THE BIRD^BOOK PASSENGli^R on WILD PIGEON Female iMale Young" THE 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, S. B. 19 14 CHAS. K. REED Worcester, Mass. Copyright CHAS. k. REED 191* .PmfeEbnifsr|- 1914 GQiTi'POsitiDn'and Printing by A. T\. EDDY, Albion, N. Y. r**--****^. BAEN OWL CVwvv SVvo\x\dev--, tONCvXS Se;coy\3^(x>r\es Gtco^evCovevts -5- C \Y\r\eY ;.'^wv(\>p TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD TABLE OF CONTENTS Diving Birds. Order I. Pygopodes 10 Grebes. Family Colymbidae 11 Loons. Family Gaviidse 17 Auks, Murres and Puffins. Family Alcidse 21 liOng-winged Swimmers. Order II. Longipennes 35 Skuas and Jaegers. Family Stercoraridae 35 Gulls and Terns. Family Laridse 38 Skimmers. Family Rynchopidse 58 Tube-nosed Swimmers. Order III. Tubinares 59 Albatrosses. Family Diomedeidae 59 Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels. Family Procellariidae 61 Totipalmate Swimmers. Order IV. Steganopodes 72 Tropic Birds. Family Phsethontidse 72 Gannets. Family Sulidae 74 Darters. Family Anhingidas 77 Cormorants. Family Phalacrocoracidae 78 Pelicans. Family Pelecanidae 83 Man-o'-War Birds. Family Fregatidae 86 Tjamellirostral Swimmers. Order V. Anseres 87 Ducks, Geese and Swans. Family Anatidae 87 Lamellirostral Grallatores. Order VI. Odontoglossae 115 Flamingoes. Family Phoenicopteridse 115 Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. Order VII. Herodiones 115 Spoonbills. Family Plataleidee 115 Ibises. Family Ibidldae 117 Storks and Wood Ibises. Family Ciconiidae 118 Herons, Bitterns, etc. Family Ardeid» 119 •Cranes, Rails, etc. Order VIII. Paludicolae 127 Cranes. Family Gruid» 127 Courlans. Family Aramidffi 129 Rails, Gallinules and Coots. Family Rallidae 131 ■Shore Birds. Order IX. Limicolse 137 Phalaropes. Family Phalaropodids 137 Avocets and Stilts. Family Recurvirostridffi 139 Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. Family Scolopacidae 140 Plovers. Family Charadriidffi 161 Surf Birds and Turnstones. Family Aphrizidffi 169 Oyster-catchers. Family Hsematopodidae 170 Jacanas. Family Jacanidae 172 <3allinaceous Birds. Order X. Galling 175 Grouse, Partridges, etc. Family Odontophoridae 175 Turkeys. Family Meleagridse 178 Curassows and Guans. Family Cracidae 191 7 CONTENTS Pigeons. Order XI. Columbse 192 Pigeons. Family Columbidse 192 Birds of Prey. Order XII. Raptores 198 American Vultures. Family Cathartid^ 198 Hawks, Eagles, etc. Family Buteonidse 201 Falcons, etc. Family Falconidaj 218 Osprey. Family Pandionidse 225 Barn Owls. Family Aluconidse 227 Owls. Family Strigids 227 Parrots, Paroquets. Order XIII. Pslttaci 241 Parrots and Paroquets. Psittacida 241 Cuckoos, etc. Order XIV. Coccyges 241 Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Family CuculidK 241 Trogons. Family Trogonidse 246 Kingfishers. Family AlcedinidsB 247 Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. Order XV. Pici 249 Woodpeckers. Family Picidse 249 Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc. Order XVI. Macrochires 262 Goatsuckers, etc. Family Caprimulgldse 263 Swifts. Family Micropodidee 268 Hummingbirds. Family Trocliilidse 271 Perching Birds. Order XVII. Passeres 280 Cotingas. Family Cotingids 280 Tyrant Flycatchers. Family Tyrannidse 280 Larks. Family Alaudidse 297 Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Family Corvidss 300 Starlings. Family Sturnidse 314 Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Family Icteridse 314 Finches, Sparrows, etc. Family Fringillidse 324 Tanagers. Family Tangaridse 369 Swallows. Family Hirundinidse 372 Waxwings. Family Bombycillidse 375 Shrikes. Family LaniidEe 376 Vireos. Family Vireonidae 378 Honey Creepers. Family Coerebidee 385 Warblers. Family Mniotiltidse 385 Wagtails. Family MotacillidEe 418 Dippers. Family Cinclidse 419 Wrens. Family Troglodytidse 423 Thrashers, etc. Family Mlmidse 419 Creepers. Family Certhiidse 430 Nuthatches. Family Sittidse 431 Titmice. Family Paridse 431 Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers. Family Sylviidse 433 Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc. Family Turdidae 442 Index 450 FiALTIMORE ORIOLE THE BIRD BOOK DIVING BIRDS. Order I. PYGOPODES GREBES. Family COLYMBID^ Grebes are birds having a ducklike body, but witli pointed bills. Tbeir 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 headway 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. Tliese are the largest of tlio 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 Chalky bluish white, stained bufi! 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 hy a thin chalky and this latter is frequently stained to a dirty white. Size 2.40 x 1.55. Western Grebe Holboell's G-i-ebe deposit. Hf Colymhus kolboellii. Kange.- lo7.ROEi,T,s Grebe. -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 2.35x1.25. 11 y^'^^ White, stained biif Walter Raine NEST AXD EGGS OF HOLBOELL'S GUEDE Lake AA'inn iru'^osis. Manitoba DIVING BIRDS 3. Horned Grebe. Colymhus auritus. Range. — The whole of North America, breeding In the interior from North Daliota nortliwest; winters along the Gulf Coast. This species is one of the most beautiful of the Grebes, having in the breeding season huffy 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. T-IufT^' "wtiitp, ne.st stained They build a typical Grebe's nest, a floating mass of decayed matter which stains tlie 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. 'i. E.VRED Grebe. Coh/mbiis nigrictiUis. californicus. Range. — North America west of tlie Mississip- pi, breeding from Texas to Manitoba and winter ing along the Pacific Coast of the United Statt^- and from Texas southward. Eared Grebes differ from the preceding in h&\ ing the entire neck blackish. They nest ^eI^ abundantly throughout tlie west, in favorable lo calities, from Texas to Minnesota and Dakota. Their nests are constructed in the same man- ner as the preceding varieties and are located in similar iTicalities. 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- ^^' — '—- 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 are nearly always thus covered upon the approach of anyone, this may be done also ; as a protection from discovery. They lay from three to eiglit bluish white eggs with the usual chalky and discolored appear- ance. The breeding season is at its height early in Juno, or cariier, in the southern portion of its range. Si.'^e 1.75 x 1.20. Data. —Artesian, S. Dakota. June 21, 1899. Nest of rushes, floating in three feet of water. Collector, F. A. Patlon. 13 HrTiied Grebe Eared Grebe P-Uii-sh white, stained Large colony iu a small lake. l\ WM// ^Valtor Kaine XEST AXD EGGS OP HORNED GUBBB hialtcoats Marshes. Assinibola, June 6, 1901 14 5. Mexican Gkebe. Coli/mbus dominicus hrachypterus. Range. — Southern Texas and Lower Cali- fornia soutliward to South America, breed- ing tlirougliout 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 DIVING BIRDS Peep liuff or rich brnwn 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 wliich they lay from three to Ave 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. Si.'ie 1.40 x .95. 6. Pied-billed Grebe. Podilymhux Pifi .111 1 n (be podiceps. Range. — From the British provinces southward to Argentine Republic, breeding ^l 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 oiic- or more pairs may be found in almost any fayorablc 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 n - >> fr 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 1.70x1.18. 15 \\. piEr)-p.TLLEr> o I nor, 10 16 LOONS. Family GAVIIDAE Loons may bo likened to gigantic Grebes from wliich thoy differ external- ly, cbiefly in the full webbed foot instead of the individually webbed toes of the Grebe, and in the sharper, ni»re 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 Greb'Bs, 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 an.d 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 a:t the flash of a gun. Ki'iC, OF LOOX D ,T r k ft' r e i^' n i .<5 h b r o w n > THE BIRD BOOK 7. Loon. Gavia immer. Range. — North America north ot 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- lalie or pond; neither do they seek the marshy sloughs in which Grebes dwell, 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 ))ushes 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 3.50 x 2.25. Data. — Lake Sunapee, N. H., .Tune 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. Jifeik^- Black-thi oateil Luun 8. Yellow-billed Loon. Gavia adam.si. Range. — Northwestern North America, along the Arctic and northern Alas- kan coasts. The Yellow-billed Loon with the exception o„f its whitish or yellowish bill In place of the black, is practically otherwise indistinguishable 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 arctica. Range. — From northern United States north1^'ard, 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 sise, too, is about five inches shorter. The nesting habits are the same as the Loons and the eggs have rather more ot an olive tint besides having the majority ot spots at the larger end. Size S.lOx 2.00. IS DIVING BIRDS ](). Pacific Loon. Gavia pacifica. Range. — Western North America along the coast chiefly, breeding from Alaslia south tu British Columbia. In winter, south along the coast to Mexico. Tliis species differs from tlie Blacli-throated only in the tint of the head reflections. The habits are the same as those of the other members of the family. Tliey lay two eggs of a greenish 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-thhoated Loon. Gavia sfellata. Range. — Northern parts of North America, breeding from southern Canada northward in the interior on both 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 witli white. A large chestnut patch adorns ihe 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. Tlie nesting habits are identical with the other species; the ground color of the two eggs is also the same. Size, 2.00 x 1.7.5. Pueiflc L. lied- thiTia fed Tjoon PACIFIC LOON Cilfi'iiish liro"\vri or ,t^"[ay 19 J. A. Muni'o NEST AND EGGS OF LOON This nest is built on top of a Muskrat liouse 20 DIVING BIRDS NEST AND EGGS OF PIED-BILLED GllEBE 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 l)ills, wliich are entirely unlike those of any other bird and often give then the name of Parrot Auks. Puffins, Auks and Murres are otherwise recognized by the pres- ence of but three toes which are webbed. 