING BIRDS 466a. Alder Flycatcher. EmpifJona.T frailli alnorum. Range. — United States, east of the Mississippi and north to New Brunswick. The only difference between this and the pre- ceding variety is in the more greenish upper parts. They are quite abundant in tlie breed- ing season from New England and northern New York northward, frequenting, to a great extent, alder thickets bordering streams. Their nests and eggs do not differ appreciably from those of the western variety of Traill Fly- catcher. 467. Least Flycatcher. Empidohax minimus. Range. — North America, east of the Rockies and north to the interior of Canada, wintering south of the United States. These little birds (.5.5 inches long) are common about houses ^^ and orchards on the outskirts of cities, and on the edges of for- '■h^^^^ ests or open woods. They are very frequently known by the ^^HiJP*^ name of Chebec from their continually uttered note. In nearly „, all instances, the nests are placed in upright forks at elevations ^^ ^ varying from four to twenty-four feet from the ground. The nests are made chiefly of plant fibres, fine grasses, string, cobwebs, etc., and the three to five eggs are pale creamy white; size .65 x .50. 468. Hammond's Flycatcher. Empidonax hammondi. Range. — North America, west of the Rockies and from British Columbia south- ward, wintering south of the United States. This western representative of the Least Flycatcher is less abundant and more shy, but has the same nesting habits as the east- prn birds, placing its nests either in upright crotches or, more rarely, upon horizontal branches at a low elevation. The eggs can- not be distinguished from those of the last species. KiP. Wright's Flycatcher. Empidonax wrighti. Range. — Western United States, breeding from the Mex- i( an border to Oregon and wintering south of the United States. A very similar bird to the last but whiter ^ ~^ below. It is a much more abundant species than the last and is found breeding In open woods and thickets on all the ranges. The ^^jM^^' nests are built like those of the Least Fly- ^^■BP"^ catcher and nearly always are found in the crotch of trees or bushes at a low ele- atlon; their nests, like those of the two preceding species, bear a strong resemblance to those of ^^^ the Yellow Warblers which are found in the same locali- ty??' J^Bl ^5^ ' *'^^ ^"•^ locations. The eggs are pale creamy white, four in number and measure .68 x .52. White WhltP 462 — 469 — 489.1 295 THE BIRD BOOK Ver ground million The 469.1. Gray Flycatcher. Empidonax griseus. Range. — Lower California, north to southern California. This is a slightly larger species than the pre- ceding and is grayish ahove and paler below, with little or no tinge of brownish or yellow. As far as I can learn its eggs have not yet been taken. 470a. BiTFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. Evipi dona.r fvlvifrons pygmceus. Range. — Western Mexico, north to southern New Mexico and Arizona. This small bird, which is but 4.75 inches in length, is brownish gray above and brownish buff below. It is not a common species any- where, but is known to nest during June or July, on high mountain ranges, saddling its nest of fibres, covered with lichens, on horizon- tal boughs at quite an elevation from the eggs are pale buffy white, unspotted, and measure .60 x .50. Flycatcher 471. Vermillion Flycatcher. Pyrocephalus ruhinus mexicanus. Range. — Mexico, north regularly to southern Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. This is one of the most gaudy attired of all North American birds, being brownish gray on the back, wings and tail, and having a bright Vermillion crown, crest and underparts. They are quite common in southern Texas, but far more abundant in the southern parts of Arizona. Their habits do not differ from those of other Flycatchers, they living almost exclu- sively upon insects. The majority of their nests can not be dis- tinguished from those of the Wood Pewee, being covered with lichens and saddled upon limbs in a similar manner, but some lack the mossy ornamentation. Their three or four eggs are buffy. boldly blotched with dark brown and lavender, chiefly in a wreath about the middle of the egg; size .70 x .50. Data. — San Pedro River, Arizona, June 10, 1899. Nest in the fork of a willow about 20 feet above the stream. Collector, O. W. Howard. Buff 472. Beardless Flycatcher. Camptosfoma imherhe. Range. — Central America; north casually to the Lower Rio Grande in Texas. This strange little Flycatcher, several specimens of which have been taken in the vicinity of Lomita, Texas, is but 4.5 inches in length, grayish in color and has a short bill, the upper mandible of which is curved. It has all the habits peculiar to Flycatchers. Their eggs have not as yet been found as far as I can learn. "^-^arJ^l^iSaigf^ 296 PERCHING BIRDS LARKS. Family ALAUDIDv^ [473. Skylark. Alaiidn arvensis. Range. — Old World, straggling casually to Greenland and Bermuda. This noted foreigner has been imported and liberated a number of times in this country, but apparently is not able to thrive here, a fact which will not cause much regret when we remember the experiment with the English Sparrow. They are abundant in Europe and Great Britain where they (irayish nes\. on the ground in culti- vated fields or meadows, laying from three to five grayish eggs, marked with brown, drab and lavender. 474". Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris alpestris. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in Labrador and about Hudson Bay; winters in eastern United States south to Carolina. This variety of this much sub-divided species is 7.5 inches in length, has brownish gray upper parts and is white below with black patches on the breast and below the eye, yellowish throat and small black ear tufts. The various sub- species are all marked alike, their distinction being based upon slight differen- ces in size, variations in the shade of the back, or the greater or less intensity of the yellowish throat and superciliary stripe. The nesting habits of all the varieties are the same and the eggs differ only in the shade of the ground color, this variation among the eggs of the same variety being so great ttip.i an egg cannot be identified without knowing the locality in which it was taken. The present variety build their nests on the ground generally under tufts of grass or in hollows in the moss which is found in their breeding range, m.aking them uf dried grasses and generally lining them with feathers. The egg^ are grayish with a slight greenish tinge, and are specked and spotted over the whole sur- face with drab, brownish and dark lavender. The eggs of this and tlie next variety average considerably larger than those of the more southerly distributed varieties; size .92 x .65. Horned Lark 474a. Pallid Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris arcticola. Range. — Breeds in Alaska and winters south to Oregon and Montana. This is the largest of the Horned Larks and has the throat white, with no trace of yellow. Its nest is built in similar locations and the eggs are like those of the preceding species. / 297 THE BIRD BOOK I'T'l'b. Prairie Horned Lark. Ofocoris alpestris praticola. Range. — Breeds in the Mississippi Valley from Illinois north to Manitoba and east to the Middle States; winters south to Carolina and Texas. This sub-species is considerably smaller than the Horn ed Lark, and the throat is paler yellow, while the line over the eye and the forehead is white. They are the most abundant and have the most extended range of any of the better known species. In the Mississippi Val- ley, where they are of the most common of the nesting birds, they build on the ground in meadows or cultivated fields, and very often in cornfields; the nests Olive buff are made of grasses and lined with horse hairs or feathers, and placed in slight hollows generally under a tuft of grass or sods. They raise two broods a season and sometimes three, laying the first set of eggs in March and another in June or July. The three or four eggs have an olive buff ground and are thickly sprinkled with drab and lavender; size .83 X .60. 