21 THE BIRD BOOK 12. Tufted Puffin. Liinda cinhafa. Range. — Pacific. Coast from Alaska southward to soutliern Califbrnia, breeding locally through- out their range. Tufted Puffins are tlie largest of the Puffins. In the breeding plumage, they are a sooty brown- ish or black color: the cheeks are white, and a long tuft of straw colored featliers extends back from each eye; the IMU 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 the north. Their single eggs are laid in burrows in the ground or else in Tufted Puffln Puffin na.tnral 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. SO X 1.90. Data. — Parallone Is., May 27, 1887. Single egg laid in crevice of rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 1 ,S. Puffin. Frafercida arclica arrtica. Range. — North Atlantic Coast, breeding from the Bay of Pundy northward. 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. Jf, . •• ' \ These burrows vary in length f^'' ■ \ from two and a halt to four /.„' \ or five feet. Except upon tlie ' positive knowledge of the ab- sence of the bird, it is a hazardous thing to put the hand in one of these burrows ■ :s ' 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 wltli 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, .T. H. Jameson. 13a. Large-billed PuFFix. 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 l.SO. Data. — Iceland, July 6, 1900. Single egg in hole under a rock. Collector, Chas. Jefferys. 14. Horned PuiriN. Fralcrciila coniiculata. Range. — Pacific Coast from Alaska to British Columbia. The Horned Puffin differs from the common in that the 1)lackish band across the throat extends upwards in a point to tlie bill. Their nesting liabits 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. RlllxocEROs AuKLET. Ccioi killed moHOcerulu. Range. — Pacifio 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 tlie 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 witli brown. Size 2.70 x l.SO. Data. — Unak Is., Alaska, June Zf), 1900. Egg laid in a fissure of the rocks; no nest. Collector, P. Weston. 23 THE BIRD BOOK 16. Cassin Auklet. Ptychoramphus aleidicus. 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, br,eeding on the lower portions of the island. The late Mr. C. Barlow says that it is found in deserted rabbit burrows and in all Horned Puffin Rhinocero.s Auklet Cassin Auklet 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. ^f RHINOCLros VUKLET Colin white =iometimLs lieavily blotched, as above, and again un'spotted 24 DIVING BIRDS 17. Paroquet Auklet. — Plialens p.niiacula. Hange. — 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 lias uo wliite spot over tlie eye, and the breast is white. It also has a slender plume extending from back of the eye. The bill is very peculiar, being ciuite 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 while egg is laid in May. Size 2. .30 x 1.45. Data. — Rocky Islet in the Aleutians, June 22, 1S90, Single egg laid on bare rock in a deep crevice. Collector, Capt. S. Wilson. ^~_i..^ asslM^Pl*^'- Paroquet Auklet Crested Auklet 18. Crested Auklet. Aethia cristatella. Range. — Alaska Coast, Similar in form and plumage to the latter, except that the wliole 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. Tlie single egg is clialky white. Size 2.10 x 1.50. Data.— Unak Is., Alaska, July 1, 1900. Egg laid in a crevice among tlie 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. 25 THE BIRD BOOK '20 Least Auklet. Aethia pu.1t lla. "Lo: Range. — North Pacific on tlie islands and coast of Alaslfa. 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 orevices on the cliffs. Size 1.55 x 1.10. Data.^Pribilof Is., Alaska, June S, 1897. Single egg laid in crevice. Thousands breeding on the island. Anhigxt Murkelbt. anfiquus. S y iitltliborampliiis iKt Auklet .VnciPnt Mvirr<-']et Marljled Mui-rclel 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. "1 -* ^■^^^■; " ■ «. X 4k. N^"^-^- * „ « '•< *T ilto. -^ ^ * • • ''^: Burl 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 iii 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. Makb;,f.i) Miihhklet. Brachyramplius maniioraiua. Range. — North Pacific Coast, bi'eeding from Vancouver Is- land. South in winter to south- 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. Buff Alaska, June IS, 1898. 'Single egg in crevice on face of cliff. Large colony breeding in company witii ,\ncient Murrelets. 24. KiTTLiTZ MuRHELKT. B ruclti/ tampjius J>revirosiris. 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- . .'-' " j.^ bled Murrelet, the chief differ- '•'' ence being in the bill which is shorted. They have been found breeding on the same islands j with the preceding species. \ Their single wliite egg is laid '■:.,,., - in crevices in the cliffs. Size '■*%■ 2.40 X 1.30. Data.— Sanak Is., ■■...^_ Alaska, .lune 25, 1890. Nest in *-- -/,ii nimCy a hollow uiider a bunch of rank matted grass. Many ancient Burrelets breeding on the same Islands. Collector, Capt. Tilson. White 25. X.VNTus Murrelet. Brachyramphtis hi/poleucu«^ Range. — Resident along the coast of southern and T^ower California. Tliis 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 witli some larger spots at the larger end. Sine 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. Blue 27 THE BIRD BOOK ■Jfi. Craveri's Murrelet. Brachyramphus ci:averi. Range. — Both coasts of Lower California, breed- ing chiefly 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 tlie others of this species. They lay a single egg, the ground color of which is buff; they are quite heavily blotched with brownish. Size 2.00 x 1.40. 27. Black Guillemot. Cepphus gryUe. 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 13 inches) and their plum- age is entirely different. This species in summer ^r" lr>luish white '-■PK, 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 28. Mandt's Guillemot. Cepphus mandti. Kange. — 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 tlie bases of the coverts wliite also. The nesting habits and eggs are identi- cal. They nest in colonies of thousands and place the eggs upon the bare rock witli 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, 1S94. Two eggs laid on bare roclvy ground. Collector .John Comer. 29. Pigeon Guillemot. Cepphtm columha. Murre ^ ..^. .. ■>'* Range. — The Pacific Coast of North Amer- ica, breeding from soutliern 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 uu the Farallones. They lay their two eggs on the bare rock in dark crevices. Tlie 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. Farallone Islands, Cal. Two eggs laid on gravel at the end of a bur- row, about two feet from the en- trance and 285 feet above the sea level. Collector, Claude Fyfe. Pale blu .SO. ]\IuRRE. Uria troilc troille. 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 whicli 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 tlie 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 colony breeding. Collector, M. A. Grasar. 29 ■^:;^ THE BIRD BOOK 30a. California Muhre. Vrin iroille calif ornica. Range. — Pacific Coaist. breeding from the Farallones north to Alaska. This Pacific form of the common Murre is the most abundant breeding bird on the Parallones. 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 t& their being so often molested, fresh eggs can be found during August. Data. — Parallones, July 4, 1S95. Single egg laid on bare cliff. Collector, Thos. E. Slevin. 31. Brunnicii Murre. Uriii lomvia Jomvia. Range. — North Atlantic Coast, breeding rarige the same as the common Murre. A'uries from ^^"llite 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 w-ith the common Murre and their eggs are indis- tinguishable. Data. — Coast of Soutli Labrador. Single egg laid on ledge of cliff. About three hundred birds in the colony. DIVING BIRDS 31a. Pallas iluRHE, Uria loinvia arra. Range. — The Pacific coasts and islands. This is the Pacific form of Brunnich Murre. Its breeding range is more northerly than tliat of the California variety. Countless thousands of them breed on the islands off the coast of Alaska, tlieir breeding habits and eggs being the same as the more southern form. 32. Razor-billed Auk. Alca torda. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding from Bird Rocli northward and wintering south to the Middle States on the coast. Gra\'isli "^vliite 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 brownisli on the throat. Under parts and tips of secondaries, white; line from eye to bill and another across the middle of the bill, wliite. 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 tlie Murres, tliey would be verj' 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, grayisli or huffy. But one egg is generally laid, althougli two are sometimes found. Siae .3.00 x 2.00. Data. — Bay of PUndy. .June 17, 1891. Single egg laid on bare rock in a crevice under loose rocks. Collector, A. C. Bent, .31 THE BIRD BOOK ."3. Great At'k. Plautns impennis. 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 tlieir lack of the powers of flight and the destructiveness of mankind, the living bird lias disappeared from the face of the earth. Although they were about thirty inches in length, their wings were even smaller than those of tlie 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 1S44, 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 ."i.OO 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 tlie Academy of Natural Science, we are enabled to sohw a full-sized reproduction from a photograph of the egg in their collection. \-^ 32 \ EGG OF THE GREAT AUK Photographed from the specimen in tiie Academy of Natural Science. Fhiiadeiphi not more tiian ten or t"^'"elve of these egg's are in this country; the one figured is one of the best marked specimens. 33 THE BIRD BOOK N^ 13?' m 34. DovEKiE. Alle alle. Range. — Coasts and islands of the North At- j ,., lantie and East Arctic oceans, breeding in tlie Arctic regions and wintering as far soutla 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 allinffi. The form is very robust and ^ the bill is short and stout. In summer the plum- -^ age is black abov'e; the throat and upper breast Dovekie I'uIp greenish blut^ are sooty brown, and the under parts are white, as are also the tips of the secondaries and edges of 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 1.80x1.25. Data. — Greenland, June 8, 1S93. Single egg laid in a crevice of a sea cliff. MURRB — White, buff, or dpi-p grecnisli l.lui- 34 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Order II. LONGIPENNES SKUA AND JAEGERS. Family STERCORARIIDAE Skuas and JaBgers are birds having a Gull or Tern-like form and with a Iiook- ed bill, tlie base of wliicli 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 the swiftest and most grat-eful birds that fly. .35 THE BIRD BOOK , \~ 35. Skua. Megalestris skua. Range. — Coasts and islands of the North At- lantic, 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 hi Olive brown Skua Pomarine JEeger the marsh grass and is lined wath grass. The two eggs which they lay have an olive greenish ground, spotted with dark brown. Size 2.75 x 1.90. .36". Pomarine Jaeger. Stercorarius pomarinus. Range. — Northern Hemispliere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, more commonly in the Old World. In the breeding plumage, this Jaeger has the crown and face blackish ; 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, which are twist- ed so that the feathers are verti- cal. They breed throughout the Arctic regions, but not as common- ly in America as the following species. The nest is on the ground _, ,■ , m 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 brown and black. Size 2.20x1.70. 36 LONG-WINGED SWIMMEES ','>T . I'ahasixic Jaeger. Stcrcorarius p/irasitlcus Range. — Northern Hemisphere, wintering soutli to South America. The Parasitic .Tseger is very similar to the Pomarine except that the central tail featliers are pointed and are straight instead of twisted, it is an abundant bird in Alaska, breeding from the Aleutian Cliain 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. "BrownislT Stercorarius south in winter to 38. Long-tailed Jaeger. longicaudus. Range. — Arctic America; South America. Parastic JwKer The long-tailed Jsger is, according to length, Long-tailert J*ger the largest of the Jffigers, 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 Jfflgers have a dark phase in which the plumage is a near- ly uniform sooty brown, liglitest be- low. The Long-tailed Jaegers are the most numerous in Alaska and are even more graceful in flight than are tlie Gulls and Terns, floating, skim- ming, sailing, plunging, and darting about with incredible swiftness and ease. Like the otliers of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls, and are also very destructiye to young birds and eggs. Their eggs are eitlier laid on the bare ground or in a slight depression, scantily lined with grasses. Tlie eggs are indistinguishable from those of the preceding species except that they average a trifle smaller. Size 2.10 x 1.50. 37 Olive bro^vn THE BIRD BOOK GULLS and TERNS. Family LARID^ Gulls are webbed footed birds having a slight 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 ou 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. WP^^^/j (■MAIJAC'l-BttlSTIC NEST OF A LOON 38 "Walter Rnine IS ; LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS :'>9- IvoRv Gull. PagopMla alba. ,^^ ~ - Range. — Arctic regions; south in winter to the ^ northern border of the United States. ' ' The little Snow Gull, as it is often called, is eighteen inches in length. In the breeding sea- sou 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. I'O. KiTTiWAKE. Rissa tridartyla tri/dactyla. 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 Pacific it is more dc 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 Murrcs 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, Kittin White they occupying certain ledges while the Gannets and Murros, 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 huffy 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. THE BIRD BOOK iOa. Pacific Kittiwakk. UiKsa tridac- ti/ld pollicaris. Range. — Coast of the North Pacific, wintering south to California. The Pacific Kittiwake t^reeds in immense roolc- eries on soiiie of the islands in Bering Sea. They are well distributed 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. Reu-leggeu Kittiwake. Uissd hrcvi- 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- 'il-lt^2;g-ed Kittiwake Glaucnus 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 "V 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. The ground color of the eggs is butty or brownish, and the spots are dark brown and lilac. Size 2.15x1.50. 12. Glaiicoi's (tI'll. Lariia liypcrhoreuf;. 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 Ziird 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- ^ X^ 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 variovis 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-WI NGEI) SWI M M K RS i'~.l. Point Bakrow CIiill. Lotus barroviamm. Range. — Northwest coast from Bering Sea to Point Barrow. Tliis species is almost identical witli the Glau- cus Gull, averaging per- haps a trifle smaller. Its standing as a dis- tinct species is still questioned 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. — Herschel Is., 1, 1900. Nest made of seaweed and grass; placed on the ground. Collector, Rev. I. O. Stringer. White Alaska, July Three eggs. t:}. Iceland Gull. Larus leucuplerus. 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 ''w. oj the larger Gulls in Ber- ing Sea and also nests commonly in Hudson Bay and Greenland, as well as in the Eastern Hemis- phere. They nest indiffer- ently on high rocky cliffs or on low sandy Islands. Ex- :-ept when the eggs are laid In a sandy depression in the soil, quite bulky nests a-re made of seaweed and inoss. The eggs arc 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. SO x 1.8.3. Data. — Mackenzie Bay, Arctic America. June IS, 1S99. Nest made of seaweed and grass on an island in the bay. Greeni.sh brown /"- 4rJ- 41 THE BIRD BOOK X- 44. Glaucous-winged Gull. slfiucescens. Lcirii.1 Range. — North Pacific coast, breeding (roni 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:4 Iceland Gull Glaucou.'s-whiged Gull Pale greenish brown known. They breed in large numbers both on the high rocky cliifs 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. Si.'^e 2.7,5 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. 45. Kumlien'S Gull. Lams Kumlieni. Range. — North Atlantic coast, breeding in Cumberland Sound and wintering as far south as Tjong Island. This bird differs from the Glaucous-winged only in the pattern of tlie gray markings of the primaries and in having a little lighter mantle. It is (piite 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 nelsoni. Range. — Coast of Alaska. Plumage exactly like that of Kumlien Gull aild questionably a new species. The nests and eggs are not to be distinguished, from the preceding. 42 LONG-WINGEU SWIMMERS ■1'7. Ctkeat-black-backed (tUll. Laru.i marinus. Range. — North Atlantic on both the American and European sides; l^reeds from Nova Scotia northward and winters south to the Great Lalies and the 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. Tlie bill is very large and powerful and m\ Great Black-buckt'ii Gi Kiimlicn'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 3 x 2.15. Data. — South Labrador, June 21, 1884. Three eggs. Nest on a small island off the coast; of grasses and moss. ^■8. Slaty-b.\cked Gull. — Laru.s schutisasus. Range. — North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. This Gull, whicli 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 tlie 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. Bodflsh. 43 ^ u THE BIRD E(n)X V 5-3^= M). tt'E-^Ti:Rx GrLL. Lartis occidfiilaUs. Western Gull Herring Gull It is twenty-four inches in 1 \yhlch are tipped with white. The Herring Gulls nest in colonies in favorable localities throughout their range, chiefly on the coasts and islands. A few pairs also nest on Islands in some of the inland bodies of fresh water. Except in places where they are continually molested. when they will build in trees, they place their nests on the ground either making no nest on the bare sand, or building a bulky nest of seaweed in the grass on higher parts of the island. They lay three eggs of a grayish color marked wi eggs are found. Size 2.S x 1 Range. — Pacific. Coast, breeding from 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, both these and the secondaries being broadly tipped with whitg. 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 GuUs' 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 his 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 thi^ Gulls eggs. Size 2,7.5 x 1.90. ToCJ SiLEHiAX Gt'LL. Lariis 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. Herrixg GfLL. Lams argentaius. 