474c. Desert Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris leu- colcema. Range. — Plains of western United States, east of the Rockies and west of Kansas and Dakota; breeds north to Alberta, and winters south to Mexico, Texas and southern California. This species is like pniticalfi, but paler on the back; nest and eggs the same. 474d. Texas Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris giraudi. Range. — Coast of southeastern Texas. A pale variety like leucnlo'ma, but smaller; throat bright yellow, and breast tinged with yellow. Nest and eggs like those of the others. 474e. California Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris actia. Range. — Lower California and southern California. This bird is similar to the last but the yellow areas are brighter, and the nape and back are ruddy. 474f. Hi'DDv Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris rubea Range. Sacramento Valley. California. This variety has the yellow areas brighter than in any other and the back and nape are more ruddy. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the others. Olive buff PERCHING BIRDS 474'g. Streaked Horned Lark. Ostocons alpestris strigata. Range. — Northwestern United States (Washington, Oregon and northern Cali- fornia). Similar to the last, but with tlie back broadly streaked with black, the ruddy less intense and the underparts tinged with yellowish. 474h. Scorched Horned Lark. Otacoris alpestris adrista. Range.^ — Western Mexico, north in summer to southern Arizona. This variety has the back and nape nearly a uniform pinkish ruddy with but little streaking. 474i. Dusky Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris merrilli. Range. — Northwestern United States and southern British Columbia, winter- ing south to central California. Similar to pratirola but slightly darker above. 474j. Sonora Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris pallida. Range.— Gulf coast of northern Lower California. The upperparts of this variety are very pale pinkish brown. 474k. Hoyt's Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris hoyti. Range. — Interior of British America, west of Hudson Bay and east of Alaska, south in winter in the interior of the United States to Kansas. Much larger than the last; equal in size and similar to artiroJo but with the throat yellowish and the upperparts darker and brighter. 474I. Montezuma Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris occidentalis. Range. — Western New Mexico and eastern Arizona, south in winter to north- ern Mexico. This variety has the upperparts pale brownish and not streaked; throat and forehead yellowish. 474m. Island Horned Lark. Otocoris alpestris insularis. Range. — Santa Barbara Islands, California. Similar to fifrifinfa but darker. With the exception of the three large varie- ties of Horned Larks found north of our borders, neither the eggs nor, in most cases, the birds can be identified without the precise location where they were taken. 299 THE BIRD BOOK CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES, ETC. Family CORVID^. J-?.^. Magpie. Pica pica hudsonia. Range. — Western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific and from Alaska to Arizona and New Mexico. These large handsome hirds have the entire head, neck and breast velvety black, abruptly defined against the w h i t e iinderparts. The back, wings and tail are greenish or bluish black, and the scapulars, white; length of bird 20 inches. They are well known throughout the west, where their Grayish white bold and thievish habits always excite com- k-..^, <^^ ment. They nest in bushes and trees at low .^ ^B elevations from the ground, making a very ^ ■•*-'"' ^ large nest of sticks, with an opening on the side, and the interior is made of weeds and mud, lined with fine grasses; these nests often reach a diameter of three feet and are made of quite large sticks. During April or May, they lay from four to eight grayish white eggs, plentifully spotted with brown and drab. Size 1.25 x .90. Maypi< 476. Yellow-billed Magpie. Pica nnttalli. Range. — Middle parts of California, west of the Sierra Nevadas. This species is slightly smaller than the last and has a yellowish bill and lores, otherwise being pre- cisely like the more common species. Their habits do not differ from those of the other, the nests are the same and the eggs are indistinguishable. Size 1.25 X .88. Grayish wliite 300 NEST OF AMERICAN MAGPIE PERCHING BIRn.^ 477. Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata cristata. Greenish buff Blue Jay Range. — North America, east of the Plains and north to Hudson Bay; resident and very abundant in its United States range. These beautiful and bold maurauders are too well known to need de- scription, suffice it to say that they are the most beautiful of North American Jays ; but be- neath their handsome plumage beats a heart as cruel and cunning as that in any bird of prey. In the fall, winter and spring, their food consists largely of acorns, chestnuts, berries, seeds, grain, insects, lizards, etc., but during the summer months they destroy and devour a great many eggs and young of the smaller birds, their taste for which, being so great that they are known to watch a nest until the full complement of eggs is laid before making their theft. They nest in open woods or clumps of trees, indifferently, in pines or young trees, build- ing most often below twenty feet from the ground; the nests are made of twigs and rootlets, lined with fine rootlets. During May they lay from four to six eggs of a greenish buff color spotted with olive brown. Size 1.10 x .80 477a. Florida Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata. florincula. Range. — Florida and the Gulf coast. The nesting habits and eggs of this smaller sub-species are the same as those of the northern Blue Jay. Like our birds, they frequently nest near habitations. 478. Steller's Jay. Cyanocitta stelleri stellcri. Range. — Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska; resident and breed- ing throughout its range. All the members of this sub-species are similar in plumage, having a sooty black head, crest and neck, shading insensibly into dark bluish on the back and underparts, and brighter blue on the wings and tail. They usually have a few streaks or spots of pale blue on the forehead. They are just as noisy, bold and thievish as the eastern Jay and are also excellent mimmics like the latter. They nest in fir trees at any height from the ground and in April or May deposit their three to six greenish blue eggs which are spotted with various shades of brown. Size 1.25 x .90. Their nests are more bulky than those of the eastern Jay and are usually made of larger sticks and held together with some mud. 478a. Blue-b'Ronted Jay. Cyanocitta stellcri frontalis. Range. — Coast ranges of California and Oregon. The nesting habits and eggs of this variety are indistinguishable from those of the preceding. The bird has more blue on the forehead. 478b. LoNG-CRESTED J AY. Cyanocitta stellcri diademata. Range. — Southern Rocky Mountains from Arizona to Wyoming. No general difference can be found between the eggs of this species and the Steller Jay, and the nests of each are constructed similarly and in like situa- tions. 303 Greenish blue ^ Dr. J. B. Pardee YOUNG BLUE JAYS BLUE JAY 20 THE BIRD BOOK y 478c. Black-headed Jay. Cyanocitia stelleri annectens. Range. — Northern Rocky Mountains from northern Colorado to British Columbia. The eggs of this sub-species cannot be iden- tified from those of the other varieties. Like the others, their nests are made of sticks plast- ered together with mud and lined with weeds and rootlets. i78d. Queen Charlotte Jav. Cyanocitia stelleri carlottce. Range. — Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. 479. Florida Jay. Aphelocoma cyanea. Range. — Locally distributed in Florida. All the birds of this genus have no crests or decided markings, are white or grayish below, and more or less intense blue above, with the back grayish or brownish blue. This species is 11.5 inches long, has a ;•:"•" ' ' "". pale blue crown and a nearly white forehead. It has a very limited distribution, being confined chiefly to the coast dis- tricts of middle Florida, and very abundant in some locali- ties and rare in adjoining ones. They build shallow struc- tures of small sticks and weeds lined with fine rootlets and placed at low elevations in bushes or scrubby trees. The three or four eggs, which are laid in April or May are dull greenish blue, marked with olive brown. Size 1.00 x .80. Data. — Titusville, Fla., April 17, 1899. Nest of sticks in a scrub oak, five feet from the ground. 48U. VV'oodhouse's Jay. Aphelocoma woodhousct. Range.^ — United States west of the Rockies and from Oregon and Wyoming to Mexico. This species has the crown and forehead bluish, and the underparts gray, streaked with bluish gray on the breast. It is also larger than the last, being 12 inches long. They are very abundant in the Great Basin between the Rock- ies and the Sierra Nevadas, breed- ing during April or May in scrub by trees or bushes at low elevations and generally near streams. They lay from three to five eggs of a dull bluish green color, spotted with umber and lilac gray. Size 1.08 X .80. Data.— Iron County, Utah, 4 eggs. Nest of sticks and weeds in a small Greenisli Ijlue Bluish green May 3, 1897 pine tree. 306 PERCHING BIRDS 480.1. Blue-eared Jay. Aphelocoma cyanotis. Range. — Interior of Mexico north to the southern bound- ary of Texas. The nesting habits of this species are the same as those of the others of the genus and the eggs are similar but the markings are generally more prominent and larger. Size 1.10 X .80. •1-80.2. '1'kxas Jay. Aphelocoma texana. Range. — Southeastern Texas. It is not likely that the eggs of this species differ es- sentially from those of many of the others. 481. California Jay. californica. Range. .Iplielocoina californica -ls4a -Pacific coast of California and Washington. This is a very abundant species both about habitations and in low woodlands. They are very bold and familiar, stealing everything they may take a fancy to, and fre- quently robbing smaller birds of their eggs and young. They are said to be more tame and familiar than the eastern Blue Jay, thereby bring- ing their bad habits much more frequently to the atten- tion of the masses. They nest most often in bushes or low trees, but not as a rule, far above the ground. Their eggs are a bright bluish green color, speckled and spotted with brownish and lavender. Siz':j 1.10 X .80. P.ri5»iit blui.sh green .^I^Jr-SA: 481a. Xanti's's Jay. Aplielocoiiia californica lii/poleuca. Range. — Lower California. The habits and nests and eggs of this lighter colored variety do not differ from those of the California Jay. 481b. Bi'^lding's Jay. Aphelocoma californica ohscura. Range. — San Pedro Martir Mts. Lower California. A darker variety of the California Jay, whose nesting habits will not differ in any essential particular. 481.1. Santa Cruz Jay. Aphelocoma insnlaris. Range. — Santa Cruz Island, California. This species is the largest and darkest colored bird of the genus AijhchKonia. It is said to be a very abund- ant species on the island from which it takes its name, and to have the habits and traits common to all the members of the Jay family. The nesting habits are the same as those of the others, but the eggs are slightly larger, averaging 1.15 x .85. set of three in the collection of John Lewis Childs, taken by R. H. Beck on May 10, 1897. 482. Arizona Jay. Aphelocoma sieberi arizonae. Range. — Arizona and southwestern New Mexico south intf) Mexico. 307 Greenish blue Green Jay Grayish l)uff THE BIRD BOOK 482a. Couch's Jay. Aphelocoma sieheri couchi. Range.^ — Eastern Mexico, north to western Texas. 483. Green Jay. Xantlioura luauosa glaucescens. Range. — Northeastern Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This handsome species has a bright blue crown and patches under the eyes, the rest of the upper parts being green- ish ; throat and sides of head black, underparts greenish white. This gaudy and noisy bird has all the habits common to other Jays including that of rob- bing birds' nests. They build generally in tangled thickets or low bushes, placing their nests at a low elevation and making them of twigs, weeds, moss, etc., lined with fine rootlets. Their four or five eggs, which are laid during April or May, are grayish buff in color, spotted with various shades of brown and lavender gray. Size 1.20 x .85. 484. Canada Jav. Perisoreus canadensis canadensis. Range. — Southeastern British Provinces and the adjacent portions of the United States; west to the Rockies. This is the bird that is well known to hunters of "big game" by various names such as "Whiskey Jack," "Moose Bird," "Camp Robber," etc. Dur- ing the winter months, owing to the scarcity of food, their thieving propensities are greatly enhanced and they remove everything from the camps, which looks as though it might be edible. Birds of this genus are smoky gray .--' - ^- on the back and lighter below, shading to white on the throat; the fore- head and part of the crown is white and the nape blackish. Their nests are placed at low elevations in bushes or fir trees, and are usual- Gi'ayish ly very different from any of the preceding Jays' nests. They are nearly as high as wide, and are made of small twigs, moss, catkins, weeds and feathers making a soft spongy mass which is placed in an upright crotch. The eggs are a yellowish gray color spotted and blotched with brown and grayish. Size 1.15 x .80. Data. — In- nisfail. Alberta, March 12, 1903. Nest a beauti- ful structure of twigs, moss and feathers in a willow bush, 6 feet from the ground. The ther- mometer registered 32 below zero the day the eggs were taken. Collector, W. Blackwood. 308 Canada Jay PERCHING BIRDS 484a. Rocky Mountain Jay. reri.soicit.s canadensis capitalis. Range. — Rocky Mountains from Montana to Arizona. This variety lias the whole crown white and only a small amount of blackish on the nape. " Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely like those of the last. NEST AND KGGS OF CANADA JAY SHOMMNG CONSTRUCTION 484b. Alaska Jay. Perisorcus canadensis fiimifruns. Range. — Alaska. , ^ , j n • i ^,. A very similar bird to the Canada Jay but witli the forehead yellowish or duller; the nests and eggs are like those of the others of the genus. 484c. I,ABRADOR Jay. Perisoieus canadensis niirricapillns. Range. -Labrador. • , j This is a darker variety of the Canada Jay. Its eggs cannot be distinguished from those of any of the others of the genus. 485. Oregon Jay. Perisoreus obscurus obscnnis. Range.— Mountain ranges from northern California to British Columbia. These birds are verv similar to raiinrJrii.'