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, ength. has a light gray mantle and black primaries th brown. In rare cases unspotted bluish white 44 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS ■'>-■ Vega Gull Lanis vegac. 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 tlie 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 1.65. ^^l^S-^J^,, iUed Gull California Gull Grayish brown )S. California Gull. Lams californi- cus. Range. — Western North America, breeding in the interior. A smaller Gull than the Herring with the prim- aries grayish instead of black; length twenty- live inches. This Gull is found in winter on the coast from British Columbia southward to Lower California, but nests in the interiar from Utah northward. They nest very abundantly around the Great Salt I^ake, placing tlieir 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. .51. RiNCi-BiLLED Gull. Larus delaivarenis. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding from the 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 greenisli 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 tlie 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 witli brown and lilac. The height of the nesting season is in .June. Size of eggs, 2.80x1.75. 45 THE BIRD BOOK 55. Short-billed Gull. Larus hrachy- rhynchus. Range. — Breeds Irom the interior of Britisli Columbia northward to Alaslca; soutli in winter to Ijower California. The Short-billed or American Mew Gull is seven- teen inches in length, has a short, stout bill and is otherwise similar to the precedin,<< 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. #jri . ' i.. ■■>^r- Jr*ale greenish-brown Early in June the birds lay their set oC three eggs, the ground color of which is greenish urown mark- ed with dark brown. Size 2.25x1.60. Data. — Mackenzie River, N. W. T., June 18, 1900. Three eggs. Nest made of seaweed and ^rass and placed on the ground on an island in the rjver. [56-^ 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. fSliort-hillea Gull Heerman's Gull 51. Hehrman's Gull. — Larus heermanni. 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 black, 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 tliere. 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 LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 58. Laughing Gull. Lams atricilla. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding from tlie Gulf to Nova Scotia, cliiefly on the coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, -with a dark slate colored head, gray mantle, black Pale grayish brown -L JUS bin to ine Gull the slaty hood ( JrHcnisI:! in-oAvn A handsome bird, having bordered behind with a black ring, the primar- ies black, wliite 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 greenisli brown in color and are marked with dark brown. Size 1.75 x 1.25. Data. — Hudson Bay, August 1, 1S94. Eggs laid on the ground In the moss; no nest except the hollow in the moss. T^f^m^M?^^ 49 THE BIRD BOOK (),S. GuT.L-Bir.LED Tern. Gelochelidon nilotica. 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 bill and a short slightly forked tail; tlie 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 bufE color and are spotted with brown and lilac. Size l.SO x 1.30. Data. — North- ampton Co., Va., May 28, 1882. Three eggs laid on a mass of seaweed on marsh above tide water. Palp g"reenish hufi 61. 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 ^-_i».- .._ 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 tliree eggs constitute a com- plete set; these are laid on Gr;i,vish bun: the sand in a slight hollow scooped out by the birds. Tjiey 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 T.ONG-W T NGF.t) S WI MME R S 65. Royal Tern. Sterna maxima. Range.— Temperate North and South America, breeding in the United States locally from Texas and the Gull' 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 GuK States and in the marshes of southern Texas. .^. \ . ... n ^'1 'T*' J* J Grayish buff Like the former species they lay two or three eggs in a hollow on the bare sand. The eggs are the same size hut difler in being more pointed and having a lighter ground and with the mark- ings more bold and distinct. Size 2.60 x 1.70. 6(i. Eleg.\nt Tern. Sterna elegans. Range. — Pacific Coast of South and Central America.; north to California, in summer. A similar bird to the Royal Tern, but easily 1^1 ! in I el n Uoyal Tern I Crfiam color distinguished by its smaller size, slender bill, and more graceful form. In the breeding plumage the under parts of tliese Terns are tinged w'ith 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 satid. 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 MleS'ant Tern (_'al:iot's 'I'Ht-n 6'7. Cabot Tern. Sterna sandvicensis acuflnvida. 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 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 2.10 x 1.40. [()8.] Tkude.mt's Tern. Sterna triideaui. 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. LONG-WINGED SWIiMMERS ()|). Forster's Tern. Sfenni foisfcri Range. — Temperate North America, breeding Irom Manitoba, Mass., and California, south to the Gulf Coast and Texas. Length about fifteen inches; tall long and deep ly forl^ed; crown black, back and wings pearl and under parts wliite. Bill orange red. This spe- cies and the three following are the most grace- ful of birds iii appearance and flight. Tlieir niovc- I"'0l'S;tt'rs 'L'ern Common To Eggs in a hollow on grassy l^IrownisU Ijuff 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. Tliey 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 marslies. They generally lay three eggs and rarely four. They are buffy or brown- ish spotted with dark brown and lilac. Size l.SO X 1..30. Data.— Cobb's Island, Va., June 8, 1887, bank. Collector, F. H. Judson. 70. Common Tern. Sterna hiriindo. Range. — Eastern Nortli 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 thousands 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, 53 Buff THE BIRD BOOK 71. Arctic Terx. Sterna paradisaea. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding 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 apd 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 ^£^^ 'i^ ■'-. 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 sliglit hollow on the beach, three feet above high water mark. 72. Roseate Tern. Sterna dougalli. Range. — Temperate North America on the east coast, breeding from New England to the Gulf. Tliese are the most beautiful birds, having a delicate pink blush on the under parts during Aleutian 'J'ern 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 mid,dle ones; the bill is red witli 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;!. Aleiitian Tern. Steriia aleiitica. 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 LONG-WINGED SWIMME RS 71. IjEAst Tern. Sterna antillarnm. Range. — From northern South America to southern New England. Dakota anrl 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 (TH Least Tern Soiity Ti'i'ii Light buff 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 tlie sandy beach. Collector, Chas. Graham. 75. Sooty Tern. Sterna fuscala. Range. — Tropical America, north to the South 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.— Clutheria Key, Bahamas, May 28, 1891. Single egg laid on bare ground near water. Collector, D. P. Tngraham. Creamy wliite THE BIRD BOOK [76.] liiirnLED Teun. Sterna anaetheta. '^^' Range. — Found in tropical regions of both liem- isplierea: casual or accidental in Florida. Thi.s 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 Bhu'k Tern Noddy F>l;LOk Skinlmor Creamy white Sooty Terns and Noddies. The single egg is laid on the seashore or among the rocks. It is creamy white beautifully marked witli brown and lilac. Size 1.8.5 X 1.25. Data.— Bahamas, May 9, 1892. Single egg laid in a cavity among the roclts. Col- lector. D. P. Ingraliam. 77. BL.i( K Tehn. H fidrui-hclidon nigra snrinamensis. Range. — Temperate America, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward to Alaslca; south in winter beyond the United States Border. The identity of these Terns cannot be mistaken They are but ten inches in length; the whole Iiead, 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 ot tlie family. They are very active and besides feeding upon all manner of marine Crustacea, they capture many insects in tlie 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 whiclt are lloating on he water. The nesting season coin- mences in May, tliey laying three eggs ot a brown- ish or greenish color, very heavily blotclied 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, BuUis. »Lf It A'T-c-t-llish tirown 56 LONG-WINGEU SWIMMEltS [7^-] V\'HiTE-vviN(iED Elack Tern. Hifdroclielidon leucoptera. 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 lakes and marshes W.. •«■, Greenish l")uff of southern Europe, placing their eggs the same as the American spe- cies, upon masses of decayed reeds y •-> and stalks. They lay three eggs -,*: wliich have a somewhat brighter appearance tlian the common Black Terns because of a somewhat light- er ground color. 79- Noddy. A nous stolidus. 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 tlie 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. -~*s, . ' rtw ff^/f^Mit/ifi/ /,mm'\ ■'V Buffi '■:ti 57 THK BfRD BOOK SKIMMERS. Family RYNCHOPID^ Skimmers are Tern-like birds having 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. Tlie lower mandible is rounded at the end while the upper is more pointed. Young Skimmers are said to have both mandibles of the same lengtii, 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 tlic 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. Tliere are four species of Skimmers, only one of which is found in North America. HO, Black Skimmkh. Ri/nrhops 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; tlie forehead, ends of the secondaries, tail feathers and under parts pre white; the rest of the plum- age is black and the basal half of the bill is cpimson. 