^i.^ but have the whole underpartb white. Like the Canada Jays they appear to be wholly fearless and pay little or no attention to the presence of mankind. Tlieir nesting habits^ and eggs are the same as the preceding except that they have generally been found nest- ing near the tops of tall fir trees. Size of eggs, 1.05 x .80. 309 r PERCHING BIRDS 485a. Gray Jay. Peri.soreus ohscurus griseus. Range. British Columbia to northern California, east of the coast ranges. This bird is said to be larger and grayer than the preceding. iS(). Ravkn. Corriis cora.r siiiiinfii.i. Range. — North America west southward. blotched with umber and drab. of the Rockies and from British Columbia The Raven is like a very large Crow, length 24 inches, but has the feathers on the neck lengthened and stiffened. Their habits are similar to those of the Crow, but more dignified, and they remain mated for life. Besides grass- hoppers and worms, they feed largely upon animal matter such as lizards, shell fish, frogs, eggs and young of birds, and carrion. They nest on ledges of high inaccessible cliffs or the tops of tall trees, making largo nests of sticks lined with smaller ones and hair or wool: the eggs are laid in April or May, number from four to seven, and are light greenish in color. Size 1.95 X 1.25. 486a. Northern Raven. Corvus corfw principalis. Range.— Eastern North America chiefly north of the United States and north- west to Alaska; south on some of the higher ranges to Georgia. This variety is like the last but is larger. They are not nearly as abundant as the western form and are very rare within the United States. A few pairs still breed on some of the rocky islands off the coast of Maine; more off New Brunswack and Newfoundland, and they are quite common on the cliffs of Labrador and Alaska. Their nesting habits and eggs are like those of the last. 187. ^^'nlTE-NECKED Raven. Corvus cri/ptol eiiciis. Range.— Mexico and the border of the United States; north to eastern Kansas. This small Raven is of about the size of the Crow, and has the bases of the neck feathers white. They are very abundant in some localities, especially in southern Ari- zona. Their food consists chiefly of animal matter, the same as the large Ravens, and they are not nearly as shy, frequently feed- ing in camps upon refuse which is thrown out to them. They build at low elevations in any tree, but preferably in mesquites, making their nests of sticks and lining them with hair, leaves, bark, wool or anything soft. During June they lay from four to six ^ pale bluish green eggs, generally sparingly spotted or scratched with dark brown and drab. Size 1.75 x 1.20. 3H Palf" lilui.sli green THE BIRD BOOK vJ 4-88. Crow. Corvns brarhifrhi/}irhos hrarhyrhifnchos. Range. — Whole of North America south of the Arctic Circle; most abundant in eastern United States; rare in many localities in the west. American Crow American Raven Greenisli white These birds, against which the hand of every farmer is uplifted, are very shy and cunning: as is well known, they nearly always post a sentinel in some tree top to keep watch while the rest of the flock is feeding in the field be- low. In the fall and winter, large numbers of them flock, and at night all roost in one piece of woods; some of the "crow roosts" are of vast extent and contain thousands of individuals. Crows nest near the tops of large trees, preferably pines, either in woods or single trees in fields. Their nests are made of sticks and lined with rootlets, and the eggs, which are laid in April or May, range from four to seven in number, are a bluish or greenish white, sparingly or very densely speckled, spotted and blotched with various shades of brown and lilac. Size 1.60 x 1.15. Bluisii wliite 4'88a. Florida Crow. Cnrvus hrachy rh yv chofi pa semis. Range. — Florida. This variety has a slightly shorter tail and wings than the last. 490. Fish Crow. Corvns nssifrngus. Range. — Northwest coast from Oregon to Alaska. This small Crow which is but 16 inches in length, is found only on the coast, where they feed upon shell fish and offal. They nest, as do the Ravens, either on ledges or in tree tops. The eggs resemble those of the common Crow, but are smaller. Size 1..55 x 1.05. 48P. NoRTHWKSTERN Crow. Corvus caurinus. Range. — South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, north m summer to Connecticut. Prom Virginia southward, this small Crow (length 16 inches) is more abundant on the coast than the common Crow which is often in company with this species. Their food consists of grain, berries, and animal matter. Their nesting habits are like those of the common Crow and the eggs are similar and have as great variations, but are smaller. Size 1.45 x 1.05. 312 Bluish white PERCHING BIRDS 491. Clarke's NrTCRACKER. Xucifraga cnhimhiann. Range. — Mountains of western North Amer- ica from Mexico to Alaska. The Clarke Crow, as this bird is often known, is a common resident in most of its range. Thf adults are grayish with black wings and cen- tral tail feathers, the tips of the primaries and outer tail feathers being '^- "; . white. Their tail is short ■ ■ • and their flight slow and ''.:'■ . ' •',•." somewhat undulating like ' '*v.. ' .• - ,. that of some of the Wood- vVi. . * .^^ ; ■ peckers. Their food con Xv"'. f. . ' ".'•,','■''■ sists of anything edible ''^■r > ' ".i^vl'"*' from seeds and larvap In • the winter to insects, ber- "''"'^'' '''"'■ ries, eggs and young birds at other seasons. In the spring they retire to the tops of ranges, nearly to the limit of trees, where they build their large nests of sticks, twigs, weeds, strips of bark, and fibres matted together so as to form a soft round ball with a deeply cupped interior; the nest is located at from ten to forty feet from the ground in pine trees and the eggs are laid early before the snow begins to leave. They are three in number, grayish in color with a greenish tinge and finely spotted over the whole surface with dark brown and lavender. Size 1.30 x .90. Data. — Salt Lake Co., Utah, April 25, 1900. Nest placed in pine 40 feet up on a horizontal branch, and not visible from below. The tree was at the upper edge of a pine forest at an altitude of about 3000 feet above Salt Lake City. The nest was discovered by seeing the parent fly into the tree; the next day a nest was found with three young nearly ready to fly. Collector, W. H. Parker. This set of three eggs is in the oological collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. Clarke's Nutcracker 492. PiNON Jay. Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. Blui.'^h white Range. — Western United States between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas, and from southern British Colum- bia to Arizona. This Crow-like Jay has a nearly uniform bluish plum- age, and is found abundantly in the pine belts of its range. Their habits are similar to those of the Clarke Crow and the nests are similarly built at lower eleva- tions in pines or junipers. During April or May they lay from three to five eggs of a bluish white color specked and spotted with brown. Size 1.20 x .85. W^^SXs^^ .-^-■it^-.'-' — £. 313 THE BIRD BOOK starling STARLINGS. Family STURNID^ [ip.S.] Starling. Stiiruiis vulgaris. Range. — A European species which has cas- ually been taken in Greenland. It was liber- ated a number of years ago in Central Park. New York City, and has now become abundant ^y there and is spreading slowly in all directions. They build their nests in all sorts of locations such as are used by the English Sparrow, wher- ever they can find a sufficiently large crev- nuush green ice or opening; less often they build their nests in trees, making them of straw, twigs and trash. They lay from four to six pale bluish green eggs; size 1.15 x .85. Two broods are reared in a season. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. Family ICTERID^E 1 Urayish white -^- IPI'- BonoLiNK. Dolichoniid' oryzii^orus. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from New Jersey north to Nova Scotia and Manitoba, and west to Utah and Nevada; winters in South America. This black and white bird is well known in tlie east, where his sweet, wild music, often uttered on the wing, is much ad- mired. He sings all day long during May and June to his Sparrow-like mate, who is sitting on her nest concealed in the meadow grass. They are quite sociable birds and sev- eral pairs often nest in the same field, generally a damp meadow; the nests are hol- lows in the ground, lined with grass and frequently with the top slightly arch- ed to conceal the eggs, which are grayish white, clouded, spotted and blotched with brownish, gray and lilac; size .84 x .62. They number from four to six and are laid in June. \^9^- C'owHiRi). Molothrus (iter (tier. Range. — North America from the Atlantic to eastern California, and from New Brunswick and Manitoba southward; winters from the southern half of the United States southward. These uncivilized members of the bird world build no nests for themselves, but slyly deposit Bobolink 3X4 PERCHING BIRDS their egg in the nest of some other bird from the size of a Robin down, probably the greater number being in Warblers and Sparrows nests; the eggs are hatched and the young cared for by the un- fortunate birds upon which they are thrust. The eggs are white, spotted and speckled all over, more or less strongly with brown and yellowish brown; size .85 X .64. White ^P.Ta. DwAKK CowBiRD. Molothfus (iter ohsciinis. Cowbird Range. — Southwestern United States and Mexico, wintering south of our borders. This variety is like the last, but slightly smaller. The nesting habits of the two are identical and the eggs are indistinguishable. It is believed that Cowbirds do more damage to the smaller birds than all other dangers com- bined, as their young being larger and stronger either crowd or smother the other young or else starve them by getting most of the food brought to the nest. tpfi. Red-eyed Cowbird. Taiigciriii.s aniens involucraius. Range. — Mexico; north in summer to the Lower Rio Grande in Texas. This parasite is larger than the Cowbird, being 9 inches long, and is glossy black with brassy reflections on the upper and under parts. They are abundant in southern Texas where tliey deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, apparently preferring those of Orioles; their eggs are pale bluisb green, unmarked; size .90 x .70. 197. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus . Range. — North America west of the Missis- sippi to eastern California, breeding from the southern parts of the United States north to British Columbia and Hudson Bay and winter- ing from southern United States downward. Tins large handsome Blackbird with bright yel- low head and breast is very abundant in some parts of the west, where they nest in large colonies in sloughs and marshes, being especially abundant in the Dakotas and Mani- •^-''ay'sh white toba. The nests are made of strips of rushes, skillfully woven together and attached to up- right cane near the surface of the water. They lay from four to six eggs having a grayish white ground color, finely specked and spotted with shades of brown and gray; sixe 1.00 x .70. 315 /^> Yellow Blackbird THE BIRD BOOK tJjS. RKD-WINfiEI) Hl.ACKRIRD. pluruiceus pha'virevs. Agelaius t;iuish white Range. North America east of the Rockies and from the soutliern Hritisli Provinces south- ward to the Gulf; winter in southern United States. These hirds are familiar to every frequenter of the country, in their range; too familiar to many, for the enormous flocks do considerable damage to grain fields in the fall. They also do a great amount of good at other seasons in the destruction of injurious insects and weed seed. They breed from April in the southern parts of their range to May and June in the northern, making their nests of grasses, woven and twisted together and placing them in bushes in swamps or over water, and some- times on the ground in clumps of grass. Their eggs are from three to five in number, bluish white boldy spotted, clouded or lined with blackish brown and purplish. Size 1.00 X .70. The nests and eggs of the numerous sub-species are all precisely the same as those of this bird, so we will but enumerate the varieties and their range. To identify these varieties other than by their ranges will require micrometer calipers and the services of the men who separated them. 498a. SoNORA Red-wing. Agelaius pJuvniceus sonoriensis. Range. — A slightly larger variety found in southern United States. 4p8b. Bahama Reu-wing. Agelaius phaniceus bryanti. Range. — Bahamas and southern Florida. This species has a slightly longer bill. 498c. Florida Red-wing. Agelaius phrenicens floridanus. Range. Florida and Gulf coast. A smaller species with a longer bill. 498d. TnHK-Bii,i,ED Red-wing. Agelaius phceniceus fortis. Range. — Breeds in the interior of British America; in winter south through the Plains to southwestern United States. 498e. San Diego Red-wing. Agelaius Phceuieeus neutraUs. Range. — Great Basin between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas, from British Columbia to Mexico, wintering in the southern parts of its range. 498f. Northwestern Red-wing. Agelaius phtruieeus cauriuus. i\ Range. — Pacific coast from California to British Columbia, 316 PERCHING BIRDS 499. BicoLORED Red-wing. Ageloius the purplish color of the preceding spe- 1,' cies is replaced by a more pinkish shade. The nesting habits and eggs are the ^ same as those of the eastern Purple '^^■^'^ Pinch; size of eggs .85 x .60. Data. — Oreenish blue Willis, New Mexico, June 23, 1901. Nest made of twigs and rootlets and lined with horse hair. Collector, F. J. Birtwell. .')19. House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. Range. — United States west of the Plains and from Oregon and Wyoming to Mexico. This is one of the best known of western birds, and nests commonly in all situations ,/' from trees and bushes to vines growing on ;■; porches. Their nests are made of rootlets and grasses and are lined with horse hair. Their nesting season includes all the sum- mer months, they raising two and sometimes Greenish blue three broods a season. The three to five eggs are pale greenish blue with a few sharp blackish brown specks about the large end. Size .80 x .55. ,i\— :,i:i .ilf)l). San Li'CAs House Finch. Carpodacus mc.ricctvus rnberrimus. Range.- -Southern Lower California. A slightly smaller variety of the pre- ceding. 519c. San Clemente House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus clematis. Range. — San Clemente and Santa Barbara Islands. Somewhat darker than the last. 520. Guadalupe Finch. Carpodacus amplus. Range. — Guadalupe Island, Lower California. Similar to the House Finch, but deeper red and slightly larger. Their nest- ing habits and eggs are precisely like those of the House Finch but the eggs average larger; size .85 x .60. .'^•20.1. McCiRECiOR's HoTTSE FiNCH. Carpodacus mcgregori. Range. — San Benito Island, Lower California. A newly made species, hardly to be distinguished from the last. Eggs pro- bably the same. 326 PERCHING BIRDS 521. Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra minor. Range. — Northern North America, breeding in the Alleghanies and from northern New England northward; winters south to the mid- dle portions of the United States and casually farther. The birds are very cur- - .