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 lieard after the shadows of night have enveloped the earth. Fisliermen call them by the names of "Cut-water" and "Sea Dog." The nesting season commences in May and continues through June and July. They lay fr(mi 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 S, 1S94. Three eggs laid in a hollow on the beach. No, nest. Bulfy j-ellijw 58 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. Order III. TUBINARES. ALBATROSSES. Family DIOMEDEIDAE Albatrosses are the largest ot 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 lair swimmers and rarely, if ever, dive, getting their food, which consists of dead animal matter, from the surface of the water. SI. Black-footed Albatross. Diomedca 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 Albatro.ss. Dwvia/ea albatrus. 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 ot 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 hare ground or rocks. As with the other members of the family, the eggs are Ki'ick-to.jtea -Uhati-oss . , , Slinrt-tailerl .-Vlbatross extremely variable 4.2.3 X 2.50, in size, but average about 59 THE BIRD BOOK 8'^. I. Laysan Albatross. nuttahilis. Dio)}icdca im- TjM.vsan Al liM tnt.ss Yellow-nosed Albati'oss Sooty Albatross Range. — Laysan iKland of tlie Hawaiian Group, appearing casually off the coast ol: California. This species breeds in large numl)ers on the is- land from which it takes its name. The birds are white with the exception of the back, wings and ta.il, 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 repo'rt being illustrated with numer- ous illustrations of the birds from photos by the author. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare ground. [S.'S.] YkLLOW-NOSED AIjEATRCSS. 'V]ia]asiiOi!,<'ron culminatun. This is a species wliich 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 coUecliou of Col. John E. Thayer was taken on Cough Island, South Atlantic Ocean; Sept. 1st, 1888. 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. 81. Sooty Albatross Phoebetria-palpebrafa. Range. — Southern seas, north in our summe'r 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. GO TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS KGG Ol'" SOOTY ALBATUOS.S — 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 BOOK Fulmai ("8. '5.] Giant Fulmar. gigautca Macronectes Range. — This Petrel is a native of tlie 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 plumage. They uest iu December on many of the islands south of Africa and South America, laying their single white egg on the bare rocks. 86. Fulmar. Fulmarus irlacialis i^lacialis. Range. — North Atlantic coasts from New England northward, breeding from Hudson Ray 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. /'^ 62 TURE-NOSF,D SWIMMERS S6b. Pacific Fulmar. Fulmarus glaci- alia glapinchn. This sub-species of the preceding, has a darker mantle than tlie 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, which they closely resemble. They lay but a single Avhite egg, the average dimensions of which are slightly smaller than those of the common Ful- mar. Data. — Copper Is.. Alaska. May 14, 1SS9. Egg laid in a crevice among the cliffs. 86.1. Rodger's Fulmar. Fulmartia rodger.s. Range. — North Pacific, breeding in large num- bers on some of the islands in Bering Sea; south 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. Paoifloi Fulmar Sleiider-billf-'Cl Fulmar 87. Slender-billed Fulmar. Priocella ghirialoides. 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, althougli we have no definite data relative to their nesting habits. >,, -=)^-i 63 THE BIRD BOOK 88. Cory's Shearwater. Piiffinus horenli.i. This species probably breeds in the tar 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 it,s nesting habits. 89- Greater Siiearwateii. Fiiffinus gravi. 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. Dark-bodiea Shearwater Slender-billed Shearwater Sooty Shearwater 95. Dark-bodied. Shearwater. Puffinus grueus. 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-bii-led 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 chicriis 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 soutli. 6S TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS [98.] Black-capped Petrei.. Mstrelata hasi- tata. This is not a common species; it is an inliabit- ant of tropical seas and lias 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, .lune 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. JEsiralata fisheri. This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken off Kadiak Is., Alaska, by Mr. Fisher. Black-capped Petrel Scaled Petrel Fisher's Petrel /^. [lOl.] Bulwer's Petrel. Biilweria bidweri. 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. [102.] Pintado Petrel. Daption capensis. This is the Cape Pigeon of the southern hemisphere. It has only accidentally occurred on our coast. '^-^m.'- -v*»_C 4.' THE BIRD BOOK lOS. Least Petrej,. Halucypiena mtcrosuma. Range. — Paclflc coast of America from Lower California to Panama. Tlie Least Petrel is the smallest of this family, in length measuring only .5.7.5 inches. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty. They have been 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 white 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. 1 01. Storm Petrel. Thalassidroma pela- east Petrel Stormy Petrel I'^orked-tailed Petrel 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 tlie orig- , - inally called "Mother Cary's Chicken" by the sailors. They nest abund- antly on many 01" the is- lands off the coasts of Europe and the British Isles, laying their single 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. Size 1.05x.S0; white with a wreath of very tine dots about the larger end. Collector, G. H. McDonald. 1(1:1. Forked-tailed Petrel. Occanoilroma furcdta. 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 .55. 68 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 105. :2. K.kding's Petrel. Oceanodroma lx(rdingi. 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. lyEACH's Petrel. hoa. Oceanodroma Icuror- 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 inclies in length, of a sooty brown color, and liave 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 tlae 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 wliich has a very of- fensive odor. This odor is always noticeable about an island inhabited by Petrels and is always re- White tained by the eggs or skins of these birds. They are very rarely seen flying in the yicinity 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 tlie bank. Collector, J. Lefavour. 106.1 Guadalupe Petrel. Oceanodroma macrodactyla. This species, which is very similar to tlie preceding, except for a longer and more deeply forked tail, breeds on Guadalupe Is. Their eggs arc 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 pine needles at the end of a three foot burrow. Size of egg 1.40 X 1.00. Collector, A. W. Anthony. Kjeding's Petrel Leacb'3 Petrel Guadalupe Petrel 69 White, nest stained THE BIRD BOOK rw,, Black Petrel Ashy Petrel 107. Black Petbel. Oceanodroma melania. Range.— South Pacific, from southern Califor- nia southward, breeding on the 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, 1S96. 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. — Parallone 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 piire white very finely wreathed with pale reddish brown. Size 1.15 x .87. Collec- tor, A. W. Anthony. i,-«»lesv- 70 TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS 109. Wilson's Petrel. Oceanites oceanicus. Breeds in the southern hemisphere in Fehruary and Marcli and spends the summer off the Atlan- tic coast as far north as Newfoundland. This spe- cies can he distinguished from Leach Petrel by its square tail and from the Stormy Petrol 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-faoed 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. 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 tliey 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. Xc 71 THK 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 leathers very much lengthened. 112. Yellow-eilleu Thopic Bird. Phirthqn americanus. Range. — Tropical regions, breeding in the Ba- hamas. West Indies and the Bermudas, casual in Florida and along the Soutli Atlantic coast. The Tropic Birds are tlie most strilcingly beautiful of all the sea birds; they are about' 30 inches in length, of which tlieir long slender tail takes about 20 inches. They tly with the ease and grace of a Tern, but with quicker wing beats. They feed on small fish, which they capture by V- Dull purplish darting down upon, and upon snails wliich 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 2.10x1.45. Data. — Coney Is., Bermudas, May 1, 1901. Nest made of mosS and ledge of cliff. Collector. A. H. Verrill. rrlldw-lMllPil Tropic Bii-d Kr.l-liilled Tropic Bird seaweed in a crevice on W- -=i,Si^-;- 72 V-«5i TOTI PALMATE SWIMMERS 113. Red-billed Tropic Bird. Fhwthon (Ethp.reus. Range. — Tropical seas, chiefly in the Pacific Ocean; north to southern California. They breed on several islands in the Gull of Calilornia. This species differs from the preceding in having a rod bill, and the back being barred with black. Their plumage has a peculiar satiny appearance and is quite dazzling when viewed 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. Size 2.40 x 1.55. Data. — Daphone P;Lle puvplish 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. [ll.y.l] Red-tailed Tropic Bird. I'hwthon ntbricaiulKS. 