^ ious both in appearance and f , actions, being very "flighty" V, ,- and restless, and apt to re- ^(L^ , main to breed on any of the ^^jj^t, " mountains. They ])uild dur ing March or April, making Greenish wiiiu- ^i^gjj. ^^^^^ qj twigs, rootlets, moss, feathers, etc., and placing them in forks or on branches of trees (usually conifers) at any height from the ground. The eggs are greenish white, spotted witli brown and with lavender shell markings; size .75 x .55. 521a. ^Iexican Chossbill. tra stricklandi. Loaia curvirus- (.'rossl)ill Range. — Mountain ranges from central Mexico north to Wyoming. A larger variety of the preceding. The eggs will not differ except perhaps a trifle in size. 522. White-winged Crossbill. Loaia leucopiera. Range. — Northern North America, breeding in the Alle- ghanies and from northern Maine northward; winters to -- . middle portions of the United States. This species is rosy red with two white wing bars. Like the last, they are of a roving disposition and are apt to be found in any unexpected locality. Their nesting habits are the same as tho^o of the American Crossbill, but the eggs average larger and the <^^i'eenish white markings are more blotchy; size .80 x .55. .97X.67. 523. Aleutian Rosy Finch. Leucosticte griseonucha. Range. — Aleutian and Pribilof Islands; south to Kadiak. This is the largest of the genus, and can ba distinguished from the otliers by its very dark chestnut coloration and the gray hindneck and cheeks. Like the other Leucostictes, they are found in flocks and fre- quent rocky or mountain ous country, where they are nearly always found on the ground. They build in crevices among the -<..2..^- rocks or under ledges or embankments, making the nest of weeds and grasses. Their four or five pure white eggs are laid during June. Size .97 X .67. Data. — St. George Islands of the 327 White While- winged Crosbill M THE BIRD BOOK 324. Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis tephrocotis. Range. — Rocky Mountain region from south to northern United States and also breeding in the Sierra Nevadas; winters on the lowlands of northwestern United States and east to Manitoba. The habits and breeding habits of this * species are like those of the last. The bird is paler colored and the gray is re- stricted to the hind part of the head. They nest on the ground in June, laying four or five white eggs. Saskatchewan White .524a. Hepburn Rosy Finch. littoralis. T.eucosticte tephrocotis Range. — Higher ranges from Washington and British Columbia to Alaska. This variety is like the Aleutian Leucosticte but the brown is a great deal paler. The nesting habits and eggs are, in all probability, like those of the last. .'52.5. Black Rosy Finch. Leucosticte atrata. Range. — Rocky Mountain region of northern United States; known to breed in Idaho. This species is black in place of the brown of the others; the gray is restrict- ed to the hind part of the head and the rosy is rather more extensive on the wings. Their eggs probably cannot be distinguished from those of the Gray- crowned variety. 526. Brown-capped Rosy Finch. Leucosticte australis Range. — Breeds at high altitudes in the Rockies in Colo- rado; south to New Mexico in winter. A similar bird to the Gray-crowned Leucosticte but with no gray on the head. They nest on the ground abovf timber line on the higher ranges of the Rockies. .527. Greenland Redpoll. Acnnthis hornemanni hornemanni. Range. — Greenland and northern Europe; south in winter to Labrador. This large Redpoll nests at low elevations in trees and bushes, its habits and eggs being similar to the more com- mon American species. 527a. Hoary Redpoll. Acnnthis hornemanni exilipes. Range. — Breeds in the Arctic regions and winters south to the northern parts of the United States. This variety is smaller than the last and is considerably darker but still retains the white rump of the Greenland Redpoll. Its nesting habits are the same as those of the next. 328 PERCHING BIRDS 528. Redpoll. Acanthis linaria linaria. Range. — Breeds within the Arctic Circle; winters south to New York, Kansas and north- ern California and casually farther. This species is similar to the last but mucn darker, and the rump is also streaked with blackish. These handsome birds are often met with in winter, feeding on seeds of the weed stems that project above the snow. Their flight and song is similar to that of the Goldfinch or Pine Siskin. They nest at low elevations, either in Bluish g^reen trees or bushes. The eggs num- ber from three to six and are pale bluish, spar- ingly specked with reddish brown. Size .65 x .50. Data.— Mouth of Great Whale River, Hud- son Bay, May 16, 1899. Nest in a willow 4 feet from the ground; made of fine rootlets and grass, lined with feathers. Collector, A. P. Lowe. Redpoll 528a. Holboll's Redpoll. Acanthis linaria holboelli. Range. — Arctic regions; south casually to the border of the United States. A slightly larger variety of the common Redpoll. Eggs probably not dis- tinguished. 528b. Greater Redpoll. Acanthis linaria rostraia. Range. — Breeds in southern Greenland; in winter south through Labrador to the northern border of the United States. This variety is larger and darker than the common Redpoll. It has been found breeding abundantly in southern Greenland, where its nesting habits are the same as those of the Redpoll and the eggs similar but averaging a trifle larger. 529- Goldfinch. Astragalinus tristis tristis Range. — North America east of the Rockies, and from Labrador and Manitoba southward. These beautiful birds are among our sweetest song- sters from May until Sep- tember. They are resident throughout their United States range, where they breed in August or early in Septem- Bluish white her, being one of the latest nesting birds that we have. Their nests are located in bushes, at a height of generally below fifteen feet above the ground, being placed in upright forks, and made of plant fibres and thistle down, firmly woven together. They lay from three to six plain bluish white eggs. Size .65 x .50. The ma- jority of nests that I have found have been in alders over small streams, 329 ^^ Goldflnch A.\l l-iai ■.\.\ GOLDFINCH PERCHING BIRDS ')29a. Pale Goi,nFiNcn. Astragalinus frisfis pallidus. Range. — Rocky Mountains from Mexico to British Colum bia. This variety is sliglitly larger and (in winter) paler than the last. Tj^ph. Wii.i.ow (ioLDFiNCH. As-trogalinu.s trj.stis salicamans. Range. — Pacific coast from Washington to Lower Cali- fornia. Similar to the eastern Goldfinch but back said to be slightly greenish yellow. 5.S0. Arkansas Goldfinch. AstragaUnits psalfria psoltria. Range.— United States, west of the Plains and from Ore- gon to Mexico. This species has greenish upper parts ana yellow below; the crown, wings and tail are ^ black, the bases of the lateral tail feathers 'IIHj^^ and primaries being whitish. They are com- ^^BP^ mon in portions of their range, nesting in similar locations to Bluish whitp those chosen by the common Goldfinch and laying from three to five eggs which are similar but slightly smaller. Size .60 x .4,5. Data.— River- side, California, May 20, 1891. 5 eggs. Nest made of fine grasses lined with cotton; 5 feet from the ground in a small tree. ■>2rta — r,i'fiii 5S0fi. Green-backed Goldfinch. Astragalinus hesperophilus. Range.— Mexico north to the Lower Rio Grande in southern Texas. A similar bird to the last but with the entire upper parts and cheeks, black. The habits, nests and eggs are identical with those of the Arkansas Goldfinch. 