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 tiie South Seas. On Mauritius Island they build their nests either in the trees or place them on the ground; the nesL 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, Pale pmpli.sh grouiiiJ color 73 THE BIRD BOOK GANNETS. Family SULIDAE Gannets are large stoutly built birds, having 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. r" 114. Br.TjE-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-footeo Boory. Sula nehoiixi. 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, 1S97. Two eggs in a hollow in the sand near the beach. Collector, A. W. Anthony. -raced Booby Blue-footed Booby 115. Booby. Sida leucogastra. Range. — Tropical coasts and islands of tlie At- lantic; north casually to Georgia. The common Booby is an abundant bird on some of the islands of the Balaamas and Bermu- das; it is commonly called the Brown Booby be- cause tlie upper parts are of a brownish gray. These birds, as do the other Gannets, have great powers of flight and without apparent effort dart TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 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 tlie 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. i'l". / Booby Red-footed Booby 115.1. Brewster's Booby. Sula hremsteri. 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- distinguislied from those of the other Boobies. Data. — San Benedicto Is., Lower California, May IS, 1897. Single egg laid on the sand amid a few blades of grass. 11 6. Red-footed Booby. Stda piscator. Tliis 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 THE BIRD BOOK Ganet Anhinga 117- Gannet. Sula hassana. Range. — North .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 tliousands, placing their nests in rows on the narrow ledges; the nests are made of piles of seaweed, mud and stones. They lay but one egg o£ dingy white color and covered with a chalky deposit. On St. Kllda Island, off the ( oast of Scotland, they breed by millions. They are very tame tfnd 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, ,Iune IS, 1S96. Single egg laid on a large mass of seaweed on a sea cliff. Collector, H. McDonald. Chalky blui.'?h white 76 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS DARTERS. Family ANHINGIDAE 118. Water Turkey. Anhiiiga anhinga. Range.— Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States and up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois. Anhingas or Snalce 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. Owins to their thin and light bodies, they are remarkable swimmers, and pursue and catch fisli ^,-._ : ,s.,;i.^,. under water with ease. When alarm- ■'■■'■• ed they have a habit of sinking their ,;'■ ■ body below water, leaving only their tS' head and neclf visible, thereby having ,. ■; the appearance of a water snake. Tliey also fly well and dive from tlieir perch into the water with the greatest ( plerity. 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 IS, 1894. Nest in the top of a button-wood tree, made of leaves and branches, overhanging the water. Collector, George Grab am . Chalkj- bliUHh white f^r ' v^^ '' \ '^^-'',:' H t I hk WfmM ir%^^^^* ^0^ Wj/M^'--'' '^ ^Hr^^ Ji^igyH rjB| [^jjt. ' y jk ¥^t w^ ■H fcii ■ ^jyH^^Hj HH I^^^R."" - ir^f ■i^>^. liiliH i^^..^< -i .^ PELICAN POND Washington Zoological Park 77 THE BIRD BOOK CORMORANTS. Family PHALACROCORACID^ Cormorants have a more bulky body than do the Anhlngas ; their tall Is shorter and the bill strongly hooked at the tip. Cormorants are found in nearly all quarters of the globe. They are very gregarious and most species are maritime. They feed upon fish which they catch by pursuing under water. Most of the Cormorants have green eyes. -J^' 7ii TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 119. Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carbo. Range. — The Atlantic coast breeding from Maine to Greenland. The common Cormorant or Shag is one of the largest of the race, having a lengtli 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 sreeni.sh or bluish wliitae 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. -^Y (Jormorant Double -crested Cormorant 120. Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax aiiritus 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 carho, 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. P. Bastgate. 79 l^^aUer Raini^ NESTS OF DOUBLE-CRTQSTKD C'ORlMO HANTS SO TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS 120a. Florida Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus floridanus. This sub-species is a common breeding bird in tlie swamps and islands of tlie Gulf coast and nortli to South Carolina and southern Illinois. The nests are placed in the mangroves in some of tlie most impenetrable swamps and are composed of twigs and lined with leaves or moss. Tliey lay three or four chalKy bluisli wliite eggs. Size 2.30 x 1,40. Data. — Bird Is., Lake Kissimee, Florida, April 5, 1S9S. Three eggs. Nest made of weeds and grass, in a willow busli. 120b. White-crested Cormorant. Phdlacrocorai- auritus ciiicinatus. Range. — Northwestern coast of Nortli 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. Tlie nests are built in the same fashion as tlie other Cormorants, and the three to five eggs are similar. Size 2.45 x 1.40. 120c. Farallon Corjiorant. J'halacrocorax auritus albuciliatus. Range, — This sub-species breeds on the coasts and islands of California and southward. In company with otlier species of Cormorants, these birds breed in large numbers on the Parallones, 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 buslies. Their nests and eggs are similar to those of the other Cormorants. Size 2.40 x 1.50. Data. — Farallones, Call fornia. Nest of weeds and seaweed on the rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 121. jNIe.xican Cormorant. Phalacrocorax vi^ua mexicanus. Range.- -Breeds abundantly from southern Texas, south through Mexico: north rarely to Kansas; has recently -■r- , ~ ' -. 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 wliite in color and chalky, as Greenish white are all the Cormorants. Size 2.25 x 1.35. SI THE BIRD BOOK — "»*45' 122. Brandt's Cormorant. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. Range. — Pacific coast breeding along tlie whole coast of the United States. This species is found, more abundantly on the Faral- lones than is the Parallone Cormorant. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, these cling closely to their nests, for fear of being robbed by tlie 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 2.50 x 1.50. Data. — Bird Island, California, May 24, 1885. A very bulky nest of seaweed on the rocks. Collector, A. M. Ingersoll. 12.S. Pelagic CoRiioRANT. Phalacrocorax pel- agicus pelagictis. Range. — Coast of Alaska. Tliese are perliaps 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. Tliey breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placing their nests of sticks and sea mosses on tlie rocky ledges, often hundreds of feet above tlie sea level. Three or four eggs are laid during May and June. The young birds' when hatched are naked and black, and are re- pulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The eggs are greenisli white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30x1.40. ]2.'ia. Violet-green CoRiioRANT. Phulacro^ corax pelagicus rohuatus. 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. Phalacrocoraj; pel- agicus resplendens. This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Wash- ington soutli 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. )21.. Red-faced Cormorant. Phalacidcora.r 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 fish for them, placing a ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing tlie fish. Their nesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remains of fish tliat are strewn around the nests. They lireed in June laying three or four eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.50. S2 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS PELICANS. Family PELECANID^ 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. Pelecanus erythrorhijnclios. 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 swallov? 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. — Jigg Island, Great Salt Lake, June 19, 18=84. Two eggs. Nest a slight hollow in the ground, surrounded by a few sticks. Collector, P. P. Leonard. Chalky white ^^^\^ t<^ ^iS- 83 ,\Mli;i;iCAN WHITE PJ<:IjTCAN 84 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS I'iti. ]5l!OWN PlOLICAN. Pcli'ca IIIIS (ICcilli'lllclli.s. Range. — Pound on the South Atlantic aud Gulf coasts of the United States. Brown Pelicans are about 50 Inches in length; tliey have a blackish and grayish body and a white head and neck with a brown stripe down the l)ack 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 I I 1 W hit Puliciin Chalky \\iiitp Pelican Island on the east coast of Florida in which latter place they are now protected fioui furtlier depredations at the liand of eggers and gunners. Tlieir flsliing tactics differ from those of the White Pelican. Tliey dive down upon the 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 laJtter nests being more bulky than the ground ones. They lay from two to fiv« chalky white eggs during May and June. Size 3. x 1.90. Data. — Tampa Bay, Pla., May 29, 1894. Three eggs_. Nest in the top of E; stout mangrove; made of sticks, branches and leaves. Collector, Geo. Graham. 127. California Brown Pelican. Pelecanns calif ornicus. Range. — Pacific coast from British Columbia south to the Galapagos Islands. This bird is similar to the preceding, but larger and t,he 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 1.9.5. Data. — Coronado Islands, Calif., March 28, 1897. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with green leaves, located on the ground. Collector, PI. McConville. '%ii. 85 THE BIRD BOOK MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS. Family FREGATID^ 1'28. Man-o'-war Bird, Fregata aquilu. Range. — Tropical seas, north regularly in America to tlie Soutli Atlantic and Gulf coasts, casually fartlier. Man-o'-war Birds or "Frigates," as they are often called, are remarkable birds in many re- spects. In comparison witli tlieir weight they have tlie 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 which the tail com- prises about 18 in., 10 inches 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 tlie 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 fisli, which the pirates catch before it reaches the water. They also feed upon flying fish, 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 lias a smooth surface. Size 2.80 x 1.90. Data. — Key Verde, Bahamas, March 6, 1S89. Single egg. jNest a frail affair of sticks on a cactus. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. Man-O'-Wav Bird S6 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Order V. ANSERES DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Family ANATIDAE The birds comprising tliis 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. Mergiis americanus. Range. — North America, breeding from the northern border of the United States nortliward. The tliree species of Merga.nsers are almost exclusively fish eating birds. Therefore their flesh is unpalatable and they are known as "Fish Ducks." They are also sometimes called "Saw- Brownish 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 botn 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 Kaine. 87 American Merg'iin.ser R^d-breasted Merganst^r THE BIRD BOOK Ho(.Kled ]\I^.'l■g•an^^el■ MfillHrd 1,'iO. REi)-i!]iEAs.TEi) jMergankI'^ji. i\lcrgnit scr- raior Range. — North America, breeding from nortli- ern United States nortliward. This species is more abundant tlian the pre- ceding. It is sligljtly smaller, being 22 inches in length, and the male is crested. Pound abundant- ly in the United States in winter. Breeds com- monly in the interior of British America and in l^abrador 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. They lay, generally, about ten eggs of a bufty or greenish buff color. Size 2.50 x 1.70. IJata. — Lake Manitoija. N. W. Canada. Two eggs in a hollow lined with down, under a patch of rose bushes near shored Collector, Jos. Hamaugh. l.'il. Hooded Mehc^anker. J.ophodytes cuciillntiis. Range. — North America, breeding locally through- out its range, in the interior. These are beautiful Gr;l\-ish \vhite 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 2.1.5 x 1.70. 132. Mallard. Anas plati/rhipichos. 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 liut 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 .lune they lay from six to ten eggs of a bufty or olive color. Size 2.2.5 x 1.25. Data. — San Diego, Cali- fornia, May 19, 1897. Nest made of grass, lined with down, placed on the edge of a field near a pond. SS Lake Winnlpegosis, June 16, 1902 "NVaUer Kalne NEST AND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER This species usually nest in holes in trees, but on this island they were nesting in holes under boulders. -'■I? THE BIRD BOOK WIWV^ i; Bl_ Dii. Anas rubripes. Ran^e. — Eastern North America, breeding from the middle portions north to the Hudson Bay ter- ritory and Labrador. Throngliout their breeding region, one or more pairs of these ducks nest in nearly every favorable locality. Their nests are placed on the ground in marshes, swafnpg or fields bordering a pond or lake, the nest being concealed in the long grass .^■ Black Duck I-^loridcL DiLcli Pale greenish buff or reeds. They breed in equal abundance, either in the interior or along the sea coast; in the lat- ter ease their nests are often placed beside of, or under an overhanging rock. It is made of vfeeds. 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. Si'd 2.30 x 1.70. Data.— Duck Is., Maine, June .3, 1S93. Nest of grasses, concealed in a large tuft on water's edge. ].?4'. Florida Duck. Anas juhngula fulvigula. Range. — Florida and the Guli 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 2.15x1.60. A 90 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS ] 34.1. Mottled Duck. loia. Anas fulvigiila macu- Range. — Gulf coast of Texas and up the Miss- issippi Valley to Kansas. The habits of this bird differ in no way from the preceding ones. The six to ten eggs are greenish buff in color. Size 2.1.5 x 1.55. 133. Gadw.vll. Chinilelasmu.H streperiin. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, chiefly in the United States and north to Manitoba, chiefly in the interior. Widgl; Creamy l:)uf£ 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 witli down from their breasts. They lay from seven to twelve GtuUvall eggs of a creamy buff color. Size 2.10 x 1.60. Data. — Benson Co., North Dakota, June 19, 189S. Eiglit 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 penelopc Range. — Northern Hemisphere, '/ .'...•';:: breeding in America, only in the ■■ ■:;''■■ Aleutian islands; rare or accidental ' ■ ',■ in other parts of the country. The ISuropean Widgeon is sim- ilar in build and plumage to the fol- lowing species, except that the whole head, with the exception of the white crown, is 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 2.20x1.50, 91 ^^ Pale buff THE BIRD BOOK l.')7. Baldpatr. Mnracii awcricand. Uange. — North America, breeding in the in- terior from Texas north to Hudson Bay. The Baldpate (so-called because of the white jrown) 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, hack 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. European Tkal. Nettiun crecca. Baldpate Green-winged [iy8. An old world siJecies that is casually found on both coasts of America. l.'iQ. GnEEN-WINGED TeAE. / Neilion 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 broAvn 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 brooks. Nest of grass and weeds, lined with down from the bird. Eggs huffy, iOMT to ten in number. Size 1.86 x 1.25. 92 Buff LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 140. Blue-winged Teal. Quercpiedula discors Range. — North America, breeding from nortli- ern United States northward; rare on the Pacific coast. Anotlier small species, Icnown by the blue wing coverts and the wl:iite crescent in front of eye. They nest in tlie same localities witli the preced- ing species, placing their nest of grass and weeds on tlie ground in meadows near water. Eggs huffy white. Six to twelve in number. Size 1.90 x 1.30. I'll. Cinnamon Teal. Querquedula cyunop- 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. Tlie speculum is green. The nesting habits are tlie 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. [111.1.] Ruddy Sheldrake. Casarca ferruis,inea. This is an Old World species that has acci- dentallv occurred in Greenland. Bluf'-wing"("'(l Teti] C>niiamon Tp;i1 /^-, 93 THE BIRD BOOK 142. Shoveller. Spatula clypeaia. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Texas northward. This strikingly marked Ducli; is twenty inches in length, has a green head and speculum, blue wing coverts and chestnut belly. Tlie bill is long and broad at the tip. It makes its nest on tlie ground in marshy places, of grass, weeds and Dull olive ^viiy Lead gray feathers. Six to ten eggs constitute a complete set. They are greenish or leaden gray color. Sine 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, E. S. Bryant. PiNT.\lL. Dafla acuta. Range. — Northern Hemispliere, breeding in Nortli America from nortliern United States north- ward, wintering soutli to Panama. Tliis species, whicli is also known as the Sprig-tail, is very common in the United States in the spring and fall migrations. It is about thirty indies long, its length depend ing upon the development of the tail teather.s, tlie central ones ot 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. Tliey nest near itlie water, laying from six to twelve eggs of dull olive color. Size 2.20Xjl.50. Data. — Graham's Island, Devil's Lake, N. Dakota, June 1.5, 1900. Ten eggs. Nest on the ground, of weeds, lined with down. Colony breed- ing. Collector, E. S. Bryant. 94 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 14.4. Wood Duck. Aiv sponsa. Range. — Temperate North America, breeding from Labrador and British Columbia south to Florida. Bridal Duck 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. The5' frequent wooded country near ponds and *S«;j. Rich buff lakes, feeding on water insects and mollusks in the coves. They build tlieir nests in hollow trees and stumps, often at quite a distance from the water. When the young are a few days old, tliey slide, scramble, or flutter down the tree trunk to the ground lielow, 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. [115.] Rufous-crested Duck. Netta ruflna. Woba Duck Redhead A European species: a single specimen taken on Long Island in 1872. 1 l6'. Redhead. Marila americana. ,_ m Range. — North America at large, ' ' ' breeding from northern United States northward, chiefly in the in- terior. A bird commonly seen in the maikets 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 buffy white color. Size 2.40 x 1.70. ?3uffy '""^vf^ffiBR!^- o p fi o o LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS M7. Canvas-back. Mariia valisineria. Range.— Whole of North America, breeding chiefiy 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, liglrter back, and gradually sloping bill. They nest abund- antly in Manitoba, their liabits being the same as the preceding. They lay from six to ten eggs of a darker shade than the 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. 