531. Lawrence's Goldfinch. Astragalinus lawrencei. Range.— Pacific coast of California, wintering along the Mexican border. This grayish colored Goldfinch has a black face and yellow breast, rump, wing coverts and edges of the primaries. They are quite common in their restricted range, nesting either in upright crotches or in the forks of horizontal limbs. The four or five eggs which they lay are pure white; size .60 x .45. Data.— Santa Conica Canyon, Cal., April 26, 1903. Nest in a cypress tree 12 feet up; composed of grasses, feathers, etc. Collector, W. Lee Chambers. [532.] Black-headed Goldfinch. Spinus notatus. Range.— Mountainous regions of Central America and southern Mexico; accidental in the United States, 331 THE BIRD BOOK 533. Pine Siskin. Spinus pinus. Range. — Breeds from northern United States northward, in the Alleghanies and in the Rock- ies south to New Mexico. Winters throughout the United States. Siskins are of the size of the Goldfinch (5 inches long), and their calls, songs and habits are similar to those of this bird. Their plum- age is grayish brown, streaked with dusky and the bases of the wings and tail feathers are yellow. Like the Crossbills, they frequently feed along our northern borders, but very spor- adically. Their nests are built on horizontal branches of pines or cedars at any elevation from the ground, being made of *"^''«^<^"'''h white grasses and rootlets lined with hair or pine needles, and of rather frail and flat construc- tion. Their eggs are laid during May or June and are greenish white, specked with reddish brown; size .68 x .48. Data. — Hamilton Inlet, Labrador, .June 17, 1898. Nest on branch of a spruce, 10 feet from the ground; made of grass, lined with moss and feathers. Collector, L. Dicks. Pinp Siskin 534. Snow Bunting. Plectrnphena.r nwalis nivalis. Greenish white Range. — Breeds in the Arctic regions, and winters irregularly in large flocks through the United States to Oregon, Kansas and Georgia. These birds are only seen in the United States in large roving flocks, ._ - during the winter when they feed on weed seeds on side hills. Their nests are built on the ground, being sunk into the spagnum moss, and made of grasses lined with feathers. Their four or five eggs are a light greenish white, spotted and splashed with yellowish brown and lilac. Size .90 X .65. 534a. Pribilof Snow Bunting. Plectro- phenax nivali.^ tonmsendi. Range. — ^Pribilof and Aleutian Islands, Alaska. A slightly larger variety which is resident on the islands in its range. Eggs like those of the preceding; laid from May to July. Snowflake 332 PERCHING BIRDS 535. McKay's Snow Bunting. Pletrophenax hyperboreus. Range. — Western Alaska; known to breed on Hall's Island. This beautiful species is, in summer, entirely white except for the tips of the primaries and a black spot on end of central tail feathers, thus being very dis- tinct from the preceding, which has the back and the wings to a greater extent black, at this season. Their eggs probably very closely resemble those of the last species. 536. Lapland Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus. Range. — Breeds in northern North America; winters soutli casually to New York, Ohio and Oregon and occasionally farther. These sparrow-like birds are 6.5 inches long and have a black crown, cheeks and throat, and chestnut band on nape. Like the Snowflakes they nest on the ground in moss, but the four to six eggs that they lay are grayish, heavily mottled and blotched witli chocolate brown; size .80 x .60. m Grayish 536a. Alaska Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis. Range. — Northwest North America, breeding in Alaska; winter south to Ore- gon. This sub-species is like the last but slightly paler. Eggs indistinguish- able. Ni.n-niaii \V. Swa\iis NEST AND EGGS OF GOLDFINCH 333 THE BIRD BOOK 537. Smith's Longspur. Calcarius pictus. Range. — Breeds in Hudson Bay and Mac- kenzie River districts and winters south to Texas chiefly o nthe Plains. This species is of the size of the last but is a rich buff color below, and the other markings are very different. These birds together with the next species are very common on the prairies in central United States in win- Grayish ter. They nest on the ground like the preced- ing species but the nests are scantily made of grasses and not warmly lined like those of the last. The eggs are similar but paler; size .80 X .60. Data. — Herschell Island, Arctic Ocean, June 10, 1901. Nest built in a tuft of grass; made of fine roots and grass, lined with feath- Smith'.s Longspur 538. Chestnut-collared Longspur. Calcaiiiia onnifus. Range. — Plains in the interior of North America, breeding from Kansas north to Saskatchewan; very abundant in the Dakotas and Montana. This handsome species in the breeding plumage has the throat white, breast and belly black, and a chestnut collar on the nape. They are one of the most abundant breeding birds on the prairies, nesting in hollows on the ground either in the open or protected by a tuft of grass. The nests are made of grasses and sometimes moss; three or four eggs laid in June or July; white, blotched, lined marked Dull white and obscurely with brown and purplish; size .75 x .55. 539. McCown's Longspur. lihijnchophancs Tnccowni. Range. — Great Plains, breeding from Kansas to the Saskatchewan. This Longspur which breeds in company with the preceding, throughout its range, can be dis- tinguished from it by the small black patch on the breast, the black crown, and chestnut wing coverts. Their nesting habits are the same, and at this season all the Longspurs have a sweet song often uttered during flight, like that of the Bobolink. Their eggs are of the same size and similarly marked as the last, but the ground color is more gray or olive. 334 Grayish wliite Cliestnul-coUarcii L PERCHING BIRDS 540. Vesper Spauuow. Powcetes gramineus groviineus. Range. — ^Eastern United States, breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to Manitoba and New Brunswiclv; winters in the southern half of tlie United States. A streaked grayish, buft'y and white bird distinguished by its chestnut shoulders and white outer tail feathers. They are abundant birds in eastern fields where their loud piping whistle is known to many frequenters of weed> pastures. They build on the ground, either in grassy or cultivated fields, lining the hollow scantily with grasses. Their four or five eggs are usually laid in May or June; they are dull wliitish, blotched and splashed with light brown and lavender tints; size .80 x .60. Whitish McCown's Liong-si)!!!- oWa. Western Vesper Sparrow. Poacetes gramineus confinis. Range. — This paler variety is found in North America west of the Plains and south of Saskatchewan. Its nesting habits are like those of tlie preceding and the eggs are indistin- guishable. fj K)b. ()RE(i()N Vesper Sparrow. Poa^cetes gramiuciis affinis. A browner variety found on the coast of Oregon and northern California. Its nesting habits are like those of the eastern bird and tlie eggs similar but averaging a trifle smaller. .. ^ ^ t. ,. i, ■ * * English Sparroav. ranser domesticus. These birds, which were imported from Europe, have increased so rapidly that they have overrun the cities and villages of the coun- try and are doing inestimable damage both by driving out native insect ^.-sc =~ eating birds and by their J^^"^^^^^-^ own destructiveness. They /SL^-*»* '^ nest in all sorts of places but preferably behind blinds, where their un- sightly masses of straw protrude from between the slats, and their droppings besmirch the build- ings below; they breed at all seasons of the year, eggs having often been found in January, with several feet of snow on the ground and the mercury below zero. The eggs number from four to eight in a set and from four to eight sets a season; the eggs are whitish, spotted and blotched with shades of gray and black. Size .88 X .60. White iper sparrow H^ .^\ 335 A. R. Spaid NEST AND 'KCUiS OF VESPER SPARROW PERCHING BIRDS 541. Ipswich Spakhow. Passercidus princeps. Range. — Breeds on Sable Island, off Nova Scotia; winters on coast of South Atlantic States. This a large and pale colored form of the common Savannah Sparrow. Its nesting habits are similar to those of the latter and the eggs are marked the same but average larger. Size .80 X .60. 542. Aleutian Savannah Sparhow. Pas- serculus sandwichensis sand trulicii sis. Range. — Breeds on the Alaskan coast; win- ters south to northern California. A streaked Sparrow like the next but with the yellow super- ciliary line brighter and more extended. Its nesting habits are precisely like those of the next variety which is common and well known; the eggs are Grayish white indistinguishable. / Grayish whitt 542a. Savannah Sparrow. Passercidus samhrivhcnsis sai Range. — North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Middle States north to Labrador and the Hudson Bay region. Similar to the last but with the superciliary line paler and the yellow reduced to a spot on the lores. Their nests are hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and generally con- cealed by tufts of grass or weeds. Their three to five eggs vary greatly in markings from finely and evenly dotted all over to very heavily blotched, the ground color being grayish white. Size .75 x .55 542b. Western Savannah Sparrow. Passerculus saiidtrirliensis alaii- dinus. Range. — Western North America from Alaska to Mexico. ^ i jy A slightly paler form whose nesting habits and eggs do / ■■' not differ from those of the last. 542c. Bryant's Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis. hryanti. Range. — Salt marshes of California from San Francisco Bay south to Mexico. Slightly darker and brighter than the eastern Savannah Sparrow and with a more slender bill. The eggs are not different from many specimens of savanna; they are light greenish white heavily blotched with various shades of brown and lavender. Size .75 x .55. 54;^. Belding's Sparrow. Passerculus beldingi. Range. — Pacific coast marshes of southern California and southward. This species is similar to the last but darker and more heavily streaked below. They breed abundantly in salt marshes, building their nests in the grass or patches of seaweed barely above the water, and making tliem of grass and weeds, lined with hair; the eggs are dull grayish white, boldly splashed, spotted and clouded with brown and lavender. Size .78 x .55. 337 22 9 (iravish -wliito 542b— 54.- THE BIRD BOOK 544. Lahge-billed Sparkow. Passercuhis rostratus ros trains. Range.— Coast of southern and Lower California. Similar to the Savannah Sparrow but paler and grayer, without yellow lores and a larger and stouter bill. They- are common in salt marshes, often in company with the last species and their nesting habits are similar to and the eggs not distinguished with certainty from those of the latter. 544a. San Lucas Sparrow. Passercuhis rostratus guttatus. Range. — Southern Lower California. A slightly darker form of the preceding, having identical habits, and probably, eggs. 544c. San Benito Sparrow. Passercuhis rostratus sanctorum. Range. — Breeds on San Benito Islands; winters in south- ern Lower California. The nesting habits and eggs of these very similar sub- species are identical. 545. Baird's Sparrow. Amino(h-(tmus Iniirdl Range. — Plains, breeding from northern United States to the Saskatchewan; south in winter to the Mexican border. These Sparrows breed abundantly on the plains of Dakota and northward, placing their nest in hollows on the ground in fields and along road sides. During June or July, they lay three to five dull whitish eggs, blotched, splashed and spotted with light shades of brown and gray. Size .80 x .60. 546. Grasshopper Sparrow A m mod ram u s s a va n n a r u m a u s t ralis . Range. — United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to Canada. A stoutly built Sparrow marked on the upper parts peculiarly, like a quail; nape grayish and chestnut. These birds are common in dry fields and pastures, where their scarce- ly audible, grasshopper-like song is heard during the heat of the day. Their nests are sunken in the ground and arched over so that they are very difficult to find, especially as the bird will not fiush until nearly trod upon. The four or five eggs, laid in June, are white, specked witli reddish brown. Size .72 X .55. Amvwdramus savanna rum biviacuhitus 5 lOa. Western Grasshopper Sparrow. Range. — West of the Plains from British Columbia to Mexico. Slightly paler than the last; has the same nesting habits; eggs indistinguishable. 338 White Baird's Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow GllASSHOPPEK SPARROW ON NEST C. A. "Reed THR BIRD BOOK ')4<6b. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Am modramus savannarum floridaniis. Range. — Central Florida. A local form, darker above and paler below than the common species. Eggs not different in any particular. Passerherhiiliis ITenslnw's Sparrow (..efonte's Sparrnw r> 17. Henslow's Sparrow. hetislowi henslowi. Range. — United States east of the Plains, breeding locally from Maryland and Missouri north to Massachusetts and Minnesota. This species is similar in form and marking to the last, but is olive green on the nape, and the breast and sides are streaked with blackish. Their nesting habits are very sim- ilar to those of the Grasshop- per Sparrow, the nests being difficult to find. The eggs are greenish white, spotted with reddish brown. Size .7.5x.55. White r> l<7a. Western Henslow's Sparrow. Passerherhulus henslowi occuloifdi/s. Range.— A paler and very local form found in the Plains in South Dakota and probably, adjoining states. Eggs not apt to differ from those of the preceding. 548. Leconte's Sparrow. Passerherhulus lecontei. Range.— Great Plains, breeding from northern United States to Assiniboia; winters south to Texas and the Gulf States. A bird of more slender form than the preceding, and witli a long, graduated tail, the feathers of which are very narrow and pointed. They nest on the ground in damp meadows, but the eggs are difficult to find because the bird is flushed from the nest with great diffi- f '• White culty. The eggs are white ^<*-'' and are freely specked with brown. Size .70 x .52. 549. Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Passerher- hulus caudacutus. Range.— Breeds in marshes along the Atlan- tic coast from Maine to South Carolina and winters farther south. These birds are very common in nearly all the salt marshes of the coast, nesting in the marsh grass. I have nearly always found their nests attached to the coarse marsh grass a few inches above water at high tide, and generally under apiece of drifted seaweed. The nests are made of grasses, and the four or five eggs are whitish, thickly specked with White reddish brown. Size .75 x .55. The birds are hard to flush and then fly but a few feet and quickly drop into the grass again, 340 PERCHING BIRDS 549.1. Nelson's Sparrow, nelsoni nelsoni. Passerlicrbidii.s Range. — Breeds in the fresh water marshes of the Mississippi valley from Illinois to Mani- toba. This species is similar to the Sharp-tailed Finch but more buffy on the breast and gener- ally without streaks. The nesting habits arc the same and the eggs indistinguishable. 51'9.1