118. Scaup Duck. Mariia marilu. Range. — North America, breeding from North Dakota northward, chiefly in the interior; south in winter to Central America. ^..iX».t; canvas-lKirK Amei'iean Scaup Duck P;ilc 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, somewiiat 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. Sizfe 2.50 x 1.70. Data. — Saltcoats Marshes, N. W. Canada, Juno 15, 1901. Ten eggs?.. Nest in the grass; a depression lined with down and dried grasses. Collector, Walter Raine. 97 THE BIRD BOOK 149. Lesser Scaup Duck. Marila affinis. Range. — North America, breeding from Nortli Dakota and Britisli Columbia uorthward; wiu ters south to Central America. This Duck is distinguished from the preceding, chiefly by its size whicli is about two inclies less, 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 Assiuiboia, 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. — Nortli 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 Tuir-k liins^-necked Diiek 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 tlie 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 with down. Collector, Captain Bodfish. V- 98 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 151. Golden-eye. Clangula clangula americana. Range. — North America, breediug both on the coast and in tlie interior, from the nortliern bord- er of tlie United States nortliward to the Arctic Ocean. These are handsome Ducl^s known as "Whis- tlers" from the noise of tlieir wings wlien flying, md "Greatlieads becaube of the puffy creat. 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. Tliis species nests in liollow trees near the water, lining the cavity with gras.s, moss and leaves, and lining the nest with down from their breasts. In IVlay and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a grayish green color. Size 2.30 x 1.70. \5'-Z. B.\nHOw'.S GoLUEX-EYE. Clangula islaudicn. Range. — Nortliern 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 tlie shape of the white spot before tlie eye, wliicli in tliis species is in the form of a crescent. The size is the same, about 20 inclies in length. Tlie reflections on the head are purplish rather than greenish as in tlie preceding. The nesting habits are the same, they building in hollovvf 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. Newt of grass and down in a box a_ttached to a tree by an islander. American Golden-eye Barrow Golden-eye 99 THE BIRD BOOK Bilffle-hprid 01d-s*iLun\ 153. BuFFLE-i-iEAD. Charitonetta albeola. Range. — North America, breeding from United States nortliward. Winters soutli to Mexico. Gunners l^now this liandsome 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 tlie American Golden-eye but has a large white patch on tlie back of the / \ Buff Dull buff liead, from eye to eye. It is an active bird and, like tlie two preceding, is capable of diving to a great depth to get its food. Its nesting habits are like the preceding. Eggs eight to fourteen. Size 2 X 1.40. Data. — Alberta, Canada, June 6, 1899. Seven eggs. Nest in hole in tree stump, lined witli down. Collector, Dr. George. I,')-!. Old-squaw. Ihnchlii Jii/cwalis. Range. — Nortliern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; south in winter to New .lersey and Illinois. Tlie 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 summer their general plumage is black- ish browii, 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 Bay 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 numner from six rto twelve. Size 2. x 1.50. Data. — N. Iceland, June 10, 1900. Nest on ground, lined with down. Collector, S. H. Wallis. \ loa LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 155. Harlequin Duck. Hisirionicus liisfrionicus. Range. — Northern Hemisphere in America, breeding 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 lilack, 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 13, 189S. Seven eggs in a hollow in river bank, lined with down. Collector, C. B. Whittaker. Harlequin iJuck Labrador J">uck 1.56. Labrador Due K. dorius. ('ainptorhyiichus labra- 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. ,/l r 101 THE BIRD BOOK 157. Stelleh's 'Duck. Poli/siicta stelleri. Range. — Arctic regions in America, chiefly on tlie Aleutian Islands and northwest coast of Alaska. A very beautiful species eigliteen inches long; head white, washed with greenish on the fore- head and nape; chin, throat, neck, hack, tail and crissum, black: bnderparts chestnut; wing cov- erts white, the long scapulars black and white. It breeds on tlie 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. A?-ctonefta ftscheri. 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 e'ach 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. 1.59. NouTiiERN Eider. Somiitcria mollisshiia borealis. Range. — North Atlantic coast, lireeding 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, 102 160. EiDEK. Somaleria dre.sxeri. T,AMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS Range. — Atlantic coast, breeding from Maine to Labrador and wintering soiitli to Delaware. This species differs from tlie 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 tliis species and narrow and »>^ ^'■ Greenish dral^ 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, tlie people protecting rcider them and encouraging them to nest in the neigh- borhood. Tliey 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 tlie strongest of tlie 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. Pacific Eider l6l. Pacific Eider. Somateria v-nigra. Range. — North Pacific from tlie 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 arc precisely the same as tliose 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. Bight eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss, lined witli grass and down. 103 /'.^ 'd:^ THE BIRD BOOK ;5«»f*»' 162. King Eidkr. Somateria spectahilis. Range. — Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America Iroiu Labrador to Greenland and the Arctic Ocean; snntli in winter to tlie 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 separa.te. The nests are sunk in the ground and lined 'with down. Eggs number from six to ten. Size 2.S0 x l.SO. Data. — Point Barrow, Alaska, July 5, 189S. Five eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss on tundra lined with moss and down. Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 163 Scoter. Otdemiu amerivana. Range. — Northern North America, breeding from Lalirador, the Hudson Bay region and the Aleutien Islands - northward: winters south to Virginia, the Great Lakes and California. Scoters or "Coofs" 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, 1S99. Ton eggs. Nest a hollow in the sand, lined with down. ^jj- BuIE 104 I.AMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS []6l<.] Velvet Scoter. Oidemia fnsca. An OM World species that has accidentally oc- curred in Greenland. id.5. White-winged Scoter. Oidemia deglandi Range.- -Abundant in North America, breeding from Labrador, North Dakota and British Colum- bia, northward. Wintering south to the Middle States, southern Illiuois 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 perspicillafa. Range. — Northern North America, breeding north of the TJiiited States boundary, and winter- ing south to Virginia and southern California. The male of this species is entirely black, ex- cept for tlie white patches on tlie foreliead and nape, and tlie vari-colored bill of black, white, pink and yellow. They nest eitlier along the coast or in the interior, building a nest lined with down, in the marsli 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. ;*>*..: SuT-f Scoter ■\Vhite-wliigecl Scoter 105 THE BIRD BOOK U^Ji- 167- Ruddy Duck. Erismatura jamaicensif. Range. — Whole of North America, breeding chiefly north of tlie 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 Rurldv Duck Masked Duck Grayish white of a Cormorant. They build their nests in low marshy places, eitlier placing them on the ground near the water or in the rushes over it. Tlieir 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 dominicim. 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 hypRrhore.un 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, occassioually down. They lay from four to eight eggs of a, huffy or yellowish white color. Size 2.75 xl.75. I69a. Gre.\ter Snow Goose. Chen hyperhoreus nivalis. Range. — Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering chiefly on the Atlantic coast, south to Cuba. »:, Gi\ayish T^'hite 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 tlie ground as do the other geese laying from four to eiglit 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 Hops Snow Goose American 'White-fronted Goose 170. Ross's Snow Goose. Chen rossi. Range. — This beautiful species, which Is simi- lar in plumage to the large Snow Goose, is but twenty-one iuclies iu length. It breeds in the ex- treme north, andin 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 e.xcept in the matter of size. [171.] White-fkontud (toose, An.ier iilbi- 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. 171a. Amekican 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 tlieir 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 ai-c- tic coast and In Alaska. Their nests are made of dried grasses, feathers and down and are placed on the ground in a sliglit denressioii. From four to nine eggs are laid; these have a dull buff ground. Siiie 3 00x2.05. Date.-— Ishind in delta of Mackenzie River, .June 10, 1^99. four eggs. Nest of grass and festhers on the ground on a small island. Collector, Rev. 1. O. Stringer. [171.].] Be.'vn Goose. Anser fabalis. This European species is casually found in Greenland. It is one of the niosr, crmmon of tlie Old World Species. 108 LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS 172. Canada Goose. Branta canadensis cuJiadeJisis . Range. — The wliole of North .Vuieriea, hreediiig from uorthern United States noit.liwnrd,